Finally starting to narrow down my search for my first boat, and I keep coming back to the Scarab 29 with twin small blocks. From what limited noob knowledge I possess, they seem to be reasonably priced (sub $40k,) fairly fast (68-72,) and comfortable with pretty good reliability and efficiency.

Curious as to any thoughts/experiences that any of you may have had with these boats, not looking for any specific info.

Didn't want to post this in the Scarab section bc I want to hear what everyone has to say, not just Scarab guys.

Thanks in advance!

Ttt

If your a newbie, start out simple with a single engine and buy mine

I've seen yours, and it's a great looking boat... I'd rather not go out on Lake Michigan with only 1 engine though. It can get a little dicey.

Thank you, I go on the big pond called the Atlantic and no problems Of course I also carry Boat US tow insurance

Then you are gutsier than I am.

The 29s are a decent boat. They are fairly easy to drive and decent rough water ride. Your speed expectations are probably a shade high on stock power. With the 350 mag mpis they are lucky to crack 70 without some tweaking, but then again, tweaking is half the fun.

Hey Kimmer, is that a likeness of you in your avatar???

Maybe

I'm sure a tweak or two will be in order. Thanks for the input.

A tweak or two is even optomistic. Most came with alphas , you'll want bravos over 65 for sure. Add ext steering if you want to get it over 70. Handles pretty wild at that speed. If you can find a decent p29 , that will have all the right rigging but will most likely be over 40g. I have a 94 with twins and my bud has a 96 , twins , and bravos. Mine runs 60 all day with the carbbed mags and alphas while my buds runs 65-68 with new mag mpi's and bravos. I love the boat and have owned it for 7 years. Built well for a production boat and can take a pretty good pounding. Easy to trailer . A little tight in the engine bay for my big butt to get in there and work on sometimes. Fuel economy is awesome with the small blocks compared to my friends bb's in similar size boats.