Twin Etec 115's for a 23'?

[castalot]

I like your idea but I don't think 115 would be enough 130 maybe I have twin 130 loopers never tried to go on one but I have limped home on one with bad gas a couple times one of them wouldnt run on the crap that came with the boat but the other did what would be the cost and weight difference with the 130's but the new etecs are strong so who knows!!

[bigpine33]

Thanks for the information. Yes, the 130's may be the right motors. They are only 15lbs more than the 115's, I'm not sure about the cost difference.

I turn 6000rpm WOT with my 19" props. Years ago, a buddy of mine that worked at OMC brought me some 4 bladed 15x21 props to try out and they were incredible. I got the same performance as my 19" props at 10% less RPMs. I could get up on 1 engine too. I beleive 10% less RPM translates into 10% less fuel. That would have pushed me to a whopping 1.2 MPG instead of 1.1 MPG. The props were pretty expensive but would be a great consideration.

I did find this Twin 115 Etec performance paper:
Etec twin performace stats


It is a bigger aluminum hull, I'm not sure how that translates to a seacraft hull but 3.1 MPG sounds good.

Here is a picture:



Another:

[Bushwacker]

Those sound like some pretty good props you're running! What brand/model are they? I'm running a 15x15 PowerTech that seems to work pretty well, but I'm always looking for something better!

FYI - your link to the BRP site has an extra http// in the address; it works if you remove that. That aluminum boat might be similar weight but it has a little more beam than your 23, so that would make it plane a little easier if all other variables were the same. Deadrise is the big variable that I wasn't able to find any info on.

One neat feature of the E-Tec's is the incredible mileage they get (better than any 4-stroke) when running at hull speed, where they're in the lean burn mode. If you ever run short of fuel and are worried about range, all you have to do is slow down to hull speed to get a huge increase in range! That's a significant safety factor if you ever get caught out in really rough conditions where you have to drop off plane! I know that's hard to imagine in a SeaCraft, but every boat has it's limits!

[Islandtrader]

This is just my own opinion.

Why do you need twins?

Double the money double the service double the trouble.

I know every one says safety factor...but do you know that people who cruise around the world in 40 foot blue water boats only have one engine.

Normally twins or triples are for boats that need horsepower that they can't get out of a single.

I would say in the "old" days when out boards weren't that reliable the twin thing had a safety factor, now a days I think that argument is nil.

This just my take on the whole thing.

[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.

[DonV]

but I use the boat exclusively in the Florida Keys

Yes sir, I liked the picture of your boat with the old RR bridge/Overseas Highway in the background.

[McGillicuddy]

Yes, ditto on DonV's comment. Nice pics of a really ideal fishing rig. Looks like you're pretty good at R & R, too. Really like those Charger colors...

Like Island Trader, I would typically favor a modern single over twins but you make some interesting points based on your shallow water and maneuverability needs. Like the part swapping bit, too.

I hope you'll post some performance #'s when you get re-powered.

[DonV]

Really like those Charger colors...

That never crossed my mind, however I must admit those "powder blue jerseys" and especially the lightning bolts on the helmets were my favorite football uniforms when I was a kid....a long, long time ago, oh yeah, for those too young to remember back in the AFL days.

[Fr. Frank]

Go with twins. Compare the fuel consumption of the 115 and 130 Etecs.
The comment about 40' bluewater boats having only one engine is disingenous: Most also have sails. Those that don't, have diesels.

[Islandtrader]

Go with twins. Compare the fuel consumption of the 115 and 130 Etecs.
The comment about 40' bluewater boats having only one engine is disingenous: Most also have sails. Those that don't, have diesels.

Learn how to spell a big word before you use it. I was just giving my opinion so I hardly think I was being disingenuous.

Sorry I should have said the Blue water power boats...still only one engine and being a diesel has no bearing on being reliable...longevity yes.