As commanche 36 said further down into the v ---when rigged with boxes keeps the props in the water that much longer when coming off a wave

Don't know if I buy the lower cg all that much as usually the fuel tanks r moved into engine compartment on either side of engines up high as opposed to below cockpit floor in a side by side setup On a positive this would keep cg more equal front to back as fuel is used which would be a benefit for maintaining drivability in long haul rough water situations.

Just the fact you can work on the engines without breaking you back was decesion maker for me.

Staggered makes a cool rooster tail which makes it LOOK like you're going faster. That's the extent of my knowledge on the subject.

Pluses: Lower center of gravity, better balance front to back, props closer together create a more unified forward thrust in the center of the boat, easier access in engine bay.

Minuses: More difficult to dock (especially if the props turn inward) and less cockpit space.

Overall, I would not trade my staggered for side by side. Docking requires a little more planning and you have to throttle the reverse engine when spinning but nothing beats the ease of access and maintenance. A perfect example from this summer: I sucked up a bunch of "micro" debris (fiberglass insulation that sucked through the sea strainers from hurricane Sandy) and waffled an impeller and clogged one of the oil coolers. It took my mechanic less than a day to swap out the impeller and clear out the oil cooler in the boat. There was a side by side boat there for the same problem and they had to pull the engines to do the work.

Also, staggered has a really big "cool" factor around the docks.:bunnydance:

I was told once by a builder that staggering on boats 36 feet or so and shorter does not yield as good of results as on 38 an ups. I was thinking of staggering my 34 Scarab at one time and he told me not to bother. I realize its been done but is it worth it on boats below 36 feet or even have the same results?

I will never own a side by side boat again. The full staggered setup allows such easy access to your engines for maintenance and inspection it is no comparison. As for driving the boat I find the biggest difference is the boat "flies" level. When you come out of the water the boat stays fairly level and properly trimmed for rough water.Huge difference there. Docking can be interesting sometimes when you have to fight the wind or tide. Downside is if you have any drive failures your props are only inches apart and they become part of your problem if they happen to touch.

Staggered boats fly flatter

I would agree with that. as far as being faster. Of course there are no side by side Super Hawaii's so I guess it's really tough to compare. I have had others ride with me that have been amazed there is absolutely no chine walk with my boat. The engines lower in the boat make for more room for blowers also. My drives do stay in the water much more in rough water compare to others that I've been in of comparable size.

Our 32 Cobra is full stagger and is one of the best handling vee bottoms Ive ever driven. Go for it!

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all of the above plus:

easier to work on engines as the engines are pretty much exposed and not too tight

Note also that the engine further from the transom

* will need longer exhaust , one option is to dump the exhaust on the side (coolness factor right there)

*the driveshaft will be longer as well

* better stress distribution on the boat's stringer system as opposed to being attached side-by-side and stressing only that part of the hull's stringer system



Look at this work of art on a Cig

Photo Credit: Pier57

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...te/54765_2.jpg