The one above has NXT's and 5 blade Hering's.

 

Right, I was referring to the one in the OP with the 600s and Bravos.

The pros of a staggered setup are pretty simple, the boat goes faster with the same power.

 

Is that a result of better weight distribution?

 

I agree. And I like the 39 better, the engine bay is long enough for a full stagger.

 

Staggered setup allows the boat's center of gravity to be moved forward, allowing for better hull dynamics. Also, by moving the drives toward the boat's centerline, you can set their X-dimension higher. The higher the drives, the faster the boat goes at a given rpm.

The downside is that you need a much bigger engine compartment - hence the reason Cig had to length the 38 one foot to get the 39. Also, apparently staggered boats are trickier to maneuver around the docks, because the drives are so close together - you can't spin them around as easily putting one in forward and one in reverse.

 

^^^ What he said. I was just about to post that. Also, with the drives being close together you have more centered "thrust" or "power".

 

Makes sense. Thanks for the info, guys!