The 285 Scarab Creates A Wake Riders Will Enjoy
Scarab's new 285, hits a home run. The 28-footer's Rotax propulsion provides an impressive top speed. It also comes with an optional surf package that will make it a great choice for wake-riders. Third, the design borrows heavily from modern automobiles.
The touchscreen display, which is oriented in a similar way to an Audi Q7's head-up position, is the most techie part of the boat. You can tap one to access your skier profile page. Five presets are available for your favorite riders. Another shows you the fuel burn to help you tailor your ride for maximum mileage. One offers cruise control, while another makes it easier to dock. This display is equipped with audio control and other cool features. It sets the tone for a thrilling skipper experience. The dash and console are heavily finished in billet aluminum. This includes grab handles, switch panels, and a glove-box doors. The touchscreen panel on the passenger seat allows for audio control.
The captain and mate can flip their seatbacks forward to aft for a reclining position. This allows them to join the wraparound seating that is only interrupted by a transom walkthrough. For a better view, the front seat bolsters can be flipped up. Because the engines are deep within the hull, the platform is low to the water. The jets (not props) extend towards the trailing edge. Rope lockers protect wet gear until it can be dried in port.
The 285's most notable features may be its bow seating. The seating is spacious with beam-to-beam seating that faces forward and lounges that face aft.
You can also add a cocktail table or filler cushion to the space. However, the portside access to the head compartment is what makes the forward seating possible. Instead of swinging your console inward towards the front passenger seat and causing it to move, this side is fixed. The port seat forward of console opens like a sports car's sliding gull-wing door, giving you ample access to the spacious head compartment.
If it didn't deliver the performance that it promised, all this would be pointless. It certainly did.
High points
- Surf packages on the 285 include ballast and Scarab’s Surf Stream Wake Enhancement, which helps shape the waves.
- The touchscreen system panel provides efficient control over skier profiles, docking mode and cruise control, among other things.
Specifics
LOA: 28'0''
Beam: 9'2''
Draft (maximum):1'8''
Dry Weight 5,750 lb
Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 98 gal.
Price: $109 327 (with Twin 250 Rotax).
How We Tested
Engine: Dual Rotax 300 jets
Impeller/Drive: Jet pumps/3 blades stainless steel
Gear Ratio 1:1
Fuel Load: 70 gal.
Crew Weight250 lb
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