Is bigger better? Help!

Flyer · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 12:42 pm Post subject:

My experience with twins has been that, yes, they look cool, but the next boat will probably not have them for the sake of simplicity and convenience.

On a larger boat they can help with docking but they can also be more of a problem with docking.

One point of view is that you have twice as much to break and definitely twice as much to fix and maintain and this can lead the the problem of twice as much to break.

For instance when an alternator goes out the question is do you replace the other alternator maybe yes maybe no. I did not change out the second alternator 5 years ago and everything is still running great. But I still face that question every time I do something on the engines, now I just buy two.

I find that a simple kicker is a multi tasking tool and can be used on the inflatable or our fishing boat. Our current boat has twins so we really don't use the trolling motor on the cruiser.

In the end I have come to the conclusion, pay your money and take your choice.

Rick

SEA3PO · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:30 pm Post subject:

I kinda agree about the twins..... although once while I was in heavy sea, and alone I had an engine quit.... the fuel line had come unplugged...the other engine was running fine so I was able to go back and figure what had happened.... no time to start a trolling motor...could have been bad if I only had a single. Since then I isolated the fuel systems and installed dual Racors.... For safety I will always use two motors...

Joel
SEA3PO

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:39 pm Post subject:

Sneaks · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:51 pm Post subject:

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:54 pm Post subject:

Joel, you hit it right on the head. If I were mostly boating near shore or protected waters, I'd go with a single and kicker, no question. But for just the reason you pointed out, that is number one why I have twins. One of the two motors has quit for various reasons, 90% due to seaweed wrapped around the water intake. Most all of these were in fairly decent water near shore, but if it happens far from shore and big seas I will be very thankful for the second motor to keep me headed into the waves and in control while we either try to understand why it quit or wait till we get into calmer waters.

Another reason is to have a comparison with each other, as Joel mentioned. Shortly after taking delivery of my new boat and after I installed my voltage monitors, I noticed one engine was hovering around 13.5 volts, the other about 14.8 volts after stabilizing for a couple of hours of charging at cruising speed. Contacted Yamaha, they sent me a new voltage regulator, took about 20 minutes to install, both read 14.8 volts, no problems since.

The twins vs singles are one of the great debates of boating, great conversation starter as Bill and El pointed out on one of our get-togethers!

Doryman · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:19 am Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:48 am Post subject:

You said in the beginning that you are not fishing so go with the twins. Running back on the kicker with a broken main is doable but will take forever. With the twins you can get pack a lot faster on one main then one kicker. And if you do want to fish some day the new 4-strokes troll slow enough to fish for salmon or stripers.

thataway · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:19 pm Post subject:

Definately there is a difference between the way the twins handle on a cat--where they are widely spaced, than in a CD 22/25, where they are close together on the center. Thanks for clarifying--my comments about the twins were in reference to the CD 22/25, which the poster was considering.

The difference between a Tom Cat and a twin screw inboard is that the hulls of the Tom Cat, act like keels, so there is a little less effect of the twin screw torque or walking effect than in a twin screw sportfisher or motor yacht. I do find that you still have the most effect by "steering the stern" with the outboards in the Tom Cat, whereas in a Twin screw inboard, all close quarters maneuvering is with the shifters, and the rudder has minimal use. One of the major differences is to pull or push the stern the direction you want to go with the outboard, and use the opposite side to hold the boat in position. Just keeping the motors straight ahead does not turn as rapidly as a straight inboard.

The Tom Cat is very maneuverable with the twins. I usually use just one engine--the one which will give the torque effect I want, when docking.

SEA3PO · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:00 pm Post subject:

Bob's right on... The TomCat is really easy to handle with it's twins so far apart... I have a 22' so my twins are close together....to dock is easy... the boat is easy to manuver, just because I like too I try to use the motors to steer....I walk sideways... is kinda hard and takes practice.... one forward and one in reverse...it works well....can get confusing .... I just do it cause it's fun...

Joel
SEA3PO

Doryman · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:21 pm Post subject:

I've never driven a twin-screw inboard so I'll take your word for it that the effect is more pronounced than on the Tom Cat. My lessons have emphasized just using the throttles, not the helm, and for me it works well. Maybe when I have more experience I'll start adding some helm but right now I can do everything I want with the throttles. As for the twin keels, thanks for reminding me -- yes, that would tend to provide more resistance -- which for me, is good because it makes it more deliberate.

Warren

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:00 pm Post subject:

Another way to try, that is a bit less adrenaline producing, is to leave one engine (the 'inside' engine) in gear, idling forward, so that it can be used as a pivot point. Having the prop engaged to the water, even slow, acts like a pivot point. That way you usually only have to forward and reverse and change throttle on the engine "outside" the turn.

John

Doryman · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:32 pm Post subject:

That's exactly how I've been learning. Works great for me.

Warren

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:58 am Post subject:

Twin, counterrotating, well separated, engines offer a great deal of maneuverability not found in a single.

For beginners, leaving the stering straight on while using only the F-N-R shifters is the easiest.

Once you get that down, and you take the time necessary to think through beforehand how you are going to accomplish a maneuver from start to finish, you can use the wheel as well for greater control.

I've never handled a C-Dory with twins, but my Sea Ray is a blast once you get the hang of it.

Joe.

DaveS · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 2:28 am Post subject:

Well there you go folks! Joel of SEA3PO says twins are "fun" and Joe of Sea Wolf says twins are a "blast".

Therefore, I rest my case....for a good time go with TWINS! Laughing

depperson · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 5:06 pm Post subject:

After my first season on my 22 foot cruiser, I don't think there is another boat that can beat it for economy, and ability to trailer. I have had 4 people out in it with no problems. One of the upgrades I did was add a second battery and bilge pump in the stern. With the floor boards and the high free board it stays completely dry. I have been completely satisfied and really love the 22 foot cruiser. Of coarse if price is not a problem a 25 foot boat would be a lot roomier.