Scarab 26 sportster setup

[Chillinthemost]

I have had this boat for a few years now and am finally getting started on it. I’m looking for a engine for it and even if money were unlimited current availability new and used is pretty slim.
These boats were built before 4 strokes but some were rigged with twins, even the heaviest 4 stroke is lighter than twin 2 strokes.
My thinking
300xs = runs strong but is a finicky 2 stroke with potential optimax problems

300r= probably my top choice but pricey and not very available

300 pro xs= second choice but still hard to get

verado= I would probably want a 350 because all verados weigh the same and are on the heavy side so probably need the extra 50 to make up for the weight. Rigging seems very pricey on the verados.

yamaha 300= I’ve loved everything Yamaha that I have owned, slower than the above choices, lighter and probably faster than Suzuki. Haven’t seen a used one in a while and a wait on new

suzuki 300=Seems to be the easiest to find right now, heavier than Yamaha

There is not much info out there on these boats with different engine combos or setups. I would sure like to be able to break 60. They typically run low 50s with a 250 2 stroke.
I was thinking adding a 4” jackplate to the engine bracket and moving the batteries to the console to move a little weight forward.
Any thoughts and advise is appreciated.

[David]

You can chip the Yamaha V6 engines so you could consider a 225 or 250.

[mragu]

Chilled, I had a 26’ Scarab cc. I put a 300X on it 25” mid. Basically no set up playing with props and heights. Boat ran about 62 if I remember correctly with light load and 50ish gallons of fuel. No t top. In hindsight, I would have used 2-200 2.5 liter Mercs. Just didn’t want to go to expense of converting to twins. Great riding Hull. Presently have a 27 Kryptonite. Last year had 2-200hp merc 2 strokes. Ran 70 loaded and 50ish fuel. This year took off t-top. 2-225 2.5 liter pro max. 79 out of box with 100 gals of fuel and 3 passengers. No height adjustments or prop playing yet.

[Chillinthemost]

Mragu, I have read through your scarab build numerous times. It seemed like you gave up on it. I bought mine with a non running 250 merc efi. I got it running and took it out I think 4 times before I lost a cylinder. It was enough though that I was impressed with the ride in our Tampa bay never ending chop. Twins might be cool but the bracket alone would cost 4-5k.
Your new boat is awesome.

[mragu]

Mragu, I have read through your scarab build numerous times. It seemed like you gave up on it. I bought mine with a non running 250 merc efi. I got it running and took it out I think 4 times before I lost a cylinder. It was enough though that I was impressed with the ride in our Tampa bay never ending chop. Twins might be cool but the bracket alone would cost 4-5k.
Your new boat is awesome.

very true, wasn’t because of the Hull, just got aggravated with the restoration. Of you look around, you should be able to find a twin bracket

[Chillinthemost]

I may have found a deal on a new 300 Yamaha through one of my customers. Won’t be as fast as a 300r but should run well and I can get it sooner and cheaper.