29 rough water ride

08-08-2002, 08:09 AM

All you 29 scarab owners out there. I am considering purchasing a 29 scarab w/ twin 350s. I would like some feedback on how well people that own 29s, think they handle rough water. I am moving up from a 24 pantera, which for a 24, did extremely well in rough stuff. The wife wants something a little more comfortable. Any help would be appreciated.

29scarab · 08-08-2002, 08:22 AM

I got one dude!!

Bad Ass boat!!!

I decided to go for the single 502mpi due to my travels and maintenance issues.

The handle the rough stuff absolutely fantastic!! The cabin has room for sleeping and holding a big ice-chest. I boat in Galveston bay and surrounding area. I have also run it in Lake Michigan.

I did however, trick mine out like no other. Here's the specs on mine: Check this out!!!!!

96 29 scarab

Whipplesuper charged 502mpi
Engine internals: Crane HP gold roller rockers, zero gap rings.
Stainless marine exhuast
2002 Gaffrig gauges and bezels with GPS speedo
IMCO full hydraulic steering system , twin rams

DUDE!! The things flys!!!!!!!

I say go for it!!!!!!!!

08-08-2002, 08:22 PM

29 scarab, Thanks for the input. Sounds like you have a lot of fun on your boat. Whats your top end? High 70s?

jb · 08-08-2002, 11:57 PM

I also had the 29 with 502(stock).
62 - 66 gps all day. even saw higher a few times.
I felt the boat needed another 100 horse to really show itself off in the rougher water. The narrow beam 7.5 slices like a pizza cutter through a pie. A very capable boat for sure. I felt the boat was laid out well in the cockpit for a narrow beam and was not too noticeable. Twin smallblocks get about 72 mph. The boat will handle better than other boats its size for sure.
No dissapointments.
I thought my Bolster was a bit far from the wheel. I am 6 foot and felt I was reaching
I would buy again

08-09-2002, 11:07 PM

jb, thanks for your input. I am going to be test driving the boat on Sat. If it goes well I will probably buy it. Ill let you guys know what I think after the test. Not that it matters what I think. Anyway, thanks again.

Keith · 08-09-2002, 11:27 PM

I owned one for 4 years, then moved up to the 34. The 29 was a great boat in rough water and will be a better ride than your current 24 footer.

Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to satisfy the wife's request unless you go 34-38 feet. That's a smooth ride.

I can almost leave a drink on the dash at 50 in 2' to 3' chop.

Have fun on the test ride, you'll like the boat.

08-10-2002, 01:03 PM

pantera 133 very good rough water boat for its size i can hang with the big boats,upper 70's in the rough thinking about selling if you are interested

08-11-2002, 08:27 AM

I want to thank everybody for the input. Took a test drive on Sat. Twin 350 mags with hydraulic steering and 280 k-planes. Nice boat. Couldnt find much rough water, but slammed into a few fishing boat wakes. Seems to do pretty good. I was dissapointed with the lack of midrange accelaration and the top end with 3 people and full gas was about 68. Its hard to step down from 90+ top end. All good things must end I suppose.

jb · 08-11-2002, 09:15 PM

Surely the twin boat will react different ...but. I put a 4 blade on my single 502 and picked up MPH, and more inportantly MIDRANGE(immencely) almost 7 mph at 3500 rpm. Remember this boat was one of the few that loved the Blackhawk drive, so 4 blades may get that stern up and in the air.
We love our 31... but the 29 remains our favorite so far, and yes the wife can read a book at 3500 rpm in heavy chop in our 31!

P-29 sent me an idea what you want for $$$