Whats the benefit of either? which is better? I guess staggered was done because of a narrow beam?

Staggered provides better balance, lower CG and easier to work on.

Staggerds get more speed

All of the above and the propulsion is closer together putting the props right at the chine making your props more efficient.

Louie, Thats the KEEL, the Chines are on the outside. But we all know what you meant ?

Tie Bars are usually less expensive for a stagger setup... but beyond that there are too many variables to get an apples to apples comparison on that.

Better efficiency/more speed with the staggered.
Flipside is, the staggered motors eat up a lot of length that some might prefer be allocated to cockpit or cabin space.

I've also heard the staggered set up is not as easy around the docks as side by side. (less leverage with stag)
-Although, It's gotta still be easier than a single.

Like the others mentioned plus the props are closer to the v and stay hooked up longer in rough water. Props are more efficient close together. Takes up a lot off room length wise, don't see in boats less then 35'.

Have you ever seen us go by? lol. I did mean the keel.
Brains been working over time. Louie

Louie, you ready for the batboat shoot out in Havasu? Looks like 7 boats or more...

And all of the answers above are correct - boat does much better in rough water this way due to balance and props being closer and in water longer.