Scarab 215 HO Impulse

The Scarab 215 HO Impulse is a downright thrill to drive. Built to take advantage of the Rotax/Bombardier partnership and the availability of 4-TEC 1503 jet engines, the venerable Scarab was resurrected as a line of brand-new jet boats.

You can choose a 215 Standard, a 215 HO (high output) or a 215 HO Impulse, powered by twin 250 hp Rotax jets, like the one we tested. So powered, the boat jumped on plane in 3.2 seconds and averaged a flat five seconds to 30 mph.

The Impulse model features textured, pearlescent upholstery, in three color combinations, that looks great without appearing gaudy. The deeper-than-expected cockpit offers twin ComfortRide captain’s chairs with bolsters forward of a U-shaped lounge with ingenious cutouts that allow for extra legroom — a feature found in fore and aft seating as well. A large in-sole locker offers a broad opening for stowing wide boards. The Scarab boasts a full-size sun pad, thanks to Versa-Lounge seating aft that adjusts to three positions including the ever-popular “flat.” A three-step boarding ladder is concealed within a spacious swim platform that also offers a wet stowage compartment exactly where you need it.

Up front, passengers will find ample seating for four, an anchor locker and a boarding ladder — the latter two are welcome features when you want to anchor or beach the boat. A table and filler cushions are offered for the bow seating area. Throughout the HO Impulse there is plenty of storage, including the handy cargo-netting flanking the cockpit.

Overhead is a convertible aluminum wakeboard tower with black Bimini top. This can be lowered to clear bridges, yet it supports optional wakeboard racks and premium speakers for the Kicker sound system, which is offered with controls at the helm and at the transom. Other electronic options of note include digital speed control and underwater docking lights.

The 2015 Scarab 215 HO Impulse comes matched with a custom trailer sporting chrome wheels and swing-away tongue, completing a high-performance package that does the Scarab name proud.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Drive system supports cruise-, ski-, docking- and eco-operating modes, the latter offering significant fuel efficiency.
*Automotive-style windshield looks great, complementing the sharper lines of the Scarab.
*Drawing only 12 inches, the 215 allows for shallow water capabilities.
*Optional underwater lights for ­docking assistance and in-water ­ambience are a nice touch.
*The Impulse is available in three dramatic gel-scheme colors that are carried throughout the boat and trailer package: laser red, sunburst orange and vivid green.
*The 215 HO Impulse is powered by a pair of three-cylinder, supercharged, intercooled jets rated at 250 hp. Can you say 60 mph?

How We Tested
Engine: Twin Rotax 250 1.5L supercharged HO
Prop: 6¼” x 24 degree 4-vane stainless-steel impeller
Gear Ratio: 1.00:1
Fuel Load: 41 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Price
$64,133 (base price)

Contact
Scarab Boats Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; scarabjetboats.com