I'm a new join here & am getting ready to buy my first "fast boat". I have little experience with offshore type boats, everything till now has been outboard center console fishing boats 16' to a 24' Donzi.

What I'm looking for is basic info on the following or anything else I'm overlooking:

Best years?

Twin SB or single BB?

How much can it handle offshore?

What are "normal" prices '94-'00?

How much of a difference is there between a 29' & a 31'? Huge difference in price, how about performance, etc?



I've been searching the boards for the last few days & getting good info and will continue to do so. Just wanted to de-lurk & say hi. Hope to join the club & see you on the water.

Andy

Welcome to the board!

I own a single big block with a Whipple Supercharger. Mine puts out 650HP. It runs great in the rough stuff. As far as whether you want twins or single. Better check your pocket book. Also see if your running far offshore or a inland lake. Its nice too have twins in case one breaks. At least you'll eventually get back to shore.

I have a lot of friends so I don't worry about getting stuck. As far as price goes, I think a range of 33 to 65 for the years your asking about. There's a huge ride difference between a 31 and a 29! If I could go back and do it again, I would have gotten an older 31 than a new 29. Its a world of difference in cabin space and cockpit space.

Don't get me wrong, I luv my 29, its all in what you want and can afford.

The speeds with a twin 29 are about 69 to 72. My single with the Whipple is running around 74, but I'm still tuning on props.

Good luck and I hope this helps!!

I don't have any info, just want to say...

Welcome!!!

I just bought my first "fast boat" in January. It is a 1994 29 foot scarab with a carburated 454. The 1994 to 2002's appear to be the same hull and interior. Mine only goes about 53 at WOT. The later MPI 502's seem to be a lot faster. I don't mind the top end soo much because I'm still getting used to the speed and size. It's definately a fun boat. Mine was plain white when I bought it and needed some attention in the interior. But, with the trailer I paid low 20's. Took me a while to find one that cheap, but I think I got a great boat for that kind of money. I haven't seen another one for under about 33K, even a 1994. I like to customize everything so I don't mind buying projects.
My friend has a 2002 Formula Fastech 38 footer with twin MPI 502's with all the goodies. Although I admire the hell out of his boat, I am definately glad I started small. A boat like his could kill driver with as little experience driving fast as myself. You've definately started right by joining this forum. You will learn more in one night of bored surfing on this site than years of trying to figure it out on your own.
Good luck with youre search and purchase, and welcome!!

Robert

I believe the hulls are the same for all the 29's. Mine has two small blocks and is a 98. Let me know if you have any questions. I just got mine over the winter but it belonged to aclose friend so I have been around the boat for 2 years.

A friend of mine may be selling a 1995 with 150 hours - supercharged small blocks with blackhawk drives..... fresh water with trailer... wicked fast boat.

I have owned both boats..
a '94 29 and a 96 31

Likled them both a lot.
Had more fun in the 29 because it was smaller.It really had a great ride with that narrow beam. Sold it without the motor together for 38k. Had a single worked 502 and ran 68 with an x box.

31 had 454 mags and ran 67 -69
loved the 31 for its size and ride was awesome. If I was given one for free..it would be a tough choice which to take.

Yes ...1994 - last ones made.... had the same hulls and decks.

60's for a mid 90's 31 in my opinion
30 - 40k for a 94 -96 single in mint condition
email me if ya want more info.... or pics of either to give ya an idea

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