Anybody know about early 90s 22' Wellcraft Scarab O/Bs ?

[MattGreen]

There's what appears to be a clean early 90s 22 foot Wellcraft Scarab I outboard for sale near me that I'm considering looking at. I tried the search feature on here and didn't get anything. I also looked on Offshore Only and found a bunch of info for the sterndrive version (seems to be a popluar boat), but found virtually nothing on the outboard version. I found one OSO post that referred to very few OB versions being made. It's currently powered by a 2.4 BP carb and the owner says it runs right at 70 mph. Anybody have any knowledge of these boats ? Any particular known problems with these boats that I should look for when I take a look at it ?
Were the decks and hulls cored ? How would this compare in price, performance, and longevity with a 22' Velocity/Stepp/Thoroughbred ?



Overall I'm looking for a 21-24ish footer with a cuddy that will be reasonably fast when powered with a 250ish motor and will tolerate a 2' chop.

Thanks,
Matt

[MattGreen]

TTT, I'm guessing not too many of these boats out there ?

[mr fun]

and well cared for, the interior espically. has it been covered or garaged? it had to have been. the trailer wheels arn't even rusty, let us know what you find out

[Euroski]

I think the last year for the scarab 1 was 1987 or 1988. That said I had a 1989 Scarab 21 Excel which didn't have a windshield.. I don't think it will run 70. My had a 350/270hp V8 and ran 58-60

[Smoking Joe]

Gidday Matt,

I have purchased a boat for what sounds like similar reasons to your own. I wanted a usable cuddy, 22-24 feet long and outboard powered. My research indicated that the boats built in the 80's were a better built boat than the later ones. You need to do the obvious checks for soft floor and soft transom. I ended up getting a Wellcraft Nova 230XL with sterndrive but have also purchased a Johnson 300 V8 which we will fit as soon as possible. My preference for the Nova over the Scarab was based mostly on a lack of cuddy space on the Scarab.

The Scarab you are looking at is certainly a nice looking boat. I see it has a four blade prop on it which is the best type of prop to put on an outboard on a larger boat.

You have the option to have the hull professionally examined before purchase and I would recommend you take advantage of that opportunity. As to 70mph. Sounds like wishfull thinking to me. Talking at length with these boys on this forum it would appear that my setup with Nova 230, Johnson 300hp V8 with hydraulic engine jack, anything over 60mph will be a bonus. The Nova like the Scarab is a heavy, rough water capable boat and certainly have a strong following.

Good luck with your quest.

[modvp]

I found some info here (stern drive): http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ot-1985-a.html

[mr.clean]

Remove the name from your head so you can look at it objectively and you'll probably pass.

[MattGreen]

Thanks for the input, if I get more info I will post it to this thread.

Matt

[Greg G]

I would be shocked if that hull ran 70. They are heavy and would do better with 3L power. More of a wave crusher.

[Euroski]

Old picture of my 1989 Scarab 21 Excel

[MattGreen]

I think I'm getting the picture here - this boat is kind of like a Sea Ray Pachanga, right ? Looks nice, comfortable, but maxes out around 60 ?

Matt

[Greg G]

Hull handles way better then a Pachanga. As to speed, with that 2.4.....low 60's max.

[Bay Boy]

Did you buy this boat?

[MattGreen]

Did you buy this boat?

Yes, I did. The Merc blew up and boat was sold for a good price without power over the winter. I'm re-rigging it with late 90s 3.0L/225 Johnson. Boat is is very good shape for it's age. I also have a 300 V8 that ultimately would be the best fit I think.

Matt

[OMCD]

Yes, I did. The Merc blew up and boat was sold for a good price without power over the winter. I'm re-rigging it with late 90s 3.0L/225 Johnson. Boat is is very good shape for it's age. I also have a 300 V8 that ultimately would be the best fit I think.

Matt

I agree, it would be a lot better with the V8 on a jack plate. Its quite a heavy boat and will do well with a 300. It would be a great set up. That 2.4 looks tiny on the back, lol.