I too like the idea of being able to plane on one motor if necessary & the power to put the boat where I want for safety if caught in big seas. My twin Honda 40’s are fine most of the time, especially where we choose to do a high percentage of our cruising at displacement speed, but on Yellowstone Lake the 80 hp turns into 61 & when really heavy in SE Alaska there have definitely been times 140 hp would have been welcomed. Weight wise those combined 70’s weigh 78 lbs more than my Honda’s & compared to the extra 500 lbs, I’ve carried many times in the cockpit, the addition doesn’t amount to much, especially with the extra hp. 78 lbs is only 12 gal of gas & we’ve many times left port with an extra 50 gal on top of our standard 46 gal. Even when extremely heavily loaded our CD22 has handled well in many adverse conditions. Though, I agree with less weight more nimble.
The insurance thing is not a big deal to me either or the possible over torquing as Jack mentioned. I think the later model CD22’s bottom shape would handle the power much better if top speed was kept reasonable. What would concern me about the 70’s is there performance & fuel milage. I don’t know if it was this boat, but I do remember a post where their use was being considered & I wish the performance data had been shared.
I’m considering upgrading motors & the new 2019 Tohatsu 60 hp at only 4 lbs heavier per motor then my present Honda 40’s are high on my possible choice list.
Jay
