Single Engine on a 26-28 foot boat - help or hurt resale value??

[deeman7777]

Just curious on the consensus of peoples perception on on the resale value (and ease of re-selling) a single engine vs twins on a 26-28 express cruiser. Think Rinker 26 or Four Winns 28. In my mind with gas prices the way they are people (in general) will think one engine is more cost effective and efficient compared to two.

Not necessarily talking facts or a debate, just the general 26-28 buying populations perception of the two.

Thanks!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Single Engine on a 26-28 foot boat - help or hurt resale value??

A single would have to be at least a 7.4L to get decent performance; a dual prop outdrive would be very desirable too.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Single Engine on a 26-28 foot boat - help or hurt resale value??

Had a 25 IO and can't imagine a larger heavier boat with a single. Currently have a 29 with twins and get what seems to be similar fuel burn to my 25 with a single (carb'd) big block. I think those who have experience will shy away from a single in a boat that size/weight unless they are really not in a hurry to get anywhere and like buying big block parts. I could see the "one engine = less gas" argument working on those with less experience. IMO, a true inboard is a slightly different discussion, but that wasn't your question.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Single Engine on a 26-28 foot boat - help or hurt resale value??

I think those who have experience will shy away from a single in a boat that size/weight unless they are really not in a hurry to get anywhere and like buying big block parts. I could see the "one engine = less gas" argument working on those with less experience.

I think that for the most part, experienced boaters is what you'll see in that size range- relatively few new boaters start with one that big. So, those boaters will understand that fuel consumption is roughly equal between the two. They'll have other reasons for making that decision, like cost of maintenance vs. need for redundancy.

When I was shopping for my current boat, my 'target' was a big single for reduced maintenance costs. I had no illusions that it would use less fuel- I knew it wouldn't. Tried a 28' Carver express that moved out fine with a 7.4. That boat had other issues, and I couldn't find anything else in good shape that had a single drive. I'm happy enough with the boat I have, but I believe a single big block would have been perfectly adequate.

My .02