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Please guys - I need help with this one. I am looking to repower an 83 Montauk. The motor dealer suggested that I think about twin 50's or even twin 40"s instead of a single 90hp. He didn't know if the twin motors would fit and is researching this. I told him the collective wisdom of the Whaler Central group could give us some insight into how good an idea this really is. His idea was that twin 50's would weigh less than a 90 & a 10hp kicker. (Tohatsu motors) As well as provide more torque but just a little less top end...depending on prop.

Can anyone shed some light on this idea of repowering with twin motors?

Thanks....Ted in Houston

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Yes it can be done and while few have it is a very cool way to rig the boat.

http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...er_id=6327

Jasper "Little Blue" found an old 16 with twin 40hp four strokes here:
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/17...359ob6.jpg
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/96...357jy5.jpg
http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/59...356xw1.jpg
http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/47...360gi8.jpg
http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/74...355io9.jpg

Andy Gere has an image of one with twin 50's here:
http://tinyurl.com/djw9se
http://tinyurl.com/cvqrul

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There is something about twins that give you a feeling of confidence. I would go with the twin 50's

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Well. I respect the other two gents and their replies... But I disagree. I would get a single 90hp 4 stroke and a 6hp kicker if I were concerned about safety on the gulf. Neither 40 or 50hp engine would plane the boat. So might as well just get a good kicker?

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Yes you can do twins on a 17 montauk check out JBs 88 Montauk on the personal pages he has twin 30's nice setup.

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custom15699

JB's Montauk is the first link in my post above.

Sal, aingle 40 may or may not be able to put the boat on plane but a 50 should be enough to power it up. Powering with twins is more expensive from the start with having to purchase two motors, then two sets of rigging, two props, and maintenance is always more to service two motors. That said, nothing feels better that twins on a boat. Typically a boat with twins will track better in all sea conditions. Also nothing sounds like twins..it putts a smile on your face to grab two binnacles and jam them down.

However, I would imagine the mpg of twins would be less than running a single. Off course drag is increased by pushing two gear cases through the water instead of just one. This is also why you will see a higher top speed with a single over twins on the same boat.

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Thanks for those photos and all of the replys so far. This is sounding more interesting. So now I know it can be done. I will do a little more research and ask some more questions. I was hoping that one 50 would plane the boat though. Think I'll try to contact the present owners of this set-up.

Thanks....Ted

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Amigo,

Get that Montauk repowered and bring it down to Port Aransas for Memorial Day. I would like to see the twin engine set up.

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If you are going to rig brand new twins I would recommend finding the lightest motors with the most horsepower. I think twin classic 2 stroke carb'd Yamaha 50's would be your best choice at 189 each. A single 50 should push the 17 on plane with the other tilted out of the water.

If you really wanted to get on plane with a single you could maybe rig twin Yamaha 70's that weigh in at only 228 each. Yes, I know the 17 is only rated for 100hp. Some states do not legally allow for boats under 20' to be over powered. Others there is no law. I know of a number of 17's that ran a single old OMC V4 140's so it can be done. If I were to do it I myself you really look into the 70's.

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WOW! Just got the quote. Over $3,000 additional to go with the twin 40 set-up. No price on twin 50's yet. Thanks for the warning on maintenance cost as well. Since this is an 83 model Montauk (which I am not sure of keeping after this season) I am quickly changing my mind on twins due to cost of purchase/installation being over $10,000.

B) My 29 yr. old son is trying to convince me to go with a newer, bigger Outrage that already has reliable power and sell the Montauk! ...so many decisions now that it's time to get out in the Gulf.

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Thanks Jim for all of the info and things to think about.
Here is the coincidence. My son has been looking at TexasOutrage's boat as the model he thinks we should move up to instead of the repowering of the Montauk. Then TexasOutrage made a reply on the same thread! Hey, T-O I'm going to be in Port Aransas in June for a three day Symposium. I would love to come see your boat while I'm there.

Ted in Houston

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Don't just come see it....bring your son and we will go fishing. Just let me know when you are planning on being there.

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Running Twins Motor must be great !!! The only thing that will prevent me from doing this is the Global Weight increase ... Can The weight of twin motors might modify the balance of the boat ? In a previous picture (Twin Yamaha 40) the back of the hull seems to be very low in water...

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Interesting thread, I've seen twin 70's on the back of 1 Montauk near me. I'm just wondering, why run a dual set up on a 17' hull, I think that's more for running "off shore", are you going to run "Off shore" in a 17' hull ? and from a "Maint." view, it just doubles the cost for about the same H.P. as a single engine. I'm not really familiar with your area of operation, perhap's they use this twin set up in the "Gulf". Is the "Kicker" for trolling, or just a "Back up" aux. motor ? I would think that a "Sea Tow" membership would be less expensive, and I have seen boat's with "Twins" or kickers getting towed in by "Sea Tow" before. Although their's more reliable operation with twin's (and yes they are way "COOL") they are no guarantee that you won't need marine salvage ( dead batteries, prop entanglements, fuel issues, etc.).