I just bought a 1997 Scarab set up for a single, but purchased it without power. Anyone know how it performs with 385-420HP.

Lets see what it looks like! Welcome the the Wellcraft family!

i had a 1996 29 scarab with a 502mpi. 415 hp. and it ran about 60mph. top end ,it got up on plain good and had a nice ride , but i was not happy with that ,it was a big pig that needed 700 hp. to make it perform good , but if your looking for a good ride and a economical boat then the 502mpi. will do that for you ,

Thanks for the reply. I am going to put a fresh rebuilt 420 HP carbuated 454 in it for now. I just wanted to be sure it would break 50+, I will be looking for a used 502 Carburated 500HP to rebuild.

Scarabrun is right on, I think 60 is going to be about it, but the ride is unbeatable when it gets rough. I have 650hp in mine and it will run 68-70 with a full load and with just me I've seen 73. They are great boats and awsome rough water performers they just need alot of power to get them moving! Lets see some pics!
Scott

I have a 2002 29' Scarab with a 496ho and it runs 57 to 60 with the wind behind me. I would suggest a minimum of 650 hp to get a good variation of power.
The boat needs a good push to get on plane quickly and extra power to stabilize it when the wake gets rough. I have been pricing different engines and find Illmore's V-10 with 625 hp to be a great choice.
The engine is lighter than big blocks and is also a higher revving engine. This should push the boat to the mid 70's.....Maybe more!

I have a 1996 29ft...with a 502mpi in it and top speed is 60mph on gps...Great ride in 2ft chop...Super fun in 3ft rolles:

For the money the 29' Scarab has a great, fun ride. Try to get 650 to 700 horses, some good K-Planes, full hydrauliic external steeing and be prepared to enjoy the ride.

I have a 29ft with a blown 555- 850 hp in it and it will do 88mph and more. The 383 is to small it need 650 and more. Have fun

Shotime don't you have a P-29?