Looking at 2 boats right now. Both very close in Price, within 2 grand. 2001 25 foot SST Outlaw Baja. 400 hrs, 496 with Bravo one outdrive. or 1996 26 foot Wellcraft Scarab with 350hrs, 502 mpi and Bravo one outdrive. Both in Mint shape and stored year round in Garage or lift kept. Not sure what to do... Help me decide... Dont really care about top end numbers... That is not my concern as they are within 3-5mph. Running in Lakes and river running...

Think I'd go baja on that one. Easier To Sell Down The road I think

That was my thinking, but I am not sure as it seems that most people don't think much for re-sale on a Baja? Or am I wrong?

If I were you I would go with the Scarab, I know I own one but, go to Powerboat Listings and compare, many Baja's for sale but only 3 Scarab 26, I have had mine 2 years and love it, done a lot to upgrade it but it's worth it, new Livorsi gauges, shower, cockpit carpet and a new 496HO this spring and it runs great, runs well in the Tampa Bay and Gulf and gets a lot of compliments.

I would go with the Baja. Scarabs are great boats, not knocking them, but you're also talking about an 18 year old 502 Mag vs. 13 year old 496 (closed cooling). 350 hours on an 18 year old motor would concern me, depending upon the level of service and maintenance performed. I would also look at the motor mounts on the Scarab 26 - I had a friend who had some issues with the way the motor was mounted in his 26. If I recall, his were not through-bolted to the stringers but rather attached to separate glassed in mounts. May not make a difference to you depending upon how and where you boat.

If condition is equal and the trailers are comparable, I would go for the Baja. 5 Years Newer and closed cooling make it easier to sell down the road.

Would also go with the Baja,newer,resale is better,all around better boat IMO.

I would go 01 outlaw for sure.

What do you think the 2001 Outlaw 25 foot SST is worth. 403 hrs 496HO, Bravo 1 and with matching trailer. Is 23000.00 to much?

Those side vents on the Scarab are no longer made. Many a post on here over the years looking for those vents on 26s and 29s.

The 26' Scarab is going to be a more pleasant ride for the cockpit occupants; as the windshield is a bit higher and closer to your face. Bajas Outlaws are VERY windy boats since the windscreen is low and quite a ways from your face.

Tough call.

The Baja is a better brand for resale and parts. However, you will need to buy a scanner to maintain that 496HO over time. ($500 or so; search Rinda Scanner here on OSO.)
The Scarab is going to be a bit more comfortable, roomier cockpit. The Baja's cockpit is a bit tighter, but the cabin is bigger than the Scarab.

Given where you are, I think I'd have to go with the Scarab. You don't have salt water concerns, and I think the Scarab with it's enhanced wind protection is going to give you a couple more boating days over the long run than the Baja. There are more things you can do to tweak/tune on the 502 vs. the 496 when it comes to rebuild time.

BUT, make sure you protect those side vents like GOLD, and do some research on replacement options. Some folks have replaced with CNC parts, and others have gone with custom fittend/molded naca ducts.