I visit Charleston regularly, and want to purchase and keep a center console for fishing and exploring the area. I am an experienced boater and would expect to eventually fish the reefs and shelf once I am familiar with my boat and local conditions. Should I buy a twin engine, or is a single engine sufficient? Also, what electronics MUST I have if I am to begin venturing out in the ocean. These factors are a consideration in any boat I would purchase. Thank-you!
Size of the boat would really determine that. SeaTow or BoatUS membership is a must and then the second engine is no longer a safety concern. Do a search on this and you will find a ton of info.
J Ford
Radio and GPS as well.
220 Outrage
250 Verado
With the modern 4 stroke outboards you’re either going to have a fuel problem or an electrical issue. Take a spare battery and a set of wrenches to fit it as well as fuel filter and filter wrench. A single will do fine unless you want more weight, higher fuel consumption, higher maintenance costs, and higher price. Get the necessary safety gear and a TOW BOAT US membership and you’ll be fine. Twin, Triples and Quad configurations work when you start getting into the bigger boats which need that additional power to run efficiently.
I went from a twin powered boat that got terrible fuel mileage to a single F300, I average over the summer to date 50gal/trip with some crappy seas and long runs. My highest burn was 62 gallons for a full day (16.5hrs) at the ledge and beyond, fuel bill was $233.00. I couldn’t go to 100’ of bottom in the old boat for about double that.
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
I’ve trolled in my 26’ boat well past the ledge and the most I have burned was 79 gallons with a very heavy load of ice, fuel, and gear. That was with twin Yamaha 4s 150s. It really depends on how efficient the hull design is. Twins will also push the boat while running at lower RPM so in theory it should be easier on them (IE longer life).
Plenty of great boats out there and you may be able to pick up some good deals at the end of the boating season.
26 Seahunt
Angler’s Dream
quote:
Originally posted by JordanOnaYakI’ve trolled in my 26’ boat well past the ledge and the most I have burned was 79 gallons with a very heavy load of ice, fuel, and gear. That was with twin Yamaha 4s 150s. It really depends on how efficient the hull design is. Twins will also push the boat while running at lower RPM so in theory it should be easier on them (IE longer life).
Plenty of great boats out there and you may be able to pick up some good deals at the end of the boating season.26 Seahunt
Angler’s Dream
We had the same, with the same HP totals.
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