Scarab Advice Please

[danclemo]

Okay, I'm new here but have taken time to read days worth of threads on Scarabs vs Yamaha Jet Boats. I know Yamaha warranty, reliability and resale value is best in class, not even worth arguing or discussing further.

My dilemma, I ABSOLUTELY love the scarab. The interior, exterior, accessories, ect...over any of the Yamaha's....even the new 195sx and ar. I've looked at both 100's of times now scarab layout is better, swim platform, folding seats for back, LED's, premium stereo with controls on back, digital speedo's, awesome graphics and interior design next to none. The Yamaha is dated and don't have half the features I mentioned, which are important to me and how we utilize our boat.


I know, for the most part, forums are where owners go to complain about there boat and rarely visit just to talk about how awesome their boat is. I also know, from previous boats and just general know that boat quality has not reached levels of Automobiles. I also know the 2014 and 2015 model years were first years for Scarab Jet Boats, so I would expect problems.


With all of this said, I have a hell of a deal waiting on 2016 Impulse. They are trying to move it since it's fall here and boats don't sell this time of year in Michigan.

Do I take a chance with 2016 or 2017 Scarab Impulse 195, hoping they've fixed a lot of issues I've seen here?

Are their Scarab owners that have a good experience? I've seen all the unhappy owners on here?

Thanks for any input, it is appreciated.

 

[BobJohnson]

Welcome to the site. I'm not a scarab owner, but know you will get some quality comments here. One thing I can say is, you say forums are places people mostly go to complain about their boats. We'll not here. This forum is chalk full of people telling positive stories about their boats. Yamaha and Chaparral (my model) talk here is almost all positive. Seems most negative scarab posts have to due with problems with the dealers and the dealers knowledge of the scarab jet.

Like I said, I'm sure you'll get more responses from scarab guys. Good luck in your search.

 

[itsdgm]

Welcome @danclemo and I agree I love the looks and features of the Scarabs. But to be honest I don't have any experience with those years and models of Yamahas or Scarabs. So I'll leave that info for those experts. Good luck with your decision though. Keep us posted on what you decide.

 

[danclemo]

Thanks for replies! I appreciate it. It's really tough choice, dropping 30 or 40K on something. Again, love the quality of the Yamaha and definitely better resale I'm sure. Just trying to figure out if I truly believe Scarab has fixed some of the 1st MY issues or not. All the engine codes and carbon seal/drive shaft wear/alignment issues seems like something they could easily address. Also, I live in Michigan and 2 of the largest Scarab dealers in the world here...not to mention the boat is built here, so hoping that would elevate some of the dealer concerns I've read about. Well, it's 2016 Scarab Impulse or Yamaha 195SX......hopefully making decision this weekend.

 

[Pinhacker71]

I have a 2015 215 HO impulse. 44 hrs. Zero issues. Great boat. I'm trying to sell mine to buy a 255 scarab.

 

[Scottintexas]

@danclemo glad to have you on board, it is a lot of money to spend on a recreational item,

Whatever you choose make sure you take a test ride in the boat before you sign the papers, you want to make sure it accelerates adequately and doesn't pull to either side,

 

[AZDANSX230HO]

I have no experience with Scarabs, they are nice looking boats. That said I have owned a 2001 Yamaha LS2000, 2006 Yamaha SX230, and our current 2008 Yamaha SX230 High Output, they have all been great boats.

 

[a4effort]

I have a 2015 Scarab 215 with twin 150's I'm at 74 total hours. I had a couple hiccups in the transfer of warranties (boat warranty and motor warranty are separate) but as far as the boat itself goes I am very happy with it. Mine is a 21' seats about 11 people and tops out at about 43mph. Sometimes I wish it had a little more go but the getup outta the hole is quick, even with a full load. Best of all I'm super pleased with gas consumption. Don't know exact figures, just know it's a heck of a lot better than my SeaDoo with a merc V6 was. I pull a tube with two adults no problem and she will cruise at 30 on the Gulf of Mexico in a light chop. Throw a couple people up front and it really smooths out. Other than a small adjustment to the reverse gate and an issue with the battery switch I haven't figured out yet (think it's a loose connection) I have had a ton of fun and I get lots of compliments on how nice my boat is. Every where I go, the gas station, docks, out on the water, not sure I've ever gone boating when at least one person said "that's a nice boat"
Hope that helps!

 

[Chad]

I haven't had any problems at all with my 2016 215, I'm at 58 hours now. I have had to remove objects stuck in the impeller twice, both of which were difficult to remove. I don't think cleanout plugs would have helped much either since they were both lodged between the impeller and wear ring. Aside from that I'm super happy with my boat. I've upgraded the sound system and installed a dual battery setup.

 

[Evil Sports]

a4eff, where are you in sw Fla, Im gonna be at my place in Naples 2nd week of Nov, would love to check out a Scarab first hand

 

[a4effort]

a4eff, where are you in sw Fla, Im gonna be at my place in Naples 2nd week of Nov, would love to check out a Scarab first hand

I'm in Naples as well. I'm also from Mass, (N Andover). Let me know when your in town, be glad to show you the boat.

 

[Scarabpaul]

I had the same dilemma as you this past summer. I was looking at the AR192 then I set my eyes on a leftover 2015 scarab 215HO with twin 200's for the same price as the 192. I also had a previous seadoo boat with a 150hp 4tec motor with 150hrs and no problems. I have had quit a few compliments on the boat and it is just a blast to drive. no regrets on my purchase. good luck!

