Scarab has been a huge dissapointment

[DBamaC]

When I looked at the Scarabs (and the Glastrons) I thought that there might be hardware issues...specifically around the rear seating as it looked rather complex, maybe a bit flimsy and definitely (in my mind) difficult to keep properly cleaned. It never once occurred to me that there would be these these type drive issues given they seemed to just be Seadoo boat carryovers. I always preferred Yamaha boats and skis because they are less complex (which usually means incrementally more reliable), but I've never heard of major Rotax issues. This is just really bazaar and very sad.

 

[PapaBear]

I have Ralph working it out for me. I just don't have a new boat anymore. It's not what I signed up for. Once you start pulling these major parts off its never like new. I just hope this is the end of these issues.

 

[Cheappc-ari]

I've had my 2011 speedster 150 for 3 years and only 38 hours on it... But not once did I have an issue, but after reading many of you here, I have very low hours for a 4 year old boat right? I mean some of you have 27 hours in just 9 months..

Which means I really don't use my boat enough?

Also I do love chaparal, I love the fit and finish.. I'll take a look at that one too...

 

[Glassman]

My boat has been flawless, but its what is happening. With others that is passing me off about the whole situation. I choose to do service and repair work myself. I am a little anal at how I do things. I don't need some tech with a bad attitude and having a bad day to take it out on my boat or ski.

Maybe that's why I haven't had an issue. The dealer hasn't touched my boat since they sold it to me. Almost 50 hours on the dial.

@ScarabMike Welcome to the club...my Yamaha was delivered to my storage yard and I never looked back. I can't remember the last time I took any of my vehicles back to the dealer for service. Either it was a long time ago or that CRS is getting worse

I'm a bit late to this thread since I spent last weekend at the river...one day was dedicated to boat repair. My buddy had to replace an intake manifold on his V drive and a water pump on his Malibu.
I told my Son in Law that I would fix the scratch my granddaughter put on his Malibu while trying to load it on the trailer. He also had a bolt fail - the single bolt that holds the wakeboard rack on that fancy tower of his. All that money and they use one bolt...go figure.

....and I had a chip on the bottom of my boat I needed to fix. That's typically been the case with the Yamaha - either regular maintenance or fixing my self-inflicted wounds. Never anything that required wrenching.

Sometimes I envy all the guys who get to yank stuff apart, get all greasy and wait for replacement parts, etc.




No, no I don't, I lied.

 

[Scarab255]

I'll chime in...

We went all in with the Scarab 255 as our first boat. We love the boat in terms of the size, design, functionality, etc.

I've already posted my issues in another forum. I bought my boat memorial day weekend and only had a single day on the lake where my boat didn't need to make a trip back to the dealer by the end of the day until labor day.

I'm an analyst by trade. When 1 person has a problem it's anecdotal to me. When a adequate sample of owners reports in, it's data. Looking back through the pages of this forum it's pretty obvious to me that there is a trend in the data. Owners aren't happy with their purchase. That's not to say that they aren't satisfied with their boat. My boat ran fine the last 3 days of the season, no issues. I love the boat. I'm completely dissatisfied with the purchase.

In my experience, most companies don't figure it out in time and end up going under. I wouldn't purchase a Scarab if I were you based solely on the fact that there is a much higher chance to have an orphan boat in a couple of years after RB ditches the brand because the reputation doesn't allow them to sell boats.

 

[Ronnie0471]

All I can say is I love my scarab 215. Totally awesome boat . Gets all kinds of attention!! People purposely do drive by s my place to check it out .

 

[Williamsone46]

I'll chime in...

We went all in with the Scarab 255 as our first boat. We love the boat in terms of the size, design, functionality, etc.

I've already posted my issues in another forum. I bought my boat memorial day weekend and only had a single day on the lake where my boat didn't need to make a trip back to the dealer by the end of the day until labor day.

I'm an analyst by trade. When 1 person has a problem it's anecdotal to me. When a adequate sample of owners reports in, it's data. Looking back through the pages of this forum it's pretty obvious to me that there is a trend in the data. Owners aren't happy with their purchase. That's not to say that they aren't satisfied with their boat. My boat ran fine the last 3 days of the season, no issues. I love the boat. I'm completely dissatisfied with the purchase.

In my experience, most companies don't figure it out in time and end up going under. I wouldn't purchase a Scarab if I were you based solely on the fact that there is a much higher chance to have an orphan boat in a couple of years after RB ditches the brand because the reputation doesn't allow them to sell boats.

Well said.

 

[GTBRMC]

I'll chime in...
In my experience, most companies don't figure it out in time and end up going under. I wouldn't purchase a Scarab if I were you based solely on the fact that there is a much higher chance to have an orphan boat in a couple of years after RB ditches the brand because the reputation doesn't allow them to sell boats.

This is a very important point, @Scarab255 A number of years ago, I bought a new Oldsmobile Intrigue (twin to the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, etc. at the time). I was aware at the time that GM was going to phase out the Olds brand and took advantage of a decent discount GM put on the last few months of Olds production. My thinking was that Olds was just a brand, and the Intrigue was virtually identical under the skin to a number of other GM vehicles - it would be easy to get service and parts at Pontiac/Chevy/Buick dealers, etc., so I was not too concerned. Fast forward a couple years later, I was ready to sell the Olds Intrigue. Even though it was still covered by the OEM GM warranty and my assumptions about parts and service had proven true - it was a real bitch to sell that car.

