Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > General Discussion > General Boating Discussion
23 Scarab SCS vs. 24 Pantera (looking to buy) >

23 Scarab SCS vs. 24 Pantera (looking to buy)

Notices

23 Scarab SCS vs. 24 Pantera (looking to buy)

Old 02-04-2016, 12:17 PM
  #1  
Registered
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 23 Scarab SCS vs. 24 Pantera (looking to buy)

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a used boat between 20-24 feet. I've narrowed it down to the Scarab SCS and the 24 Pantera. I'm located in Southern Ontario, Canada and the options for used boats is minimal. I do most of my boating on the Muskoka Lakes and Georgian Bay area, so no need for anything big or with twin motors.

I grew up with my dad having 94' 22 Scarab with a 383 stroker in it, Boat was a blast. Chine walked like crazy above 70 MPH

I've seen some ads of SCS's and I have concerns. I've noticed one SCS seems to have a stepped hull and is labeled as a 2002 when I thought it was a three year run between 97-99.

Just want to get some experienced opinions between these two boats and potential other options. My budget is not big by no means especially with the Canadian dollar the way it is right now. I'm looking to spend $20,000 max US.

Looking forward to your replies
GT500kid is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 12:39 PM
  #2  
Registered
 
CIG3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Grand River, Ohio
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

You cannot go wrong with a 24' Pantera. Well build good handling. Should be something in your price range out there.
CIG3 is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 01:45 PM
  #3  
Gold Member
Gold Member
iTrader: (1)
 
ziemer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: St. Cloud, FL
Posts: 1,479
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

The 24' Pantera would be my preference of the 2. They are a great boat, and you won't get hurt when and if you decide to upgrade down the road. If you spend $20k today, in 5 years you'll get most if not all of your $20k back when it's time to sell.
ziemer is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 01:55 PM
  #4  
Registered
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Lake George, NY
Posts: 1,244
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I own Pantera's, But for 20K I think you might find a better Scarab SCS then a 20K Pantera, Your just shy on what it really cost to find a good one. And most of the good ones are not for sale.
class6 is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 02:51 PM
  #5  
Registered
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Atlanta, Lake Lanier
Posts: 649
Received 5 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

The 24 Pantera is a fun boat. The Scarab, I don't believe has a 24 degree v like the Pantera so it probably won't do as well in rough water. The SCS looks like a fun boat, just never been in one. I would think the Scarab build quality would not match Pantera.
Out There is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 04:52 PM
  #6  
Registered
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Quinnesec, MI.
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I owned a 23 Scarab SCS for 5 year. It was great boat. Mine was orange one, with the 502MPI. I believe you are correct they were made 97-99. No step in the 23 SCS. It was very expense boat. Very cool cockpit lay out. They were nothing like the Scarab 22 model. Do not no anything about the Pantera 24.
nitro/max is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 05:10 PM
  #7  
Registered
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks everyone for their input so far. Seems like the Pantera's are highly spoken of and have a very good reputation behind them
GT500kid is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 05:17 PM
  #8  
Registered
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Lake George, NY
Posts: 1,244
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I don't think I would ever sell my 24 pantera. Its a keeper. But the problem with buying one, there isn't that many around. Mine is a 06 and wasn't finished and out the door until 11/07. If budget wasn't an issue keep looking for one. I just think there is more newer scarabs around to get a deal on.. And possibly Dryer
class6 is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 05:21 PM
  #9  
Registered
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

That's the one thing I'm concerned about is rot. My dads '94 22 Scarabs stringers rotted out along with the transom and engine mounts. I spent a whole summer when I was in high school taking a sawsall to it, the more we cut, the more we found rot

Last edited by GT500kid; 02-04-2016 at 05:31 PM.
GT500kid is offline  
Old 02-04-2016, 05:25 PM
  #10  
Registered
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Quinnesec, MI.
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

No wood at all in the 23 SCS.
nitro/max is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.