Overview
The Scarab Jet 285 ID is a wide-beam, luxury runabout with all the advantages of jet propulsion. It boasts an enclosed head, a huge sun pad and transom platform, and a long list of options.
Interior and Accessories
A new standard helm with twin touchscreens replaces all switches and instruments. There’s also a Scarab app that syncs a mobile device with the touchscreens. The Scarab Jet 285 ID is now equipped with two wireless phone-charging pads and a new foldout snack table. The 12-gallon freshwater tank and the waste tank have been moved to ease service.
There are 60 different color and graphic options, including a number that incorporate soft Impact mat ($975) on the hullsides, a durable material that adds interesting graphic texture and protects the hull from dock rash. A Wake Package ($14,127) adds a tower with hardtop, a 1,150-pound water-ballast system, board racks and digital speed control. The Premium JL Audio package ($3,463) includes a subwoofer, amplified transom speakers, and RBG LED lighting within the speakers. Our test boat sported the optional windlass with a polished anchor ($2,403).
Lift the front of the port console to reach a head compartment with a standard portable or optional flushing head ($1,555). A pair of 25-quart coolers slide out of the starboard console. The sun pad measures 4 feet, 10 inches square and has a pivoting backrest for fore- or aft-facing seating. The backrest at the port console also pivots to create a lounge in the cockpit. The swim platform is 35 inches deep and incorporates a pair of draining stowage compartments. The entire aft seat lifts for excellent access to maintain the engine and batteries.
Engines
A single lever controls the synchronized digital throttles of twin Rotax marine jet drives. Base power is a pair of 230 hp Rotax jet drives. The optional 300s on our test boat ($3,467—not catalyst-equipped, and so not available in California and CE markets) pushed the Scarab rapidly to 52 mph. The Scarab Jet 285 ID is the Gulfstream aircraft of jet boats.
High Points
- Expansive aft platform and sun pad/seat create a comfortable hangout spot at the beach or cove.
- Jet power reduces maintenance and eliminates prop anxiety.
- Design incorporates an ideal combination of luxury and contemporary style.
Low Points
- Sound level tops 90 dB(A) at cruising speed and gets louder from there.
- Jet drives are less efficient than propellers.
- Premium engine option is not catalyst-equipped.
Toughest Competitor
- The 27-foot Yamaha 275SE ($125,699 base price) has a 9-foot beam and is powered by twin supercharged 250 hp Yamaha SVHO jet drives. Features include a single 12-inch Connext touchscreen display, a seven-speaker Wet Sounds audio system, a port console head compartment, and a sport tower with integrated Bimini top.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin Rotax Marine 300 ACE 1.6L jet drives
- Drive/Prop: Jet drive/stainless-steel impeller
- Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 200 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $130,420 (base with test power) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 28’0″ |
| Beam: | 9’2″ |
| Draft: | 1’8″ |
| Displacement: | 5,750 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 22 degrees |
| Fuel Capacity: | 98 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
