Single 90 with a kicker vs twin 50's

[Andyvignes]

Hi all,

I'm dreaming of buying a used 22 cruiser.

My ideal scenario would be to find a well equipped boat with no engines - so I could start over in that arena.

If I was lucky enough to find that, any thoughts on single vs twin?

Have been thinking along these lines:

- Noise? What's the decibel level of two 50's vs a single 90?

- Maintenance: would cost significantly more to maintain the twins vs single, though I don't know that.

- up front cost: maybe 20% more to purchase and install twins vs 90 plus a kicker.

- fuel efficiency - abt the same.

- overall weight - 150lb more for the twins.

- safety - better to have the twins in case of a failure.

Thanks for your advice!

Andy

[Andyvignes]

Sorry - I see that this has been discussed quite a bit.

Ignore unless here is any new info on the subject!

[Captains Cat]

You answered most of your own questions, yes it has been discussed A Lot!. Good luck on finding "a well equipped boat with no engines".

And welcome to the Brats! Stick around, you'll learn a lot!

Charlie

[hardee]

You are right, and Charlie's right. And either is good and TWIN TWIN 's are better. (Well in my opinion anyway.) For what it's worth, It has been hashed, rehashed and rerehashed here again and again......but it is always fun, rarely boring and the real best answer is it depends. It is your boat, so do it your way. There are real good reasons for either system. Cost -- some more for twins, may depend some, (like on who does the maintenance) and what kind of service you would do on a kicker. Depends on What you like. Twins look cool, may add some increased lateral stability, are better at slow speed maneuvering, and might get you home faster than a kicker, or maybe not. One of the best reasons for twins: if one quits, you have a whole package of spare parts for diagnostic trouble shooting. A good reason for a single, even without a kicker: today's engines are VERY reliable. Works great until it doesn't.

AS Charlie said, Good luck on finding a "well equipped boat" without an engine ---- single or twin. Converting either to the opposite is not a cheap or easy process. It is not just what is hanging on the transom, there is the control cables, shifter handles, seat adjustment (left for twins control room), dash room (gauges) and fuel tank and hosing.

Either decide what you like and look for that, or decide that you will like what you find, OR go new and set it up the way you want it from the start.

Good luck on all of the above.

(in case you didn't guess) -- I love my twins


Harvey
SleepyC

[Tug]

If you look in forums..under " Outboards and Systems "..you should find some useful information.

[Chester]

Depending on the manufacturer and vintage the weight advantage can go either to twins or a single + kicker. The 22s are sensitive to weight on the stern so keep that in mind.