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...

Priceb I would steer clear of the Fastlanes. They date back to the 90s build in Aust. & they were average at best in performance.

Jez, I've got my cigarette top gun on a ship right now coming from florida, i'm not going near one. I was just saying I was quite shocked by the top speed claimed. check it out on boat point.com

did you buy the 31 from Qld? If am correct I looked at that when It was sold, it was a steal. Nice boat.

Jez,

I have I missed your post regarding the trailering a 34 in Australia. Yep, that was me with the cigarette and problems towing it.

I decided to bring it out anyway. I would like to speak with you regarding trailering your boat. if you have had problems im in strife!!!!!

My plans are to seperate the boat/trailer and get the trailer registered and try my luck, or b. park it at my mates property near martha cove in vic. (new marina built there) and I could tow it through the back streets to the ramp (1/2 a mile), or c. put it in pier 35 for 13k p.a. which I think is extaution. Expecially with the price of fuel adding another 13 thousand a year to store it is a heap of money.

How do you think I will go with towing it?

many thanks
 

why are the 34 not suited for offshore? is the freeboard too low?
or some other reason related to beam width?. is the hull the right shape for offshore work ?
roger

No probs Priceb. You can pm me or email [email protected]

Priceb I think you also had a youtube link to your boat running at a pier in the US. Was it an 89 that the previous owner spared no expense? Man that is one sweet ride. She is definitely one to leave home for!! What does she run? Any possibility in taking an old Wellcraft owner for a run when I am next in Melb?

hey Jez350 and priceb
 

I am bringing the boat down to Sydney. regards the USA outboards, missed them when we were 86 cents and then just when a pair of BF225's came on the market on ebay we were 77 c. So given , at 80.5 cents it would cost $33,000 after 15% and freight and instalaation(engines have to be made in USA for free trade agreement), I brought a pair for $44,000 new , fitted, guaranteed from TR marine in SYdney to be fitted next week.
I like the Honda long stroke 93 mm verus 250 Yamaha at only 80 mm, and therin lies the fuel consumption difference at crusing speed. + proper VTEC and lean burn inlet sensors.

I am still fascinated as to whether to order 3 blade or 4 blade and what diameter and pitch? Any advice from the group?
Roger

Hi Roger,

I'm not an outboard guy (2 x 454 mercs). What pitch & blade count do you currently have. I'm guessing a 4 blade 23 pitch would get you out of the whole nicely?? Priceb...??

Hey guys,

Sorry, I'm half asleep. I've just driven into Salinas near San Francisco and its about 2am.

You are right jez, that was my boat on the youtube link. The guy I bought it off spent heaps on it. I got it for 65k usd. It does 79mph with a 1/4 tank and 2 guys. I would be more than happy to take you for a run in it when I get it. I will email you when I get a sec about the dramas you have had. Our laws are out of control.

Today I was at SC Performance in Huntington Beach. The boats were simply stunning. He had a cig 42 that does 107mph, a spectre 32 with twin 1200hp's that will do over 160mph, a t/s gunn. Boys, it just goes on and on...I didn't want to leave!.

I've got to get some sleep. I've got a massive 3 days coming up here!

P.s. Roger,

I'm not an outboard guy either. Just wanted to say that, however there is another guy on here from Australia called Kubcat (jim is his name) and he has a 36 cig in Sydney and he had outboards on it. I am sure he would be more than happy to help.

Also, one more thing. I very seriously nearly bought a Scarab III. I think they are a fantastic boat. Jez, i'm not sure if you have seen it or not, but if you get Miami Vice's first season there is an episode called "the great mc carthy". Infact you can find it on this forum i think. there are some awesome scarab III's in it. One of the Scarab III's i looked at twice over the last five years is now located in paterson lakes in vic.

Yes there are a few of us enchanted fellas here in Oz who have decided to take the big step into the unknown & import something worthy from the US. I am happy with my Scarab 34, would have preferred a 38 Scarab or a Cig T/G but just didn't have the funds. Priceb, I wish I was over there right now sharing your glory, however I'll just have to sit here & gloat. Good luck with the import & look after her, she's a beauty. All the best.

Jez, my boat should be arriving 21st of october. so book a trip and come for a run in the bay.

Oh, ps i wont brag and tell you im going to a cosmetic show in san francisco with 10,000 women tomorrow!!!!

Jeez Priceb you love to rub it in don't you!! Buy one of the best offshore boats on the planet, coincide its delivery into the country with a business trip to the US so you can write it off as business expenses which just happens to be spent with thousands of beautiful women!! I must have done something terrible in a past life or something!!

I really think you should move to Sydney. The harbour would provide a perfect backdrop to a boat of that calibre!!

Hey just saw this 2 1/2 years later .... oops.

My boat had 4 blade 24's with the outboards.

Hope it all went well.