Florida Keys Boat Rental - Single or Twin Outboards?

[marty9876]

Silly question, I'm looking to rent a boat in the FL Keys for the sole basic intention of snorkeling and goofing around (just to spend some time on the ocean). Will just be three of us, 2 adults and a 9 year old.

For the FL key's location can anyone recommend one of the below over the other? Obviously bigger is always better... I just don't know how much of a difference a twin 115hp outboard would have over a single 150hp outboard etc. I don't quite know the distances we'll be traveling to the different sites, we will be starting from in the middle of the keys, just north of Marathon.

Looking for 2x days, cost is as always a fairly large consideration.

- 19 to 20 ft. bimini/center console boat - $189 per day - One 150 hp Four Stroke Yamaha motor - 6 persons max.

- 21 to 22 ft. T-top/center console boat -$199 per day - One 150 hp Four Stroke Yamaha motor - 7 persons max.

- 24 to 25 ft. T-top/center console boat -$245 per day - Two 115 hp Four Stroke Yamaha motors - 8 persons max.

- 26 to 27 ft. T-top/center console boat -$295 per day - Two 150 hp Four Stroke Yamaha motors - 10 persons max.

All boats are 2008 or newer I think

[Ram]

fuel is a big expensie 2 engines are gonna use about twice as much -could easly spend $200+ a day on fuel with 2 engines

[FSMike]

In that area a single outboard should do you just fine. Pay attention to how easy it is to get out of the water onto the boat, and also how much shade you have. People that aren't used to it can still get sunburned in the keys in the winter.
Have fun.

[robw_fl]

I would say let your budget decide. For three of you, you don't NEED the bigger boat, but it would be a more comfortable ride. So if $$ isn't really much of a factor, get the bigger boat/twins. If it is, maybe get the bigger boat, but w/a single.

Usually twins are used for offshore work...as a safety net/get home etc...but you're somewhere that if there's a problem you just call the rental company, and they'll come get you and give you a whole new boat.

If only it was always that simple

Enjoy...lot's of fun places down that way.

Rob.

[DaveOnCudjoe]

Marty, I'd go with the small boat, single engine because of the bimini instead of a T-top. You can lower the bimini to get under low bridges where the T-tops might not go and the bimini will provide better shade which you will appreciate. 2 engines are twice the trouble IMO. Dave

[Rvrratt]

Marty,
Let weather decide if you can. Go with the smaller boat if weather is good and go a bit larger if the water is rough. If you have to reserve, reserve the smaller one with the Bimini (sun and rain protection).

[marty9876]

Thanks all for the input. After looking at the pics of the boats again and the input here I think the smaller/single with a bimini should be a good fit. Naturally will make sure the conditions of the day match the boat we are intending on when we get there in a few weeks!

[David M]

For about a hundred dollar a day difference, go with the largest boat.

Before you go, you had better learn the distances between those points, your boats range on a tank of gas and where to get gas.