I am wondering how much staggering the engines gives you in top speed versus sbs installation.

I am looking at a 38 with Ilmors and Arnesons.

any ideas?

heiko

Mark McManus once told me that staggered engines made the boat faster in rough water. The outdrives running deeper meant the props stayed in the water longer and went back in sooner. Always made good sense to me, so I never questioned it.

handleing at airborn more stablity

j mike

Lowers and moves forward the center of gravity and puts the drives deeper in the water and is faster.

I always thought raising the drives makes them faster.

The drives are lower, going down the V, relative to the center of gravity. This allows a higher X dimension, relative to the bottom of the boat. So you can run 1-2" higher X diimension, still have good trim control, go faster, and have a bigger sun deck for your "crew". What's not to like?

and they look cool staggered what else matters

I'm not doubting you, but I still don't understand. If you can run the same X without lowering the engine, why would it be faster?

Performance aside, I like it from a maintenance standpoint.
Of course, if I had that much whip, someone else would be wrenching.

better balance, more speed. room to work, looks cool.