Scarab 29

airshares · 08-24-2004, 05:59 PM

Is it considered more valuble to have a Scarab 29 with a single and bravo or twin 350s with alphas? I see alot of 1997's with twin 350s and alphas and I am considering purchasing one for my next boat. Should I stay away from the 350's and get a single? I am in the ocean mainly and would like twins but not if it will affect my resale in the future.

n2boatn2 · 08-24-2004, 06:17 PM

You might think about twins with bravo outdrives I have twins with bravo's and love the boat. If you go offshore the fact of twin engines is a comforting thought ,one quits you can still get back to the marina.In fresh water a single big block would be fine, plus there are many more upgrades avaliable for the big blocks, but personally i like the weight displacement of twins better,it has twice the up keep but it is a matter of personal taste. Good luck in your hunt for your new boat look for 96 and up.

tssteph · 08-27-2004, 09:38 AM

I have a 98 with twins/bravo and love it. I would go twins if I were you.

29scarab · 08-27-2004, 02:20 PM

I 'll be the first to tell ya that twins are great.

I personnely have a single with a 502 whipple charged. I love the hell out of it. I know there are pros and cons to both. You have twice the maintenance on twins. The 502 has a great weight to horsepower ratio. I have heard of throttles and shifters hanging up on twins due to routing of cables also.

Its all in preferrence. I personally travel quite a bit, so a single screw is cheaper on maintenance as twins. But, I have it modified to go faster than twins. So pseed is not an issue. If one engine breaks down in a twin your down anyway on running it. I do run in the ocean but have quite a few friends to depend on if there is breakage. I know you can't predict breakage, but as long as it is maintained as any other vehicle it is dependable.

As far as resale value goes. When it comes to the market these days, there is not a big difference in resale depending on what the consumer is looking for at the time. As far as the name Scarab goes, when the warranty is gone, your looking at a piece of fiberglass and engines as you would any other brand name.

I personally love my single compared to twin, but were down to preferrence again. As far as gas mileage goes. I burn less with the Whipple and single than the twin screw guys do.

You also have to look at the length of boat also. Any bigger than a 29 you best choice would be to go with twins due to power to weight ratio.

Good lukc in your quest. This is only and opinion stated.

berns29scarab · 08-28-2004, 10:53 AM

i would definately go with twins. if you go to NADA.COM and spec out a 29 scarab the difference in value is almost $8000.00 for twins. i noticed before i bought mine (350mpi's w/ bravo's) that every person i spoke with including wellcraft dealer said absolutely hands down go with the twins. if your spending time in the ocean as i am its the best insurance policy you can have (spare motor) i looked at and ran both and my opinion is that the 29 w/ twins is the only way to go. from a power stand point stock to stock single 502/415 vs 350 mpi's ...the mpi's are going to be 2-3 mph faster (as per my handheld gps that i used while testing multiple boats) and ride nice due to the slightly added weight and much easier to manuever around the docks. TWINS !! If your looking at one with alpha's not nearly as desirable as bravos but there are things that can be done to change that plus with only 300 hp per side as long as you arent sending the boat in the air constantly you really shouldnt have a problem as long as there maintained !! EITHER WAY BOTH ARE AWESOME BOATS MY PREFERNCE IS TWINS BUT THEN AGAIN ....I'M PARTIAL

29scarab · 08-28-2004, 02:26 PM

Glad you like your twins. As fas as NADA goes. I agree that book will be better on twins. NADA is better, but then were down to consumer demands and what it dictates to the potential buyer on how serious he wants to get. Also you have to deal with them not making the Scarabs anymore either. Not sure if that affects resale on a boat that they don't make anymore.

A lot of consumers are scared of twins and cost for upkeep.But,,,,anyway you slice it,,,,,,there BAD ASS boats!!

I guess its all in what your looking for!!

berns29scarab · 08-28-2004, 03:10 PM

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT...I dont think the fact that the scarab not being built anymore effects anything actually. I have no complaints and am contemplating whipple's and external steering as a winter project...i'm being offered a helluva deal on a 33AVS but just bought mine so may have to pass. i'm figuring hangin on to this for 2-3 years and then goin to a 38...and when it comes to up keep...Chevy 350's...ya mean they need other than basic maintaince ? LOL Mobil 1 (V-twin) NAPA gold oil filters and lucas oil treatment...

29scarab · 08-29-2004, 12:01 AM

I have a new IMCO system on mine. Had it added when I put the Whipple on. I'm waiting top see what it does with the Stellings extension box I'm putting on it. I got a hell of a deal on one. Its sitting at the shop waiting for me to get home from Iraq.

hunster · 04-26-2005, 12:19 PM

The small blocks are the ticket for resale and maintenence. I just repowered my 94 with god only knows how many hours on the origional motors. They still ran and the boat did 60 with weak compression due to the broken rings but never let me down.