Scarab 165 curious!

[Axman]

I am fascinated by the Scarab 165 and am considering one to replace (or in addition of) my PWC. I expect it to handle more like an oversized ski in many aspects. My question is - how does it handle taking water over the bow. We frequently ride long open water rides (150 miles+ with a 12 Gal aux tank) and a day that starts on glass can easily end up in some nasty white caps or 2 sec bay chop. Or a Bimini trip that blessed us with 14ft in the Atlantic when Ventusky forecasted 5.

I don't mind getting wet. I don't mind not being able to stand - I am short and can't really stand on the FX either. But I am worried about the boat taking on too much water, something we don't worry about on skis. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Even the Glastron 187 would be an option btw.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Own a 165 for 3 years now. Boat on Lake Nipissing, Ontario, Canada (look it up for size purposes) often. It's a large and shallow lake that produces significant waves.

As much as I love my little 165, this is NOT the boat for rough water. Going into the waves will get water to come over the bow. Any other direction, it's rough but won't take any water (you will get splashed though). It's the only time I feel insecure in that boat. So I just can't recommend it for rough seas.

 

[Dean P]

You're correct, these are oversized jet ski but due to the width and weight they become a boat. They perform and act like a jet ski but they are truly a boat. You passenger sits besides you not behind you. Taking water over the bow on a boat is not the same as a jet ski. It has nowhere to go or I should say cannot get out very quickly. Maybe you can rent one for the day to get a feel for it. Don't mean to be a Debbie Downer; I am there with you. Went from SeaDoo GTXs to a 19' Baja. They each have their place. Good luck.

Oh, welcome to the forum !!! Lots and lots of good info and good people here. Enjoy...

 

[tattoosNcheese]

Own a 165 for 3 years now. Boat on Lake Nipissing, Ontario, Canada (look it up for size purposes) often. It's a large and shallow lake that produces significant waves.

As much as I love my little 165, this is NOT the boat for rough water. Going into the waves will get water to come over the bow. Any other direction, it's rough but won't take any water (you will get splashed though). It's the only time I feel insecure in that boat. So I just can't recommend it for rough seas.

I know that this is many years after your post...but thinking about getting a 165. I would be using it on lakes, but I also have friends in the 1000 Island area (between Clayton & Alexandria Bay). Would I be crazy for thinking to use this up there?

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

I know that this is many years after your post...but thinking about getting a 165. I would be using it on lakes, but I also have friends in the 1000 Island area (between Clayton & Alexandria Bay). Would I be crazy for thinking to use this up there?

I'm the same guy as the other post. Lol and I stand by my statement. I wouldn't do it. But it is doable.

 

[tattoosNcheese]

Haha...After I commented (the thread came up on Google) I realized you were the same guy. I know I shouldn't in my head...but damn it is tempting.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

I'm everywhere. Lol what worries me a bit is you're new to boating. Boating in that American channel is like a level 9.5 out of 10 in my experience on a difficulty rating.

Everywhere else, the 165 is great. If you really want one, I think you should not go in that channel until you've levelled up in experience. Especially bigger waves. You should also be very familiar with not only navigation laws, but in general boat etiquette. Ask your friends that live in that area what they think of a 15 ft boat there.

Can it be done? Yeppers. I did it. Is it fun? Nope. Would I bring friends and family in that area on a 165? Nope. Definitely be careful if you have more than 3 people onboard. Any weight in the front will nose dive the boat under the waves very quickly. You'll swamp the boat and potentially sink within seconds. It is possible to avoid this once you have experience dealing with the throttle, boat angle relative to waves, and how the boat behaved when loaded.

I'd say just get one but don't go there specifically for quite a while.