Ok, here it goes, QUESTIONS for those who know more then me:

Looking at getting one of the 2 following boats. Either a Donzi Z33 “Crossbow”, or a Scarab III 34. Scarab is older, 1984 to 1988 for the Z33. Plan would be weekending in these on the water when possible as both have similar layouts, size etc.
Question: What would be considered a better built boat? Better in good size water of Lake Erie? And with similar power, say 500Hp and TRS drives, what “should” be the faster boat or what speeds can be obtained?
Thank you, John

I had an 84 Scarab III years ago and it wasn't a bad boat the problem is parts for the TRS drives. Especially if you are boating in rough water where you will surface the props.. you will break a drive. If either has been converted to modern drives it would be much more desirable!

The other problem I had was electrical as the boat still had a bunch of glass fuses and the fuse holders kept losing contact so I had a heck of a time with shorts and blown fuses.

GET A SURVEY!

Never had a Crossbow but i had heard of build issues in that line (probably no more then anything else from that era though). The ScarabIII, however, i do know a thing or two about. I absolutely love mine, pretty well built (for then) and well laid out. I refer to mine as the Winnebago for the water lol. Mine runs pretty well in lake Erie, not many times i get nervous. If you are in the market mine will be available in the fall and it is pretty nice. 400 original hours with fresh Merc Mags, Bravos, all new stringers and transom, AC, all new stripes and rubrail on nice original gel, on trailer. Built by me for me, i have had it since 05, it has served me very well. Tell ya the truth out of this and the 38ZX i have the ScarabIII is WAY more comfortable to overnight on.

Size wise i always thought the Crossbow was a pretty small 33, i suspect the Donzi is measured with the swim platform whereas mine is not and is roughly 36 feet overall. The cabin in the Scarab is cavernous compared to the Crossbow, the benches on my boat convert to an almost queen sized bed and if i had to i could probably sleep a half a dozen in that boat no prob.

Performance wise the Donzi should be faster but it is a lighter and smaller boat. None of that will do you any good out in this lake and i would be buh-bye on a typical day out there . Mine is set up with a higher X dimension ( up 2") and carries very well.


(hope i have not offended any Crossbow guys but i REALLY like my SIII )

+1 You should buy Daves.

thnx


Ideally i would like to trade it for an 88 or 89 thirty eight Excel Scarab project (up or down).


I built my III as a keeper not something to turn a buck on. I do like this boat and hate to see it go but really want to do a 38 with no cabin and full crash bulkheads. Something i can point out into the nastiest of days on Erie and run the bu-jeesus out of it

Dave, in that third pic is it the shadow or is it bottom painted?

its was bottom painted when i got it but all thats coming off before it leaves my hands. Its not on to bad plus i set my self up to media blast.

For Cabin the Scarab layout is better I think the crossbox table is in the way. As for Construction that old of a boat have them surveyed. True some of the early 86-87 crossbows had some issues Also the Scarba is a true 34 foot boat the donzi aroudn 31 remember they count the platform to get to 33

Thanks guys. I'm not in a rush. I think the Scarab would be the deal of the century really. Long story but I guess a "free" boat that has been cosmetically updated is a good deal. CABIN is gennie still, but the boats been painted and cockpit redone.

I WILL HAVE TO POWER IT. My buddy has it, hurt a drive, redid BOTH, then hurt a motor, BUY NEW BOAT. So he bought one of those record setting 38 Thunders. Sold it a few years ago, but still has the old one. I think it's a 1984.

Donzi just seem to look SEXIER? I have heard there a well biult boat that will handle Erie pretty well.

Both would TRS drives. Might get some speedmasters down the road. Either way I go will probably get Supercharged engines anyway.

Thanks and keep the info coming.

How can I post a picture?

Ha....two of my fav boats. Always had a soft spot for big Scarabs and Id love to have Daves

I had an 89 Crossbow and have seen (but never ridden in) several III's and I can tell you a III is a much larger boat overall with a bigger cockpit and a MUCH bigger cabin. Theres really no comparison. I was at a dealership once and a III was just slightly smaller than a 38 PQ parked right beside it.

The Crossbow has good balance and is not difficult to drive in the rough. With its straight bottom it corners on RAILS without even a hint of side slip. That boat will TURN!. It has a very planted in control feel at speed not loose like my Fountain. Both still good looking boats IMO with their wrap around windshields