scorpion 21 what do you know?

**BoatR** · 05-10-2020, 12:56 PM

looking to buy scorpion 21 built here in Canada in 1988 approx. Does anybody have experience with the build quality of these?
The boat is a great design and has had many rebirths as Challenger 21 etc.. by other companies. I believe that some where balsa
core and some where not. my concern is which were good and which were not, regarding the core rotting and wood in transom
and how to check the soundness by percussive test (tapping with plastic hammer ) .I dont have a moisture meter.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

**FUJIMO** · 05-10-2020, 01:11 PM

no wood core, no rot. no dependable test for bad core other than cutting and/or drilling. you know...same as your doctor would tell you.

**David** · 05-10-2020, 01:13 PM

It's 32 years old so it's either been rebuilt or it needs to be rebuilt or it's a unicorn. Best to have someone look at it. Some people use moisture meters. John Spaeth just taps in them but he's heard a lot of taps on different boats so he knows what things should sound like.

**FMP** · 05-10-2020, 01:21 PM

I know of a similar boat up here. Needed transom back half work, just routine for the age. Last I saw it it was super. Believe it was a challenger. Tied the transom forward, knees or similar work.

Can always give the transom a good flex test if the motor is hanging on it. Check for cracks first.
Get it surveyed if in doubt.

**V-bottom** · 05-12-2020, 06:37 AM

The build quality of these boats was not ideal - but they looked good. I had considered purchasing 1 and test drove 1 with a 220 laser efi around that time but did not follow thru based on the word going around regarding the quality. As mentioned earlier maybe this one is a Unicorn? The molds changed hands a few times and I heard they were built in less than ideal temperature controlled facility. Depending on the asking price for the hull I would consider getting a marine survey to get a professional evaluation.

Originally Posted by BoatR

looking to buy scorpion 21 built here in Canada in 1988 approx. Does anybody have experience with the build quality of these?
The boat is a great design and has had many rebirths as Challenger 21 etc.. by other companies. I believe that some where balsa
core and some where not. my concern is which were good and which were not, regarding the core rotting and wood in transom
and how to check the soundness by percussive test (tapping with plastic hammer ) .I dont have a moisture meter.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

**idvette** · 05-12-2020, 08:03 AM

Post a picture of the one you're looking at, chances are one of us canooks might recognize it.

**BoatR** · 05-12-2020, 05:24 PM

pictures coming after may 24 weekend

**Rigaud** · 05-13-2020, 07:11 PM

Is it in Ontario? I have seen a few the past 2 years and usually the transom is rotten

**BoatR** · 05-27-2020, 07:29 PM

Saw it today. All your opinions were correct. Needed transom . Possibly stringers . Good project boat.
too bad what a great looking design.

**peterse90** · 05-29-2020, 02:55 PM

Pretty sure they were made in the Orillia area.
Don't think they were made from the real Challenger mold as in the late 80's Charger had that mold.
Pretty sure they were a 'flip' and quality was average at best.