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Badburn
01-25-2006, 09:47 AM
Hey guys, I 'm looking for an expert, or semi expert opinion. I'm looking at a 29 ft Scarab, 1996 I think. It has a single BBC in it. I was thinking it is quite large for only one engine. Do most of these boats this size have twins? I wonder if I may have trouble selling it down the road if it doesnt have twins? Also, I cant imagine it would be very fast. Anyone had one of these?
Any input would be great, Thanks :)

scarabrick2
01-25-2006, 09:59 AM
You'll need a lot of HP to make that thing RUN. Nice heavy boat. Got any pics? What are they going for $ ?
Rick

Just Tool'n
01-25-2006, 10:03 AM
I have a 28ft Elim Eagle. Single engle, it was ok in power with stock power, 2 years ago I put a whipple supercharger on it, now it makes it get up & go.
My thoughts are anything over 30ft needs twins engines in it!

spectras only
01-25-2006, 10:12 AM
I remember when the 29 came out with single and the ads said it's capable of 70 ,hence it was a lot lighter than the previous models . I was on this boat once for a trial , it did go fast , but at the time GPS wasn't available to verify true speed . I imagine with a HP500 it would do 70 .
The boat was stark inside with no amenities . I would go for it if the price was right .I have the brochure on it to check true length [ prolly 29' with swim platform] and weight ,later .

KACHINA KEN
01-25-2006, 10:26 AM
It's not too heavy for a single, it would be prudent to not cane it from a dead stop though. If it has a straight up bravo 1 that is the weak link in the setup, maybe new internals on the drive would be a good choice for first upgrade.

C-2
01-25-2006, 10:32 AM
We've been following used big boats - people can't give them away right now. Been eyeballing a boat that started at $135K.....now down to $95K. I'm sure they would take $85K.
Make sure you are happy with what you buy - it's a buyers market.

Badburn
01-25-2006, 12:42 PM
Good info guys. I think I might be able to pick it up for about 20 g's . I think thats a really good deal. What do you guys think?

scarabrick2
01-25-2006, 12:52 PM
Show some pics and info on te boat and trailer. Might be able to help more if we have more info.

Cole1313
01-25-2006, 01:00 PM
Good info guys. I think I might be able to pick it up for about 20 g's . I think thats a really good deal. What do you guys think?
I think it looks like the miami vice boat, just a different color. Very cool. 20,000 seems like a good deal. You could the savings to put some more power in it.

spectras only
01-26-2006, 10:01 AM
Here's some info ;
Specifications
Centerline Length 29'5"
Beam 7'6"
Dry Weight [singl] 4600 lbs
Dry Weight [twin] 5500 lbs
Fuel Capacity 100 gal
Deadrise 23 deg
Draft up 22"
Draft down 36"
Bridge clearence 4'7"
Engine opt
Merc 7.4L [300hp]
Merc 454 Mag [350hp]
Merc 502 Mag EFI Bravo [415hp]
Volvo 740 Duo prop [300hp]
Volvo 820 DPX [390hp]
Twin Merc 5.7 Alpha [235hp]
Twin Merc 350 Mag [250hp]
Twin Volvo 570 Duoprop [245hp]

InKahntrol
01-26-2006, 10:56 AM
My dad and I looked very closely at the 29' Magic and the 29' Scarab before he got a deal on his 32' Spectra. You can get the 29' Scarab with a single big block or twin small blocks, and from the owners we spoke to it seems like they have a similar top speed, especially when comparing twin 350s to a single 502HO. You get redundant power with the twins, plus differential steering, but the tradeoff is a much more crowded engine comparment and more mechanical things to go wrong. I'd go for the twins, just because it's nice to have that insurance... but with gas prices the way they are, maybe the single BBC is a better bet.

spectras only
01-26-2006, 11:21 AM
How much did your dad pay for the spectra , if you don't mind me asking :) .Is this the one he bought ? >
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/32spectra.jpg

Beer-30
01-26-2006, 11:54 AM
The bottom of the 29CX Cheetah is essentially the same. Copied from Scarab. Runs real nice with a single - 400HP and up. Just ask Dicudmore. He really liked his 29CX with an HO (425HP).
Not too big for single. Mine is 30', single HO/ B-1. I take it real easy on the throttle on the way out. It runs real nice, for me, though. About 64 on the top end with moderate load. I wanted room, but not the maintenance of twins.

ECeptor
01-26-2006, 07:21 PM
You need to do some reading here - Scarab forum on OSO (http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=41)
I have a buddy who has a 95 or 96 29'er with a blown 454mag at LOTO. His brother has a 30something twin engine Formula there also. He said on the really rough weekends (July 4th), they leave teh Formula at dock and take the Scarab because it's narrow beam and deep V handle the washing machine better.
I recently asked what a 29'er with a new HP500 would top out at and was told around 70. Not the fastest hull, but great looking (imho) and definitely a great rough water single.
And $20k for one in good shape is a steal...

spectras only
01-26-2006, 11:23 PM
1993 and up 29 Scarab
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/29%20Scarab.bmp

riverracerx
01-27-2006, 10:44 AM
My bro-in law has a '96. It has twins, but will only shoe horn small blocks inside. It has twin 350's and runs around 71. It is a heavy boat, so like someone said earlier, the weak link on the boat you are looking at would be the single drive!
It is also a very narrow boat and sways side to side alot in the chop. But it cuts through it nicely and doesn't porpoise. Great offshore boat.