2014 Scarab 195 HO Impulse - questions from a newbie

[Jubin Payandeh]

I have just put my 195 HO Impulse in the water for the first time and had it out for a couple short spins. I have a couple of questions:

The fuel light will beep and the indicator will show the tank is empty. It is not. The indicator gradually works its way back up where it should be. Any idea why this is happening?

I understand there is a break-in period. How long does it last? I am only getting 7000 rpm and 33 mph. I'm hoping to see a dramatic difference once it is over. The manual doesn't seem to have any information about this.

Thanks,
Jubin.

 

[ScarabMike]

First of all, welcome to the forum! Love to see more Scarab owners come here to share their experiences.

On to the questions...

1. try to let your computer reset before you turn the engine on. Just turn the key till the gauges start and finish their "sweep". Just bu doing that a couple of times should help.
2. Break in period is officially over at 10 hours. But the boat will give you full power at 7-8 hours. You will need to bring the boat back to the dealer at 10 hours for a check.

 

[ctgazer]

is there anything specific that the dealer has to do at the break-in oil change/regular checkup/reflash ecu?
my local marina can perform maintenance etc, but it wasnt the dealer i purchased the boat from hence my question.

 

[hbdrew14]

is there anything specific that the dealer has to do at the break-in oil change/regular checkup/reflash ecu?
my local marina can perform maintenance etc, but it wasnt the dealer i purchased the boat from hence my question.

Were you able to get the maintenance done by a "non certified ROTAX dealer" after the break in period? Curious to know after the 10hr period, does it go to full power or are there codes that need to e reset at that maintenance time when they replace the fuel filter and change the oil?

 

[ScarabMike]

@hbdrew14 The ten hour maintenance is a warantee/operational check. They will change the oil, and filter, check the engine software and datalog to see if there are any issues, and check the trailer/boat for any issues. When mine went in for the 10 hour, they performed a recall on the surge brakes, repaired a minor bubble in the clearcoat within the non skid on the ski locker, and replaced a decal panel on the starboard side.

Then, when the 25 hour service was due, the "maintenance light" and display came on in the dash. Just remember, there is a check engine light, and a maintenance needed light. Dont get them mixed up. One is a reminder, and the other is a warning.

When the boat reached 7-8 hours, it will give you full power. You should expect an 8K peak on RPM, and a 44-46mph top speed if minimal weight is on the boat.

Welcome to the site! And we hope you get years of trouble free operation, and fun out of your Scarab.

Make sure you add your location in your profile. That way you can see all the others near you. This comes in very handy sometimes. And we love pictures, and videos!

 

[ctgazer]

hey @hbdrew14, I ended up taking it back to the dealer for the breakin service, as I had spoken to @ScarabMike offline. im sure the "non-certified ROTAX dealer" could have performed the same level of maintenance, but I just wanst sure if they had any or if any required software would be required for break-in. I plan on taking it to the dealer once a year for updates/storage, and then to the local marina for regular checkups and oil changes. I actually achieved full power shortly before 7 hours. hit 42-43mph with 2 people and a dog on board. just this last weekend we had it up to 45mph with 2 on board. no wind, and the lake was glass. hope that helps.

 

[hbdrew14]

Thanks for the info.

 

[hbdrew14]

hey @hbdrew14, I ended up taking it back to the dealer for the breakin service, as I had spoken to @ScarabMike offline. im sure the "non-certified ROTAX dealer" could have performed the same level of maintenance, but I just wanst sure if they had any or if any required software would be required for break-in. I plan on taking it to the dealer once a year for updates/storage, and then to the local marina for regular checkups and oil changes. I actually achieved full power shortly before 7 hours. hit 42-43mph with 2 people and a dog on board. just this last weekend we had it up to 45mph with 2 on board. no wind, and the lake was glass. hope that helps.

Do you have any suggestions if i am not able to take it to a Rotax Dealer, closest one is 10 hours away? If i go ahead and change the oil and fuel filter myself should I most likely be ok? Dont want to have to trailer it back to a dealer.

 

[Robert Sands]

I would check with your dealer, I know my dealer is fairly finicky with the warranty issues. On my boat I take care of routine maintenance like oil, filters, winterizations with my marina. But, my dealer made it clear that once a year I need to bring it in with them for a check with their certified mechanics. They go over everything and seem to be more interested in my boats condition than my marina. Makes sense, the marina service team will kust look at problems, whereas the dealer is trying to stay ahead of potential issues they know about. Take for example what ScarabMike said about his dealer going through and changing out recalled items, etc.

I didn't ask this, but perhaps you can find another certified dealer closer by? I know I did that with my personal vehicles.

 

[Jubin Payandeh]

First off, thanks Scarb Mike. Letting the initializtion complete before starting solved the gas gauge problem.

I got full power on Friday at 5.5 hrs. Another 1100 rpms makes a big difference. Lots of fun on the lake this weekend.

Up to this point, I have been using 91 octane gas. Do you think there is any performance difference vs 89 or 87?

Jubin.

 

[ScarabMike]

@Jubin Payandeh Glad to see you are finally enjoying your Scarab. Feel free to use regular fuel. Ive used both, and see nothing but a more expensive gas bill. Remember if using ethanol fuels, use a stabilizer. This will protect your engines fuel system.

 

[Slugger55]

Non-Ethanol fuel is about $1 more a gallon than 10% ethanol fuel. I have not seen any difference in performance using 87, 89, 91 or E-free. Like @ScarabMike said if you use 10% ethanol fuel make sure you use the stabilizer.