Scarab 34 down under
 

Hi guys from down under. I just purchased a 1988 Scarab 34 with cabin. I have had the old 250 X 2 pair of Yamahas removed, and am installing 2 X 225 Honda's next week (all I can afford).
Does anybody know what sort of prop configuration would suit this 3.95 tonne boat best. Its a double targa top built to Queeensland Marine survey standard.

Also I was also wondering if any of you chaps have had much experience as to the foibles of the Scarab 34 in open water. The boat has such a narrow beam (8'8") for lenght. I was seeking advice as toaregards Roger Colman from Sydney

got any pictures ?

I don't think the Scarab 34 is an american boat...Alan Jones built them in the late 80's under AJM (Alan Jones Marine). It is nothing like the Scarab 34 made in the USA through the 80's. Maybe someone here could identify it from a picture. I think it is derived from a 1970s hull design.

Yeah Priceb is correct. They're loosely designed off a connelly knockoff from a Cigarette from 70s-80s. They are skinny & best suited to inshore waterways. My dad used to own an 89 AJM 29. I believe someone in Fremantle, W.A. bought the moulds & began production of the 23 & 29 with updated deck, etc. AJM was forced to pull the Scarab name by Wellcraft after the early 90s. They then became Fastlanes, Diavolos & America's/Admiral's Cup?? Edition Rivs. They went through a fairly diverse evolution before dying a natural death. I could let you have a real Wellcraft 34 Excell (w.i.p.) if you're interested.

Jez, I agree.

I always cringe when I read in traderboat magazine "scarab 34 for sale, race proven technology" in the adds!

The smaller AJM scarabs do look similar to the very old USA wellcrafts circa late 70's...but not the same. I don't think the 34 became either a fastlane or a riv in the early '90's. However in the early 2000's the AJM 34 was redone as a Fastlane 34 and the deck redone. Actually I saw a Fastlane 40 for sale today in Traderboat for 375k!!!!! it was apparently a 75knot boat.

many thanks
 

I have always be constantly amazed by the resourcefullness and knowledgeable attitude of Americans, and I wish to thank all of you for the information.
Yes the boat was built under licence in Brisbane, and was very narrow beam 8'8". It is for this reason I ask about the ability to cruise up the coast, and what sort of prop configuration I should mount with the 2X225 Honda's?

apologies
 

I just checked -you are all from Australia!
regards Roger

Mate, its still a very nice boat. Where abouts are you using it? Gold coast? Just an idea, have you thought about buying some second hand engines in the usa right now? if you look on this site there usually are some very cheap good engines. Your boat would go heaps faster and look heaps better. That is what I would do. Take advantage of the dollar mate while we have a chance to. (in saying that I just bought a 38cig top gun as the dollar is so hi and I didn't want to miss my chance)

Good luck with your Scarab mate.

Hey Priceb are you the fella that posted his cig previously about trying to sell? I think the post stated that there was frustration about trailering a boat that size in Aust. & the problems with the authorities. If it's you, I whole-heartedly agree with you. I trailer my 34. The trailer was bought brand new in 05, all aluminium with electric over hydraulic on all 3 axles & the bastards here keep knocking me back when I try to renew registration.

Roger, the AJMs are a great boat & perfect for Australian waterways. Our family had a 29 for the best part of 10 years & it was just the thing for getting around Sydney harbour. They are however, not designed for offshore conditions but if it looks fairly flat off the coast of Main Beach I would have no concern.

All the best...