Twins or single OB - The Hull Truth

Dale B · 02-07-2006, 05:00 PM

I am considering the purchase of a 25' WA with T150 Optimax OBs. Other than the obvious advantages of having an additional motor in case one fails, and turning on a dime, what are the advantages/disadvantages of the single vs. twins. In particular, I'm curious about speed, fuel usage, and noise. For example, with two identical boats, one with a single 300hp Optimax, and the other with T150s, which would have the faster WOT? Which would be loudest at full throttle? Which would burn the most fuel? Thanks.

captainjay · 02-07-2006, 05:06 PM

The bottom line is where are you going to boat. Offshore I would want the twins for the same reason you stated gettin home. The twins will probably cost more to own and operate. Double maintenance etc. so if you are staying inshore or near shore this would be a consideration. Plus twins just sounds cooler. I use this when my mom asked when we are going to have kids. I just tell her I have to feed the twins.

seakeeper · 02-07-2006, 05:20 PM

I specifically looked for a boat with a single when I purchased my Pursuit 2470. Less maintenance, fuel, oil, parts etc.. I agree if you go offshore 2 motors give you a sense of security but then again so does a well maintained boat and motor in general. A single motor can also give you better numbers, one drive in the water means less drag and most of the time a single also means less weight overall. I would suggest going to Yamaha; http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard.../perfbull.aspx and pull some performance bulletins of a similar boat with a single and then twins. Again if you are going offshore a lot I would think hard about it, you would have to take good care of a single to be confident 100 miles out.

Captain Billy · 02-07-2006, 05:24 PM

chicks dig twins

RickO · 02-07-2006, 05:29 PM

Twin are great if you can afford the upkeep and certainly if you are offshore often.
I just sold my last boat with twins and got a single 250 on my new boat.

thataway · 02-07-2006, 07:25 PM

Agree that twins are nice--especially offshore--maybe a little easier to maneuver, but outboards are easy anyway.
I have only singles, but have a good "kicker" which is capable of getting me home if necessary. This gives the reliabilit of twins, cost of operation of singles--and a good engine for slow speed trolling,

offshore27ns · 02-07-2006, 07:29 PM

twins give you more stability and the ability to balance the baot from side to side if your tabs are not working

a7ewizard · 02-07-2006, 11:51 PM

Try Pursuit's web site. Performance specs are listed for a couple of models with single and twin power.

Will give you a good idea of the trade-offs.

redneck7 · 02-08-2006, 01:49 AM

what is the bottom line in the twin 150 vs single 300 scenario he proposed? Don't twins provide a little better planing power for weight (say dive gear) but have more drag at speed (less top end?). Granted props and weight would come into play, but just in general what is the rule between twins and singles given the same overall horsepower?
-Ryan