Overview
There are so many options offered for the Scarab Jet 215 ID, we’d be surprised if any two examples are exactly the same. There are 10 standard plus 10 bold Impulse color combinations, each available without graphics, with one of two graphic treatments, or with one of two 3-D Impact graphics treatments. This makes the Scarab build-a-boat process a lot of fun, and that’s the point of the Scarab 215—having fun on the water.
Interior and Accessories
Our test boat was equipped with the Wake Edition Package ($9,375), a popular option because you can surf behind this jet-powered boat. That package includes a tow-sports tower with board racks, a 1,000-pound ballast system, a digital speed-control package and special graphics. A new option for 2022 is a Medallion touchscreen dash display ($5,140) that replaces standard instrumentation and switch gear, but does not control the ballast system. You can turn the Scarab Jet 215 ID into a full-blown wake-sports machine, with an optional premium JL Audio system ($3,025) with subwoofer and transom speakers, a transom remote and the JL Audio tower speakers ($1,285), Surf Stream Wake Enhancement tabs ($1,040) and a water-level swim-platform extension ($1,225). Or don’t order any options at all and just enjoy the benefits of jet propulsion: easy maintenance, no props to worry about, and handling reflexes that make this Scarab as quick as a go-kart.
Engines
Our boat had the top power option that puts twin 300 hp Rotax engines under the hatch (not available in California due to emissions regulations) that deliver eye-popping acceleration—on plane in just over 2 seconds with no bow rise—and a top speed of 52 mph, all through a smooth, single-lever digital control. Zoom, zoom.
The 215 ID’s standard platform is a full 30 inches deep, and the convertible aft lounge can be configured flat or as a forward- or aft-facing seat. There are comfy bench seats port and starboard in the cockpit and a pair of bucket seats at the consoles. The pickle-fork bow adds dramatic style and expands the elbow room in the forward lounge area.
Read Next: 2022 Scarab Jet 285 ID
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin Rotax Marine 300 ACE 1.6L jet drives
- Drive/Prop: Jet drive/166 mm diameter, 14/22 pitch, 4-blade stainless-steel impeller
- Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 29 gal. Crew Weight: 200 lb.
High Points
- Jet power reduces maintenance and eliminates prop anxiety.
- A lot of options allow you to perfectly personalize style and function.
- Huge wet-gear stowage built into the swim platform holds lines and fenders.
Low Points
- High engine rpm and jet-pump cavitation make for a very loud ride, even at cruising speed.
- Top speed is modest compared to prop-driven boats of similar size and power.
- Plastic glove-box door feels flimsy.
Toughest Competitor
The 21-foot-3-inch Yamaha 212SE ($64,899) offers less power with twin 180 hp 1.8-liter jet drives, but does feature the signature Yamaha bi-level transom lounge. A watersports tower and the 12-inch touchscreen Connext display with navigation are standard.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $84,235 (with test power and trailer) |
| LOA: | 21’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’4″ |
| Draft: | 1’8″ |
| Displacement: | 3,100 lb. |
| Bridge Clearance: | 4’3″ |
| Transom Deadrise: | 21 degrees |
| Fuel Capacity: | 41 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
