Part of the Thunder option package was the really cool storm/lightning graphics. Another option was the motors. You could get a "thunder" with supercharged motors up to 900hp (I think), in what I think were 100hp increments. I think it was one of those deals where the "thunder" option had graphics and cool looking items added to it (like the Mustang Saleen), but the real brunt of the options (which weren't required) were the motor upgrades (much like the Mustang Saleen).

I believe Wellcraft made Vipers only in 1990 and 1991. My Viper is a Larry Smith. Can be seen in classifies.

Sorry. That was 1990-1993.

Here is my thunder. I am not sure what power came with it, it was repowered with HP500's. All the thunders that I have seen have this same paint even though I have seen one without the race cowl.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...100_0154-1.jpg

Run em Hard....you still have that boat ? I'm curious about the ladder set up. Call me when you get a chance if you could. 716-807-4561 :drink:

First post, will add info as I can on Thunder. Boating magazine ran an article on the new "thunder" series of scarabs with the 31, 38 and a 43 I believe. it also showcased the SC line from mercruiser, the 525, 600, and 800 maybe? in each boat.

Wellcraft decided that the scarab line was becoming known as kind of bloated and fat, so they decided to come out with a line that had speed first as it's goal. They went on a diet to shave weight by removing some of the cruising niceities of the standard line. In addition, the Thunder hull used a new layup of bi and triaxial fiberglass including kevlar in the layup. coring was used in the deck and hull as well as microballons to fill in around the strakes and stringers I think. Of course, the graphics package and other items to make it feel different and racy always has to set apart a "class"

I remember the test as each boat was basically a 80mph boat, which back in early 90's was big speed for a factory boat. I dreamed about those boats for years.

So, yes the thunder package in the early 90's was different. It of course included the sticker package to set it apart, but it was a different layup at the time and a boat that was equipped to be lighter. Of course, who knows how long that lasted before every scarab was built to that standard or some of the features were removed and it became a simple sticker package, no difference once you got past the paint.

But in the beginning, they said there was a difference. Do a google search on it and there are a few articles out there. Hope this helps, or maybe just adds to the confusion.

Never owned an offshore boat, just dreamed about them constantly in college and read ALOT about them. No professional background or experience her, just my memory of articles. :party-smiley-004:

Brian

Bingo.
Worked for a Scarab dealer on my off duty days in the 90s. We were told the "Thunder" option was a light layup hull

Boat looks like it is still in great shape!! My oddity with my 1989 31 Excel is that I have not been able to find where Scarab actually built an 89 31ft Excel. I get to be the owner of the fatter era boat. I love it and can't complain though, still does 65~67 with completely stock 365hp mag engines. My goal is to break the 70 mph mark. I wouldn't think that should be to hard with the planned engine upgrades.

Hello gentlemen. I am new to OSO. Your Thunder is still in beautiful condition. I also have a 31 thunder. It came with the twin HP500's from the factory. My graphics are different than this. My graphics spell out thunder down each side of the boat.

Okie, I am not quite sure if Merc even offered the HP500 back in 1992. I would be interested to know. I do know that these motors did not come in the boat but I am not sure what was in there before. Could have been another set of HP500's for all I know.