Scarab 195 ID Review

Jet boats have attracted a loyal following worldwide and it’s easy to understand why. With their spirited performance, the safety of having no exposed propeller and their ability to operate in ultra-shallow water, jet boats check a lot of boxes for young boating families. One of the most interesting 2019 models is the Scarab 195 ID, which adds impressive watersports capabilities to make a fine boat that much better.

The 18-foot, 10-inch Scarab 195 ID can seat eight adults thanks to its efficient interior layout. A pair of forward-facing loungers in the bow provide plenty of space to stretch out in the summer sun, while a removable cushion allows you to convert the entire bow space into an inviting sun pad.

The 195 ID offers seating for eight people with its versatile layout.

Step aft through the elegant black-framed, walk-through windshield and the main cockpit greets you. A large portside console provides a glove box for stowing smaller items, along with a stainless steel drink holder, a stainless grab handle for extra security, and a convenient mesh pocket along the gunnel for items like sunscreen and bug spray that you’ll want to keep handy, yet out of the way.

Both the driver and companion ride on sporty bucket seats with flip-up bolsters.

To starboard, the driver’s helm console provides a fighter jet-like glass dash look, complemented all the more by its stylish silver and black steering wheel and the control head for the Bluetooth-enabled stereo. Both the driver and companion ride on swiveling bucket seats with integrated back supports and pull-up bolsters. Both seats rotate when at rest, allowing them to face aft and create an inviting conversation area with the full wrap-around cockpit seat.

Attention to detail, like notches integrated into the cockpit seats for more leg room, set the Scarab apart.

Look carefully and you’ll find the Scarab 195 ID offers storage everywhere – in the seat bases, and in the floor thanks to a huge ski locker that can gobble up a surprising amount of gear. The inclusion of stereo speakers in the seat bases frees up yet more cockpit space while ensuring high audio quality.

The stern seat can be adjusted for forward-facing or rear-facing seating, or laid flat to create an inviting sun pad.

The stern seat features a removable centerline cushion that pops out to reveal a generous walk-through to the extended rear swim platform, complete with its own stainless steel boarding ladder. What’s more, the seat backs on either side of the center walk-through can be adjusted as desired to provide forward-facing or aft-facing seating, or laid flat to create a large aft sun pad.

The available Wake Edition Package provides a tower with board racks, a ballast system and a digital speed control package.

The Scarab 195 ID comes with a ski tow hook as standard equipment, but watersports enthusiast can upgrade to the available Wake Edition Package and enjoy a gas-assisted, collapsible wakeboard tower with board racks, a ballast system and a digital speed control package for precision control. With no exposed propeller, the Scarab is arguably the safest wakesurfing platform on the water since it’s powered by a jet rather than the usual outboard or sterndrive engine.

The Rotax jet gives the 195 ID spirited performance and top speeds of more than 45 mph.

The responsiveness of its Rotax engine must be experienced to be appreciated. Even with a full load this is a boat that pops out of the hole quickly for spirited hole shots. At full throttle it will reach speeds of over 45 mph while pulling back to a more comfortable mid-20 mph range delivers excellent fuel economy in the range of three miles per gallon.

With its versatile layout, comfortable seating and watersports capability, Scarab’s 195 ID is a versatile family runabout.

The other big benefit of jet drives is that there’s nothing hanging under the boat. The Scarab 195 ID draws just 12 inches of water, so there’s no fear of jamming a fragile propeller into a tree stump or an unseen rock.

The Scarab 195 ID is a versatile and fun-to-drive sport boat that blends stylish looks, serious capabilities and Scarab’s heritage of craftsmanship into a fresh and appealing package.