Big single vs twins- which boats?

[Jonlyjayman]

I am a newbie trying to learn and research express cruisers in the 26-30 ft range. I have read a bunch on the single vs twin preferences regarding cost, fuel burn and maintenance.
I don't see many boats with big single engines. There must be a real valid reason for this, although from my research it seems to have pros and cons, and mostly a choice issue for the owner.
I am trying to find specific boats in this size range, that are new enough to be Fuel injected not carb'ed, and big single gas engine.
Ideas anyone? Thanks

[westwinds]

Originally Posted by Jonlyjayman

I am a newbie trying to learn and research express cruisers in the 26-30 ft range. I have read a bunch on the single vs twin preferences regarding cost, fuel burn and maintenance.
I don't see many boats with big single engines. There must be a real valid reason for this, although from my research it seems to have pros and cons, and mostly a choice issue for the owner.
I am trying to find specific boats in this size range, that are new enough to be Fuel injected not carb'ed, and big single gas engine.
Ideas anyone? Thanks

The large block engines of about 450 cubic inches, or 7 liters, are no longer made.

[markpierce]

Cruisers under 30 feet have a difficult time finding adequate space and access for two engines.

[ranger58sb]

Jay, if you haven't already, you might try a search on yachtworld -- single engine, gas, 26-30' -- and see what comes up.

Yes, it's a choice issue. Yes, pros/cons. Yes, new 7- and 8-liter gas blocks not widely available. Yes, space for twins in smallish cruiser is an issue. That market segment is also slightly diluted, with inboards, stern drives, and gas outboards. And so forth...

Also, I suspect more buyers these days tend to lean toward twins because they're after the handling advantages during docking. (Although I've not found it particularly threatening to dock the single-diesel we had before.)

"Lobster boats" and the like come to mind, but I'd suspect many of those would be single diesel...

-Chris

[Dockhead]

Fairly obvious, but single engines are simpler, lighter, cheaper to maintain, more efficient. Twin engines have redundancy - so safer, but at a cost.

I guess you must be aware of the pros and cons of diesel versus gasoline. I would much prefer diesel, myself (and for a variety of reasons besides just fuel expense), but it may be that the cost difference these days, when buying used boats, cannot ever be paid for in fuel. So you pays your money and takes your choices -- the equation is of course very different depending on how many hours a year you use your boat.

[Jonlyjayman]

In that size range, and cost, I dont see Diesel as practical.
Regarding the space available for two 4.3's , or a big block... The big Block makes sense from a space point of view. But if they are not made anymore, that would explain why what seems logical- one big engine- is not so common.
Any idea how long ago they stopped making the big engines?
Thanks for the Yachtworld suggestion!