Scarab Panther 30'. Looking at two boats. One is a 1986 and the other is an 1988. Both with 454's and Bravo 1 out drives

How do these boats perform?
What speed ill they run?
Are there any problems with these boats?
Anything special to look for?

Both boats have small trim tabs. Would K Planes help the performance?

Any help would be appreciated.

I have had a 88 panther since 1993 I have been 98 mph in mine with 800 hp kieth eickerts and short lowers. I have had 5 diff motor combos in the boat and 3 diff drive combos. I just finshed up with the swap from my new boat I took my big eickerts out and put in the 502 mag mpis gimbles and drives also out of my 99 33 avs with that power it runs 76 mph. If you are looking to buy one call me and i will e mail some pics and specs james 904 545 4821 jax fl.

The mid 80's Panthers had problems with the bottom. They didn't overlay the glass to well on the keel, thus it made the center of the boat weak. You will see a lot of stress cracks just under the lower chines on both sides. The later 80's Panthers didn't have this problem. I have an 86' Panther with 550's and the boat runs close to 80mph with TRS'.

I would go with the 86, since it may have Bravo's??? It is a fun boat to drive, but maybe a little too much pounding in the rough stuff. Of course size is a factor, but I have riden in a lot of 30 footers, and the Panther definetely qualifies as a pounder with the TRS setup. I haven't driven a Panther with Bravos, so that may be different.

Other than that, they handle well, and are very predictable. Re-entry is predictable, and you know when the boat is going to leave the water (at least I know, unlike others who can't drive).

If you have any particular questions don't hesitate to ask? I have had mine for over 4 years. I have done a lot of work to it, including blue printing the bottom, and a lot of work with the keel because of delam from what I mentioned above..

Panther

Oh yeah, put on the K-planes. Panthers need them, especially for planing off, and rough seas.

You can see pictures at: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4jgbw/

My '89 30' ran 68 recently w/ stock 454s and B1s. I don't know the hp ratings, - I'm trying to learn more about this boat. I got k-planes but have not had to use them much since I'm at LOTO.

Panther, I get this w/ your link;

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The requested resource is currently locked. The lock must be released or proper identification given before the method can be applied."

I'd love to see detail pics of your boat.

In 1989 the motors were 330 hp or 365 on the 454

Hey, Strip, -correct you are. According to the 1989 Retail Price Sheet I just received from Wellcraft, the "454 Magnum (365)" was an $8,450 upgrade compared to the $60,795 base price "7.4 (330)".

What are the differences between the two motors besides the "special high-performance exhaust" that is footnoted as included with the 365hp? Is there any exterior evidence that I can tell mine are the bigger horse motors?

The exhaust was the same .The 365 had steel crank, 4 bolt main block,7/16 rods, forged pistons , the cam was a 510 lift,The heads were rectangle port, better springs . the intake was a dual plane medium rise intake ,800 cfm quad carb

The 330 hp main diff was cast crank ,small rods, oval port heads,

In my Scarab the stock bottom end of a 365 horse. With mearlin heads and 8/71 blower it made 762hp on the dyno . It held up good. The 365 hp motor has the same basic parts as a 1970 454 LS6 motor that came in the chevelles

Good news, and . . . Long Live Chevy!

I just winterized this w/e, and guess what I discovered showing on those plastic carb covers? 365 Horse! Woohoo!