Im thinking of building a new 390 with a full stager. I run 88-90 mph now how much do you think Ill pick up.

In rough water it will allow your props to bite sooner since they are lower, and the CG is better, but if you are asking about smooth water speed, i do not think you will gain anything. Actually, you are pushing the other engine further forward so I would think you may be slower, but then, who measures speed in smooth water in an offshore boat?

Bassboaters like to think they are bad

BT

Your "docking manuverability" will suffer greatly.

I think it's just a matter of getting used to it. I've got a full staggered setup and it handles better than a single. Maybe not quite as good as a side by side. But your drives do stay in the water more.

photo by Air One

Wow very interesting question especially today. Material used, weight and where is it, type of drives, on extenisons, height, type of bottom, side pipes or out the top, and many more questions. Sounds like a very good winter project. Best, cb

You'll be pushing your CG further forward. Be careful if yu have a stepped hull designed for side by side rigging. I take it you're talking about a Velocity though so no problems there. You will gain in rough water dynamic behaviour, for example you will fly more level meaning that you'll probably be faster. But this has nothing to do with the pure speed potential of the boat, more to do with weight distribution. If anything, you will lose a bit of speed in flat water as TribalLaw says. You will gain some by having your drives closer together and lose some because of the CG shift. What will be the end result is anyone's guess. As CB said, many other factors will come into play. But it will be a close call either way, you will not pick up 10 mph by just going for a full stagger.

Your sun pad will be bigger and hold more girls.

great one, lapse of reason. all other considerations are secondary to that one. i always wondered what the big deal with staggered stuff is, now i know... thanks

My next boat will have the stagger set up but the main reason is that the motors are going to be high hp (1000+) and need a lot more work, and it's easier to do it in a stagger set up. But more girls is always nice too.