[Fr. Frank]

Ken, the Royal Bahamian Defense Force used to run a 27' SeaMaster with transom-mounted twin 220 hp Yamaha's. The boat was converted from twin 165 hp Mercruiser's. It was capable of about 38-40 knots, and could (just) plane on one engine with a propeller change.

That being said, I echo the idea of keeping with twins.

If the Hat is over at Treasure Cay on the east side of the Abacos, and you've taken the 27' "Tender" to fish the Berry Islands for the day, it would be completely suckish to have your one and only motor decide to quit halfway between Little Harbour and Laroda bay.

If you're going outside of US territorial waters, either sails and a motor, or two motors are a must. The second motor can be a worthy "kicker", but two motors are a must.

Maybe Denny or someone else has made the crossing to the Bahamas more than I, but they'd be hard pressed to do so.

I grew up within walking distance of Lake Worth Inlet. With my grandfather, I made my first crossing to Jack Tar @ West End at the age of 5 in 1965, and I planned, navigated, and drove a 45' Rybo across before my 10th birthday.

All in all, I estimate have made/been at the helm for somewhere around 150-200 crossings from the US to the Bahamas, in boats ranging from a 13' Whaler (15-20 crossings in company) a 19' Robalo (8-10 crossings) a 20' SeaCraft (50+ crossings), to a 1926 40' Matthews (2x) to a 45' Rybovich (40-50 crossings) to an 87' Lantana (once).

I offer the perspective of experience. Keep twin engines, or a single with a good kicker. As I've said here before, I once came all the way back from Memory Rock to Ft. Pierce on a 9.9hp Chrysler kicker motor on the back of a 25' Robalo. Not something I'd want to do again, but I got us home.