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.

If you want ultimate performance and handling with ease of maintenance then go full staggered; '07 and newer 35 Lightnings. Think of it as a race boat with a compromised pleasure cockpit. If you're not willing to compromise cockpit space, then just get the side by side version;'06 and older- knowing you're giving up performance (both speed plus handling) and it will be no fun working in the engine bay.

Boats should be judged on how well they run at speed, not how easy they are to dock. Take the extra 8-10 mph speed in a full staggered version and use a little wheel input around the docks for best results.

Don't forget about the price difference. You can probably find a pristine side by side Fountain with 525s for 90 - 100 k where the staggered (07+) is 40 - 50k more. I love my old 05, but would trade it in a New York minute for a 07+ if I had the extra money. Either way they are great boats (Fourmula included)

Here is an 07 with 600s in Ontario, I believe priced in Canadian $. Very honest and helpful Marina.

http://www.birchpointmarina.com/2007...061&in-stock=1

That'd be a fun boat!

I've done single, done twins. Only thing I could see me giving my current ride up for is a staggered boat.

Sooo much room in a staggered compared to a side by side. I couldn't hardly work on my Fountain (side by side) and this Nor Tech, I could sleep in there.

Gents hate to burst your bubble but talk Zero Patience and Lock & Load in the cigarette forum and they will tell you that working around all that exhaust plumbing and saddle tanks is no picnic . Be careful what you ask for . Each configuration has its advantages . But nothing beats the cool factor of a staggered engine room .
Cheers RG.

Ok, I'll give you that. It was a PITA to change the raw water pump on the forward engine on the Nor Tech. It is give and take, but I'll take the stagger.

My 35 Fountain side by side is a breeze to work on. I can sit or lay down in front of the motors and that's with two fenders and a 2'x 3' aluminum box in front of the them as well. One of the easiest boats I've worked on. Start to finish Port motor came out on Saturday in 20 minutes. Drive stayed on and will stay on when the motor goes back in this weekend. 353 Formula is a terrible boat to work on. Everything you do is on your head. Forget about doing any work on the outboard sides of the motors. A 353 Formula is more like working on a 32 Fountain. Just a constant up hill battle.