Looking for a little excitement? Consider the Scarab 165 ID. Though small in size, we think you’ll find it big on fun. This 15-foot-9-inch runabout can be ordered with up to 300 jet-drive horsepower, and it weighs about only 1,700 pounds with a full tank of gas. That’s an exciting power-to-weight ratio—one that easily ripped from zero to 30 mph in a tick over 4 seconds and quickly topped 55 mph with two aboard during our test.
Fun aside, this boat’s size offers a number of advantages. On its trailer, the Scarab 165 ID measures just 18 feet, 4 inches long and will weigh a little more than 2,300 pounds. That makes it an easy tow with even a modest vehicle. As for storage, it will take up the same garage space as a couple of trailered personal watercraft.
While rated for five passengers, the Scarab 165 ID practically seats three across in individual buckets. Settle in at the helm and you’ll feel like you are at the thick-rimmed wheel of a racing go-kart, embraced by the seat bolsters and footrests. The twin-lever control adds to the racing feel. The Rotax 300 ACE is a $7,710 option over the base 170 hp Rotax engine, but according to Scarab, 80 percent of buyers get the bigger motor. The boat’s small size, lack of windshield and proximity to the surface enhance the experience of speed while running—the water seems to rush toward you, and the bow lifts and gets just a little floaty. The boat handles like a PWC, with super-quick steering.
Make the scene at the sandbar and hang out on the transom seat pads, enjoy the music cranking from the premium JL Audio package ($2,740) with transom speakers, and stash beverages in the convenient drink holders. Our test boat featured optional MarineMat decking on the cockpit sole and swim platform ($1,040 combined). Scarab also installed the aluminum sport arch ($3,140) aboard our tester.
We think the Scarab 165 ID is an excellent choice for those seeking the easy ownership and dart-and-dash fun that a pair of PWC can offer, while also providing seating for five, unrivaled style and a cool factor.
High Points
- Comfort Ride seats smooth rough water.
- Jet-power advantages include minimal draft, no prop, no trim and self-draining.
- Customize with 30 color and graphics options, including soft 3D Impact graphics that protect the
hull from dock rash.
How We Tested
- Engine: Rotax Marine 300 ACE
- Drive/Prop: Jet drive/166 mm diameter, 14/22-pitch, 4-blade stainless-steel impeller
- Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $44,225 (with Rotax 300 ACE) |
| LOA: | 15’9″ |
| Beam: | 7’1″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’0″ |
| Dry Weight: | 1,600 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 6/850 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 20 gal. |
Scarab Jet Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; scarabjetboats.com
