I have had no problems maneuvering in tight quarters with this setup. Very responsive. It is heavy compared to other boats I have had and more windage but with the diesels/prop responsiveness I have not had a too much of problem with maneuvering, etc in windy conditions. Also being heavy helps with with the rocking motion at anchor in windy or high wake areas. We use are boat mostly for weekend/overnite trips, average 25miles one way. Absolutely no trouble with anchor/anchoring setup. You set it once and it stays even in pretty good summer storms with strong winds. As for diesel burn I have not paid too much attention to it most likely because I wouldn't like the results. We cruise at ~22knots (2400RPM), have four tanks, (I don't think the 396 has four or at least the 444's aux tanks are under the cockpit area which the 396 does not have). We like the cockpit model as it gives us three seating areas, 2 of them covered (aft deck; helm) and 1 open/outside (the cockpit - place to barbecue, suntan, party, etc...) Hope this helps.
