Boat Test: 2024 Scarab 235 Open ID
The versatility of the center-console design makes it increasingly popular in fresh and salt water as an all-around dayboat. With available twin 300 hp Rotax jet drives, the new Scarab 235 Open ID takes the center-console to 60 mph. And the low-profile engines enable a fold-down transom tailgate with unmatched water access.
A new running surface with a 20-degree transom deadrise balances a soft ride with stability, and a broad bow permits an expansive casting platform. The transom tailgate creates a 3-foot-4-inch-deep platform that’s great for swimming, gearing up to dive, lounging on aft-facing seats, and easy dockside boarding. The boat can operate at speed with the gate down if no rear-seat passengers are facing aft. With the gate raised, the boarding platform is 12 inches deep.
It’s about a 10-inch step up onto the motor box from the platform. Seatbacks here fold flat or angle to face forward or aft. This aft deck area and the forward casting deck are covered with soft MarineMat material. Add sun pads for the bow and aft deck ($1,715), bow and aft sail shades ($3,525), and a premium JL Audio package ($4,235), and the 235 Open ID will reign as king of the cove.
The Wake Edition Package ($9,600) adds a 12.3-inch Medallion Viper III touchscreen at the helm, board racks, and plumbing to fill a Fatsac ballast bag intended for placing on the lowered tailgate. The screen is used to set up speed and acceleration profiles, control the ballast pump, and manage the audio and RBG lighting systems, in addition to displaying engine and boat-function information. The standard display is a 7.2-inch Medallion/BRP touchscreen. Because the boat is jet-powered, it’s safely surfable. Order the Fishing Package ($2,735) to add a baitwell below the helm seat, rocket launchers on the T-top, inwale rod stowage, and lure boxes below the forward deck.
Read Next: 2024 Scarab Jet 195 ID
The optional twin 300 hp Rotax water jets ($10,125 over the base twin 170 hp engines) deliver instant acceleration and blazing speed. Select one of four power modes—Ski, Eco, Dock and Cruise—through the touchscreen. These high-rpm engines are noisy compared to an outboard or sterndrive, but feature closed cooling and require less seasonal maintenance.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 300 hp Rotax 300 ACE 1.6L
- Drive/Prop: Jet drive/166 mm 14/22 pitch 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.
High Points
- BRP iDF system uses reverse thrust to clear intake-clogging weeds.
- Curtained changing area can be equipped with a portable head.
- Aluminum T-top features a MarineMat covering intended to protect a SUP that can be secured using top rails.
- Tailgate enables a wide-open transom for angling, sports or lounging.
Low Points
- Lack of space between the aft seats and helm seat and the outboard and the center console lends a cramped feel.
- Boarding ladder will be challenging to use when the tailgate is lowered.
- Water jets are about 30 percent less efficient than propellers.
Toughest Competitor
The 22-foot 222 Yamaha FSH Sport E ($73,399 with trailer) is powered by a pair of new 1.9-liter 200 hp water jets with digital controls. Standard features include a 5-inch Connext touchscreen, 75-gallon fuel tank, rocket launchers, 18-gallon livewell and bow seating area.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $103,300 (base with test power) |
| LOA: | 22’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’5″ |
| Draft: | 1’3″ |
| Displacement: | 3,800 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 20 degrees |
| Fuel Capacity: | 56 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 600 |
| Available Power: | Twin Rotax Marine jet drives up to 600 hp total |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Scarab Jet Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; scarabjetboats.com
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