Staggered vs side by side
 

On the 41 is there a big difference on how they ride in the rough?

I've heard yes, but thats from a staggered owner.
But i'd have to say, any staggered boat w/ have a better COG.

depends on hull weight and of course who is operating said vessel.........

I would think a properly balanced powerboat is a just that. Whether it be side by side and balanced with a cabin or staggered with no cabin. I would also guess that staggered has the edge with the props hooking up better because they are closer to the centerline of the powerboat and lower. Mark McManus would be the guy to ask.

exactly,

I have ridden in both, but driven neither, the staggered boat was operated by a new owner with very little seat time, and had a full cabin, the side by side was operated by a very experienced racer, and had no cabin. I thought the side by side rode better, but I am sure that was just due to experience of the operator.

Ok lets say we have 2 41's same lay up and same experienced driver only diff is engine lay out?

i have run a 38 top gun on the race course with side by side, and i have a gladiator with staggered motors, the gladiator is a better handling boat and is easier to work on

With all my old boats,all side by side engine set-ups,with cabins,they ran great in rough water,but a little tough to work on-

The Apache-full stagger,no cabin and handles rough water like nothing else,balanced perfectly,easy to work on and flying threw the air level.The only way to travel !!

I would think that most race boats are full stagger for balance and less drag with the drives close together-

with all this said what happens when you change power and add weight to boat ,drives intercoolers ect.does that not change the cog.the well balanced boat is no longer a well balanced boat........STERN HEAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both boats balanced the same,...........stagger is faster in the rough. Stays hooked up more........

Props closer and down lower on your ( V ), so if the boat air's....alot of times the props still stay hooked with the water on your stagger.

Always easier to work on too.


Cougarman