single or twin boat engine? 1 or 2 Outboards? What is better twin outboards or single?

What is better twin outboards or single?
Are you searching for the ultimate boat setup: single or twin outboards? Well, hold tight and prepare to embark on an exciting journey where we navigate the pros and cons of each choice. We promise you won't look at boat engines the same way again!
This video was designed to answer your burning question: which is better, a boat with a single outboard or twin outboards? But we must warn you - the answer might be more complicated than you'd think! Stay with us to uncover the surprising truth about single or twin-boat engines.
The debate between 1 or 2 Outboards is not just about the number of engines. It's about performance, speed, safety, cost-effectiveness, etc. With a single outboard, you have less complexity, lower cost, and more deck space. But does this simplicity trump the benefits of having twin outboards? Let's dive deeper.
In the video's Twin outboards vs Single outboard section, we compare how the two setups handle different situations. You might wonder if two is always better than one, but is it? We'll explore aspects like fuel consumption, handling, and maintenance costs.
We also consider the maintenance costs associated with each setup. One of the most common concerns is how much it would cost to maintain 1 or 2 Boat Motors over time. We take these concerns head-on, providing concrete figures and real-world scenarios. After understanding the long-term implications, you'll be better equipped to make the right choice for your boating lifestyle.
By the end of this video, you'll have a crystal clear understanding of the single or twin outboards dilemma. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you can make an informed decision and enjoy your time on the water worry-free. So, are you ready to dive in? Click the play button now, and let's set sail on this sea of knowledge together!
01:24 Reliability and Safety in Navigation.
02:12 Less Stress
02:40 Maneuverability and Boat Handling
03:43 Hole Shot
04:11 Weight
05:05 Cost
05:50 Maintenance
06:07 Fuel Consumption
06:30 Top speed
07:07 Boat trim
07:28 Conclusions, single vs twin boat engine
#boat #boating #outboard

[@JohnColeman-ul5rj]

Twins got me home. Had one engine quit peeing and shut off. was able to lift the motor and cruise in on the other one. It sucks to have to pay double to maintain 2 engines but its worth it to get back to the boat ramp.

[@rohzpopper4922]

In Malysia, if the engine died offshore the boat can drift to Vietnam. It happened before !

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@rohzpopper4922here in UK they tend to drift across from France fully loaded - regardless of engine fitment…..

[@kristoffeln9187]

@@PhilbyFavourites I see what you did there

[@Sc0tt69]

I've never owned a boat with a single and never will. The redundancy and less stress on the motors is more than worth it. I'm not getting stranded in the gulf when a big squall is coming.

[@Fishstycz]

If you live in the first world, a single at sea is acceptable because there's generally decent coast guard services, but life in the rest of the planet, a twin is a no brainer regardless of all the above discussions.

[@rohzpopper4922]

If the engine died off shore, you're f**ked ! I d save 3 boats ran out of fuel or engine problems. Some didn't have enough rope for deep anchor. Some carry no torch light. Reading currents help rescue job a little easier

[@ninety5m3]

You seem like a Andrea Gail type captain

[@turbobze]

Exactly.

[@chadwick-ma]

First world： This mercury V12 Look cool. lets us put 6 of them

[@doradosurfcharters]

Those dinosaur sailboats things where circumnavigating the globe with out engines from the beginning of time with unlimited range

[@jasonwolverton9193]

Live in Alaska. Twins are a must!!!!! If not you are gambling w your life. Unless you have a small boat and can beach it anywhere.

[@Imwright720]

My boat started with a 235hp from the factory. It was problematic and got replaced for twin 150’s. Since I was going 40-50 miles off shores twins turned out to be the best choice. I never got stranded and I never had a fuel probl

[@tonyv9712]

Got to have twins if going offshore 50 miles out and some reliable Yamaha's. The farthest I went offshore was 15 miles with a single Yamaha 150hp

[@bretta3]

There are many pros and cons, but for me there is one question that trumps all others. Would I go offshore with a single engine, and the answer is NO.

[@martinaxelsson9465]

You do you when it comes to boating. Here in Sweden we have an organization called SSRS, stands for Swedish Sea Rescue Association, a non-profit organization that you pay for a membership in. For about 80 dollars per year they will go through hell and high water to get you home safely in case of an emergency. True heroes in my opinion.

[@rickyanthony]

That's awesome but no one's coming to rescue you on a membership in the greater ocean.

[@SeaLifeCro]

​@@rickyanthonygreater ocean? What does that even mean? How far from the coast is considered greater ocean? If you have an engine failure and your life is in danger the coast guard must respond to the call. Even if you are 100 miles from the coast. And if you go further then that in a small one engine boat are risking your life.

[@shaun1040]

Twins also give you a TON more manoeuvrability. The ability to walk the boat sideways alone is worth the cost.

[@rickyanthony]

As a beginner I really am not sure I can dock a 25ft with a single but I sure can with a split throttle. No thrusters needed haha. I love engine turning, I wish we couls do that with cars.

[@dsafradin]

With the Suzuki 300 and 350 duoprop, and a 20 hp kicker, it beats twin 200s or 150s in my opinion. You could run the kicker for trolling or low speeds to save the hours on the main motor while fishing or navigating in the marina. Plus, the kicker will get you home slowly The duo props have enough bite and handle well too. as the video states, it's also more efficient and less maintenance with the single main outboard.

[@markwiebner7806]

Twins cost more, (generally, but not always) but I feel they are better in most boats that run offshore 24 feet plus. Here's why: 1) Most twin configurations have a shallower draft because of the motors being mounted off the center-line. That's great for low tide bay navigation. 2) Docking is way easier, especially in wind. 3) Fuel is not the only problem. If you do your maintenance fuel is a non-issue. I have burned up a water pump on one motor because we ran across a slightly submerged ice bag from another boat. The bag was impossible to see, but rendered our port motor useless. We still fished the whole day and got home before dark 30 miles outside of IRI DE with fish. 4) On occasion we run up to 80 miles one way. Redundancy is key. 5) A boat tracks true with twins. Set the autopilot and forget it. (I get the the dual prop theory. That does not help if you hit a submerged object or a sucked up or ice bag from a lousy boater) 6) Check the torque of say one 300 versus two 150's. Torque moves the boat, hp is way less important- also look at the rpm needed to produce said torque and hp. The downside is more work/cost-oil changes, gear oil, belts, spark plugs, thermostats, etc. This is just my humble opinion having owned both. Pick your poison and have fun!

[@Blue_Doge]

Yea twin 200 will blow a single 300 out of the water on a fully loaded boat as it’s 12 cylinders vs 8 and 2 props vs 1

[@andrewcliffe4753]

2 tanks, 2 fuel hoses, 2 engines, bilge pump, radio, etc etc unless you can walk home

[@Vee6watchman]

Non-boater here - what was that other boat doing with a slightly submerged icebag tagging along?

[@josephtaylor3857]

Very informative video. Thank you for posting.

[@MagnoHunter73]

High quality informations. Thank you very much!

[@gianlucadepunzio609]

Having two motors gives you the possibility to save your life in case of failure. Boating is really expensive, it is not possible to save

[@gaycha6589]

The majority of commercial vessels operate on a singe engine, but with redundancies for fueling and cooling. Twin outboards are as susceptible to fuelling issues unless with fully redundancy

[@zbzyk]

i think not all information are accurate. i have a twin 150hp each and my friend have exactly the same boat with singe 300hp and my boat is quicker on a plane and faster overall. its consuming only 10% more than single. Of course price, maintenance cost (and any repair) usually is double but mobility and stability on the water is much better than single. I would never go back to single if boat will have a option to install 2 engines. Regarding problem with fuel - if there is any problem usually affect both engines as tank is only one and even if will be 2 separated tanks usually people filling up from one petrol station.

[@o0bananaman0o]

primary + auxiliary is the way to go

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Informative and straight to the point. This is how all videos should be. Thank you for this video

[@CaptainReidl]

great video!

[@tomlakosh1833]

Always go out with two working motors whether they're twins or a main engine and kicker. The bottom end of twins will create more drag but you'll have more reserve power if one fails.

[@jimjessie2704]

i have a 191 mako with 150 verado-do use it in salt water but don't go out much over 15 mile but i did like another commenter did-added a merc 20 hp kicker for trolling and still can get you back -just in case

[@kevinmccarthy8746]

W@OW, THANK YOU, very interesting. I am a sailor and need to learn about boat engines .

[@Muratshayev]

Clear comparison. Thanks!

