31' vs. 29' Scarab
 

Wanting to know what are the differences in handling on these two boats, along with any other differences to note. Also any differences to know about between years(like what is the difference in the 31' excel and the later thunder). Looking at twin engines in the 29. Obviously the 31' will have more room, but can anyone tell me how much more, is it that noticeable in other words. Also the 31' will have big blocks compared to the small block setup. I am more of a small block person, and know how to mod them for more hp, as to where the big blocks I don't know how much it would cost to do any mods. Also cost of maintaining them. Thanks in advance.

Excel to Thunder was mostly trim and deck styling. From 31 to 29 there is almost a foot difference in the beam as well as the diff in length. The 31 does not include a platform in the LOA and the 29 does. a 31 may have an enclosed head, the 29 will not. A 29 may have Alphas, depending on year, a 31 will not. As to BBs vs SBs, if mods are in mind, "there is no replacement for displacement". Torque in boat engines is KING.

Yeah, I understand that, but I can make a 400HP small block and not spend stupid money. I figure that would get me to close to or at 80 mph in a 29 ft. How much would it cost to get the 31 ft there if it came with the 454's?

Thanks for the info on the room though, I do like the layout better. And I didn't think about the swim platform. So basically the 31' is roughly the same size as the 33' because it has the swim platform built in as well?

Anyone know what the two weigh? I read somewhere that the Thunders had some kevlar in the hull making them lighter than a regular excel.

Single 29 is 5500lbs with 500HP=65MPH, 700HP=78MPH
Twin SBC 29 is 6500lbs with T300HP=68-70MPH, T400HP=80MPH, T300 w/Blackhawks=77MPH
Twin BBC 31 is 7400 lbs with T350HP=64MPH, T525HP=77-79MPH, T600HP=80-82MPH
Twin Kevlar 31 is 6900 lbs, add 2MPH to above speeds

On another note......
31 Thunder with twin HP525SC = 80MPH
38 Thunder with twin HP600SC = 79MPH
43 Thunder with twin HP800SC = 77MPH

Correct, the 31s and 33s have the approx same length running surface.

[QUOTE=HZ900;3501998]Yeah, I understand that, but I can make a 400HP small block and not spend stupid money. I figure that would get me to close to or at 80 mph in a 29 ft. How much would it cost to get the 31 ft there if it came with the 454's?

A guy where i boat has the 29 with modified small blocks producing 400hp, but has Alpha drives he tops out at 75-76

Scarabman has it right, BBC are torque monsters and there is no replacement for displacement. My 1989 31 Excel with never rebuilt stock 365hp Mags does 65~67mph today. It is very easy to build a 450 to 500hp BBC and that should do everything you need. I looked at 29's before buying my 31 and would never look back, personal opinion of course. I love the way mine handles the rough water and the room inside.

31 has a ton of room compared to a 29 and the 31 is a much smoother ride for sure, however the 29 is a fun boat to drive no doubt!

1992 31 Thunder, 454 mags 23 prop 65 mph. great boat very stable,lots of room would like more speed but that only takes a huge dump of cash to fix... ;)