Single vs Twin Engines

[chris_p]

Hello all,

I've decided to trade in my 21' Jet Boat for a cruiser. We plan on doing weekend trips etc and needed something on which we can sleep when travelling.

After looking at the various offerings out there, I'm leaning towards the Rinker 280. This boat seems to offer a ton of features for thousands less than the competition.

My only concern is that this boat seems to be right at the size where other manufacturers offer twin engines. I'm not sure why Rinker does not offer it with twins, but my dealer insists that the 496 MAG Bravo 3 / dual props will be more than enough power for this boat.

Is that true? Also, are there any significant benefits in maneuverability to be gained from twin engines in a boat of this size? Their website lists the boat at 31 feet with a 9 foot beam (I believe the 31 ft includes the swim platform) and weight of 7640 lbs.

 

[firehog6305]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

I own a cruiser with twin motors in it, this is the first boat I have own that has dual motors, it sure does make a big differance in top speed, the other cabin cruiser I owned had a 350 w/ dual props, and it didnt go as fast as this one, and was 2ft shorter. plus I like the idea with dual motors if somthing goes wrong out there, I always have another motor to get in with

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

the twins makes a big difference when docking, especially in a tight place. also consider bow thrusters.

 

[chris_p]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

Top speed isnt too much of a concern for me. Id be happy with 40MPH, mainly im wondering if the twin engines will be considerably easier to navigate when docking. I read that on a boat with a 9 ft beam, the engines are not that far apart so the twin engine advantage is reduced.... is that correct?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

there is a reason that boat is cheaper and one reason is the single engine. you will have a tough time driving it with a single i/o, especially with some wind and current. i also think you'll have a hard time selling it in the future for the same reasons.

i wouldn't recommend buying any i/o boat larger than 26' without twins.

fyi, i do like the rinkers and think they are a great value for what you get.

 

[chris_p]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

The more I read, I'm really starting to see the benefits of dual engines on a boat this size. I'm currently looking at a 2004 Rinker 290 with only 75 hrs on the engines. This boat is fully loaded and has twin Merc 5L MPIs. Any opinion on this boat?

 

[eriediver]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

I'll never go back to a single. Much easier to dock. & having the security of 2 engines is nice. Top speed on a large cruiser is usually only around 35 (depending on set up) with a cruise of 25-28. They're not meant to be fast, just fun.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

I think you'll love that Rinker 290 with twin 5s. It's light enough for that engine package. survey, seatrial, and go get it.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Single vs Twin Engines

I would agree with Matttt25 and all others. On a boat that size you definately want twins. We had a 27' when growing up, with twin 305 v-8 and it was sweet. Docking, beaching,cruising, even launching is so much easier. As said before it is nice to have a "backup" if something goes wrong. also in a good wind a single is tough to manuever. When launching we used to back off trailer, once clear of trailer put one in forward one in reverse pivot 180 on a dime, other in forward and were gone. Plus we got four skiiers out at once and maybe could have gotten another if we would have had another rope. Good luck with whatever you end up with.