Trojan Boat Forum

2 engines, better chances of not getting stranded?!

I have a 1977 F30 Express with dual chyrsler 318's...

It would seem with 2 engines, if one were ever to fail, you would have the other one to get you home, and never be stranded! (??)

are there situations/failures that would cause neither engine to fire up? (besides no gas at all)

would love the thoughts of all of you!!

Thanks

Svend

Bad batteries, bad fuel in both tanks, (ethanol phase separation, water, etc.), poor wiring and or connections, corrosion, bad ignition system components (no tune-ups for years),....

Pretty much what Big D said . I 12 years I can only think of 2 times I have come home on 1 engine .( FWIW I have diesels) Once was blown turbo the other was this year when I blew a engine ( threw a rod ) .( in both case the engines still ran ) I did lose a engine due to a fuel tank pick up on a trip 60 miles from home but was able repair it and continue on the trip . I had a starter start to fail ( click click start) But I replaced it before leaving me stranded . The key is taking care stuff as soon as you notice a Issue .I have noticed People with twins tend you let things go like a starter ( oh it only clicks once in a while ) where as with a single they tend to be more proactive since they have no back up .


What I have seen is over half the time a boat is broke down , it could have been prevented . I also see twin engine boats towed in all the time and in almost all cases then it could have been prevented .

Great feedback! And I agree with you... take care of issues right away

Thanks

Svend

Big D wrote:Bad batteries, bad fuel in both tanks, (ethanol phase separation, water, etc.), poor wiring and or connections, corrosion, bad ignition system components (no tune-ups for years),....

Agreed,..proper and diligent maintenance is a must,..not often practiced. Many boat owners have the attitude "if it ain't broke don't fix it" ,.."it ran great last season",.. and attend to tune ups and problems as they come up. I have a check list of items that need to be done regularly and keep a maintenance logbook (it is impossible to remember everything you have done over the years). Happy boating.

Put another way, you double the chances of an engine not starting, but increase the chance of being able to return home!