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I own a 1997 2320 Robalo CC. It is currently powered by twin 115 carbed Mercs. I am debating with the year of the hull against the cost and security of twin 150hp with the lesser cost of one 250hp. I am deciding between E-tec and Suzuki as well... I would prefer to spend less and buy one engine but do not want to be regretting the performance later. The boat weighs about 4400lbs. dry???? I live in Tampa / St. Pete and mostly offshore fish and dive???
you will gain power and speed with a single 250 versus 2 115 mercs. Less weight and drag. BUT, its now a single engine boat!!! Only you can decide whats more important to you.
I'd recommend selling it off and buying a new (different) boat with twins, if there's a way for you to swing it.
I'd recommend the exact opposite.It's a great boat and I think even twin 140 Suzukis would be an excellent choice.They are on my 2440 Robalo which is a heavier 25 foot cuddy with hardtop.Tops out at 45MPH and cruises nice at mid 30s.
It's simple. If you own twins, they are a must safety-wise, and anyone that goes out without 'em is a suicidal nutcase.
If you own a single, twins, because of their added cost, drag and maintenance, are for suckers.
Seriously, the twins vs. single debate will never be resolved, but I don't think twin 150's will give you much, if any, performance boost over a single 250. The twins' added drag and weight will offset their 50 extra ponies.
Single and a seatow membership, if your in Tampa/St Pete you need to call these guys, American Marine in Tarpon. Had a lady on FS call every dealer in the state for an Etec, dealer in Key Largo and these guys were the cheapest. They also have a deal on a new 225 DI Rude so be sure and ask about that $$$, thats what she ended up buying he had 3 down to 1. 727 938 9796 Mike or Mario
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i have a 1997 Robalo 2320 that currently has twin Merc 150s, will be dropping it off on Friday to have new Etec 150s put on it....will let you know how is rides in a week or so.
I own a 1997 2320 Robalo CC. It is currently powered by twin 115 carbed Mercs. I am debating with the year of the hull against the cost and security of twin 150hp with the lesser cost of one 250hp. I am deciding between E-tec and Suzuki as well... I would prefer to spend less and buy one engine but do not want to be regretting the performance later. The boat weighs about 4400lbs. dry???? I live in Tampa / St. Pete and mostly offshore fish and dive???
Twins - Why? they look so much cooler hanging off the back than a single.
Bottom line is if you HAVE twins, you will never be happy giving up the second motor. You will always look back at every noise, every shake, every hiccup and wonder if your single is going to shut down on you and leave you drifting, powerless.
Nothing wrong with singles, I ran single powered boats but now I have twins and know there is no going back.
I think the big single plus kicker plus Vessel Assist solution makes the most sense, but if your hull requires more than 300 HP, this is not an option.
I agree that twins look better and that they have a slightly higher level of safety, but it comes with some significant downside, i.e., more cost, more weight, more drag and near double maintenance cost.
I think the big single plus kicker plus Vessel Assist solution makes the most sense, but if your hull requires more than 300 HP, this is not an option.
I agree that twins look better and that they have a slightly higher level of safety, but it comes with some significant downside, i.e., more cost, more weight, more drag and near double maintenance cost.
I have never even used a kicker but I am trying to imagine a 10hp motor doing something positive in a current? Inlets are where a shut down motor can cost you the boat and your life, been real close once in years past when a motor shut down on me, not a good position to be in. A kicker would have done me no good witht hat 23 footer, in a minute I was right there 25 feet from the rocks, no time for anything but another boater who saw me jump over my windshield with a crab net to try to hold the boat off the rocks and threw me a line. 1 minute at the wrong time is all it took to almost lose the boat. Sea tow and all that stuff sounds great and is great under most circumstances but the inlets are a place where the value of twins pays for the extra expense. With my old twins, I popped a powerhead 15 miles offshore on my way to going 35 miles out, that second motor got me home. Tow insurance doesn't mean they will come and get ya, weather can change and keep them from going out, something esle to keep in mind if you are an offshore traveler.
I know money is a big thing, I waited many years to be able to afford a boat with twins. No turning back for me.
I'm looking at it from a West Coast perspective. We don't really have inlets, at least not like yours, nor do we have thunderstorms.
Out west, if you lose an engine, you can get home at 6 knots with your kicker, or you can get home at 15 knots with the remaining twin. Given that it is fairly rare to lose an engine, and given the aforementioned disadvantages of twins, I'll take the kicker. If I lived on the Atlantic or Gulf Coast, I might look at it differently.
While you may not be able to shoot the Golden Gate or Columbia River Bar at peak current with a kicker, if you wait 2 or three hours, you'll be fine.
seems to me there might be a bit of ill informed statements here, twin (say) 125HP will always be more powerfull than a single 250HP, but the single will be faster, but if they where to be hooked up "back to back" the twins will pull the single backwards easy as pie! it is that simple, for ease of getting on the plane and heavy loads twins will always be first choice (or more of course)
Just went from twin inboards to a single outboard. 1/2 the maintenance. 1/2 the worry. 1/2 the risk my boating trip will be ruined by a mechanical problem. I am glad I made the switch.
Buddy just repowered his 24 WA with a single 250 4 stroke. It's quiet, economical and FAST! He loves it! The only thing I want twins on is an airplane.
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Single vs. Twins
All boats are cool. 
