Staggered or Twins vs Trips 42
 

I know this has been discussed some but would like to get more compiled info on the 42.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of either setup?

Staggered or Twins vs Trips 42 1995-1996 Engines 500 HP. I do not want to increase power to make up the difference in speed so the engines will stay the same.
What Fuel consumption and speeds on the different setups?

I would guess the big advantage for the trips is speed. Disadvantage was the stern was heavy. What would you lose going to the twins or staggered? Since you can run the trips easier (lower RPM) say at cruse speed would you save much fuel cost?

The side by side twin’s advantage would be cheaper to operate and cost from changing from triple.

The staggered setup would be best handling and ride but cost the most to change.

Some of you that have converted from trips was it worth doing, were you happy and do it again?

I think with all the threads this will be a helpful thread to all considering this option and comparing using the same engines.

Thank you for all opinions

My advise is to try to get a 98 & up hull with the big steps... there is a couple free MPH right there, I have a '98 with side by side & I love the extra room you get in the cockpit, almost 2 extra feet of cockpit space vs a staggard set up. The staggard may be good for a couple more MPH & fly a little better in big swells, as far as trips, I would never consider owning one in a 42, just no need for it, a good running twin 500hp boat will get you close to 80 my .02

Has a lot to do with the type of water you run on. I agree with having the extra room on a side by side 42. But as for steps I can't give an opinion. I don't have or want steps on Lake Michigan.
Speed wise a triple 42 with mild power is most reliable.
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. He's never had a drive or engine problem ever.
Would like to hear if more opinions....

I am curious too...

As we look for a bigger boat in the next year or so, most are in the 40+ range with either big twins or trips.

Almost everyone I've talked to who owns a boat with trips, loves it. I have rarely heard of drive problems, and you can run well with mild power. We also do a lot of long distance excursions, and the ability to plane on 2 out of 3 is appealing.

I would love to hear more real world opinions, and I can't believe the fuel consumption at cruise would be that much worse, if at all. Especially if you compare 2 700's vs 3 500's. I want to believe the trip 500 boat would be easier / less of a headache to own.

I'll never again own a boat with side by side twin engines. With staggered engines, everything is accessible.

Anyone have a staggered 500 HP 93-97? What speeds are you running?

Anyone with a trip 500 HP 93-97? Are your speeds around 89?

What about the side by side 500 HP 93-97? What speeds are you running around 75?

Any ideas on how it would effect the value of the boat to change from trips to twin staggered?

Thanks for the opinions

I have a 1997 staggered 42 with warmed 525sc and in good weather will gps 86.

Meshikinquah,
Trips typically hurt resale on boats of this size and smaller. Even a lot of the guys with the 47 Apache's are converting to twins...

I personally would never consider a 42 Fountain with trips, but that's just me.

98 big step executioner style side by side 500hps right at 80 and love the extra space.

later

Anyone running a 1995-1996 42 with 500s staggered? I guess speed would be 80-82?

Anyone running a 1995-1996 42 with 500 trip that likes it?

Anyone here do the change? Your thoughts?



Thanks