1981 Scarab Info
 

Trying to get some input on this 81 30' Scarab, it was last registered in Ct. 1999.(boat name was LET ER RIP) It looks like the HID number is WEL-4020680-300-1981. I was told it had 454's with TRS drives? I have been looking for a project boat that I can basically rebuild with some updated equipment but still love those old lines. I added a couple pictures of the boat. The price is seriously cheap. The guy has lost his storage space. I know it needs work and has no power but glutton or not a challenge would be cool. I've already done one boat so not afraid of some dirty hard work.

Sorry no info but i like your project. What are some of your plans for it?? Please keep us updated on progress & problems.

Well it looks like stupidity rules again,if all goes well I should have it at my shop in the next few weeks. I'll try and put up some pics when I get it there.
Still looking for any info you guys might have on these boats, options they came with etc.
What are my options as far as drives go, don't mind using TRS if thats the most logical way to go.

I have a 77 Scarab 30 with SBC's, it handles great it rough water! Should TRS drives, and I believe the electronic trans which isn't good for higher power. The boat looks in great shape! If you want really nice drives that should bolt up and are going to make some power, stick a set of Konrads on there, should pick up the boat a few mph over TRS's as well.

Let the madness begin
 

The boat is definitely getting big block power, what would be the best choice for transmissions (transmission ratio)? and drive and drive ratio etc. The engines should be somewhat modest, between 450 and 500 horsepower each. I know this seems early but just looking for some ideas to start shopping around. Are the 420 horse mercs a good choice? And of course there is the rotation choice for the drives or should I just stick with right hand rotation?

I have a 81 Type S with 454 and TRS drives should be very simialar. PM for specifics.

Cliff

Were able to pick up the Scarab yet?

Cliff

420's are a great option, but a hp500 clone can be built cheaper and I think a solid choice. Anything other than Korads (BIG $$$) will require a new transom, so if you don't want to do that, run the TRS drives with the Borg Warner trannies. The merc stuff doesn't seem to last especially under some power. The TRS drives are still plentiful and parts are available, plus they handle 500hp even on bigger boats fairly well. Just my $.02

scarab
 

Long story short I called the guy to pick it up and he told me it was sold, didn't think much about it after that(this was about 2 months ago). Well thanks to OSO the gentlemen that bought it ended up with a better deal on another boat and contacted me about the scarab, as long as there are no glitches it will be at my shop next weekend(now I'm getting excited again)Time to start shopping again

I saw this boat and thought holy chit that's a project. I agree the lines are cool. Run borg warner tranny's with 454mags and TRS drives. Since it already is mostly stripped, I'd check the transom and probably pull transom assemblies. New wiring harness too :angry-smiley-038:
Good luck