Scarab 22 Mods
 

I have a 1997 Stock Scarab 22. I want to do some upgrading to it. A few things I want to do are Gauges, and I would like an offshore style shifter and throttle. I also want to do custom drop downs for the front seats because I use it 90% in the ocean and the ride is pretty rough. Can anyone recommend what I can do that wont be too hard that will make this boat more custom.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Look no further

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=84443

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Thanks for the link. I saw that project. That is pretty cool but way beyond what I could do. Im thinking more of just bolt on mods.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Here are pics of my 22. Livorsi gauges and zero effor controls. I would much rather stand and drive the boat but, I never though of putting bolsters in it.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

I like what you did to your boat. Do you have anymore pictures you can email me? I am really interested in doing controls like that in mine. Did you take your graphics off while it was new or can you still see a slight fade where the graphics use to be??? I want to pull my graphics off but Im sure their will be a slight color difference there.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

I took the grafics off 2 years ago. There was a slight fade at first but my detail guy did some sanding, buffing... when the boat is clean you can't see any fade at all. When it gets a little dirty, I think I am the only one (and only with polarized lenses) who can see a slight fade.

A couple of other guys asked my to post pics of the controls. I haven't taken any since the season started but, I will try in the next couple of weeks. Remind me.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Hello,

I too have been following the link with the guy that tore the whole deck off his boat and did just about everything imaginable. This guy is a piece of work! Just amazing what he did.

I'd like to have bolsters too and drive it like a real boat, but I don't think the sides of the boat (forgot the term for this) are high enough. I think the seats would be sticking way out of the boat! What does everybody else think?

Currently, I kind-of straddle the seat, but it's not very comfortable. I don't know if I want to put more into the Scarab, or upgrade. The 22 was cheap to buy, cheap on gas, insurance... fits in the garage.

If someone has any idea on what bolsters to use on this boat I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks,



Tom

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

and oh yeah...

it's cheap to get out of an impound lot.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

The sides of the boat arent that high. But Im not that tall. So I was going to make custom bolsters with shorter legs so it didn't stick up that high. Then I would sort of lean back into them with my legs bent so that I wasnt' standing completely straight up. They may stick up over the sides alittle bit but hell I need more height on my seat anyway I cant see worth a damn when im sitting down.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

The floors in these boats are not too sturdy. You may want to reinforce the floor before putting in bolsters otherwize you may end up flat on your back.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Yeah your a little blind sitting in the 22 when you're off plane. I think your idea could work well, though. Fabricating the seats could be a bit of a challenge. I've looked at Bolsters on the internet and man are they expensive! Did you have a seat in mind that you were thinking of modifying, or are you going to try an make some from stratch? I may be interested in doing the same.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Good point YSS

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

My Floor doesn't seem flimsy. I pull on my seat and rock it back and forth and I cant see my floor moving. If the seat in there now is holding up just fine, the bolsters will do just the same. But yeah I plan to cut a hole under the seat and insert metal backing plates under the floor for the bolts of the bolsters. My friend designed and made his own bolsters for his boat and they were pretty cool. So I plan to do the same. Im going to make custom dimensions to fit my boat. Buy the material have it welded then fabricate a seat frame and have it upolstered. Will probably cost about $400 per seat. But it will be worth it to get rid of those river chairs in there now. I spend all my time in the ocean so i need a new boat or better seats.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Those bolsters sound pretty cool. If you do it, please take some pictures.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

please take pictures. I have wanted to change the seats forever or atleast get a longer post for the seats stand, but I cant find them. It is hard for me to see and i'm a big dude. Right now I have two throw cushions I sit on.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

YSs, Have you checked with www.boatseats.com
I think they sell different length of seat posts.
Either way if I can manage to do this bolsters custom I will keep all my drawings and pictures and costs. Then you can build some if you like. I know it can be done because my friend did it and they work well because he has them in a 1979 30 foot scarab that he totally gutted and did a custom newer style interior.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Is it hard to install the zero effort controls? Could I do it with simple tools?
Where did you order yours from?

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Twin Marine has some flipup buckets that may help you out.

Re: Scarab 22 Mods
 

Bolsters: I put drop-outs in my Chap Villain 19' . Take a look at the other 22 scarab project thread and you will see the details. I got them from www.hottopsmarine.com in Ft. Meyers Florida. He is $1000 for a pair of high quality seats. Hard to beat this price. You need to supply the height that you want and the inside width of the cockpit. I also put the same units in my Carrera 24. A good move as they are more secure, give you much more visibility when driving, and give a serious look to the cockpit.

E.S.

Any one that can help i have a 97 scarab 22 with a 454 mpi what can i do to the eng. to get more power im thinking a set of stainless marine headers, K&N air intake system and made a reprogamable ECU with out spending to much money love to get a 502 ci. Don't like to wast any money on stuff i can't use on the next motor