Mr. Luddite wrote:

On 10/29/2014 6:34 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:38:39 -0500, "James"
wrote:

Hi Group, I'm looking at a 28' Fiberform with twin rebuilt Chevy
250 6cly engines (165hp each). How do thes compare with a single
350 Chevy in the 260 to 300hp range for power and fuel
consumption? How about idling down to trolling speeds? Thanks, Jim

===

There is a lot of appeal to twin engines from the stand point of
"get home" reliability but they are definitely a compromise,
especially on a boat that size with inboard engines. For starters,
both engines almost certainly share a common fuel tank and a lot of
problems originate there. Twins also weigh considerably more than
a large single, have more underwater drag, take up more interior
space, and require twice the maintenance. It is unlikely that you
will realize more speed because of the weight and drag issues.


The drives are OMC outdrives. Lenght is 28'. All the boats that I'm
looking at are 26' to 28'. A couple of Bayliners, the Fiberform and a
26' Carver Santa Cruz. I can't remember if Bayliner bought out
Firberform or Apollo. I actually looked a a couple of Apollos
also.Inboard/outboard are more practical around here. Jim

I am not familiar with Fiberform boats and the OP didn't mention what
type of drive system it has, be it fixed shafts, props and rudders or
I/O. He also seems to be concerned with achieving slow trolling
speed.

I'd go for the twins, especially if it's a shaft/prop/rudder design.
You make valid points about common failure modes (gas, etc.) but if
you have a gas problem with a single, you are 100 percent sure of
being screwed.

The twins will offer better maneuverability for docking and a slower
trolling speed. You simply throw one transmission in neutral (or
shut one engine off).

I'd be less enthusiastic about twins if the drive systems are I/O.
Having had a couple of I/O powered boats, I would never get another
one again. Gimmee shafts, props and rudders!