Staggered vs inline?
 

Considering a 35 Fountain probably with 525's, 600's if I could find one. Wondering what the advantage or disadvantage of staggered engines is? Seems some are and some aren't. I'm sure you would lose cockpit space but are the handling advantages enough to offset the smaller cockpit? What else do I need to know?

Doesn't even compare. Bonus you can work on them.

Its all about balancing the boat .

it's side by side most boats don't stagger till they go over 90 mph. unless builder needs to make more $$ on the project lol

I've had experience with both. As I recall not much cockpit space was lost to make it noticeable. Staggered offers significantly better access to each engine. While close quarters maneuvering you have to use a lot more wheel work with directed thrust and lower drive angle as opposed to being able to split the engines as you can with side/side. The staggered also moves the CG a little more forward. I think the convenience of access to the engines is a huge plus. Good luck.

I would encourage driving both if you can. I ran a staggered 525efi 35. It ran 100-101 without any seat time but was a dog out of the hole. I believe the 35 staggered boats had 6 blade Herrings from the factory. Not exactly something the average owner keeps a spare of. I remember the cockpit being pretty small compared to the already small 35 side by side. You'll be the judge of what's worth it or not.

I don't know about the Fountain but was always told that the 390 Velocity with side by side was faster the not the staggered .

Padraig

Thanks guys. Looked at a 353 formula today. I think I prefer it to the fountain. No staggered engines but really liked the boat!

Anyone care to comment on the Fountain vs Formula?

I've owned both, 05 353 with 525/ITS and now an 07 Fountain 600/ITS a 38' though. Engine compartment on the 353 was big enough to stand in front of engines but access to the sides is a chore. Our current Fountain is full stagger and I will never own another side by side boat again. Full stagger spoils you for doing any engine work, maintenance, and even just cleaning. Speed with comparable size and engines the Fountain will be faster. Fountain has a walk around deck but much smaller cockpit. Either brand will have poor resale value with blue engines and drives that are not maintained. We feel more comfortable in the Fountain going fast, it has a sense of being in the boat versus the 353 that gave us a feeling of being on top of the boat. Both great boats, for us the Fountain just seems like a sharper knife.