Twin engines: pro's & con's

[wallyandre]

Hi, I would like to know the pro & con on putting 2 outboards instead of one.<br />Thank you

 

[bayman]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

Here are some past posts on this subject, I'm sure there are a lot more posts on it too:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=003362#000000 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=037399#000000 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=036502#000000 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=037251#000000

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

Welcome!!<br /><br />The only time you should consider twins is if there isnt room for three.<br /><br />And yes, were still talking about boats and motors!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

just from what i've read, and what seems like common sense:<br /><br />if you are dealing with the same relative horsepower- single 250 or twin 125s:<br /><br />single will cost you less. single will provide better speed and acceleration (less weight, less drag).<br /><br />everything else is up in the air, as far as i'm concerned. people say the single will be more economical, but who knows. does a large single running at midrange use less fuel than smaller twins running at midrange? would need to run tests on each setup to be sure. does the larger single have less maintenance costs than smaller twins? don't know, would have to price parts (this one is probably yes).<br /><br />do the twins offer more reliability and safety? many say yes, and use this as the #1 reason to have twins. i would have to say yes to an extent. i believe i read that 80% of all on-water breakdowns is a result of a fuel issue. if the twins are not running separate filters/seps, and even if they are, then they could both go down.<br /><br />with all this said, i still want twins on my next larger off-shore boat. i'll take the added costs.

 

[tee-boy]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

As noted in previous discussions, twins have two props pushing; I don't see how a single could accelerate faster than twins.

 

[sort]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

Second motor brings along additional drag...and the real limiting factor to any boat is it's hull design. Many factors at play in this equation. <br /><br />Very same argument in aircraft with the deciding factor being the safety issue....but many more light twins have serious accidents over light singles.<br /><br />A well maintained single with proper fuel management practices should be adequate. Always have a good radio and a handheld just in case.

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

I'm new to this whole thing, but will you get roughly the same output from 2 125's as from 1 250 hp motor?

 

[swist]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

"80% of failures are fuel-related".<br /><br />I wonder where these numbers come from. Does the NTSB keep track of recreational boat failures? I doubt it.... If it's the coast guard, that would only cover incidents they were involved in. Do dealers/repair shops pool their data somewhere?<br /><br />I'm not saying it isn't correct (I've heard the same thing about fuel), but it would be nice to have some confidence in statistics used to justify big expenses like twin engines.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

The OE's keep track of that info thru their warranties. So do the OE factory authorized remanufacturers and extended warranty companies.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Twin engines: pro's & con's

I have had both & have twins now (23'er). If you are buying used and find one in good condition with twins I would go that route over s simular rig with a single. If I were buying new I would go either way but would lean towards a single if money were a big consideration.