Scarab Identification
 

Hey all- Just bought this. Here's one for the boat ID experts on this site.
1980 30' Scarab 3 windows twin engines etc.
HULL ID #wela3738m80a
Would like to know EXACT model specs max HP and why it doesnt have tabs. I am going back with +- 450 HP 454 .60 over etc. will enclose more pics. Thx!
Tyler

1980 Scarab 30' opinions of this boat?
 

One of the things i am interested in and that is the hull style, what these boats are considered to be capable of and if they can handle the 2 454s with 450-500 each. Also I want to put it out there I am looking for any 1980 Scarab parts interior esp, the large compass that is missing, and a correct steering wheel. I got her for a $700.00 cash.:eekdrop: so she is going to be a project with a (fairly) decent budget. I got 2 454 short blocks out of a 27' Formula also included free that one is locked up one is freely turning., Marked HIPERF PASS (mark iv i guess) 4 bolt. Ultimately I would like to rig these engines for CNG and see how they perform for $1.38gal!!!!

More pics Please help ID this Scarab
 

Thanks!!

It should be a Scarab II.

1980 Scarab II
 

Thanks, I have met with a big lack of info on it. Everyone here seems well informed and I am diving in refitting and repowering my $700 Scarab -hoping to have it running in a couple months. It appears to be in ok shape? Lots to do but 3 things are of concern before I start ordering engine fixins...
1.24 inch deadrise?1.. Is that considered good? It sounds like a lot.
2.400HP limit (each) I dont see anyone here with a Scarab II with less than 8-900HP. What gives?
3. Engine Drives im going with Bravos and have lines on several -1500 each and plan to stroke these Mark IVs and go with some 390 heads and a Holley Dominator marine/Intake setup with abpout a .272 cam- any thoughts? About 9.5 to 1 is all I want to reamin CNG comapatible and do not want wild, would prefer fairly reliable rebuild every 2-3 years is ok
Also in the big picture is it like the low rent Scarab or what? It IS 30 foot and nice inside so it def is a dreamboat to me... just wondered what evryone thought of them.

thanks in advance you ali

Tyler

Looks like you got a lot of work and a lot to spend in the next couple months!
Pair of 500hp engines would be no problem. You'll over power the Bravo's before you over power the hull.

first and foremost is the transom. those holes are too wide for bravos. if it is in any way compromised replace the transom. the fiberglass and paint section has a lot on this subject. some very recent. search glassdave for CORRECT answers. a lot of people feel the early scarab is a better small block boat, but it is more a width and weight issue than the power the hull will take. me, if i could get big blocks in my Nova...was that boat in cranbury NJ?

If going with bravos, youd be wise to replace the transom which it probably needs and raise (lower really) the x dimension to a 4.5" prop shaft depth. 500hp and the right propshaft depth and it will run 75-80mph. The 24* is good for an offshore type boat and will help you handle rough seas.

You have a 24 degree transom deadrise and that will give you a really nice ride over the rough stuff. Just about every boat on this forum has a similar deadrise--they dont really get any steeper than 24 degrees.

interesting- when you say too wide for bravos- meaning too wide apart? What did this thing have- 350s and TRS with trannies? I will be taking full measurements and making a template of the transom and making some notes of the current holes and bring those back here for analysis. I want avoid fiberglass work, but if my X-dimension is wrong or could be raised without cavitation or control issues great - so be it. That is where we will start. Thanks everyone!
Tyler

I have a 1980 ScarabII with twin TRS drives and 454's
Have had it to 71 mph in salt water . not the fastest boat but handles incredibly well is allot of fun and fast enough

too wide? the holes themselves are wider than the merc alpha-bravo keyhole cut that is used for virtually all 88 and up OEM transom assys. as far as engine spacing, big blocks need a minimum of 33 inches center to center (or left side to left side) for the engines-exhausts to fit with enough room between. 34.5 is better for your arm when changing plugs. check every hole in that transom for soggy dark wood that you can pick out with a screwdriver. the easiest way to get this boat back together is to find a TRS boat that is dead for the drives-trannys-transom assys. it is only going to be so fast and only worth so much when done. on the other hand, putting TRS in it means rebuilding 30 year old stuff that is hard to get parts for.

Trs
 

I see what you mean. I have no desire to run TRS- , i have decided on Bravo 1s, we will budget in some fiberglass. FUN CITY As far as fast she will be pushing 475-525 HP so thats fine, as far as worth- im only $700 in for the boat, "trailer" and 2 454 5445 4 bolt mk iv blocks, so far im doing good.....:lolhit: