Paul Cassel wrote:
Cal Vanize wrote:

(at the risk of sounding naive, but a question to help clear my
understanding...)

Other than some of the obvious ones ("spare" engine reliability, single
operating engine economy), what are some of the reasons to get a single
engine trawler ( 43 feet) over a twin and vice versa?

There seem to be excellent vessels in both configurations.



Obvious things aside, you can maneuver a twin power boat much more
easily than a single. Add a bow thruster, and you can pretty much make a
boat dance.

-paul

With bow and stern thrusters, for the most part, the manuverability
issue goes out the window. For a trawler, where your looking more for
range rather than speed (a twin engine trawler should be faster, but
not dramatically faster), a single engine is really the better choice.
It's also much easier to stay on top of maintanace with a single diesel
rather than twins, better access to both sides of a single engine
really helps. And their's a lot more room in the engine room on a
single vs a twin to add other things to the boat like water makers,
generators, A/C units, ect.. And when it comes time for replacement of
the engine, a single is much less painfull when the bill comes due.

In the end, it all comes down to what do you want. Some will swear by
twins, others wouldn't give up their single. You have to pick which one
is right for you.

John