dual outboards or single outboard
 

I have that 23 Center Console. And I know that Sea drive won't last forever so I am starting to perpare my self for a repower.

I personally want to repower with a single yamaha 250

But a lot of people are recommending that I repower with with dual 115 or 130

I really don't know why the dual engine setup would be better for me at all expect that if one outboards goes then I will have one more to get back on. (doesn't really matter since I have sea tow)

I believe that dual outboards will be more expensive to setup, operate, and the mantainence will be more.

also used a 200hp outboard is not twice as expensive as a 100hp outboard ( I can usually find 225 yamaha for $3500 or so and a 115 yamaha is usually at least $2500

any body in the Cheaspeake Bay Area have a 200+ yamaha for sell?

thanks

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Well two motors are better then one as far as safty of being able to get home at the end of the day.

That said 2 motors mean twice the trouble!! Twice the maintance, and then lets not talk about the gas!!

Get one good 250hp + Boat US, and never look back!!

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

2nd outboard=$9,000
TowBoat US Menbership=$119.00

twice the problems, twice the fuel, twice the trouble, 2 keys to lose ;D

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

I've wondered before...when you're so far up $hit-Creek (offshore) that the VHF and the cell phone is way out of range and you've chosen a time/location where no other craft are in range...how do you contact Sea-Tow to tell them how far up $hit-Creek (GPS Coordinates) you are?... ???...

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

You guys are forgetting the "Cool" factor!!! ::) Twin engines look much cooler than a single....and the chicks dig them!!! 8) If you got twins the women would want to be with you and the men would want to be like you 8 ;D

Sorry, it's earlier in the morning and I haven't taken my "medication" yet ;D

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Medicated or not, you make a HELLUVA point... 8)...

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

If your gonna be a serious offshore fisherman 35+ miles out, I'd be looking for twins. Either that or get a sideband radio and an epirb. If your broke down 80 miles out to sea, can't reach the coast guard or another boat by radio, cell phone is no use, would you be wishing you spent the additional money for the twins. At some point your gonna cross the line between recreational fisherman and flat ate up with it!

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Hey Deshet, I just realized you live in Va Beach! Nice to see a neighbor here! ;D

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Where the hell were all you Virginia boys when I lived there?

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Kempsville ::)

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

I currently live off of Cedar Rd in Chesapeake

But I spend alot of time in the Kempsville area.

I have a house across from stumpy lake and my mother in law lives in Charles Town Lakes

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Too funny, I live in Brigadoon. My house backs up to Lynnhaven Pkwy just past Indian River Rd. You've can see the windshield of my V20 as you drive by my backyard! Feel like doing some work? ;D

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

what do you need help with. I am always willing to learn something new. I don't know how to do much but I learn quick

thanks

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

All kidding aside, if you do find yourself in this situation, 2 things are important, a high quality VHF antenna and the USCG, the radio is not so important because they all produce 25 watts of power. A DSC(digital selective calling) capaple radio is a plus also, these send an auto mated diistress signal with your boat name and position if you cnonnect a NMEA183 feed to it from your GPS, this signal can also be picked up by ships. All ship the transit oceans now are required to have a GMDSS (global maritime distress and safety system) suite onboard and these system will pick up your DSC distress signal. I have communicated succesfully with USCG from 20-50 miles out, not because your radio is super cool, but because thiers are. VHF is LOS (line of sight) the CG usually has very high antenna towers giving the greatly extended range. Boat to boat comms are not the good at any range because the combined ht. of the 2 antennas can be as little as 10 miles. Next time your out way offshore like that, call them up on 16 or 22A and get a radio check. They will not mind, they wold prefer you be safe so they don't have to start from scratch if they have to come find you. A float plan is also a critical thing when you fish offshore like that in a small boat.

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

Are you planning on fishing the Bay or the offshore ocean? If your fishing the bay I'd go with the single, if your going to fish the ocean, you need a bigger boat ;D

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

To make a long story short, it might be easier to use my V20 as a mold and build a new one from scratch! ;D Seriously though, the laundy list is very long and I'm no fiberglass expert either. But, thanks to this site and a night at a Holiday Inn Express, I'm hoping to be smart enough to figure it out!!! ::) And if that doesn't work I have a few family members I can ask plus some fiberglass for dummies books!!! ;D If you really want to jump into the fray, then your more than welcome! Right now I'm just trying to take the boat apart which means drilling out all the rusted bolts and screws because someone didn't understand the value of stainless steel (or aluminium) over regular steel screws and bolts. In short....Manual labor!

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

I have a good friend that does fiberglass work not that expensive I guess it depends on what you need done.

Re:  dual outboards or single outboard
 

well i bet most know my opinion Twin's always get you home and actually they use less gas that one large motor. Twins don't work as hard as a single does so actually better fuel better feeling when 20 miles offshore. and no the Tow Boats nor Sea Tow will come get you for free 20 miles offshore even if you do have their membership. Go Twins 2 Screws are always better than 1!!!