I am thinking of importing a 280 SS (<2004) from the US to Australia, but not sure whether to get the single or twin engine. I am supposing the twin engine would be better, but I worry how easy it is to service the two engines when they lie so close together in the engine bay. How, for example, does one get at the spark plugs on the two banks of the V8s which are next to one another? Never had a twin engine boat before (currently have a 1997 271 Fastech with 454 Mag), so excuse my ignorance.
280 SS single or twin engine?
- Thread starter larry1954
- Start date
SabrToothSqrl
Well-known member
Get twins. I've made it home on a single engine now twice in 3 years. It's not just performance.
I understand that advantage, i.e. the 'insurance' that comes from having two engines, and the improved maneuverability. But how do you manage to work on two engines set so close together in the engine bay of a 280 SS? Can you reach between them to replace spark plugs for example, and can you reach the spark plugs on the outside of the engines, that is, between the engine and the side of the boat?
AllDodge
Well-known member
With normal running plugs will not wear out anytime soon. Some will say they need to be replaced and others such as I do not see the need. Replaced the plugs on my 95 Ringer (bought new) a couple years ago just because, and they looked fine. Saw no difference in the old and new plugs.
Twins are tight to get at, just nature of the beast, but space forward is better. Getting at the raw water pump in most cases is better. My single engine 502 is a bear to replace the impeller because I have to hang upside down to get to it, and there is no room in front of it.
But then again there is twice the maintenance
Twins are tight to get at, just nature of the beast, but space forward is better. Getting at the raw water pump in most cases is better. My single engine 502 is a bear to replace the impeller because I have to hang upside down to get to it, and there is no room in front of it.
But then again there is twice the maintenance
Spark plugs on twins are not terrible, a bit more of a challenge than single. As far as changing them, I've had engines barely running that were fixed with plug changes. So it is all relevant. Cheap easy maintenance, probably the cheapest thing you can do maybe besides fuel filters.
The hardest thing to do is the port engine starter, but it is doable in the boat.
I would never want a boat that size in a single engine. Hell, I never want a single engine boat again after having twins. The maintenance is twice the parts, but only 1.5 times the time. You set up for the job only once for two engines. The second engine for whatever it is you are doing goes twice as fast as the first since you just did the service, know exactly what to do, have the tools all out, etc.
So while there is no getting around 2x the parts, the labor time is no where near twice. Neither is the fuel consumption.
The hardest thing to do is the port engine starter, but it is doable in the boat.
I would never want a boat that size in a single engine. Hell, I never want a single engine boat again after having twins. The maintenance is twice the parts, but only 1.5 times the time. You set up for the job only once for two engines. The second engine for whatever it is you are doing goes twice as fast as the first since you just did the service, know exactly what to do, have the tools all out, etc.
So while there is no getting around 2x the parts, the labor time is no where near twice. Neither is the fuel consumption.
SabrToothSqrl
Well-known member
Speaking of fuel... my 2001 twin 350s get almost the same MPG as my single engine 1990 OMC 460.
the 350s... parts are cheaper for smaller engines as well / more common. working on any inboard is a PITA.
What you should be asking is... how can I get twin out boards...
the 350s... parts are cheaper for smaller engines as well / more common. working on any inboard is a PITA.
What you should be asking is... how can I get twin out boards...
AllDodge
Well-known member
Agree, twins make it so much easier, but singles are tough for those which haven't done it much. I can walk my single prop B3 sideways to the dock when needed.
Thanks for all that. I think I can see that it would not be too much of a problem to service a twin engine 280SS and the advantages probably outweigh the disadvantages.
Just have to find a good one now, with trailer, since I still want to keep the boat at home in the shed.
Just have to find a good one now, with trailer, since I still want to keep the boat at home in the shed.
Drumerjb
Member
This is my fouth boat the first three were all singles and served their purpose they were 27 ft and under. I own a 28 SS 2006 it is my first boat with twin motors on it it is definitely a step up and much more responsibility but I would not turn back I love the performance of this boat with these motors. I have a pair for 350 mags perfect form and fit for the boat. A single 496 would be so so but twins do the boat Justice.