Hopefully someone with experience can give me the right direction here. I know twin engines is the smartest move when goin far offshore so you still have a motor if one goes out. I’m currently running a single 225 fuel injected Suzuki, runs great and has enough power to push the boat in calm water or once on plane. Fully loaded, the boat weighs about 6000 lbs and tops out around 35. In rough water, it’s very sluggish but workin with the trim tabs I can get it back up on plane after awhile. I’m just wondering what is better to run without considering the safety of 2 engines, a single 300 Yamaha or twin 150 Yamahas? Will the twins have the same horsepower and torque? Fuel economy? Speed? Any help or advice is appreciated!
I’m running a Yamaha F300 single on the Pioneer and go out to the GTH and some beyond when the weather forecast permits it. We routinely go 25-40 miles to bottom fish. I came from a heavy old Mako with twin F200’s on it and have only seen benefits to date. The fuel burn is much less, maintenance is much less and handling and speed are just as good. I have Tow Boat US, EPIRB, Sirius Weather and safety gear out the ass but I would have that regardless of the number of engines. I like to fish, I don’t like to spend $500.00 on gas for a day of bottom fishing. Currently my highest fuel bill has been $234.00 for 16.5 hrs of fishing in the Gulf Stream. We average about $150.00 or less for bottom fishing in 100-150’ split between 3 or 4 guys. My last trip with 4 out was $38.00/person.
If the engine goes out I am in a pickle but most of the time with these new engines it is either going to be something electrical (ie battery, loose connection, wire etc.) or fuel. I keep an extra fuel filter and wrench and wire and crimps on board. I did have a ground come loose and shut me down but that was my fault for not checking it beforehand.
IMO on a smaller boat the benefits of a single high HP engine outweigh the added cost of a twin powered boat. Be smart and don’t take chances with the weather and you’ll be fine.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
drop one size in prop pitch, and your struggle to get out of the hole will go away
but to answer your question…
twin 150s are going to handle in the ocean in rough seas MUCH better than a single
you have twin props (better traction) easier to stay on plane at lower speeds
plus reliability
down side is cost
maintenance, purchase, rigging, weight, etc.
Thanks for the info guys. I’m definitely leaning towards the single 300, nothing wrong with the Suzuki, I just miss my Yamaha and a new 4 stroke 300 would be awesome to have on my rig. I’m already set up for a single engine with hydro steer and all that good stuff so price an weight would be much less as well. Mark, I usually burn half a tank on average when goin out an that’s about $200 a weekend but I don’t split the cost up between my passengers, just tell them to cover food, drinks, bait, etc. Not sure how much weight your pushing but your fuel economy sounds great. I definitely need to look into upgrading my prop and that might just make such a difference to where I don’t need more motor. I’m running a SS rapture blade now but don’t have a clue on what the specs are, I’ll get my local shop to take a look at it and get me what I need.
The sea fox I have is 23 foot and has twin 115 mercury optimax motors. Driving offshore 65 miles and trolling 12 hrs and the. Driving back another 65 miles or more I burn around 58 gallons of gas. They have alot of torque/ power. With the boat loaded down with bait, Ice, fresh water, tackle rods, and 4 people I have see a top speed of 46.4 mph. I am very happy with that .