I'm looking for a 1979-1984 Wellcraft Scarab 377 with the staggered engine layout as a project boat. Must have all rigging and power. Must not be bottom painted.

Target price: under $10,000 depending on condition

Are any of these hiding around?

They pop up occasionally on he powrboat swap shop on Facebook.

One on Craigslist I saw last night

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/b...213976675.html

a little above your budget, but it is a staggered 377...

Yes, I've seen this one - the bottom paint makes me reluctant to talk seriously. While I've never removed bottom paint, I can't imagine it would be a pleasant job, nor would be potentially re-spraying and sanding fair the entire bottom. I've done some gelcoat work (transom and some interior pieces of my current boat) and that was a big enough job on its own.

Has anyone tackled removing bottom paint and have a story to tell?

did it on my Stinger, while it's not the easiest job it's not the worst either...

What do you consider to be the worst job, so I'll have a frame of reference?

I took the bottom paint off the bow area of my Formula 242LS. Why someone would paint the whole hull black is beyond me. I used Aqua Strip. It worked very well. I did it about 3 times. It got it down to the original gelcoat. The only downside was the boat had black bottom paint over red bottom paint over the white gelcoat. When I got the gelcoat cleaned up the red bottom paint was stuck in all the sanding grooves from where they rough sanded the bottom to prep it for paint. I think they sanded it with 20 grit sandpaper, the grooves were so deep. Ive heard that bottom paint only knocks off 3-4 MPH, so does the cost and effort to remove bottom paint justify the speed gains on an old staggered 377 Scarab, probably not. It just creates a negotiating point to get the boat cheaper.

I know of one in the Tri-City area. I'm not sure of the guys story but he has been out of contact for a while and the boat has been sitting all summer, he may be willing to sell. It is definitely a 377 Scarab but can't say for sure if it's staggered or not.