ChrisL

What speed difference could you gain from staggered vs standard setup? I know it depends on the boat and the engines but just looking for numbers to see what people have experienced. What about handling differences between the two setups. Pros and cons. Got to have something to talk about with below zero temps.

Pwraddr

I understood the advantage of stagger is the weight is closer to the center and better distributed thus better handling.

Subscribing.

expertinboats

that just about explained it
I guess the ends this thread ??????

delsol

Drives r closer thus in the water more often, able to stay hooked up in the rough---is the way it was explained to me....

Hopper

iTrader: (1)

a little getting use to docking

Pwraddr

Interesting, never heard that. But how are they in the water more often than a side by side?

Comanche3Six

Lower down in the V closer to the centerline for staggered set up

Side by side has more leverage for docking maneuvers

offshorexcursion

iTrader: (5)

Staggered definitely seems to be proven faster in a step hull V but I would love to learn if Staggered is faster/better in a Non Step V??? Any proof or science to back it up?

Lots of good reply's so far and I have heard the same

Staggered is faster
moves the weight lower, centered, and forward
props are closer together
Easier to work on

Comanche3Six

No absolutes here, just generalizations. The long staggered setups are suited for race boat applications (small cockpit). Short staggered setups which allow for a somewhat of a medium size cockpit. And of course side by side for large cockpit pleasure powerboats. Moving the power and engine room bulkhead in a different location for each application in a 40'er. Then when the powerboat is sized to around 50' all hell breaks loose with the 3 engine configuration. Oh the toys! High levels of fun, frustration and always a wheelbarrow full of spent cash involved.

delsol

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.