Here’s to that!

Done right, I think retro eighties paint schemes can still be just as cool as we remembered them.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...cc6c4763c.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...dea1a3040.jpeg

Now thats just Fukn cool as hell!!! more details and pics please!!

go to the Scarab owners forum and find this,

Back from the Dead; '81 Scarab 38 Resto

The 'Miami Vice' color scheme is brought to another level by Heath's 38 KV and I can't wait to see it with new interior and all. Out here on 'The Left Coast' Gelcoat colors used to sell boats more so than the boat designs. Even though Powerboat Magazine and Hot Boat Magazine used to point out the worst constructions and hull designs, they were both too kind imho. Back in Europe, anything more extravagant than a white hull with a blue, green, or red deck was a rarity. Fresh off the plane I remember going to a boat show in Orange County, Southern California in the mid '80s, and I was completely dumbfounded. If a boat had less than 7 gelcoat colors it was a budget boat. Most boats were only 18'-30' and for the lakes. The razor-sharp differentiation between each color was unreal and I knew I had to work my a.. off so I could at least own a 20' or so. I was in love.

These days, like in the old days, having the best Gelcoat guys is what's going to make you a real player in the West. Companies like Teague, IMCO, Boostpower, Whipple, etc. are local for the more exotic drivelines, but it's still the play with Gelcoat colors and nowadays the mega sound systems that are essential in The Wild West if your boat brand wants to be a contender. Here's a video that somebody shot at the 1990 Anaheim Boat Show in California. The video quality is not the best, but late legends like Gene Willen of Howard Custom Boats and Nick Barron of Hallett Boats appear. I wish there was more footage from old boat shows, but unfortunately it seems to be a rarity.


My 1981 Schiada 20SS.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a57d28b31.jpeg

Probably because the video cameras back then weighed about 12lbs and were the size of a beach bag !

The technology was in a rise since late 70s, hence the advent of personal computing. Companies started to create vibrant ads and logos, even the Apple logo had rainbow colors in it. Teal/turqouise, pink and yellow were considered as aesthetic shades back then.

Pro cameras weighed at least that plus you had at least 20 lbs plus for the VCR. That could only record 30 minutes at best.

I'll say, this has been a really cool thread and love the discussion and pictures!

It definitely seems like it was a wild time for colors although I'd argue now with wraps and all there are some pretty radical paint jobs just different hues.

The artwork was pretty slick in the 80's and prior era's as well compared to now. Looking at the older Apache's is almost like looking at a sailor Jerry tattoo. Awesome, simple and classy yet now "retro".

Well said. Truly it is.