Single or twins?

[jtocean]

I have put this off too long, but I can't wait anymore. I'm looking for a new boat and need some opinions on whether or not to trust the single screw or be safe and stick with two engines? This is for private use and not for Charter.

I'm looking at a 50' Harris with twin 800 mans or possible a 42' Sheldon Midgett with a single 700 Cat. I have hashed this around with several of my friends and it's always split about 50/50. The carolina captains swear by their single engine economical machines, while the OC contingent says stick with the twins.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[matey8941]

Single...they raise fish!!!! and fuel economy is soo much better....speed is a little slower but oh well just wake up a little earlier

[Trident]

I've owned them both ways and will always have twins going forward. However, It should really come down to what you want/need/like. example... are you docking in an ideal area for a single or is it a little tricky 1/2 the time? Are you running far offshore..canyons or close enough for a tow? Obviously the maintenance bill is dbl. Give some thoughts to how YOU are going use it.

BTW twins rais'em just fine so long as they're in sync sound-wise

[matey8941]

I've owned them both ways and will always have twins going forward. However, It should really come down to what you want/need/like. example... are you docking in an ideal area for a single or is it a little tricky 1/2 the time? Are you running far offshore..canyons or close enough for a tow? Obviously the maintenance bill is dbl. Give some thoughts to how YOU are going use it.

BTW twins rais'em just fine so long as they're in sync sound-wise

very true...but for docking we have a boat with a bow thruster man that is awesome.....easier than twins

[pescado loco]

the money you will save in gass will let you go more often.

[FinRazr]

Keep in mind OI charter fleet fish close together and will be there to help each other.Private guy's are on their own OI is also typicaly within 45 miles of shore farther north 90 miles is not uncommon.I'll stick with twins as far as fuel costs have a few buddies along to split that up.Just one less thing to wory about.Oh seatow is not vary viable in our area they said not past the tower which is about 16 miles out

[rocksandblues]

lot of the singles have a get home set up with the generator.

[clt_capt]

Keep in mind that one engine in a charter boat that is fishing (and running) every day is going to be very solid, but I would want the "security" of twins if you aren't running them at least every couple of days.

[anthony]

Good question and a big part of the answer is in where you will be running the boat. OI and Hatteras I wouldn't worry much about a single. Longer daily runs or running to faraway spots like Mexico, Venezuela, etc I would feel a lot better with twins. But then again, I know of a couple of single screws that make that run down to Isla every year w/o a problem. A lot of the single screws now have three rudders...one dead center and one on each side of the middle rudder...really helps with the steerage on the boat, and the boat will answer to the rudder in reverse. Still, even with a bow thruster they are not as manueverable as twins. No right or wrong answer...I think in this instance I would rather have the Harris with twins.

[jtocean]

I've owned them both ways and will always have twins going forward. However, It should really come down to what you want/need/like. example... are you docking in an ideal area for a single or is it a little tricky 1/2 the time? Are you running far offshore..canyons or close enough for a tow? Obviously the maintenance bill is dbl. Give some thoughts to how YOU are going use it.

BTW twins rais'em just fine so long as they're in sync sound-wise

I fish out of Sunset Marina in OC MD and mostly fish in 30 fthms to 150 fthms ocasionally get outside if it's really calm. I'm not interested in Marlin as much as tuna, but with the bite as red hot as it was two weeks ago, yeah I'd run to 500 fthms in the Norfolk.
I appreciate everyone's input, keep it coming.