Extension box on a 96 26 scarab
 

New project!! Buying this boat to be a home for my 850 hp 598. You guys have learned from your mistakes, I've read some forums on here.. some of you seem to have it all worked out!

Wellcraft or Larry Smith 26

Wish it was a L.S.! I actually started with a 28 excell, turned out to be a wavy bottomed mush bucket. I read all the posts from hotboat..so much good information! Just wondering how much all this applies to the 26. Removing the hook, box, shorty, spinning the prop ccw... need info from the pro's! I only have enough cash to do this once. Like that ever happens!

I would recommend a an Imco 3 plus box raises the x dimension. I highly recommend raising the x dimension. As long as you don't go to high. If your prop shaft is 6'inches below the hull definitely do it.

Thanks! From what I have been reading that's what I thought, just wanted a little input. I've been reading about raising the x 3". And taking the hook out. Where would you start with the x? I'm sure its at least 6" stock on a 96.

Where is the hook? If it is on the outer strake or the edge of the hull and gunnel don't take it out. It is a built in tab to keep from porpoising. If it is in the hull definitely take it out.
X dimension i would not take it any higher than 2 -3 if you are doing by raising the engine..
I paid someone to set mine up and that was a huge mistake because they ended up making to high and i could not get on plane until i put 1 inch spacers back in the drives.

You really don't want to raise the motor 3 inches. Just go with a -3 IMCO lower its a lot less work and time. Moving the motor up in the boat throws the balance off the lower the motor is in the boat the better.

Thanks, great information! I already have an extension box, wondered why I have been reading all these posts about raising the engine. Sure does make more sense to get a shorty. I did the hull on my Checkmate and did what you said, left those little hooks on the outer strakes. Getting the bottom and pad flat was a huge improvement!

it is best to get a shorty how ever raising the engine 2 inches will not affect the center of gravity much, **** mine was raised 5-6 inches and I have not noticed any weight distribution issues.
this mine now with the engines way high. I do plan on pulling the engines and lowering them. how far I am not sure yet. I have a 1 inch spacer now and am going to run it tomorrow with 2 inch spacers and what the outcome is so I can see how low I can go with out affecting top end

Wow! Awesome boat! You really have that x up there!

Thanks! The x was supposed to be raised some but it is too high now, I just ran with 2" inch spacers and ran 87mph consistently vs it being an inch higher and only seeing 87'mph one time.

Wouldn't it be nice to get it right the first try! 87 is a great number!

yes it would, but unfortunately every hull is different even if it is the same boat.

At least you guys are giving me a great baseline from your experience. I really haven't read anything bad about this boat except plating and back plating the engine mount. I have an offshore cradle mount so I'll do whatever it takes fix that.

I have had a 96 26 scarab with the hp 500 a 97 29 single engine scarab with 820 hp an imco shorty and now the panther. I love scarab's I think 29 with the 7'6 beam was the best rough water boat I have had.

I started with an 89 scarab 28 excell. Turned out to be too far gone. Would have been a major project, stringers and transom were really soft, not to mention all the other wiring and cosmetic issues. Like bottom paint and years of finding shallow coral reefs! My ex is stuck with it! Haha. I mostly run the rivers so this 26 should be fine, and still handle the lake fine the couple times a year we get there (Erie)

How do they run? Both sound built right! And Panthers are always fast!

26 ran 73 -75 mph the 29 ran 85 mph and the panther right now is at 87 mph with twin 502's so far still playing with the x dimension

Hope we get to run together sometime!

I almost bought that black 88 29 scarab down your way. Had what he was asking for it in parts...

what area do you run in?

I bought my 98 this year love the boat so far. I'm also in Baltimore need to get these scarabs together

I'm in Pittsburgh, we venture out a few times a year tho. Would love to see some new places!

where area do you hang out. Hart miller?

Yes, we launch at rocky point