Pros and cons of twin engine setups

[narked]

Just wondering about the pros and cons of twin outboards as opposed to a single outboard. As far as pros go, you've got redundancy incase one of 'em dies on you. For cons, surely there's a fair bit of extra weight, extra cost. Anyone got any figures/ideas on the difference in fuel consumption between a twin setup and a single setup of equal overall power? Suppose it'd also cost you more in maintenance, as you're paying for 2 engines to be serviced instead of just 1.

Anyone got any comments?

Cheers,
Matt

[Charles]

We discussed this topic at length some months ago, I think it was titled 'One or two lumps'.

[narked]

Ah, silly me not to search first!

[seahound]

Narked

I think this idea of redundancy is sometimes misunderstood for a twin engine set up. When you rig your boat with twin engines, it should be tuned and set for that configuration. When one engine goes tits, it does not mean that you just have half the power available, you will be lucky to get your boat onto the plane. Sure the second engine will keep you off the rocks, but if you are some distance from home count on a long journey time.

Steve

[narked]

Yeah I wasn't thinking of it as something to keep me out enjoying my time on the water. Was just thinking that having 1 out of the 2 still working, although setup for twin engine use, would be at least slightly better than say a 4hp auxillary. I was thinking of it along the lines of a redundant air supply when diving, if you have to switch to that, it's time to get out of there.

Matt