any chance you'd have any interest in a 1996 Baja 38 Special for 28k? Very good running boat that my customer just wants to get rid of. Turn key boat that he used regularly last couple years, he just built a monster dream home on an inland lake and went pontoon and just does not use this anymore. Its listed on FB in the powerboat swap shop.

How about this one? A little bigger, but would be a better ride in the slop at loto, and lots of cockpit room. This one has 454s built by a good engine builder up in michigan.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1990...s#.VP2BlS7LqCt

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/4875538858.html

The 38 is just too big..No where to keep it. 34 scarab is outta my price range...

Does anyone know what these two boats would run mph wise?

What should I look for in these two boats for problems? Anyone know where the problem areas are in these?

If the boats are a close trade off when it comes to power, condition, hours, price, etc .. Id say it comes down to whether or not you like the windshield on the Formula or prefer the Acrylic on the Scarab. Some like to get behind the windshield and out of the wind more than others. Something to think about.

If you like either one, Boats that age (of which I'm a huge fan) come down to condition and care. It's usually obvious when you actually put your eyes on them in person how well they've been taken care of. Upholstery, engines (and compartments) paint, just a general overall look and feel. In person, you can see if the upholstery is kept well and is soft with good stitching, or was just cleaned up well, hard, threads missing. Cracks in gelcoat, patches, SMELL, stuff like that. Don't hesitate to pull every cushion, floor panel, open every compartment, check wiring, turn switches, tap the transom and stringers with a small hammer(dead sound is soft) and particularly, ask questions.

I personally like the looks of the Scarab better, still has a modern swoopy vibe. Formulas are well built and heavy, and ride really well, but tend to give up a little speed, so I imagine the 502s in the Formula are equal to the 454s in the Scarab performance wise.

You're the one on the water all day with it, buy the one that's in the best condition and gives you a bit of a chubby! :cool-smiley-011:

I might be selling my Kevlar scarab that would fit your budget. New transom/ stringers by glassdave v

A 311 is a quite a bit bigger boat than a 31 Scarab is it not?

Just saw a nice looking '95 31 Scarab on Facebook Powerboat Swap Shop for 30K. Located in Columbus OH.