Originally Posted by Keytime (Post 4163687)

Did someone say Arnesons?

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o58193-en.html

Needs some TLC, but cool piece.

Originally Posted by jeff32 (Post 4163722)

still too much for and older non updated scarab IMO...

Originally Posted by glassdave (Post 4162132)

actually they got better after 87 or so (Scarabs that is) much better. Early boats may have been heavy resin rich tanks but build quality and rigging was not that great. my 88 Scarab III compared to earlier boats was night and day and if you put them side by side you'd swear they were from two different manufacturers. I think its tough to beat a Gun for ride but that 38 Scarab wont be to far behind thats for sure.

Originally Posted by jeff32 (Post 4165966)

seller claims 60 mph with 509's carbed engines guesstimated at 450-465 hp... are they that slow? I would have hoped for... at least 65 to 70 !

does he have a ''slow'' speedometer?

Originally Posted by Jupiter Sunsation (Post 4162356)

These types of threads are really moot when talking about 30+ year old performance boats. When it comes down to it, the best boat isn't the brand but rather the condition of the ones for sale. Both are heavy sleds that need a ton of HP to run 75 mph, then you need a 2500+ diesel truck to pull back and forth to the ramp. Then if you consider how many days does the boat get wet in _________ (insert city, area of the country) now divide by how many of those days will truly be rough enough to notice a difference.....kind of prepping for a snowstorm in Florida! Let's use Canada in the above equation. 5 months of boating season, you get out three times a month (15 outings). 20% of the outings it gets nasty (3 times a year)......now really in those 3 times of rough (4-5ft seas) is the brand really going to make a difference if you stay home or go out? Probably not......if it is 4-5 you probably stay home regardless. Getting stuck in rough conditions is different (seas spool up after a storm) and you need to get home.

In the end, buy the boat that is in the nicest condition for the money and the one that appears to be the one that will give you the most amount of trouble free boating. Any of the 35-38 ft boats from Scarabs, Cigs, Formula of that vintage will have a solid ride so it really comes down to present day condition, price etc. Face it, none of these rigs are going to be running a race anytime soon, they will all need work/parts to keep them going and then you can sell them for 1/4 of what you have invested in them (time/money).