My scarab 215 review

[flycast209]

...and no they didn't try to sell me a gps plotter either. I suppose I can use my phone for that. It looks cool though! But not an option for me at least.

 

[veedubtek]

I really wanna check out one of these in person. Very high up on my list. Local-est dealer only has a couple 195 impulses, no 215's.

 

[jonw9]

Thanks guys!

The Bimini didn't list a Mph limit. I don't take it faster than 45 long enough to justify taking it down.

By the copilot bucket is exactly where the carpet starts to rise for me too. This is the first year for this model, I suspect subsequent years will address these bugs.

Found this, for future reference.

 

[Aces_Over_Kings]

Good to know, @flycast209. I don't see GPS on the list of available options, so I didn't suspect it. The rectangular screen in that picture just had me scratching my head. No escaping my Garmin EarthMate app on iphone/ipad just yet it seems, unless I get some serious marine electronics installed. Not that I need it -- I just geek out on things and I love some of the depth sounders and the imaging features the big boats have.

 

[Lspeedss]

60 mph...Liking it... Yamaha..if your listening: more speed... 60 mph....that's a big deal.. I wanna go faster..

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Do these motors limit RPM's for the initial break-in period?

Great looking boat!

 

[ScarabMike]

Yes they do. Break in is 10 hours. Some people see an increase in speed after 5 hours.

Do these motors limit RPM's for the initial break-in period?

Great looking boat!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Roger that. Is the speed determined by GPS?

I ask because the BRP motors have lots of upgrades through rivamotorsports.com like the GPS speed governer bypass.

Things like this make ownership more exciting and costly. Lol.

 

[ScarabMike]

Yep, its by GPS. Ive been looking at the Riva stuff. I like their ECU. I wouldnt touch my engine until the warranty is out, and since I got the additional 2 years....it will be a looooong time,lol.

Roger that. Is the speed determined by GPS?

I ask because the BRP motors have lots of upgrades through rivamotorsports.com like the GPS speed governer bypass.

Things like this make ownership more exciting and costly. Lol.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Talk to your dealer, most of the Riva products don't void warranty.

This is one area that our Yamaha's lack in: aftermarket upgrades.

 

[Williamsone46]

60 mph...Liking it... Yamaha..if your listening: more speed... 60 mph....that's a big deal.. I wanna go faster..

I'll take Yamaha's reliability over speed any day.

 

[ScarabMike]

Its unfair to cast that judgement on the Scarab yet. Most people still have under 40 hours on theirs.

I'll take Yamaha's reliability over speed any day.

 

[Lspeedss]

I'll take Yamaha's reliability over speed any day.

Why not both?

 

[jonw9]

RPM's are limited to 7k for the first 5 hours. Then you can go to the full 8K+ after that, but break-in is 10 hours.

The speed and compass is GPS controlled, because the GPS unit went out on my boat. I don't think I am going any faster because of it! LOL

 

[Williamsone46]

Its unfair to cast that judgement on the Scarab yet. Most people still have under 40 hours on theirs.

Your right, everyone is still grading Scarab's quality. But Rotax on the other hand has a long history that we can judge already.

Why not both?

In a perfect world both would be awesome. But there is a reason no one on here ever has engine problems with their Yamaha.

 

[jonw9]

No one, ever? Pretty broad statement, considering the search function available on this forum.

And no Rotax owner has ever had an issue with cleanout plugs leaking, opening,or preventing an engine start if somebody is standing on the wrong spot.

 

[Lspeedss]

@Williamsone46 .. Not an augument...I love my 07 AR 230... I've had her since day one..best boat I've ever owned.. Just my opinion and some wishfull thinking I guess. But if Yamaha can give me 51 mph with the reliability I have now...surely they may be able to do the same with 60 or more mph...They have been decently responsive to customer feedback without real competition.. Now Scarab, Glastron, Chaparral and you know SeaRay will step back in..they will have to do something.. I cast my vote for all I have now, plus better fit and finish and more speed.
Steve

 

[Williamsone46]

No one, ever? Pretty broad statement, considering the search function available on this forum.

And no Rotax owner has ever had an issue with cleanout plugs leaking, opening,or preventing an engine start if somebody is standing on the wrong spot.

"No one ever" might be an slight exaggeration, but it's not far off the mark.

Although most people complain about the clean outs. I would bet most would rather have them than not. And most clean out plug problems are maintenance problem, or environmental problem.

The adjustment of the kill switches is hardly a problem. It's simply a simple adjustment.

 

[ScarabMike]

http://www.jetboating.net/jetboating/common/forums/threadview.aspx?forumid=-1&page=1&threadid=15281

The 1503 HO is very reliable, and in par with the Yami engine. As long as you maintain it, and follow scheduled/preventive maintenance they will last. Again, this is a new generation of the 1503, and with companies like Chaparral using it for their boats, it makes me feel good about the investment. Its still too early to tell what will happen.

 

[DoubleThrust]

60mph, I'm starting to drool a little

What!!! I want 60 MPH!