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2022 Scarab Jet 285 ID

The Jet 285 ID combines luxury with a comfortable and sporty ride.

Overview

The Scarab Jet 285 ID is a wide-beam, luxury runabout with all the advantages of jet propulsion. It boasts an enclosed head, a huge sun pad and transom platform, and a long list of options.

Scarab Jet 285 ID running fast
The Jet 285 ID is a mix of luxury and contemporary style. Courtesy Scarab Jet Boats

Interior and Accessories

A new standard helm with twin touchscreens replaces all switches and instruments. There’s also a Scarab app that syncs a mobile device with the touchscreens. The Scarab Jet 285 ID is now equipped with two wireless phone-charging pads and a new foldout snack table. The 12-gallon freshwater tank and the waste tank have been moved to ease service.

Jet 285 ID helm
Twin touchscreens keep everything at the driver’s fingertips. Courtesy Scarab Jet Boats

There are 60 different color and graphic options, including a number that incorporate soft Impact mat ($975) on the hullsides, a durable material that adds interesting graphic texture and protects the hull from dock rash. A Wake Package ($14,127) adds a tower with hardtop, a 1,150-pound water-­ballast system, board racks and digital speed control. The Premium JL Audio package ($3,463) includes a subwoofer, amplified transom speakers, and RBG LED lighting within the speakers. Our test boat sported the optional windlass with a ­polished anchor ($2,403).

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Jet 285 ID bow table
A table in the bow complements the comfortable seating. Courtesy Scarab Jet Boats

Lift the front of the port console to reach a head compartment with a standard portable or optional flushing head ($1,555). A pair of 25-quart coolers slide out of the starboard console. The sun pad measures 4 feet, 10 inches square and has a pivoting backrest for fore- or aft-facing seating. The backrest at the port console also pivots to create a lounge in the cockpit. The swim ­platform is 35 inches deep and incorporates a pair of draining stowage compartments. The entire aft seat lifts for excellent access to maintain the engine and batteries.

Jet 285 ID storage
There are numerous places to stash gear. Courtesy Scarab Jet Boats

Engines

A single lever controls the synchronized digital throttles of twin Rotax marine jet drives. Base power is a pair of 230 hp Rotax jet drives. The optional 300s on our test boat ($3,467—not catalyst-­equipped, and so not available in California and CE markets) pushed the Scarab rapidly to 52 mph. The Scarab Jet 285 ID is the Gulfstream aircraft of jet boats.

High Points

  • Expansive aft platform and sun pad/seat create a comfortable hangout spot at the beach or cove.
  • Jet power reduces maintenance and eliminates prop anxiety.
  • Design incorporates an ideal combination of luxury and contemporary style.

Low Points

  • Sound level tops 90 dB(A) at cruising speed and gets louder from there.
  • Jet drives are less efficient than propellers.
  • Premium engine option is not catalyst-equipped.

Toughest Competitor

  • The 27-foot Yamaha 275SE ($125,699 base price) has a 9-foot beam and is powered by twin supercharged 250 hp Yamaha SVHO jet drives. Features include a single 12-inch Connext touchscreen display, a seven-speaker Wet Sounds audio system, a port console head compartment, and a sport tower with integrated Bimini top.

How We Tested

  • Engines: Twin Rotax Marine 300 ACE 1.6L jet drives
  • Drive/Prop: Jet drive/stainless-steel impeller
  • Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 200 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price: $130,420 (base with test power)
LOA: 28’0″
Beam: 9’2″
Draft: 1’8″
Displacement: 5,750 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 22 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 98 gal.
Max Horsepower: 600
Available Power: Twin Rotax Marine jet drives up to 600 hp total

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Scarab Jet 285 ID performance data
Scarab Jet 285 ID Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Scarab Jet Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; scarabjetboats.com

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