Scarab Sport or Donzi ZF?

[rsbeck]

Hello, I am looking at center console types for an all-purpose family type boat. First question; Am I on the right track? I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and the boat will be used primarily on the Bay and Delta. I need a boat that can be used for fishing, pulling a wake boarder or skier on occasion, and for family cruises. I have a chance to buy a 1994 30' Wellcraft Scarab Sport, but I am wondering if these boats are well-constructed and built to last. Of course, I would have a survey done before buying, but I would like to know if these center console types are solid and -- even better -- if one is more solid than the other. In your answers, don't feel you are limited to Wellcraft or Donzi -- if you feel another brand of center console type is more solidly built or a better value -- I'd like to hear that, too. Further, should I pay more and get a newer boat?<br />Are construction techniques improving? Any trends I need to know about? Were some years better than others? Finally, is a 30 foot boat too big for a first boat? How about a 35 foot boat? Is smaller better for an inexperienced boater or should I buy a larger boat and then take lessons to learn how to maneuver? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated by this novice -- Thanks!

 

[KCook]

Re: Scarab Sport or Donzi ZF?

A big center console will be grand on the bay, overkill for the Delta. Terrific for fishing, but kinda big for skiing. Family cruising usually means lots of seating for folks. Center consoles have the least seating of all the different boat types.<br /><br />Both the Donzi and Scarab were built for the same market. Look good and go pretty fast. There are other high $ brands that may be tougher. But they will be plainer boats than these. A good example of either Donzi or Scarab should be up to your bay and Delta.<br /><br />A good used boat will save you a bundle. And if you change your mind, decide to sell it for something else, your depreciation loss will be much less. I would say definitely go used in this size for a first boat, with professional survey of course.<br /><br />30' is too big for a first boat if you are going to trailer it. For a trailer boat I wouldn't start out with anything over 22'. But if the boat is kept at a marina, then size is not so much of a problem. Lessons are always a good idea.<br /><br />Get charters or demo rides in different types of boats, just to be sure a center console really suits your family best.<br /><br />Below is a link to a good thread over on www.TheHullTruth.com that goes into the bigger fish boat brands -<br /><br /> Which boat for Fishin/Cruising combo -~30' <br /><br />Kelly Cook