Twin outboard motors

[ga. prime]

I notice that many offshore fishing boats have twin outboards. Is this for more power or in case one breaks down there will still be one motor to get back to shore on?

 

[dun]

I would say definitely "yes". Could also have to do with torque steering.
dun

 

[ga. prime]

Sorry for not phrasing that question better. It was an either-or question, or both. Do boats have two motors for more power or do they have two motors in case one breaks down, or both? Dun, thanks for the reponse, you're the man.

 

[jgn]

If you see a boat with 2 outboards of the same size it is for power, if you see them with one large one and one small one it is because the smaller one is used for trolling, not sure if you'd see this offshore though.

 

[SF]

You can have more than just two motors. I've seen them with 4 motors of the same size.

In answer to your question, if the motors are of the same size, they are there for more power and speed. Nice to have if you are offshore and one quits too.