As is demonstrated by the performance numbers, the twin-powered 252 Open had a slightly faster top speed (49.5-mph vs 47.0-mph), while the single F300 Sportsman produced a slightly faster optimum cruising speed compared to her twin outboard sibling (31.3-mph vs 30.3-mph) in addition to a marginally better fuel efficiencies at this setting (2.53-mpg vs 2.40-mpg), which in both cases occurred at 4000 rpm. The F300’s hole shot (time to plane) and 0-to-30 timeline (3.80 seconds and 9.25 seconds respectively) were somewhat slower than the twin F150-powered platform (3.50 seconds and 6.77 seconds). Is one better than the other? It depends on the numerous variables we discussed in depth in last month’s article, like initial cost, ongoing maintenance costs, maneuverability, redundancy, etc. Bottom line in this case is that the single F300 V-6 Sportsman Open 252 is no slouch in the performance department. Performance Comparison #2 Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer Single Yamaha F425 XTO V8 vs Twin F300 V-6s Both of these Yamaha sponsored factory performance tests were conducted back in March-April 2022. The F425 variant of the 281 Coastal Explorer was spinning a 16.63”D x 19”P XTO Offshore 3-blade stainless steel propeller, while the twin F300 version was turning counter-rotating 15.25”P x 19”D Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel wheels. The results were as follows:
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As these performance numbers indicate, the top speed on the twin-powered 281 Coastal Explorer was significantly faster than her solo Yamaha sibling (57.4-mph vs 50.0-mph). The critical miles-per-gallon benchmark was slightly better for the twin F300s at each boat’s optimum cruising speed (2.24-mpg at 3500 rpm for the F425 vs 2.27-mpg for the twin F300s at 3000 revs). In defense of the single F425 layout, it offered superior fuel economy for speeds both above and below the optimum standard. As you might expect, the twin F300 Coastal Explorer went from 0-to-30 mph in a scant 4.68 seconds, while the single F425 took 8.41-seconds to achieve the same benchmark. Once again, there is no right or wrong answer here, only a question of what cost, redundancy and performance attributes are most important for you when considering power on a boat.
In next month’s column, we’re going to take a closer look at how to add get-home power for your single engine rig in the form of an auxiliary outboard engine, so stay tuned.
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