29 scarab
 

curious as to what the thoughts are on the 29 scarab with twin small blocks?

Well, I just got mine and used it this weekend for the first run and I'm thrilled with it. Nicely balanced, easy on plane, 5 people aboard and cruised wonderfully well. Stayed on plane down to 2700 rpms, topped out at 4900 and around 68mph...350 mag mpi's, bravos, 23 mirage plus, kplanes! I had a Formula 292 with Scorpions before it and other than 10 mph and a payment, I feel I've lost nothing going to the 29 Scarab!

its all in what you want,,, It's not the fastest and not the slowest
I like mine a lot, get many compliments on it. I've learned a lot of things about this boat and learning more.
I believe I have many answers to some questions you might have, not because I'm that smart but because I've had multiple unfortunate experiences. Only mad about one. We need more 29 Scarab posting experiences.

Pondrunner,,,where do you think extra 10mph came from on the

Do you know what Scorpion motors are? They are 377 Horsepower small blocks...with the stepped hull, thats where 10 mph came from. I was quite suprised at how close in handling and the performance felt comparing the two, the Scarab gives up nothing to the Formula except the speed and some finer finish. I don't miss the payments though!

It seems you can get some pretty good deals on them. I'm curious as to what the cons are. I am between these and the 28 donzi ZX which I know is a stepped hull and should be a little faster

I will second 01Scarab29 I love mine with twin small blocks I use in the local lakes and rivers, but have also used it in the Gulf.

I do know the 377. I ask because I don't know the other boat, type of hull, prop shaft center-line. I know my Scarab has a propshaft 7 3/8" deep. My engines are 383's now dyno at 400hp. Has increased speed from 68 to 73 with 23 mirage+.... I'm interested in putting -3 Imco's. just trying to find more people interested in small details and the results.....

I think you have a good setup going but you need higher pitch props/I run 23+ now with only the 350 Mags...25 Mirage+ should get you 2mph and put you real close to the predicted 76!...the Formula has a twin step hull, 700 pounds heavier, drive ratios at 1.65 which allows it to spin 30" bravo props, and has a raised x-dimension compared to the Scarab design. I hit 80mph gps with this setup. I've heard of -2"Imcos on the Scarab 29 but not -3". Maybe too much, but it is known that this hull responds well to raised x-dimension. Doing the calculations, you do seem to be loosing speed somewhere(props I'll bet), 800HP should get you 76mph in this hull according to the numbers...raising the drives may push you past it. Your Scarab is beautiful, it was the graphics and year I wanted, but had to settle on the pricing of the '97 racing flag graphics instead. I'll get some gps data from my run this weekend to give you some comparison numbers. If you do go with shorties, post your results...that's how the rest of us learn what can be done! I've considered the shorties myself for a later upgrade. :cool-smiley-011:

01scarab - I would say go for the -3 shorties. You can always add spacers to those to tune it to. I would think a -3 or -2 would get you faster speeds. The P29 bottom was redesigned and I have heard rumors that the last few production (white) 29's also had the larry smith redesigned bottom but this I dont know for a fact. Team Archer might be able to chime in on this. If it is true the more you can take off the better. The black hawk drive is 8" shorter than the bravo. A minus 3 stellings 12" extension box with -3 shorties would be the closest you could get the props to the surface of the water. I would say go for it if you have the extra scratch to throw around.

Also, how do the single engines do?

OK just read this post- I bought a '97 Scarab 29 a couple of weeks ago, it's in nice shape, 360 hours and every option. We have used it in the San Juan islands the last 2 weekends and it was an easy boat to learn. Mine has the twin 350's and I wouldn't do it any other way. It planes fast but what really surprised me is how stable the boat is in a couple feet of chop we get on the bay out to the islands. I can cruise at around 2900 rpm and it's about 40 mph I think. It will go 63 or so on the gps with full fuel and 4 adults in a light chop. It's so stable and cuts through the waves incredibly. Mine has a magic brush paint job and EVERYONE here wants to chat about the boat because it looks brand new and there are not a lot of offshore speed boats up here. The good- It's fast, stable, easy to drive, I have Imco steering, and trim adjust on the wheel and it's just smile across your face fun. The I can live with- It's not an overnighter like I am trying to do with it. Down below is functional for a day trip but the layout with the porta potty and lack of storage is made for a day at the lake. Mine sounds good at idle and as you go faster it directs more exhaust through the props which I love, this is not a good area for loud boats. I am happy and love the boat however its a stepping stone to a 33 for me with a head and sink and microwave.

I believe the 29 is getting on the edge of what a single motor can handle. I had a lake friend years ago with a 29' and single BBC. It was usable, but seemed to be a bit of a pig and would only run like 55 mph if I remember right. I do remember him kicking himself in the butt for buying a single in such a large boat. Twin small blocks is the way to go I think.

I definitely will post ALL the results I get and don't mind sharing anything I've done so for.

Some GPS numbers, 3 dudes in the boat, 2/3rds tank of fuel, 80 degrees on flat water....38mph@3000 rpm, 46mph@3500 rpm, 67mph@4900rpm wot. I'm sure I can get it to 68mph+ on a bit of chop to air out the hull.

That's what I was thinking about the single. seems like a lot of boat for one motor.

Very good information. keep us posted.

Just bought my 96 with twin 350Mag MPIs. Love this boat. Motors were recently refreshed so didn't go over about 4200rpm for now. Still it planes so quick, pops up on the water in about 3.5 seconds. With the k-planes down. Cruises at 50 in chop all day long. i have the Imco steering and bravo 1. Only thing I will change quickly is the Keikafer controls. The throttles are in the middle of the trans controls. I find myself using 2 hands trailering and docking which leaves none for the wheel! So far not pretty!

Coming off plane quick,y is awesome too. My old formula would stuff and then wash the stern.. This things comes to a nice stop...

I had the same problem with controls,,, I took them apart and back together with the trans levers on the inside and throttle on the outside. Really like the way it turned out

That is great to know! Thanks for the feedback 01. I was wondering if that was possible.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]541958[/ATTACH]
This is the levers I have

Just realized you live in Houston. I live in Beaumont, are you going to Outlaw Challenge?

I hope to make it on the Friday. I get back in from business travel early Friday. Are you heading down there as well. ?

Those look so much nicer than the black ones I have. I may just swap out the whole set. Nice looking boat too!

Plans are to go Thursday evening, weather permitting,,,, and thanks, I've done a lot to it, not all by choice,LOL

Got a offer in on a 1996 now, marine survey next hoping to join the club. :pray:

Well we got the boat back this past weekend. New Long block and went through both port and starboard. I won't say bad things here about who I bought this from, but its a shame when you buy a boat and shake a man's hand who tells you the refresh was done right and when you pull the drives there's nothing left of the gimbals and bellows, (obviously not part of the motor refresh, but still)... not surprised the motor grenaded I guess. But what the hell, one mans refresh is another's trash! :cool:

So new 350Mag long block, first runs and it ran like a top. Looks like I will have some season left after all...

Took a chance on a new shop in Conroe, came recommended from some other good folks up there. This guy is meticulous and did a great job. Not a clamp, line or wire out of place. Had a couple of issues and showed up at my stall at 7:30 at night to make it right for me by the next morning. If y'all need work, I would recommend these folks. Just PM me and I can pass on their info.

Now time to add sea strainers and hull pick ups.. this damn lake is shalllllow in some areas!!!!!



So we put a good 5 1/2 hours on it Saturday before the rain. Cruised all day long at 51 in white caps on Conroe. Can't believe this lake generates white caps, but what fun and no little flat bottom boats out there in the way! :boat: