29 Scarab....twin small blocks, or single big block?

rangerrick63 · 11-15-2007, 11:38 AM

I'm currently boatless, & have been doing some tire kicking. I've always liked a Scarab, & have been looking at the 29. I see that it is offered with either twin SB's, or single BB. What are the biggest differences in performance between them? How is the fuel economy with the twin set-up? How does the 29 handle between the two set-ups?
I appreciate any input on this.

tssteph · 11-15-2007, 11:44 AM

performance will be about 6-7 mph difference with twin. Economy with the twins is great. I would recommend twins.

rangerrick63 · 11-15-2007, 12:04 PM

I didn't realize that the twins would be that much faster, that's awsome. There is definetly a much bigger selection with twins, that must've been a popular set-up.
The fuel economy has me "looking" in the Scarab or Formula direction. I had thought my mind was made up on a 32, but watching the fuel prices go thru the roof, I've been doing some refiguring, because I enjoy boating alot during the summer, & that equates to many gals of fuel x $$$$ = less boating with bigger engines....anyway, thanks.

fast22 · 11-15-2007, 02:02 PM

I've got a big single and it does pretty good on gas as long as I stay out of the boost

. they are both nice boats, the twin will definatley be a few mph faster is stock trim. I find the single to be a very well balanced boat and it flies nice an level, handles the lake chop with ease and had it in the gulf a few times with no troubles at all. They are real good rough water boats for their size.
Scott

2 Trick Rick · 11-15-2007, 02:40 PM

My buddy has a 2000 with a 502mpi/415 Single and I have a 99 with twin 350/300hp. His Top Speed is around 62-63 and I'm 67-68 (both gps speeds)

At 3300rpm I run around 40mph, for him to run 40mph hes running at 3400/3500rpm. On a run down to Puttin Bay (approx 60 each way) I burnt less fuel than he did.. go figure.

Get a nice set of Twins, plus Ins is pretty darn cheap (under $400.00 for me a year)

trc2 · 11-16-2007, 04:38 PM

I own a 2000 29 scarab with twins and it go 66 to 68 on gps and I'm trying to make it faster like around 75 to 80 with out doing super chargers I'am finding out it is easer to get power out of a big block then small blocks so if you want to go faster later the big block would be the best choice and you can not get twin big blocks in a 29 because the center line of the drives are less then 34 inches hope this helps

tssteph · 11-16-2007, 04:45 PM

I had pro-chargers on my small blocks. Loved it. Great cruise speed of 50 mph at 3k rpm. More fuel efficient then several friends boats with single big blocks. I will say one thing, twins in a 29ft Scarab are a bear to work on.

trc2 · 11-16-2007, 04:58 PM

How long did you have the pro chargers on your boat and how did the drives hold up what was your top speed and average top speed

scarabrun · 11-16-2007, 06:15 PM

i had one with 400 hours on motor and it ran 63 on speedo,very smooth out in tampa bay on a 4 foot chop flying at 55 mph.i thought is was very respectable on fuel,with a cruising speed of 50 mph.,i have a 23 scs now with the same motor and im selling it for one reason ,that 29.5 got me spoiled with that nice ride,!!!!! i would have another 29.5 any day.great boat, i miss it

Sulfur1 · 11-23-2007, 04:16 PM

rangerrick63,

A friend of mine and I were discussing the very same issue. Twins vs. single. When I bought my Scarab he said I will hate the gas prices becouse of the twins. Long story short we went out on the boat one day and my starboard engine died, couldn't get her started again...we limped home on the port engine. Just a little food for thought.