I've been bouncing around looking at Donzi and Sunsation MCOB's, and have found several, but have determined one with the options and set-up I want is going to be $35-50K. This has me somewhat worried, as I'll be learning the Tarpon Springs/St.Pete/Clearwater with this boat, navigating shallows, docking a p-boat for the first time, etc. So, I have started to think about getting a "starter" closed bow in the $20-25K range first, something like a 1997-2000 Scarab 29. I REALLY like the classic looks of the older Scarabs. I know to get one with Bravo drives, fuel injection, etc. Under $30K, I think I'll be a lot less concerned than if I go lay down $50K on my very first boat. And I only plan to take out 5-7 people at a time, so I don't really need the mega-seating of the MCOB yet. Does anyone have thoughts about the Scarab 29 or a similar closed-bow boat? It appears the Scarab 29 doesn't have a stepped hull like the newer 2002+ boats do, is this correct?

You are correct, the 29 is a straight bottom. Good twin engine boat to start with. Easy to trailer, dock and not to bad to maintain with small blocks. Might look into a smaller single engine center console as well. A little lighter and easier with an outboard to get around if you get into shallow waters.

If you ask me, 5-7 peeps on most performance boats is a crowd.

Agreed. It would mostly be 4-5, and occasionally maybe 7-8 people. Question: If you take it easy, and it's not too choppy, can people ride down in the cabin on the couches on these boats? Could 1-3 people ride down there heading out to a sand bar (less than 10 miles) if you took it easy? I realize all passengers would need to be in the back for when you're going higher speeds.

If the water is smooth then they can ride up there in comfort all day. But, once you start to bounce, the further forward you are the greater the vertical movement.

I personally never let anyone ride in the cabin but it really would be plenty safe in good conditions and low speeds.

The 29 Scarab is a great boat, they are very narrow for the size but handle many water conditions well and like you said, look awesome.

[/QUOTE]The 29 Scarab is a great boat, they are very narrow for the size but handle many water conditions well and like you said, look awesome.[/QUOTE]

I've seen quite a bit of talk about wet transoms and stringers on the Scarab 29. I'm not sure why that's in inherent problem they have, but I'll make sure the surveyor really checks out those items.

I've ridden and seen many ride in the cabin. It's all good. If it's too rough they will usually let you know. Lol.

JMO and not a slam on the Scarab but 4-5 adults on a 29 will be crowded and 7-8 just nuts other than on the sand bar with half on the platform or hatches. Just for an example with 5 on board when anchoring I'll make the women go in cuddy just to get them out of the way.. I've had 10 on board for a quick blast but unlikely I'd do that again. Your going to want a CC or open bow for that kind of room.