[@julesverne5072]

Point 1: nowadays, before an outboard breakes you can check multiple alarms , and it’s all your fault the choise to use it anyway and get out the port. Point 2: it’s not a good advise to use the outbord for long time at max speed/power range.

[@marcobotticelli9512]

Would you make a video comparison between 1 engine + bowtruster vs twin engines in terms of manouvrability at low speed/docking?

[@danielwurmer2266]

I have one question though. In Canada BC every boat with a motor with 10 hp or more needs to be licensed and I believe many states in north america have simular laws. Does a twin 9.9 hp count now still as 9.9 hp propulsion or as 19.8 hp? Also, would a twin 9.9hp actually be faster then a single 9.9hp?

[@andre-jm8jn]

What about the hydrodinamic interferences between the two propellers in a dual engine configuration?

[@AI.-ez4qw]

유익한 정보 감사합니다

[@sonnyeast3862]

Single is more fuel efficient,but having two engines gives you piece of mind in case one breaks down for whatever reason.

[@redman2751]

Most of this video assumes you will do more power. Which is a bit misleading-leading in my opinion. Like hole shot, power, top speed. All benefit from more power. Personally I’d say compare the twins to the same HP single for those figures. Meaning if your boat can handle 400hp and you equip it with a single 300hp engine or twin 150hp engines. Obviously the 400 single and twin 200s will do better for performance numbers. How much better would the twins be. Wouldn’t it be better also to just go higher HP single.

[@ahfkxjeidaj8386]

I boat in a river what do you guys recon, twin or single?

[@korndawggy1801]

The first part was already proven wrong in another video. Two 150 Yamaha outboards were put on a boat vsa single 300 on another. The twin outboards were quicker holeshot and had a little bit more top speed. They also used less fuel.

[@Blue_Doge]

Top speed depends on your load, if it’s a heavy boat/load the twins are better, and if it’s a lighter boat/load the single will, also twin 200s will burn more fuel than a single 300, it’s 12 cylinders vs 8

[@tjcben1]

Maybe single for weight and a small one for breakdown emergencies only? Wouldn't that be more practical..

[@bethcrites3137]

Have you considered the total prop volume of twins over a single

[@owenbevans6062]

Twins are more maneuverable, and you have a backup if 1 fails. With Twin engines you can literally pivot in place something a single engine can only do with bow thrusters. I've owned both.

[@user-dq4es8oc3x]

redundancy is a must when owning a boat, whether its the engine or screwdriver...

[@user-ul4wy2lx2m]

2 is better then one but 3 if you can swing it is what I would do 😊

[@ericshutter5305]

security with 2 can save your life ... and that beats everything else ...

[@mamchi]

Wonderful video. Will you do one for the differences between an outboard and inboard engines?

[@ffsschecosa]

Double always. 20 years ago with one engine fail at 30km. 40 hours beforee rescue

[@megastick9324]

I wonder how so many of us survived with single outboards for so many years. Looking at the comments it’s just not possible. Some people had a small “ kicker” motor, others just the single outboard, and we went WAY of shore. Sure some broke down, then a call to the coast guard, or friend with a boat and you were fine. Now it’s like instant death if your boat breaks down. These must be the same people that don’t understand how people lived before cell phones and the internet. People sure have gotten soft and scared.

[@hautehussey]

You didn’t mention a fairly significant difference in some cases: the amount of space they take up! You’re doing a lot of fishing back there, avoiding a single motor is a lot easier than having a full set of motors taking up the whole transom. Also takes up room where you might want swim ladders, etc..

[@PaulTaylor-ko8jy]

Or a battery electrical engine or a push power means you pedal it or a solar power energy or a wind energy but new boats are coming up every day

[@aliptera]

The performance increase for 2 motors instead of one is minimal, at the cost of reduced efficiency (2 smaller propellers are less efficient than a single, larger one), increased fuel consumption, and more maintenance. The "safety" factor that you have at least one running motor is partially negated by the fact that one motor is twice as likely to break for the 2 motor configuration. It's much more economical and simpler to increase mean time between failures for a single motor with proper maintenance, proper fuel, etc. Handling differences - it's just exercise and learning, which is part of the fun.

