I'm sure somewhere on the site there's been a discussion of running 1 engine of a 2 engine setup but I haven't tracked it down yet. The admiral and I are planning a trip down the Ohio from Cincy for a few days in 2 weeks (Doug, we're planning on passing Madison, In. and it'd be great to meet you).

Roger's on his trip on the Great Loop and mentioned that he's run his boat on 1 engine alternating schedule with no modifications to the non-running engine. His is a diesel while "Sunset Seeker"'s a gas boat (twin 318's).

We thought we'd run alternating engines for the sake of fuel economy (and we're not in any great hurry.) Trip is just a "let's see where a full load of gas takes us at a nice easy pace" voyage.

What do you folks see as any positives or negatives in our plan? We figure on running about 7 - 8 knots/hour. Tanks are 75 gal each.

Bill

Might have been but still just general opinions. I have ran mine both ways. Here are my very basic conclusions so far.

Boat 29 Sedan loaded gear, fuel, water.

1 engine @ 1500 if no wind and calm I expect around 6-7 mph.
2.Only one battery bank gets charged so must keep track of hrs so both banks are up when you go on hook at end of day.

Fuel savings about 30 percent if calm with little current etc. If beating up wind then I have to push it up over 1,800 and hard on everything.. lousing ride vibration etc.

So my opinion if not in a hurry it might work if you wish to make 50-60 miles a day. I usually avg @ 1,800 off plane around 1.3 mpg. On one engine will move up to close to 2.0 mpg.

Engine does have to work harder and balance is lousy.

my 2 cents worth

dave