1 motor or 2?

quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larry
quote:
If you do decide two motors, make sure the single engine has enough to get you on plane. 60-70 miles offshore plowing all the way home is as bad as waiting on a tow. You also go through a lot more fuel.

There aren’t many twin engine boats that can plane on one engine, at least without switching props, which is no fun in the ocean, and requires 2 spares for counter rotation engines. And trying to plane will burn a LOT of fuel. Figure on coming home at 7 or 8 mph with most boats. Which is about the max speed you could get towed home.

A big single engine with a backup kicker of 10-15 hp will get you home as fast as most twins running on one engine.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose


Glacier Bay -> Semi-displacement hull (not planing hull)... 1 engine = 11-12 knots... How do I know? Have done it 4 times now...

Floriday Boy, sent you a private email… Please check…

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Glacier Bay → Semi-displacement hull (not planing hull)… 1 engine = 11-12 knots… How do I know? Have done it 4 times now…
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if a boat broke down 3 times with me on it. i dont think i would be on it again for the 4th, just saying…

quote:
Originally posted by Fred67

If you do decide two motors, make sure the single engine has enough to get you on plane. 60-70 miles offshore plowing all the way home is as bad as waiting on a tow. You also go through a lot more fuel.


Disagree. In nasty weather I would rather be moving a little than be dead in the water

quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larry
quote:
If you do decide two motors, make sure the single engine has enough to get you on plane. 60-70 miles offshore plowing all the way home is as bad as waiting on a tow. You also go through a lot more fuel.

There aren’t many twin engine boats that can plane on one engine, at least without switching props, which is no fun in the ocean, and requires 2 spares for counter rotation engines. And trying to plane will burn a LOT of fuel. Figure on coming home at 7 or 8 mph with most boats. Which is about the max speed you could get towed home.

A big single engine with a backup kicker of 10-15 hp will get you home as fast as most twins running on one engine.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose


Cracker, I would agree if Florida boy was talking a bigger boat, but a 23 with decent size twins should be able to plan out on one…

On the 34 Fountain it needed a third engine. :smiley:

Larry, I know what you are saying about the twins, but by running 4 blade props and playing with the tabs I have always be able to plane with one engine at medium RPM’s’ but I have always had wide beams, 10-6 and 11-6 also fairly calm seas!

Some boats will. Most will not. Try it before you need it :wink:

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

Skinee, I never got an email or PM from you. I checked my junk, all mail and inbox.

quote:
Originally posted by baracuda

if a boat broke down 3 times with me on it. i dont think i would be on it again for the 4th, just saying…


What if it was 2 different boats? Why would I not be on a boat that I know can get me home successfully at 12 knts?

First boat was a busted lower unit, and the second boat had trash in the fuel tank (now fixed).

quote:
Originally posted by FLORIDA_BOY2

Skinee, I never got an email or PM from you. I checked my junk, all mail and inbox.


Sent email through this website. Since you didn't get that, I just resent as a PM. Let me know if you see that one...
quote:
Why would I not be on a boat that I know can get me home successfully at 12 knts?

My wife and I sailed the entire east coast on a sailboat that averaged 6 kts at best,and sometime we weren’t even moving forward, but we got there in the end. Moving forward at 6 is much better than not moving forward at all, especially if you have to be at work on Monday.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

I am interested in the same size boats, am going through the same thoughts, and I have not made up my mind on this question 100%.

I have experienced first hand being dead in the water with 3 engines. Also was witness some years ago to a boat who had the kicker motor getting him home; VERY slowly but making way. That was enough for TowCompanyA to not come get him. When he got home he nixed the kicker and switched to TowCompanyB.

Again, I am not sure which way to go myself, but wanted to share the only experiences I’ve had in the event it helps.

I’d bet that if one of the tow companies in town chimed it… the number of tow/assists for twins vs singles would be close… Same fuel supply… I pick my days… do good maintenance… precheck before leaving… file a float plan… watch the weather… even on days when I have no intention of going out to see if there are any trends… file a float plan… file a float plan… file a float plan… pay a tow membership… pay a tow membership… pay a tow membership…

“The Wet Dream”
20’ Pioneer 197
150hp Suzuki 4-Stroke

quote:
I'd bet that if one of the tow companies in town chimed it... the number of tow/assists for twins vs singles would be close...

I’d bet you’d be right.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

quote:
Originally posted by scmedic84

Same fuel supply…


Not always! Many catamarans have twin tanks that run completely independent of each other. Unless you are talking about the actual fuel coming from the same source (gas pump where you filled up the boat).

It’s not perfect, but at least you have independent fuel pickups, fuel lines, etc. It gives you a little more protection!!!

After putting more thought into it im leaning more to the 20-22’ class, single engine, staying closer. I really want to get my kids (4,6) in involved in the salt. I grew up in Pensacola, FL and those are some of my most fond moments with my father. Later in childhood 12-16 years old it was striper fishing on Lake Murray. I won’t be making many/any trips to the ledge or beyond but do know the dolphin come in during summer. Just want to get out and as the kids get a little older we will look @ a bigger boat for bigger trips. For now, I’m going to leave the deep water trolling to one of you guys in hopes you’ll invite someone like myself. I’d be cool to cover all gas expenses etc.

At ages 4 and 6, you’ll probably take them out way more often on a single vs a boat with twins anyhow. Probably a wise choice on your part.

Off topic, but did you ever do any grouper trolling in pcola bay?

I think most folks buy to much Boat, honestly the bigger it is the more free loaders you need for crew, been there done that.

FB – I have a 22’ Scout with a Yamaha 200 that I take offshore. I pick my days VERY carefully and take all the safety equipment I can think of – EPIRB, Sat Phone, etc. We made 7 offshore trips last year and caught fish every trip – lots of dolphin, 1 sail, 1 wahoo, and 1 blackfin. Just saying, if you’re thinking of a boat in the 22’ range, it is possible to do what you’re looking to do.

Also close to shore and very underrated is the Cobia run we get in May/June. They are not just in the Broad. They killed em off of Murrells last year. I saw multiple boats, with multiple big fish.