Twin Outboard V Single

[simplyred]

Hi
I'm Looking to replace my bowrider which has a Volvo sterndrive inboard engine,
I'm thinking for my next boat I would change to a twin outboard set up on a boat length of around 25 ft engine size around 125HP. There are so many comments on youtube about one v the other set up...is there any one out there can help with their comments and any feedback would be appreciated.
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?468292-Twin-o-b-v-single#q1rXYSA5Sef1SK6E.99

 

[AllanG]

For a boat of around 25ft, IMHO, a single outboard is the set up I would favour, and would be more than adequate to manoeuvre safely.

 

[Mr Googler]

If your looking for the security of 2 engines, make sure they are completely independent from each other i.e. 2 fuel tanks etc... That said, it's double the servicing costs and with modern outboards being pretty reliable, I would certainly be happy with one and have done plenty of channel crossings without issue. You gain little advantage in terms of manoeuvrability as the engines are so close together.

Having said all that, I had a rib with twin engines and firstly, it looked awesome and secondly, there was something great about pushing on those twin throttles!!

 

[Keith-i]

The problem is that two outboards doesn't give you twice the power. You would need something like a pair of 80's to get the equivalent of a single 120. Unless you are seriously worried about reliability and endurance my choice would be a good modern single every time.

 

[[164147]]

I've owned both single and twin outboard engined boats - like the others I wouldn't bother with a twins unless you want more than 300hp.

 

[wipe_out]

Twin outboards means extra weight, extra drag and higher fuel and service costs.. Not to mention the initial purchase cost of two engines..

The reliability of two come in as mentioned above if you have separate fuel and electrical systems for each engine.. Of course if you pick up a rope chances are it will wrap around both props anyway..

If it's a "get me home" solution you are after then maybe a single big outboard and a small independent one as a backup?

 

[Chamaerops]

The twin outboards on my MF855 cost about £8k more and double the servicing costs, but worth every penny.
I would do exactly the same again; Reliability, balance, low speed manoeuvring, redundancy, performance, looks.

 

[Bouba]

Twin outboards now can give you the option of joystick control

 

[curiouskb]

Twin outboards now can give you the option of joystick control

Always prefer twin installation for safety if money no problem. My 2 year old Volvo D6 suddenly packed up miles from shore because of a gear box electronic fault. Fortunately I could limp back with the other engine safely.

 

[Fishtigua]

We have sold many larger Stingher RIBS, some with big single 300/350 Mercs, and others with twin 200s. Over the years the advantage of having twins hasn't really raised any huge gains over a big single and a 'get-you-home' engine.

Unless you are doing a lot of offshore trips/commercial work, twins on a 25 footer seems a little excessive.

 

[BartW]

Having said all that, I had a rib with twin engines and firstly, it looked awesome and secondly, there was something great about pushing on those twin throttles!!

exactly,

there are many arguments against twin outboards, as posted above,
a single big OB on a 25ft boat is the rational choice,

BUT,

there is nothing rational about owning a boat,
its all about fun,
2 OB is more fun than 1,
also the manouvring is more fun with 2 OB
depending budget ofcause,
2 OB is much more expensive to maintain than 1

 

[rwoofer]

The twin outboards on my MF855 cost about £8k more and double the servicing costs, but worth every penny.
I would do exactly the same again; Reliability, balance, low speed manoeuvring, redundancy, performance, looks.

I know from my enquiries with dealers that they recommend the MF855 with twins because of the balance and handling. Maybe it is specific to a boat as to what works best overall.

 

[johnwest]

I drive a twin outboard engine rib for work. I find it far more versatile especially for close work around the marina.

j

 

[Fender!]

You gain little advantage in terms of manoeuvrability as the engines are so close together

Not been my experience, twins always far superior for manoeuvring in close quarters - even if the engines are rigged close together. Ran numerous singles before a twin set-up and I'd never go back

 

[Uricanejack]

Depends on what you want to use the boat for.