Myles, I choose two engines for safety and because I want to split load of stablizer pump and 110v cruise alternator while underway. Also, I have had one or the other breakdown while at sea and I don't think I would want to go into the engine room and work in heavy weather. One time it was an alternator belt and another a drivesaver that sheered (by design) when we encountered some floating debris gushing out of jungle river mouths. If we had only one engine we would have had to anchor in very rolly conditions and make the repairs. We could have and would have. However, we were able to continue on and reach beautiful calm anchorages, have a sundowner and fix the problem in the cool of the next morning. But flip a coin. I may be insecure that is why I always had two ways to move the boat even when one was a mast and sail or when very young a mast and paddle. larry, POKEY TOO