single or twin?

[scotty]

i was just wandering what would be better, fuel and speed wise. one big engine or two engines of half the horsepower?

[monkeynuts]

at lower revs 2 engines will be more thrusty, but flat out id think a pair of 30hp engines wont be much different in fuel comsumpton to a single 60hp as far as time running gos, but not distace due to been slower
with twin engines you will lose 10-15% in power out the back though the props.
this is becouse to the disturbance in the water that 2 engines/props cause and will interfear with the propulsion/ thrust

so a single engine will be quicker, and give you more range to fuel
twin engines are safer , more manouevrble, but bit slower and less distance to fuel

hope that makes sence and helps

[scotty]

makes perfect sense mate. thanks john

[squidlips]

one engine for fuel and speed wise,but 2 engines for safety
also 2 engines cause quite a lot of drag therefore use more fuel.
2 engines also make the boat more manuverable.

[Salar]

I traded a50hp Evinrude and a small backup outboard for two 30HP Mariners on my old Alask 500 and never regretted it. It cost more to run, but with two of everything I never had a worrying moment.

[scotty]

you cant put a price on safety