Scarab has meant performance boating for decades, and that DNA is present in the 255 Impulse Wake Edition with a new spin: It’s surfable, as Wakeboarding magazine’s Emily Dale proved in our recent test.
Dale liked the wave at 10.2 mph, and we held that easily using the touch-panel speed control complete with multiple rider profiles. With her speed logged into the system, we topped off the ballast at 1,200 pounds, grabbed a few extra passengers, and hit the throttle. Dale tucked into the wake for a sporty ride — her first on a jet-powered boat, which keeps the impellers within the hull, away from rider contact.
Jet pumps push this boat forward, and crew and ballast drive it down, making a sizable hole in the water that pushes up a big wake as the water returns to fill it.
The touchscreen is like a head-up display and gives touch control to engine systems, stereo and more. Throttle control is enhanced by an industry-first Intelligent Neutral and Reverse (iNR) system. Bump up the throttle settings or drop them back at the tap of a button. You can customize the amount of touch adjustment you want, from approximately 1 millimeter of throttle travel to about 15 millimeters. Five millimeters of travel gives an approximately 1 mph adjustment.
A central transom walkway gives a convenient path to the cockpit that can be shaded with a fixed Bimini top under the wakeboard arch. You’ll have a big spectator crowd inside, since the cockpit and bow seat a massive 13-man crew. There is plenty of comfort in the port and starboard L-shaped lounges as well. Need more seating on the transom and less in the cockpit? Flip the seat backs forward and the swim-deck seating opens up for casual reclining while at anchor. The seating and wide-open deck plan make for easy passage from bow to stern, even with heavy loads.
The upholstery of Scarab’s spacious cockpit and foredeck seating plan is sports-car firm, with enough flex to soften bumpy waters. That’s important on bigger lakes and impoundments throughout the Midwest. It’s good-looking too, with multiple colors and textures of vinyl to complement the exterior finish.
The Scarab 255 Impulse is luxury and watersports- and family-friendly all at once.
High Points
* MarineMat decking on the platform give style and convenience for booting up for a ride.
* Head compartment is more spacious than in some boats with more length and beam.
* Touchscreen display is unusually bright in full sunlight.
Price: $70,569 (base with test power)
How We Tested
Engine: Twin Rotax water jets 250 hp
Impeller: Stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.00:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 550 lb.
More Information
Scarab Jet Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; scarabjetboats.com
