Jet propulsion can make boating easier and a lot of fun. No propeller-drive boat in its size range can outpower or outmaneuver the 21-foot Scarab 215 ID. The max power option, a pair of 300 hp Rotax 300 ACE jet drives ($11,840), is a significant but popular upgrade over the base twin 170 hp package, and for good reason. Our test boat accelerated without hesitation, zipping from zero to 30 mph in a tick over 4 seconds. At wide-open throttle, the 215 ID topped 60 mph with a crew of two aboard. And this Scarab handles like a sports car. The steering is quick, and the boat responds instantly, carving neatly on the 21 degrees of deadrise its hull presents to the water and delivering a smooth ride in lake chop.
The driving is easy because there’s no trim and no propeller to worry about. Jet propulsion also makes this boat a natural for family wake sports, including wakesurfing. The Wake Edition Package ($9,980) includes a wakeboarding tower with board racks, a 1,000-pound ballast system, a digital speed control package and special graphics. Maximize the surf wake with Surf Stream wake-enhancement devices ($1,105) and add the boarding platform extension ($1,305), and this boat can support just about any tow-sports activity your family and friends might wish to enjoy.
If you prefer to lounge around, pivot the aft backrests and relax on seats facing the unobstructed swim platform. Add the Versa Lounge option ($1,245) and the seatbacks fold flat into a wide sun pad. Crisply styled wraparound seating fills the cockpit, with a pair of deep bucket seats at the consoles. Heading to the beach? The bow boarding ladder makes it easy to go ashore. Other notable options include the Medallion touchscreen dash display ($5,140) that replaces standard instrumentation and switch gear for lights, audio and other functions. A premium JL Audio package ($3,225) includes a subwoofer, transom speakers and a transom remote with an RBG LED lighting package. Option this boat to fit your lifestyle. It all adds up to a lot of performance—and fun—from an attractive midsize runabout.
High Points
- At docking speed, the 215 ID can spin within its length, and the Rotax lateral thrust reverse buckets help snug this runabout up to a dock.
- Drained stowage lockers in the swim platform keep wet towlines and fenders out of the cockpit.
- A single control lever throttles and shifts both engines; standard cruise control helps hold a steady course in no-wake zones.
- Comfort Ride bucket seats feature steel spring suspension to smooth out the rough-water ride.
How We Tested
- Engine: Twin 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: 30 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $88,445 (with twin Rotax 300 ACE and trailer) |
| LOA: | 21’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’4″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’3″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,100 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 10/1,800 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 41 gal. |
Scarab Jet Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; scarabjetboats.com
