Scarab Open 195 Review

Story by Craig Ritchie Nov. 11, 2016

New tailgate brings amazing versatility to a performance boat

Since it first caught the public’s eye as Sonny Crocket’s ride on Miami Vice and later, as the offshore boat used by the lifeguards on Baywatch, Scarab has long been known as the boat for those who appreciate high performance. That heritage lives on today in the company’s all-new Open 195 – a jet-powered performance boat that honors the Scarab performance legacy while providing the kind of multi-function utility that today’s boater demands.

Just one look at the Open 195 confirms this is no 1980s hull with just a new paint job. What it really represents is all-new approach to boating. While its versatile center console layout gives this boat tremendous utility right from the start, Scarab took a bold next step and took the design even further with a nod to the auto industry. Since there’s no more versatile vehicle on the road than a pickup, Scarab gave its new Open 195 the very element that makes a pickup so adaptable. They gave it a tailgate.

Since there’s no more vehicle more versatile than a pickup, Scarab gave its new Open 195 a pickup-style tailgate for maximum versatility.

Thanks to some smart engineering and space-saving Rotax jet power, the entire transom on the Open 195 lowers tailgate-style till it sits flush with the floor, creating numerous possibilities – an extended swim platform, a roomy casting deck, or just the perfect spot to hang out and enjoy the sun. It sounds brilliant, and it really is. But you can’t even begin to appreciate how this innovative approach opens up new possibilities for boaters until you take this rig for a ride yourself.

The drop-down transom tailgate not only expands the boat’s usable space, it also serves as a comfortable extended swim platform – the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the water.

Designed for families, the Open 195 actually comes in two basic models, which both feature the tailgate design as well as self-draining cockpits, easy-to-clean upholstery, a cooler for snacks and refreshments and a console changing room – which can accommodate an available Porta-pottie – so there’s no need to return to shore. The Open 195 is pure sport boat, built for family fun and with the option of adding a 700-pound ballast system to give it honest wake boarding and wake surfing credentials. In fact, with its jet power the Scarab Open 195 might just be the safest wake surfing boat on the water. There’s a standard transom tow point for water sports, and an available tower for even more options.

The Open 195 Fish model adds four gunnel rod holders and four rod storage areas, a bait well and bow fish box, and even a bow casting platform. Available bow and stern fishing seats represent the finishing touches on this custom fishing machine.

The 195 comes in Open and Fish versions. The fish variant includes rod holders, rod storage, bait well, fish box and even a bow casting platform.

Standard power for both variants is a Rotax 1.5L jet which churns out 200 horsepower, while an upgrade to the 250-horsepower Rotax 1.5L HO is available. The standard engine delivers a top speed in the 37 to 40 mph range, while the HO model pumps that up to 40 to 43 mph. Both come with Rotax’s iNR, (intelligent neutral and reverse) control system for easier shifting and enhanced maneuverability at low speeds.

With no exposed propeller, the Open 195 is one of the safest boats around for water spots like wake boarding and wake surfing.

Both the Open 195 and Open 195 Fish include an upgraded single axle trailer with chrome wheels, allowing you to easily tow your fun anywhere.

A truly brilliant example of innovation and inspired engineering, Scarab’s 195 Open raises a lot of eyebrows everywhere it goes, and for good reason. With its spirited performance and forward-thinking design, it honors the Scarab heritage with another brilliant, exciting boat that’s built for family fun.