Trawler - Single Engine vs Twins

[boatpoker]

Google .... "single vs. twin boats".

31,400,000 hits.

nuthin' new here

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Cadence

I would also marvel at some of the awful attempts made by people with twin screws.

Those people that still need a bow thruster with twins also tend to have a stern thruster. Give them too many things to play with and they get worse, not better.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Defeverboat

When docking in high wind you need two engines or bow thruster.

No I don't

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Those people that still need a bow thruster with twins also tend to have a stern thruster. Give them too many things to play with and they get worse, not better.

I don't think most have thrusters. They just get carried away with
RPMs, forward and reverse. Response is not instantaneous.

[Chuck Hawley]

I used to moderate a discussion topic at TrawlerFest events around the country that was generally on this topic: single vs. twin. The arguments were as you state, and while the discussions were polite, and was never sure that anyone's opinion was altered post-discussion.

Single engine advantages:

1. Propeller and rudder protections
2. Generally better efficiency
3. Larger propeller diameter
4. Half the maintenance
5. Simpler systems
6. Generally better space utilization.

Twin engine advantages:

1. Redundancy if you have a complete engine failure
2. Redundancy if you have a drive train problem
3. Maneuverability in close quarters
4. Redundant fuel and other support systems

In my personal opinion, if you're going to go at displacement speeds, I'd have a single engine boat. Brian Saunder's previous boat, Traveller, was close to my ideal. This presumes several things: you have a wonderful fuel management system, you have regular engine maintenance, a large anchor that can be quickly deployed would be a good idea, too.

Incidentally, the other topic that I moderated was "displacement, semi-displacement, or planing?" and it also generated lots of interest, but few changed minds.

Chuck Hawley

[Cadence]

Just to add some drift. Watching docking is almost as much fun as going to a boat ramp on the weekend.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by roberthowell

... with a single ... the rudder is about 1/10 the size of one on a sailboat ...

Really?

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Really?

I think it is more of a dah! That is a nice looking rudder.

[Trwl36]

I've gone from sail to trawler five years ago and although I sometimes miss sailing, cruising in a trawler is much more comfortable and more protected in rain and cold with the inside steering station.

I have a single myself with bow thruster and it is just fine. I don't need twice the engine maintenance costs and I'm too old to bend my body in the strange positions twin engines would require. If you keep that single diesel happy with regular oil changes, valve adjustments and coolant changes it should be very dependable as long as you have the proper primary filter setup.

For that you definitely need dual primary filters with a way to switch from one to the other easily. You don't want to be changing filters in a seaway.

Regardless of whether you go twin or single, you should know that a trawler is not going to maneuver like a sailboat. All boats are steered with the stern but on a trawler this really is more evident. If you go with a twin, you will have to learn how to handle those engines to turn the boat.

There are many good books on how to dock and steer motor boats and I would strongly recommend you get one or two and learn from them first.

Good luck with your next boat!

Trwl36
Sodus Bay, NY

[Kiwi.]

Here's a link to one of my favourite trawlers. It's ugly but interesting. Has the best or the worst of both worlds; I haven't decided which yet!

Windhaven - One of a kind

[Training Wheels]

Diesel Duck!

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Kiwi.

Here's a link to one of my favourite trawlers. It's ugly but interesting. Has the best or the worst of both worlds; I haven't decided which yet!

Windhaven - One of a kind

OMG! Perhaps the naval architect once specialized in army barracks?

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by Kiwi.

Here's a link to one of my favourite trawlers. It's ugly but interesting. Has the best or the worst of both worlds; I haven't decided which yet!

Windhaven - One of a kind

Kind of reminds me of a great harbor. Beamy, lots of freeboard & 2 Yanmars.

2008 Great Harbour N47 Trawler Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Midnight Son]

Training Wheels
I'm with you on that. Now where is piggy bank and hammer?

[Kiwi.]

Originally Posted by Kiwi.

Here's a link to one of my favourite trawlers. It's ugly but interesting. Has the best or the worst of both worlds; I haven't decided which yet!

Windhaven - One of a kind

I told the owner it is Fantastically Ugly, that he should call it "Fugly". No idea why he didn't like the idea.