RE: 1 engine or 2?
Wowie....this is the humdinger of all topics and you will get opinions all over the map. I am in the single engine camp. Generally, an engine shuts down(or is shut down) due to a fuel issue or an overheating condition. You should be able to figure out what the issue is and you should be able to fix it yourself. The only time you are truly dead in the water is due to a catastrophic engine failure...which can happen but it is extremely rare...especially in a slow turning application like a trawler. In the end, whatever you feel comfortable with. I feel the very slight added risk is worth the savings and headache of maintaining an extra engine. Good maintenance and knowing your engine(s) goes a long way in reducing that risk.
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