[@jtcyr1439]

Twin is better if you don’t wanna get stuck somewhere

[@bununsalias]

twin is always cooler

[@glamdring0007]

Pretty much the only people who need to run twin engines are those working or recreating off shore. A single engine is plenty for anyone working or recreating inshore or on lakes and rivers. Invest in a quality VHF radio setup, be diligent with maintaining your engine and fuel system, and you'll be safe and save a ton of money.

[@giovannilevoci941]

If you only have 1 engine you might have to swim home...

[@megastick9324]

You obviously are not a boat owner…

[@giovannilevoci941]

@@megastick9324 I have had more boats in my life than most, I lived in Key Largo Florida on a 32 foot sail boat for over a year, I know boat life living, do you???

[@johngoodell2775]

Twins are generally totally unnecessary weight, cost, maintenance cost, and consumption for any boat under 25'. 30 years ago they made sense since outboards were not yet what they are today. Today its a totally different dynamic. OUtboards in the last 15 years have made leaps in reliability. IF you are leaving the port crossing your fingers about your motor - then something is wrong. The added weight of two engines is a lot and the increase in fuel consumption and maintenance costst cancels out most the benefit. Single engine is not intrinsically working harder than it should. If the motor is chosen correctly based on the boat weight etc less is always more with big cost savings.

[@brianjanusek4356]

Assuming twins with separate fuel cells, I’ll go with twins.

[@UltraMagaFan]

Considering the fact that I only fish in the Cooper River and Lake Moultrie and I’m never over 30 miles away from my house, I’m going to get a single outboard. I can easily call one of my family members to come get me if I break down.

[@user-fr1kg7zf3j]

Why don't they compare a single engine with two coaxial propellers and two twin outboards?

[@alexnorth2452]

Cool vid, but still should've compared them at identical hp, by not doing so you skewed the results and made them inaccurate

[@risby1930]

Old guy here, with twin inboards. Only a damn fool runs offshore without an auxiliary get home or twin setup. Mother nature will eat you alive and help isn't always there when you need it.

[@MonkPetite]

Now there .. we’ll done but there is small mistake. HP is related to your hull speed. More HP does not make your boat faster. Until your boat does come out of the water. Two engines means more prop surface. It has more torque available this make towing way batter than an single . So two 150 hp or one 300 hp can be good as your speed is not needed but pull power is wanted.

[@billyrayband]

I see way too many multi-engine boats on inland lakes, its just showing off. Only if you are going offshore do you somewhat need it, and it comes with a steep cost. In todays world with SAT capable phones (Iphone has this) and GPS, its pretty easy to get a tow, and with improved outboard reliability, its hard to justify doubling for reliablity. A kicker if you troll fish as you would use it regularly and keep fuel system fresh.

[@meatwad3000]

Triple in the rear two in the front

[@Sc0tt69]

Were still talking about motors right?

[@mikeg0802]

Twins, Period!

[@PaulTaylor-ko8jy]

You got to you got a synchronize them you got one you don't have to synchronize them or you can use a jet motor it all depends a boat is a boat depends on how much 5,000 gallons of fuel you'll need and how far can you go a sailboat could go farther than than a motorboat remember the fuel run one engine say fuel run two you still get there do a steam engine you could do a gas engine air cooling engine fuel injection engine or carburetor engine it's different types of engines for different things

[@kiwikiwi8023]

Twins all day

[@rohzpopper4922]

When going out to sea, its a lot safer to have a twin than single engine. Theres no mechanic in the open sea ! 😂😂😂

[@megastick9324]

Yeah, all those people still floating around out there since before twins were a thing…

[@siputai4321]

, better have backup for everything, where's possible

[@wolfgangthiel7093]

1 ebgine = no coming home! 2 engines = coming home!

[@megastick9324]

How did all those people get home before twins was thing? And still so today? What about elec failure or running out of fuel? I wonder how people survived before the internet and cell phones…

[@drevil4454]

Stuff that. I'll put a motor on every corner and then row the darn thing to save my motors.

[@volodiafamilevich8690]

Спарка двух это отсутствие кавитации винта, один будет наклонять катер в обратную сторону от вращения.

[@user-qj4eo1py3q]

Если катер позволяет повесить два двигателя 200 сил и весом 240 кг. каждый, я бы повесил один 400-500 сил весом 330 кг.

[@metalextras]

Having a twin engine is cheaper than loosing your life...

