Twins Vs Single

[oldcruiserguy]

I am building a 1950?s looking out board cruiser. I have always wanted to do this and power it with twins. It is the ?look? that I wanted more than anything else. However when I shop outboards, I find that twin 60s (120 HP) = 480 lbs and a single 130 is only 400 lbs. (E-tec) So? weight, redundancy, economy, the ?look?, common sense, etc. The more I research, the more confused I get. The boat will be 18?10? with a beam of 7?10?. Economy will be a very important consideration considering today?s fuel costs. Any input appreciated... Thank You

 

[JB]

Re: Twins Vs Single

Howdy, oldcruiserguy.

Welcome to iboats.

Twins offer a few features; security, maneuverability and "the look" are what I think of, that a single can't offer.

On the other hand twins cost a lot more to install, equip, maintain and fuel and are slower than an equal HP single.

Unless you feel you really want twins and are willing to bear the added costs a single is a no-brainer.

 

[oldcruiserguy]

Re: Twins Vs Single

Thanks for the reply Ancient One ;~) I feel a little stupid because I have now seen other threads with this question. That being said, I feel that each person's 'needs' and 'wants' vary some. In my case, I live on the NW coast and will once in a while go offshore, but not far. Being broken 1 mile out or 5 seems a moot point. I plan to 'see the country' and cruise where I can. (retired) This could include some larger bodies of water and large rivers. So security will be of importance. But today's motors are pretty reliable, so...??? Second is that I REALLY want that vintage look (with modern power of course). However, I don't want to make the boat stern heavy with too little power by doing twins. So then I consider a larger single with a kicker and the weight is higher anyway unless I disregard security. I found that I can go all the way to a 200 and be lighter than the twins by 60 Lbs. Lastly, economy is paramount. I talked to someone once that would lift a motor and cruise on one at a time when a leisurely pace is OK. And go on two when speed is important. ...Thoughts? So what do you think would net me the best MPG? Two other points. One is that the boat will be pretty light by today's standards. Secondly, though I am a highly 'technical' person, I cannot fix a 'broken' motor in the middle of the ocean. But I could in all probability deal with a multitude of lesser problems. I do plan to carry a portable tank with an 'emergency' fuel supply. So I probably over think this, but I want to make good sensible choices as this will be much of my retirement enjoyment. ...Both the build and the use. Thanks in advance for any additional advice
OldGuy

 

[oldcruiserguy]

Re: Twins Vs Single

Please help me with the question of economy at least?... ...Twins running one at a time? ...A medium engine with moderate throttle? ...A larger engine with light throttle setting? 4 to 5 mpg equals $1 a mile which is not affordable for most. How do I do better? The boat will be at or under 2000 lbs with engine(s) and equipment. ...and be 18' 9".
Thanks so much

 

[aerobat]

Re: Twins Vs Single

a single 130 will push you faster and with more economy than 2 60 twins. less weight , only one lower unit under the water so less drag , no turbulence from the other engine which lowers the prop efficency.

twins are for security not economy. but today your chances a new etec will fail are theoretical. you may consider a kicker for a backup . i would go for the bigger single.

cheers !