Are you sure they were Latham boxes and not ITS boxes from Mercury? And if so, why the change from ITS?

no doubt the staggered 35 is a great runing boat, but every 525efi that comes out of merc racing dynos around 540-545 HP........that helps

Perfect set up with the staggered set up 525'S

We didn't have any input on what was to be used on this boat. We knew it was an experimental set up that was expected to run at least 103 mph. The fact that it actually ran 107 mph speaks for itself. Apparently the decisions that were made at Fountain were right on. We are not sure why Latham boxes were used versus Mercury's ITS. It could be more control with the outside steering rams, less weight, less cost or who the heck knows. We do know, without a doubt, Latham boxes were used. We even asked about using 12" set back instead of the current 7". We were told that you would not be able to trim the drives out due to hitting the swim platform. Even with the 7" set back you are limited on how far you can trim the drives out. However, this boat does not require as much trim as most Fountains that we have driven. Top speed is achieved between 3 & 3/4 to just under 4 on the trim indicator. The nuetral trim point on this boat, as with most all Fountains, is 3.

(I bounce all over this website just to ask stupid questions.)

Do manufacturers stagger engines to move more weight toward the bow OR do they do it to move the outdrives closer to the bottom of the "V"? Or both? Or something else altogether?

I have noticed that staggered Lightnings seem faster than the side-by-sides......

We have pics and we even have a video. If someone can tell us how to post them we will give it a try.

Answer is yes to both, the staggered set up is the way to go.

I thought you got more speed by raising the X-Dimension meaning raising the dirves out of the water to get less drag?

Raising the x-dim normally increases speed, depending on how high it was before. And, how you prop. I have seen the staggered boats are faster that the side by sides. I think the 35 lightning is actually heavier than the 35 executioneer, but is a faster boat.

staggered is usually faster, drives are closer together, less drag, weight is more centered.
Side by side, sometimes gives you more cockpit room, it's a trade off.