 

[Slugger55]

@a4effort 2014 Scarab 195 HOI owner here. I have had a few problems with my boat and it seems to stem from the BRP tech (not a savvy mechanic with the brand) at the dealership I bought the boat from. I would check to see what the Tech(s) experience is (are) with BRP engines. Secondly, I have heard that Scarab is going with a new 300 hp engine in the 2017. If it were me, I would get the 300 hp power plant. If I recall correctly, anyone correct me if I am wrong, it is the same engine that they put into the 2016 PWCs RXP-X and the RXT-X. The 250 hp engine is solid, but I think you would enjoy a little more horsepower. Tough decision, but the key with this boat is service and support with the power plant (BRP). Again, just my opinion.

 

[Dirt squirt]

2015 195 here. Pulling her out for the season this weekend. 45 trouble free hours so far. You are right on about the difference in interior fit/finish/amenities btwn the yammy and the scarab. To me the yam seemed like a giant sized bathtub toy in comparison. I say don't worry about problems. Even on this forum they seem few and far between, and most seem to be dealer (lack of) prep issues. Plus, they have a what? Three year warranty? Certainly any issues will pop up in that time.

Bottom line, I love it, the wife loves it, kids love it, what's not to love? Oh yeah, shelling out 35 large

 

[Slugger55]

Well, I have a four year, but your right. It is a great boat!!

 

[danclemo]

Thanks everyone.

I did ask the dealer if I can talk to someone from the Scarab plant and they had them call me. He was a lead engineer for the plant and I talked with him for about an hour. I literally asked him about every single problem I've read about on here. I asked him if they've fixed it and had him explain to me what they did to do so. I do feel a lot more comfortable after speaking with him. I'm a quality manager for auto industry and been in manufacturing/quality for 30 years so I could tell if he was BS'ng me or not.

The most serious problem I've read about is the alignment of the engine to the boat/pump/shaft causing cavitation and early carbon seal failures. He said Scarab and Rotex together designed an alignment jig that holds every centered and located while to place all this in the boat and now they are not having issues. Before this was very difficult task and they had a lot trouble with it.

I'm not really worried about the Rotex engine much, there are millions of them out there and they have been around for ever. The controls and communication between engine and boat diagnostics does worry me a bit. Dealing with ECM and communication with boat/motor gets expensive. So that really my only worry at this point.

The 2017 have a much nicer folding wake tower, it's the nicest tower I've seen. Other than 2017 changed some colors, interior materials and I've the radio to diff. supplier.

Well, it's between the AR195 and Impulse 195 now. The AR195 is a little more exciting than the SX or standard Yammy, which to me are just plain. But I low the top speed of Yammy, looks like it should be hitting well over 50 mph.

I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[Yan Masse]

2014 195 HOI, 45 hours and no problems, I love my boat.

Like Slugger55 said, it's all with the dealer's tech.

Good luck!

 

[JetTech72]

Between an AR190 & a Scarab195, I think the Scarab195 is definite winner, especially if you get it with the iST system.
In similar category you also have the Glastron187 for lower budget, or the Chaparral 203 with twin Rotax 150 for a bit more money.

 

[Ronnie0471]

2016 hoi 215. LOVE MY BOAT! 33 hrs and only issue was the horn stopped working . Great boat , turns heads on the lake everyday! I would recommend the twin . Good luck to u my friend

 

[Jacques]

2014 195 HOI, 107 hours so far and working to put some more hours this year.

I love it... design, space, features... everything... would like more than 250HP yes, but does not kill me and it's not the best for rough waters but most of the people wouldn't be as adventurer to use it that much in open sea waters.

So far, problems, yes, some (but I still love it), I am going to list them from the most simple to the really bad ones

1. Smart carpet and trailer cover torn down. no show stopper
2. Trailer wiring problems, only a pain
3. Stereo replaced due design issue where the lid sometimes leaks waters while cleaning - no show stopper
4. Loose depth finder. no show stopper
5. One switch (mode selector) in the helm that broke the base and felt down - no show stopper
6. O2 sensors, no show stoppers, just warnings lights
7. Engine fault codes on delivery limiting the speed to 10mph - Show stopper
8. Two Stater Solenoids. Show stopper
9. Battery Charging Issue. Show Stopper
10. Scarab brand support (RBH). Inexistent
11. MM Dealer. Huge problem

As you can see, there were a lot of issues, however most of them were easy to fix, however the boat spent months!!!, yes, months!!!! at the dealer's yard, that's why I put the dealer as the worst one. Causes, it was just an small brand of boat the dealer sells so it's not a priority, and not being a priority, no body cares about your problems, they tell you it breaks because it's a cheap boat when you compare it to Boston Whalers. Only one tech knows the boat, however it's not at the level of knowledge you would like since it's not what they sell as main brand.

After all of this, how would someone still love it? well... it's a great boat and after the time passed (+70 hrs), and the boat warranty with it (not engine), I started to get the things done by myself, looking, reading, learning and getting help from the community, it's being improving up to now with zero issues, as my buddy told me once.... the boat is better than when it was new... I also own a SeaDoo personal watercraft, which use the same engine and many components, which made me easy to find information, parts and apply almost the same maintenance to both of them.

I would love to have twin engines, and definitely Yamahas are also great boats, but side to side, I still love my boat. The next step on boats it's like a 200k-250k ones, which my wife (who also loves boating) is not planning to allow that hit in our budget just yet.