lilelk,
Two engines are less fuel efficient and more weight. Typically, you see dual engine installations on the larger glass boats, 25 feet and up, and even more typically on the ocean going big center consoles.
There's a speed issue, they are rated for more than a single engine can provide.
There is also the get home issue, typically the boat can plane on one engine.
And then there's trolling.
With most sleds, the trolling and backup are via a small kicker. Unless you have a center console setup, trying to manuever at trolling speed in a crowd or with a fish on is hard to do.
If you just outside the inlet, a small kicker is OK to get you back in.
Also, most sleds have a jet option so can do the very shallow water.
Having said all that, I'm a twin fan (East Coast ocean going center console background) and have been looking at going to twin prop boat vs my jet. In my case, mostly for fuel efficiency and to get a deeper V (20+ at the transom). I don't use the boat in the shallows much.
Brion
Two engines are less fuel efficient and more weight. Typically, you see dual engine installations on the larger glass boats, 25 feet and up, and even more typically on the ocean going big center consoles.
There's a speed issue, they are rated for more than a single engine can provide.
There is also the get home issue, typically the boat can plane on one engine.
And then there's trolling.
With most sleds, the trolling and backup are via a small kicker. Unless you have a center console setup, trying to manuever at trolling speed in a crowd or with a fish on is hard to do.
If you just outside the inlet, a small kicker is OK to get you back in.
Also, most sleds have a jet option so can do the very shallow water.
Having said all that, I'm a twin fan (East Coast ocean going center console background) and have been looking at going to twin prop boat vs my jet. In my case, mostly for fuel efficiency and to get a deeper V (20+ at the transom). I don't use the boat in the shallows much.
Brion