Scarab 38 flat deck kevlar question
 

Ive been going through the old posts and am a bit confused. I'm looking at a couple of 82' scarab 38's. One is a KV, and another is listed as an SE. Both have a notched transom. I don't belive either is an LS. Both have interior. Now I have seen info on the old posts that say a notched transom = kevlar. I have also seen info here that it would say "kevlar" under the HIN. I'm in the market for a flat deck and want the best hull I can get. Any info as to true kevlar constrution would be helpfull.

Anybody, please. I don't want to buy without the proper information.

sorry i don't know??

do a search, it's been talked about.

I've done a search and came up with conflicting information. I was looking for the definitive answer. Anyone?

I'm going to guess that nobody knows. I wish I could help you. Good luck

I suppose some secrets were meant to stay secret. Oh well.

Just wanted to add that yall can be happy for me when I pop up with a kevlar 377 scarab.:coolcowboy:

Jaxx 30,
Kevlar was an extra cost option on all scarabs and could be rolled into the price when purchased on a special order!!There was no markings embeded under the H.I.N. numbers that I am aware of ..Kevlar Hulls from the Factory did have decals applied to the sides and rear Left side of the upper transom ,but those decals only lasted for six or seven years before they faded out from the sun.The decals had to be reapplied again to maintain the status of the Boat... The decals usually said Kevlar 49 and came in different colors to offset the hull.Kevlar hulls were very few and far between because they were expensive at the time But there was a weight savings of about 4 to 600 lbs. depending on the size of the boat ordered--That information I got from numerous trips to the factory from the guys that built them..Even that is not a sure bet that you have one... Jim One item that you might check if you can find some guy that purchased the boat new is that he might still have the original sales papers that he stored away some where.Boaters are pack rats.... The papers would say if the hull was Kevlar and the cost at the time of purchase... Good Luck in your search

Look up in the bow access area you be able to look at the layup

THe "KV" model was not a model in 1982. That came later, in like 1986 i think. I havent seen a KV with a notched transom. They made kaama edtions. Which did not have kaama drives. I had a 1982 powerboat magazine that they did a test on a 1982 kaama 38. They said the test boat was laid up using a combination of kevlar and nomex. They also said the weight savings were around 1500 lbs over a standard fiberglass layup.

Whether its kevlar or fiberglass, watch for rot. The old scarabs were notorious for rotted stringers and transoms. Actually, all the boats from that era should be looked over carefully.

I'm by no means an expert, and this could probably be verified in the fiberglass section, but the kevlar I've seen has a different look than fiberglass. It was very obvious that it was kevlar. Please see initial disclaimer again.

I have not seen the boat in person. The seller does not know what the construction is. I asked him to look inside the boat where there would be no paint-just the bare hull. He said it is "orangish" in color. Also the actual weave strands of the material are almost 1/4" . I am waiting for a pic of this from the seller. Also said the engine bay is also orange. It has a notched transom but flat engine hatches-not the blower hatch like on the kv's. I will wait for pics. Who knows???????? I will try to see if he has the original owners info.

Jaxx30, dont let the hatches fool you ... not all of the scarabs came with the blower hatches and you could buy them from Wellcraft direct.. The standard boats came with flat hatches with cushions on them---- a lot of guys liked them better so they could get a babe on the cushions!!!!If you need any other info let me know... Used to be a sales joc for Wellcraft and worked for one of the biggest scarab dealers in the country --
Copper Kettle..

Jim



also have the Wellcraft catalog for 1982

Thats exactly what I've seen of kevlar.

Jim, Do ya have an 83 book.. I will never forget the site when Copper Kettle burned down !!

Speaking of Race Hatches -VS- Sunpad....


After talking one "Babe" for a ride, the vibrations of the two 500EFI's making her "wet".......I for one WILL NEVER REPLACE MY SUNPAD WITH RACE HATCHES----EVER!


Just a personal observation...:}

Maybe I won't need those race hatches after all......:evilb:

Yes I have the 83 catalog too !!!!! I have most of the catalogs going back to 1977 --Not all but most .. Jim

Sounds just like mine. Very coarse stranding was used on the stringers and bottom. Mine is a 1987, 34 CC so I seriously doubt it has ever seen any kevlar. However, no rot was found in any part of my stringers, just some in the floor hatches where holes were made. Easy fix.... Good luck with it.

I´ve personally seen the word KEVLAR on a 34 Ninja 1988 model under the Hin Number with the same font as the Hull Number.
Might depend on a year as rumors have told also a K as the last digit would mean Kevlar, can´t verify that.
38KV´s came around 1985 and had no notch or Kaamas that I know of. All pre 85 "38KV´s" flatdecks are 377 Kaama S.E.´s Notch or not or Kevlar or not.
Wellcrafts Kevlar 49 reinforced Scarabs got rid of @500lbs on 377 Kaama /38KV.
Also a sure hint of one not being a 38KV is the cockpit with a side-by-side bolster and cushions on the sides of the cockpit