Gulfstream Repower: 300HP Etec or older twin 150's

[NY RNGR]

Hey all,
I'm new to the forum, but have been a grady owner for 20 years. Previously owned a 22' Seafarer which was great for the wife and myself and even the kids when they were smaller. Slowed down using it for a bit (too busy with work, house and kids) and when I got it back in the water, with the kids now older, the boat shrunk! So I upgraded to the Gulstream and am amazed by the amount of room. Just last year, I picked up a good deal on a '94 with a '97 Yamaha Saltwater Series II (on a Gil bracket). I knew an engine upgrade would be needed....so heres the question....Do I repower with a 300HP Etec, or do I (due to financial constraints) go with a pair of 2004 evinrude 150's (I have an inside track to a pair). In either case I'll need to re-rig the boat to evinrude controls, and in the case of the twins, replace the bracket. I've been in the marina docking with her and the single screw, with wind, it's no fun...so twins would be a major plus....but I've heard great things about the 300HP etec performance. In either case it should be a performance upgrade from the 250HP..... I've been going back and forth....driving my wife crazy!.....any input?
PS....Love the Gulfsteam, am amazed by the solid ride....though the youngest kid is disappointed cause she misses the bumpy ride of the '84 Seafarer (my kidneys don't)!

 

[GW VOYAGER]

:welcome
First of all welcome to the forum!
I would lean toward the 300 because the 04 250's are already 6 years old. I've read some good things about the 300 but you most likely will be ok with either choice.
A good many on this site might say you need to go with Yamaha because of resale value but my way of looking at it is you get what is right for you.
I don't know the difference in dollars between the ones you are looking at but take into account the no mtc. for three years on the new 300 outboard plus I'm assuming you will not have to change the bracket if you get the 150's.
If I repower I will look very hard at the Etec 300 for my Voyager and noy look back.

 

[seasick]

My first question is " Is an upgrade needed?"
If the existing SXs are running, why opt to repower now.
That said, if you upgrade a single will be less expensive to maintain and will probably be more fuel efficient than twins of equivalent HP.But... If you have difficulty docking with a single screw ( and I understand because I have a single and docking with the wind up at my club is sometimes worthy of America's Funniest Videos), I would rather go with the twins. If I did more off shore, I would also go with twins but most of my boating in in-shore.
Of course, the ETECS are sooo quiet and the SXs are sooo loud....
So it looks like no sleep for you tonight either