Newbie questions

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agweiss

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I've owned sailboats for 40 years and am ready to buy a power boat. I want a boat with a helm out in the open, but with some protection in weather. I want a v-berth large enough for two comfortably and an enclosed head. In the interest of simplicity, I want the boat to be trailerable, and have one outboard engine.
I see that the Marlin 30 meets most of the criteria but has two engines. Are there Marlin's with one engine? How's the fuel economy of running both engines at low throttle vs. one larger engine at higher rpm's? Can you run her with just one engine running?
Then I see that there are a number of models in the 25-26 foot range that have only one outboard, but it's hard to see which one's have enclosed heads.
Thanks in advance for your help, and glad to be aboard
Avrum Weiss
Vinalhaven, ME
 
The Marlin is a fairly big boat and a very wide boat. A single engine would not be a good match at all.
You are asking for a lot and probably won't find everything you want.
Note that many states have limits on the beam of a boat and if your beam is larger, special permits are needed to trailer. The max beam in most states is 8ft 6 inch.
You need to do more research and answer a lot of questions. For example, you want a berth that is comfortable for two. That's all relative. If you enjoy camping and sleeping on the ground in a small tent, you will find a lot more V berth boats you will be comfortable with. You want an enclosed head but do you need to be able to stand up? Need a shower?, A stove, a fridge, AC, etc?.

Since you come from a sailing background, would you be happy with something that has a small inboard motor, cruises pretty slowly but is trailerable and easy on fuel? Take a look at pocket trawlers. Here is a link to some examples
 
Marlins need two motors. They need the power and they need them for manueverability when docking.
You need at least 450 hp, minimum. Fuel economy in this case is actually better with more HP
They are big boats and "trailerable" is stretching the limits for practical purposes.

The old Sailfish 25 sometimes had a single and enclosed head.
The old Islander 26 might fit your bill but they have two motors also.
Generally, any outboard powered planing hull over 25 ft needs twins.

The Gulfstream is a wide 23 that can run one 300hp or 350hp motor. I don't think the head is enclosed.

If you have twin motors you cannot run on plane with just one. You can run at about 7mph on one and use less fuel than 7mph on two. Above that it is better running both.

Ideally, one motor is more efficient than multiples but you need enough hp to get the boat on plane in order to be efficient.
 
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The smallest Grady with an enclosed head is the 268 or 270 Islander. This is a walkaround style hull. It is not uncommon to find single engine 268's or 270's that could be re-powered with single 350hp engine. 8' 6" beam is very trailerable. It is significantly smaller than a Matlin (cubic volume) but it is likely the best fit for your parameters. I had similar criteria when I started looking 12 years ago and settled in my 268 Islander.

I would recommend the 270 Islander. A little "newer". Full running surface hull provide additional flotation for four strokes. But a single engine 268 can handle the weight of a single V6 block motor.
 
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Gulfstream head is not enclosed; It has a cushion covering it. The Gulfstream doesn't have a galley per se either. The berth is not a V, it has two bunks, one over the other. And due to its beam, permits for trailering may be required.

I forgot to mention that Ranger Tugs are available with single outboards

R-25 | Ranger Tugs

This Ranger Tug is a fast tug, powered by a 250 HP Yamaha outboard, the R-25 is fully equipped to expand your adventures and deliver experiences of a lifetime.
www.rangertugs.com www.rangertugs.com

The 27 foot model is also trailerable
 
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Your best bet is the 268 islander. Some I have looked at had only I motor. Enclosed standup head with shower. Sleeps two comfortably and very trailerable with no oversized permit needed.
 
Bilpep said:
Your best bet is the 268 islander. Some I have looked at had only I motor. Enclosed standup head with shower. Sleeps two comfortably and very trailerable with no oversized permit needed.
Click to expand...
Also they run better with twins. Alot have 150 if your worried about fuel economy
 
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