2520 XLD Single or Twins

[Reelwreckless]

Hello all,
I am on the hunt for my next boat an trying to do as much research as possible before making the jump, I currently own a 03 2120sc with a 150 2 stroke. I am located in the north east and mainly ocean wreck fish between 5 and 20 miles offshore. Reasons for upgrading are mainly due to more room , 2nd station for drift fishing and a transom bracket. I have recently had my eye on a local dealer with a 17 2520 sc xld left over with a 2nd station bulkhead and a single 300. I decided to stop an in they are pushing to get it off the floor for new 19 inventory. I am just a little leary on going with a single motor with that size an weight of the boat dry even before guys and gear. Does the added weight going to twins still make up for one? I will be trailering due to going where the fish are biting so it could be 15 or 45 miles one way. I am not afraid of trailering due to having the pick up to pull but not 100 % up to speed on what type of permit would need to be pulled due to the beam and if thats just a yearly deal or day specific I would hope not. Coming from a 2120 with only a 150 I am use to not being the fastest to the grounds an taking a little longer to get out of the hole an up on plane. If twins really only add more weight an its double the maintenance I would stick to one motor an keep a better fuel milage.
I would hate to buy a new boat an finance for X amount of time to find out its underpowered loaded with 4 guys with all the typical fishing gear. I am looking for real life feedback on guys with this same boat loaded.
Thanks. J

 

[Lucky John]

Since you fish mostly from 5-20 miles I think you are good with a single if double maint on twins is a concern. If you start running to canyons at 70 plus you'd probably like twin 200's

 

[johnkn]

Just my opinion based on my experiences with a new 2520 and a new 2820 I purchased in the last 3 years, I would go with the T200s. Don't assume that the single 300 will provide better economy at cruise than the twins and don't assume that the published performance specs are real. Ask for people's real world experience here with both setups. The twins would cost more to maintain, but in reality what is that, a ~once a season expense and does that really move your needle when buying a boat that's what, $100k? Good luck...

 

[Headsup2]

Hello,

I saw your posting and I wanted to reply, I have a 2015 2520 XLD Sport Cabin Parker that is very good condition. It has twin 150 Yamaha's with only 376 hr and just had it's 300 hr schedule maintenance completed 8/22/18. It comes with a Load Rite Elite trailer also in very good condition. Please feel free to contact me @ 954-473-0519 I have just joined ClassicParker and looking forward putting my boat on the forum.

Thanks Mickey