Boat Test: 2025 Scarab 210 LX

Overview

Scarab’s 210 LX shares the “second-generation” look and feel of the boatbuilder’s retooled 285 and 235. It also offers more interior room than many competitors and—with a single supercharged Rotax 300—delivers jetboat-worthy power without a twin-engine model’s heftier price or fuel consumption. That’s an attractive mix for a target audience that can be up to 50-percent first-time buyers and overwhelmingly below 45 years of age. They may have matured, or now have families to consider, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still want a boat that bounds out of the hole, rails through a turn, and yes, looks pretty bad-ass in the process.

Engine

The single 300 hp supercharged Rotax engine strikes a good balance between power and efficiency. Firewall the throttle and the 210 leaps forward like a race horse, reaching 30 mph in under 9 seconds before topping out at an average 43.5 mph. Maximum fuel consumption is 24 gallons per hour at that speed. Drop to 30 mph to cut that consumption in half. The 210 also handles like jetboat buyers expect, railing through corners with just a flick of the steering wheel. Jets can also venture into skinnier waters where sterndrives don’t dare tread and their enclosed jet pump eliminates worries about a prop. Unlike some models, the 210 also does all of the above without excessive noise. Scarab’s Quiet Ride technology combines thick, sound-deadening insulation below the engine hatch and along the hull sides, gasket-equipped lockers and high-density foam injected between the stringer grids and hull to turn down the volume. The results are felt both by ear and decibel meter. Once on plane, readings hovered mostly in the 80s, peaking at only 90 decibels, well short of many jet-propelled models.

Interior and Accessories

The 210’s 8-feet-5-inch beam carries well forward, adding impressive interior space. Guests in the bow enjoy a full complement of wraparound cushions, ensuring comfort and back support, even for those facing aft. Gather around the side-mount table and Top-Siders won’t tangle. For those who prefer to stretch out, two can easily recline with legs extended. A third can join if you pop in the walk-through windblock. It doubles as a seat once you add the included cushions, effectively creating an enclosed playpen. Seat bottoms raise on twin articulating hinges, offering full access to finished compartments below and eliminating the hassle of where to place removable cushions. Gutters ensure water is kept at bay. The 210 LX also features the welcome addition of a dedicated bow anchor locker large enough to handle a sizable Danforth, and room for a pull-out cooler or additional gear within the helm or port console. 

Behind its sporty wraparound windshield, seating is arrayed between a pair of captain’s chairs at the consoles and a U-shaped aft bench. Chairs are plush and supportive, with wraparound sides, flip-up bolsters, open areas in the lumbar region to aid ventilation, and clever cutouts where backrest meets seat bottom that allow the captain to twist aft for conversations with the crew. Similar cutouts are found at the inside corners of the bench behind, allowing passengers to sit back into the corners for greater comfort or avoid feeling overcrowded when you’ve packed the boat to capacity. Below the port corner seat find access to the battery selector switch and resettable breakers for systems such as bilge, stereo amplifier and engine ECUs. The port console adds a deep lockable glove box, wireless phone charger and a lipped EVA nook perfect for loose items. The helm is distinguished by another wireless charging cradle, stereo head unit and a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. Featuring an array of info from speed/rpm to cruise control and governed-speed docking settings, the display smartly pivots to reduce glare or adjust to driver height. In addition to the tilt wheel, drivers will also appreciate a sizable inwale pad to rest their throttle forearm. It helps with making the minute shift/throttle adjustments jets often prefer. 

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Scarab also pays attention to time spent on the hook or sandbar. The transom features a broad, open swim platform, covered in MarineMat EVA foam perfect for bare wet feet. One of three side mounts for the included pedestal table is set off to port for waterside snacking. Twin JL Audio speakers and sound system remote lets your crew control the playlist. There’s also the smart addition of a 12-volt outlet, ready to power an inflator where it’s needed most. Rather than thinly cushioned or EVA foam, port and starboard seats are also thick and plush, sporting both thigh bolsters and comfortable seat backs. Add the walk-through cushion and you can fashion a sun bed. Unlike those aboard the big sister 235, the 210 LX’s cushions are fixed and don’t slide or recline. Finishing off the area are large grab handles, a telescoping ladder, and an easy-to-access flush port for the engine. Don’t overlook Scarab’s cool take on a ski-tow eye. It’s hidden within Scarab’s beetle logo, and pulls out to secure a towline.

Shopping around? Yamaha’s 222S ($74,399 with twin 1.9L Yamaha High Output engines) is similar in size and layout, holds a roughly 5 mph advantage in top speed and features a small rudder linked to the directional nozzles to improve low-speed tracking. That extra engine, however, adds to the price. Both models include tow tower and integrated Bimini, but interior amenities, particularly in terms of seat thickness and comfort, favor Scarab.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax Marine 1630 ACE – 300
• Drive/Impeller: Water jet/161 mm diameter, 11-22 pitch, stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 310 lb.

High Points

• A true bow anchor locker, complete with clips for a sizable Danforth.
• Optional extended swim platform positions riders close to the water when gearing up.
• Snap-in Marine Mat easily removes for cleanups or raw-water washdowns.

Low Points

• Single jet means it wanders at idle speeds, requiring extra attenton at the wheel. Experience will reduce the effect.
• Fixed transom seats and absence of dedicated compartments leave no storage on transom for items such as towropes, fenders or dock lines.
• Scarab logo tow-point is ultra-cool, but its sharper edges may wear on towlines.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation