[bigpine33]

I did think a lot about single vs. twin. Should I get 230hp in 2 motors or 225hp in one motor? And I think I want 2, here are some reasons I want to consider twins:

1) Initial purchasing cost is not that much more in the specific Etec case (not sure of other makes).

2) I've had my 1994 twins for 16 years. I think I would have replaced a single engine by now. So I am really getting my moneys worth. I've swapped parts from one to the other to troubleshoot over the years, this helps with maintenance costs and I'm deferring my initial costs so in my opinion there is some savings here.

3) This is a personal one but I use the boat exclusively in the Florida Keys where it is shallow. A single engine would reduce my draft by probably more that 6" because it would be in the middle of the V compared to twins hanging up off the bottom of the V.

4) Maneuverability in marinas and canal systems with twins is much easier.

5) Counter-rotating improves the ride in rough water because the single prop will walk the transom slightly to a side as the hull comes out of the water.

The cons I see in the twins are the higher maintenance costs and the extra weight.

I'm not sure the fuel for 1 motor is more than 2 motors? In the performance reports I read on the Etecs both are real close to 3 mpg (twin 115's vs. a single 225). You have 8 smaller cylinders being fed fuel compared to 6 larger cylinders... More drag with 2 engines... this is a hard one.

This is what makes this a great forum, and I appreciate all the input!!!

About my prop make, I got them from the OMC dealer when my engines were bought and I think they are Vipers circa 1994. The dealer had put 15X21's on to start with but I could not plane on 1. It was a luxury to try the props until I liked specific ones.