Twins or Single Main

[AGC]

This video gives a good analysis of twin V6 200s vs a V10 400 on same boat same conditions. Can skip to the analysis about 30min in. Chart below is how they scored it but it depends on what you prioritize for how you run your boat. Fuel economy overall is better for the single but at higher speeds it favored the twin setup. For someone who cruises at 40mph they would be burning less fuel than the single at that speed (for this boat and motor combo).


For their performance data the single is on the left and the twins on the right.

 

[Laxputs]

Wow, super interesting. At cruising speed/rpm, fuel consumption is less with the twins. If that's correct--that's a significant factor in the decision.

 

[M1SF1T]

In that example, at ~35 mph your running 4000 rpm with twins vs 4500 with a single and splitting hairs on range/fuel burn, very comparable.

I'm not a marine mechanic, but I think not working your engines as hard is beneficial to wear/tear and longevity.