Twin Engines on a Seafarer?

[duckdiver]

I'm considering a 226 or 228 Seafarer and wanted to know if both or either are capable of twin engines since most of the boats I've seen have singles either on the bracket or on the transom. What is the best way to mount twin engines on these boats? Will it mess up the ride with added weight? I want the added piece of mind to ensure I don't get stranded. Thanks!

 

[Fishermanbb]

Anything can be done but the boat was only designed for a single. Most folks with that hull who want redundancy add a kicker motor on a bracket - Can even be hooked to a throttle at the helm if you want it. Twins might be doable with 115’s or 130’s. 150’s might be too much weight for that hull. I wouldn’t go that route but others may see it differently.

 

[Capt Bill]

You're going to need a bigger boat!

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

The irony is back in the good ole days when the music was good and the the women were prettier Grady offered the Seafarer with a twins option. You could look at the weight as stated above of a pair of 130s. I would imagine the 228 with the bracket would be the way to go to modify for twins.

 

[seasick]

You can only go so far in gaining redundancy. If you get a load of bad gas or water gets in the tank, all motors will be affected. I wouldn't rig twins on a hull designed for a single, just asking for trouble and at a steep cost. In some cases, A kicker may help but it depends on the seas and wind.
I have had friends with twins (225s) lose one motor in rough seas and were barely able to limp back through the inlet on one motor. A trip that normally would take 25 minutes took two hours and it wasn't pleasant. A kicker would not have done anything.
Most of todays outboards are pretty reliable. Make sure you have a good radio, towing insurance, and the typical emergency gear.