Most people are just uncomfortable buying an orphan vehicle, period. Don't underestimate the time and money this issue will cost you down the road if RB does end up ditching the brand.

 

[DJMattyT]

I love my boat too, sucks to see so many people with so much disgust. I have my baby in my local stereo shop getting an audio makeover and the owner wants me to keep it in his showroom for the whole winter! He said he has never done an install on such an awesome looking boat (and the fact that the 195 can fit in there). Anyways, im very excited about that, its a great compliment.

 

[Chris Simpson]

My Scarab 195 HO is just coming up to 25 hours and has given no trouble at all. It is always used in salt water, generally on the open sea but sometimes up rivers. However, we always give it a good wash down after every outing and everything still looks like new. We did have a little bit of rust on some of the stainless steel fittings but that was cured with a wipe down with anti corrosion fluid, otherwise all is well. My only complaint is that, although the boat can handle metre+ waves it does mean that the crew gets wet, so we tend not to go out if the waves are more than half a metre. The boat is taken out of the water after every trip and lives in an indoor dry stack.

I am very sorry to hear that other Scarab owners are having so much trouble with their boats. I only hope that they are a small minority. It does however appear to mainly be a dealer problem. I haven't needed to contact my dealer since he delivered the boat but I am about to ask him if it is OK for me to do my own maintenance from the warranty point of view as the next trip will go over 25 hours. Incidentally, when the dealer delivered the boat (a 3 hour trip each way for him) his last words were to contact him if I had any problems and he would send someone down to the boat straight away. I was comforted by that but so far the boat has performed perfectly. One final thought, I get the impression that the 195 owners who have problems have 2014 boats. My boat is 2015 and I have had no problems.

 

[ALAN MANN SR.]

I have a 2015 Scarab 165 HO purchased in June 2015. Up to the 10 hr. check- up it ran fine. Then it was back and forth to the dealer (MarineMax Orlando) 3 times for little thing, Maintenance light, check engine light, jell coat blemish and the last time was damage that they caused. So took it to another dealer (MarineMax Clearwater), and they repaired the damage done by the other dealer at there cost. The boat is at 39 hrs. now and runs like a rocket. I run in Tampa bay and Little Manatee River most of the time and wash it down every time I use it. The only problem I have with it now is trying to keep the seats clean. So that being said I think it is a dealer problem more than Scarab problem. Also when MarineMax sent me a survey 30 days after the sale, I told them exactly what I thought, and the 3 times that I was back to that dealer they had changed service employees each time. So some one is trying to make it right. Just my thoughts.

 

[CaptRob]

I encourage everyone to make their own minds up on the boats and the brand -- certainly those of us who have had issues are vocal, but there are many who have not and/or who have had issues resolved! Was just out today and these faces speak volumes!! All smiles!!! I Am happy to take anyone out In the twin cities if they want a demo

Luanders-I'm contemplating a purchase of a 215. I think this might be an older thread but if you are still offering a ride in yours I would be interested! I'm in Maple Grove.

 

[jet set]

I got one of the first 2016 215s. Shes a custom HO Impulse wake edition. I absolutely love it.

 

[CaptRob]

I got one of the first 2016 215s. Shes a custom HO Impulse wake edition. I absolutely love it.

Thanks Jet Set. Question-are you doing any offshore boating? Big bays, etc? I'll be looking at using it on a river as well as some limited offshore use. Will be sea trialing the one I'm looking at in a large bay but would love to hear your feedback. I'm looking at a used 2014 215 with 34 hours on it.

 

[luanders]

hi @CaptRob - Happy to bring you out on it - I'm in Albertville...we can hit up fish or weaver or something... I've got the boat back from the cabin until next Thursday... PM me.

 

[CaptRob]

That sounds like a plan! I'm in Maple Grove. I'll PM you and we can figure things out!

 

[jet set]

Thanks Jet Set. Question-are you doing any offshore boating? Big bays, etc? I'll be looking at using it on a river as well as some limited offshore use. Will be sea trialing the one I'm looking at in a large bay but would love to hear your feedback. I'm looking at a used 2014 215 with 34 hours on it.

I got my boat in July 2015 and I run it a lot in Hobe Sound Florida, which is salt water and up and down ICW, Loxhatchee River, in the winter and spring. In the summer I run it in the lakes around home. Im not too keen on running ANY 21ft boat offshore in the Atlantic, but I wouldnt hesitate on the great lakes on calm days. Hope this helps

 

[CaptRob]

I got my boat in July 2015 and I run it a lot in Hobe Sound Florida, which is salt water and up and down ICW, Loxhatchee River, in the winter and spring. In the summer I run it in the lakes around home. Im not too keen on running ANY 21ft boat offshore in the Atlantic, but I wouldnt hesitate on the great lakes on calm days. Hope this helps

Thanks Jet Set. Good to know. We boat SW FL, mostly rivers and bays but will try exploring some coastal waters on the calmer days.

 

[Sean Clements]

I have a '16 Scarab 215 HO Impulse and my two cents is it all comes down to the dealer. I took delivery of my new boat and there was an issue with the fit of the folding centre windshield. The dealer - Factory Rec in Midland Ontario - sent a tech two hours to my cottage to rectify it. They were a Seadoo dealer previously and know boats. Love the guys at Factory Rec and love my Scarab so far. Just rolled 50 hours on it this long weekend boating in the 1000 Islands...

Did the folding windshield have issues from the start? Mine closed fine the day I picked it up but shifted on the second day and I cannot close it now.

 

[Pinhacker71]

No problems with mine.