Need some help - Moving up to twin four stroke OBs

[Robalo-Rob]

Hey Guys,

I am hoping to get some info or thoughts based on your experience. Currently my brother and I share a 22ft center console Robalo powered by a single 200hp 2 stroke mercury. We have decided for several reasons that now might be a good time to move up to a 26-28 ft. center console w/ twin four stroke outboards (most likely 200-225hp Yamahas). I have no experience running/maintaining twin outboards.

Can anyone share expereinces in maintaining twins? Obviously it's going to be twice the cost for everything, but I don't know how much typical maintenence costs are..servicing by dealer, routine oil changes, filters, etc. Any surprises we should be looking for with twins? Can anyone offer suggestions/advice learned from running twins?

I appreciate any input on this.

Thanks,
Rob

[27 sailfish]

Figure roughly $600.00 per motor each year for routine maintance done by a shop. One year might be less - next year more but that should be a close average.
On 4 strokes - you can change your own plugs , 1st stage fuel filter , lower unit lube , oil and impellors - helps cut down some of the expense.
The VST filter requires a mechanic to service.

I always service both motors equally and try to alternate them every 4-7 hours of trolling to keep the total hours close.

[uncljohn]

Hey Rob, what kind of Merc is one your boat? Opti or EFI?

Good luck! Guess you're looking for off-shore fishing in t he future w/ a rig like that!

[Robalo-Rob]

Skip - Thanks for the info. We plan to do as much of the work as possible to keep costs down.

Uncle John - the Merc is an EFI. The Robalo is for sale now in the Capital! We will still mainly stay in the bay, but I would like to eventually go offshore. Really looking for a few more feet and 4 stroke power.

Thanks.

[n2striper]

I had a yama 4 stroke and had great performance from it. I now have a zuki and so far have liked it better. I think the japs make a better motor. Like it of not. My $0.02.

[bottom scratcher]

Once you go twins, you'll never go back. If you're fairly handy and do you own maintenance now, you can do your own on the four strokes. Keeping the filters changed and treating the ethanol fuel is key. I do my own VST filters and it's not that difficult on the F225. I've done the F150 and they are a pain. I also invested in the diagnostic program for my laptop.

If you're looking at a used boat with twin F225, look at it when it's in the water. There are some boats that cannot handle the weight difference of the four strokes. You'll seee things like deck scuppers too close to the water. If the tanks isn't full, it will definitely be under the water with fuel and four guys in the cockpit. Have a Yamaha dealer connect a laptop to the engines to extract things like number of hours and trouble codes. It's worth the few bucks to insure your investment. My experience has been with Yamaha but don't overlook Suzuki engines. They have a good rep. Good luck with your search. If you have any questions by all means PM me.

[n2striper]

Hear hear...well said good advise.