[@michelwong1]

I prefer 【2(twin)】 boat engines. In case 1 broke down in the middle of the sea, I still can manage return safe to base ! 。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。😁😁👍👍👍👍

[@megastick9324]

Yeah, there are so many single engine owners over the years that just disappeared because the motor broke down. Multi engines don’t do squat if there’s an elec failure or you run out of fuel. I guess you’re just doomed…

[@gaycha6589]

Single handles better in head sea with less transom weight and better centre of gravity

[@udxpierre]

You go offshore, you have two on the transom, simple really, you want to become bilge soup or go home.

[@lamdog1490]

The voice is AI generated. I recognise it from open access Character AI

[@Molen2020]

For the environment it is better to have one, but nobody seems to care……

[@davidwarren3433]

The USA has the most stringent emmissions than any other country but eveyone always blames the USA for the environment! Go to China to save the environment!

[@1JohnnyLindo]

2 all day….

[@GRosa250]

If the boat comes with a 300 hp and you want to upgrade to twins, you should just get another 300 hp

[@megastick9324]

Wouldn’t one want to consult the hulls max weight and HP capabilities? A boat rated for 400 HP with twin 300s doesn’t sound like a very good decision.

[@GRosa250]

@@megastick9324 it’ll be fine. There’s people out there with 200 horsepower engines mounted on 16 foot Jon boats.

[@megastick9324]

@@GRosa250 yeah, no, two stupids don’t make a smart.

[@richardharuru1948]

​@GRosa250 .. i agree 💯 . My 12ft kayak Is rated at 2 oarspower, but running twin 2.5 hp 2stroke

[@squeaks3814]

@@megastick9324long story short . The coast guard bitches out when giving guidelines . The formula hasn’t changed in forever and so. Much has changed in motors and but design that it’s now to be taken as guide lines and not strictly followed rules . Just remember a jetski doesn’t follow that till and way over powers their tiny vessel and look at them

[@i1bike]

Here in inshore croatia we have a saying, " every single thing connected to the yachting or fishing world, is a tax for extreme idiots". Basic normal shampoo in market is 3 euros. Same shampoo identical by chemicals and structure but only for yachts is 13 euros haha. Basic small inox platform for small 5m boat costs 300 euros, while identcal same platform for home use costs 40 euros haha. I know thoe people that are buying boats are people that avoid returning tax to state so they rather buy a boat, but they are extremely DUMB when they pay for a 24 meter boat, only re-applying anti fouling color 40 000 euros hahahaha. The cans with color are less than 500 euros haha. My best friend and second cousin work in yachting service and i finished school for marine transport so yea. If you are not an idiot, buy yourself a basic 6-7m open or closed fisherman-like boat with two 40hp yamaha outboards and enjoy cruising or fishing, no need to be dumb. Like, the most you can spend without being an idiot is maybe Arvor 250as. Used is 40k euros, so thats good cheap boat with reliable mercedes inboard engine. There is also a saying, men are happy when they buy a yacht, but they are even happier when they sell it haha

[@ArtistBrianSheffield]

Two is better. If one stops running you still got one to get home.

[@JamesThomas-dn6hz]

As a real sailor, i am compelled to correct you. Powerboating is not sailing! Anyone can throttle down. 😂

[@theowink]

Drugs money

[@MikeLJ-ku7ov]

With Biden in office all you will afford is a trolling motor

[@nomercyinc6783]

think of it this way. two is one and one is none. if you lose one engine. going in all the way on your trolling motor is not a win and not really effective, lose one of two outboards youll still have one to get you home. no single engine inboard boat beats a twin engine inboard boat. two is one. always

[@victormontalbano4993]

Does the single engine come with a EPURB and a paddle ?

[@JG-mf1yk]

EPIRB

[@jimjessie2704]

think he's referring to a personal electronic beacon@@JG-mf1yk

[@megastick9324]

A smart boat owner is prepared before going out, regardless of how many motors. Radios are cheap btw.

[@varok1206]

Twin engine with INDEPENDENT fuel storage for each is idea. More maneuverability and reliability in case of emergency failure

[@simianwarthog]

Speedboats are awful.

[@davidwarren3433]

If speedboats are awful like you say, then don't buy a speedboat!

[@simianwarthog]

​@@davidwarren3433 They spoil the mood for everybody. They use them on quiet lakes all over the usa and canada. Most people hate them. with a passion.