[QUOTE=Meshikinquah;3545647]Anyone running a 1995-1996 42 with 500s staggered? I guess speed would be 80-82?

75 on a good day,

Ok,
I was guessing the 80 because of these posts below. That is why I was hoping for some with the different engines and setups to post.

Taking from all these post I speculate that the big steps (98-up) over the med step (95-97) is worth 2-4 MPH and the staggered setup over the side by side is worth 2-3 MPH but staggered a much better ride. What I can find on the trips is mild stock power can get you some good speed with little to no breakage. I do not see any advantage in a side by side twin over the trip because it is just as hard if not worse depending on cockpit design to work on or access. In that aspect I believe the trips have the advantage because of room to access the two rear engines, especially the front of the engines.

Feel free to correct any of the above.
Thanks for all the info

“I have a 1997 staggered 42 with warmed 525sc and in good weather will gps 86.”
“But if i was to consider a stepped bottom, I like the older shallow step ones like 96-97. A friend has one for sale with 525SC's that runs 92 all day. I think it's a great boat”
“a good running twin 500hp boat will get you close to 80 my .02”

1995 42 step hull 502 trips, bravo drives, 120 gal fuel weight 10280

I spoke to Reggie last week, and he suggested a staggered boat, hands down. They will handle better. A staggered 42 with 700s will ride 105+ all day long.

I am currently looking at several 42 and 47 with staggered motors.

it all comes down to doller and cents

I know a staggered engine boat is the best handling and ride but I do not want anything to do with supercharged engines or high hp big cubes. I know what they do to drives and the maintenance that it takes to keep them running. I would not even think about a 700HP engine without 6 drives. I want as close to a turnkey boat as I can get and to me that is 500hps with bravo drives. That is why none of my options have been larger HP. I think it is something most of us have to go through and I have done this and I am done with it. I do not want to up the HP to retain the speed of the trips.
I do appreciate all the opinions and responses.