How far do you cruise on a single engine?

[RockHall]

We are finalizing our purchase of a 31TE in Maryland. We had hoped to pick it up over Thanksgiving weekend as we were in Rock Hall for the weekend but a snag with paperwork has us delayed until next weekend. Our initial trip will only be an hour or so (longer if the weather is nice)to bring the boat around to Rock Hall to pull it out for the winter. We have lots of cleaning and other work to do over the winter but are really looking forward to the spring.

As we look toward spring I would like to plan some extended trips. The boat has a single Cummins 450. My question is how far do those of you with singles run your boats? Do you run far offshore or try to stay within sea tow range?

If you are running offshore do you take any special precautions or bring any spare parts, etc?

[jleonard]

I have always had a single engine boat..previous one was a 1978 34ft Mainship, current is a 40 ft Albin powered with a Lehman 120 with just shy of 4000 hours.
I carry BoatUS towing insurance and some spare parts, but not all that many. I do a fair bit of PM. I also go where ever I need to. I have been on 3 week trips, but that is only limited by vacation time, not any worry about the engine. Some times I run 12 + hour days.
The problems you will most likely have with a diesel will be fuel related...clogged filters, water, air leaks. Keep your raw water pump in good shape (change impeller every two seasons max) same with belts, check hoses regularly, fluid levels, etc. And do the most important...good visual checks both while underway and as a daily PM item, and you will be fine and worry free for whatever cruise you want to take.

[Tuxedo]

Charleston to the Abacos.

60 miles offshore fishing regularly.

If you maintain the boat properly, there's no reason you can't go anywhere.

[fuenstock]

The problems you will most likely have with a diesel will be fuel related...clogged filters, water, air leaks. Keep your raw water pump in good shape (change impeller every two seasons max) same with belts, check hoses regularly, fluid levels, etc. And do the most important...good visual checks both while underway and as a daily PM item, and you will be fine and worry free for whatever cruise you want to take.

It's a good idea to carry some spare parts and a tool kit. Maintance is important, not only for performance but peace of mind! I have a single 28te. I live in Ca. and have been to the Farallon islands a few times, 30 miles of shore. I like to keep my life vest on while off shore and a portable vhs on my waist. I also have an inflatable life raft on board. Ebirp is another saftey item I my get my self. Some may say its overkill, but I would rather be over prepared in a bad situation then not. With the saftey gear I carry, I feel I can go any where safely weather permiting.

[Mariner]

Maintain your engine properly and engine failure will be the least of your worries while offshore.

By far the most likely source of trouble on a diesel engine is fuel, which would affect twin engines the same as it will affect a single.

If you do travel offshore frequently on a single (or any configuration for that matter), you absolutely should maintain your engine to the highest degree possible. Religiously follow the maintenance schedule, and paint over any scratches or nicks to prevent corrosion. Carry spare fuel filters, belts, hoses, and a complete set of tools. If the worst does happen, more often than not, currents and winds will carry you closer to shore where you can contact services like Sea Tow for help.

[Veebyes2]

Another vote for the engine being a minor worry. Do the daily checks, fluid levels, a look for leaks, water flow out back, loose battery connections plus the regular filter changes etc. &, short of something actually breaking beyond maintenance control, you will be fine. How often do we check anything in our cars before hopping in & going hundreds of miles?

[RobS]

i agree with replies from the other members here....and look on the bright side - with a single screw there is half the chance of having "engine" trouble

[jleonard]

with a single screw there is half the chance of having "engine" trouble

Actually, what I have experienced is single engine boat owners are generally more diligent as far as PM goes. We generally do not hesitate to do early PM such as changing belts and impellers BEFORE they break, replace components at the first indication of trouble, etc. because we don't have a backup and because with one we can afford to.
And if something major were to happen we would likely not hesitate at all to put in a new engine...because the $$ wouldn't take us out like it would if we had to replace 2.

[RobS]

Actually, what I have experienced is single engine boat owners are generally more diligent as far as PM goes. We generally do not hesitate to do early PM such as changing belts and impellers BEFORE they break, replace components at the first indication of trouble, etc. because we don't have a backup and because with one we can afford to.

Well said Jay, I couldn't agree with you more. After performing every PM item, whatever it may be, I always say to myself that I'm glad I don't have to do that twice or spend twice as much on the parts.....

[mhanna]

I don't have to do that twice or spend twice as much on the parts.....

Ditto, err I agree

[jleonard]

And not really on the subject....but as a single screw boatman you will quickly develop handling skills that will be far superior to those that most twin boat operators possess.
When someone from the dock finally asks you....."do you have twins?", then you know you got "it".

[skye peak]

after losing steering awhile back, I now carry a drogue, so if offshore disabled, you can keep your bow into the swell.
It's alot easier fixing something if you aren't doing 40 degree rolls.

[RobS]

after losing steering awhile back, I now carry a drogue, so if offshore disabled, you can keep your bow into the swell.
It's alot easier fixing something if you aren't doing 40 degree rolls.

Same here. The sea anchor was always on the boat for drift fishing and never comes off. It can make the wait more comfortable if disabled and waiting for assistance.

[jleonard]

I lost steering once when I was first into boating. 25 ChrisCraft express...cable broke. Making my final turn in the race and was going to head home. That was a fun experience...7 ft standing waves on the rip line...we got sucked thru but never took on a drop of water. That was a good hull.
My current boat has a manual backup tiller.

[mhanna]

after losing steering awhile back, I now carry a drogue, so if offshore disabled, you can keep your bow into the swell.
It's alot easier fixing something if you aren't doing 40 degree rolls.

Same here. The sea anchor was always on the boat for drift fishing and never comes off. It can make the wait more comfortable if disabled and waiting for assistance.

I also carry a sea anchor, it can make the wait much safer. I have heard Spackle buckets or even leaving your bow anchor out can work in a pinch.

Matt