Hi all,
There's an '86 Scarab 38 that we've been thinking about for a while. It has standard TRS drives and some sort of 454s. I have a few questions and was hoping for the thoughts of the collective.

1. Assuming it has 420s, what kind of speed can we expect?
2. What kind of power would be needed to run 75-80?
3. Is there anything we should look out for other than standard old boat issues?
4. I would assume that these are built about as well as Formulas of the era, i.e., pretty well built production boats?
Thanks!
David

1.60+mph... brand new mid 60´s.

2. a pair of 600´s at least.

3. not actually 86-87 models had lamination issues but that should be taken care of by now.

4. Nope not that good built as Formulas.
Wellcrafts are the Bayliners of powerboats actually.

80 mph ? my guess is 750-800 hp...

Cool, thanks for the advice!
David

420's were the biggest they put in an 86 from the factory.
New...low 60's
Tired...mid to high 50's

I'm run'n NA 600's and can flirt with the 80 mark all day. Max was 83 gps with all the right conditions.
What ever HP you decide, make sure the trannies get the mods to handle the HP. Tom Huber from Huber Marine did mine. One of the best in the biz.

I have yet to see a production KV come apart.

It's amazing how many race teams used them long after the end of their production for being the bottom of the bucket in performance boats.

It's a great boat to start with if you want an old school flat deck. Just keep in mind, you are looking at a 22 year old boat. Make sure you get a good survey done on it.

Good luck

Thanks for all of the information!

I read in another post that all 38' Scarabs have the same hull with different decks. The boat we're looking at is a raised deck '86. I assume it would be a bit heavier than a K/V, but otherwise identical?

80+ with twin 600s isn't bad at all!
Thanks!
David

Keep in mind I only saw 83 once. I can run all day at 77-79 depending on weight and get'n some air under it. My hull has been Blue printed, which is said to be able to enhance the top end. The day I hit 83 we were run'n light in 3 footers and just the wife and I in the boat.

Wayne