Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
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Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Hello folks,
I acquired a "new in the box" Dumas Scarab 38kV (55 inch) kit this week from a gentleman that actually owns a real Wellcraft 38kV Miami Vice Edition boat. I have been in communication with him, and will attempt to construct this boat as closely as I can to his boat, which is absolutely stunning!! At any rate, I want to thank FlogginHarvey for his excellent thread on his 38kV build, and for sending me articles on hull blueprinting, etc. This will be my first build, so any help from you guys on here will be much appreciated!!! Also thanks to all of you who post pictures of their 38kV's on here for reference.
At any rate, I would like to document this build as carefully as I can. For starters, I would like to list everything that Dumas includes with the kit (at least while it was still produced):
1. Hull (no stringers- have to do these myself)
2. Engineering plans (shows radio box construction, scale railings, parts list, sub-surface drive diagrams, etc.)
3. Pictures (although blurry) of certain steps during the build, 38 of them!
4. A very informative, detailed 19 page instruction booklet detailing each step (pictures above go with the steps)- even gives coded paint colors for the original Dupont Imron paints used by Wellcraft- I will scan entire thing into a .pdf at a later time.
5. The 5-ply stringers
6. All wood necessary to construct the radio box, reinforce the hatch, both balsa and hardwood
7. A gel coated fiberglass hatch, as well as a fiberglass radar arch
8. Stainless rod for the railings (one center spine railing, three cockpit railings)
9. Plexiglass for windshield and radio box
10. Vacuum formed seats, cockpit pads
11. 1/4 inch flex shaft, stuffing tube, metal dowels for hatch, antenna tube, various nuts and bolts
12. Decal sheet, including all instrument gauges
In addition to this, the seller graciously provided the Dumas Dress-up Kit (consists of 2 deck hatches, smoked plexiglass for the hatches, steering wheel, and 6 vents). All can be polished to chrome-like consistency. He also included a dual rudder and running gear for the boat.
Although the plans and instructions suggest a sub-surface drive and nitro power, I have chosen to go with a 260 Zenoah and a surface drive setup. I will obtain these as funds allow!!
Here are a few starter pictures of the hull, and how it compares size-wise to my Dumas Scarab 60 "S" type, which is 45 inches long. I have also included a picture of the actual boat, located in Florida. I will post new pics of the build as it goes, hopefully to help others, and most importantly, for you guys to make suggestions and point out my mistakes!!!
Thanks for reading! More to come!
Darin
I acquired a "new in the box" Dumas Scarab 38kV (55 inch) kit this week from a gentleman that actually owns a real Wellcraft 38kV Miami Vice Edition boat. I have been in communication with him, and will attempt to construct this boat as closely as I can to his boat, which is absolutely stunning!! At any rate, I want to thank FlogginHarvey for his excellent thread on his 38kV build, and for sending me articles on hull blueprinting, etc. This will be my first build, so any help from you guys on here will be much appreciated!!! Also thanks to all of you who post pictures of their 38kV's on here for reference.
At any rate, I would like to document this build as carefully as I can. For starters, I would like to list everything that Dumas includes with the kit (at least while it was still produced):
1. Hull (no stringers- have to do these myself)
2. Engineering plans (shows radio box construction, scale railings, parts list, sub-surface drive diagrams, etc.)
3. Pictures (although blurry) of certain steps during the build, 38 of them!
4. A very informative, detailed 19 page instruction booklet detailing each step (pictures above go with the steps)- even gives coded paint colors for the original Dupont Imron paints used by Wellcraft- I will scan entire thing into a .pdf at a later time.
5. The 5-ply stringers
6. All wood necessary to construct the radio box, reinforce the hatch, both balsa and hardwood
7. A gel coated fiberglass hatch, as well as a fiberglass radar arch
8. Stainless rod for the railings (one center spine railing, three cockpit railings)
9. Plexiglass for windshield and radio box
10. Vacuum formed seats, cockpit pads
11. 1/4 inch flex shaft, stuffing tube, metal dowels for hatch, antenna tube, various nuts and bolts
12. Decal sheet, including all instrument gauges
In addition to this, the seller graciously provided the Dumas Dress-up Kit (consists of 2 deck hatches, smoked plexiglass for the hatches, steering wheel, and 6 vents). All can be polished to chrome-like consistency. He also included a dual rudder and running gear for the boat.
Although the plans and instructions suggest a sub-surface drive and nitro power, I have chosen to go with a 260 Zenoah and a surface drive setup. I will obtain these as funds allow!!
Here are a few starter pictures of the hull, and how it compares size-wise to my Dumas Scarab 60 "S" type, which is 45 inches long. I have also included a picture of the actual boat, located in Florida. I will post new pics of the build as it goes, hopefully to help others, and most importantly, for you guys to make suggestions and point out my mistakes!!!
Thanks for reading! More to come!
Darin
#3
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Wow!
I could not have sold that kit to a nicer guy! I will be following this all the way....I can send you some more pics of my boat anytime you want. Here is a link to some Scarab 38KV's around the world including mine
http://www.northoffshore.com/gallery.htm
If you scroll down you will find "JETLAG" which will be the subject of this build. This website hosts some pretty awesome pictures of various Scarab 38KV's all over the world.
Here are some other useful links for you guys interested in doing a scale job
http://www.powerboatusa.com/38/scarab.html
For a TON of pics, probably the most complete set I have ever seen of 38Kv's and 30' Panthers and Scarab II's and III's check this out
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/n...res/?start=all
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Oh, and Randy- did you paint the inside of the hull with anything?? or did the previous owner?? I was just wondering if I need to surface prep this for placement of the stringers and transom doubler. Thanks!
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Some pics of "Jet Lag" the full size boat (38KV Scarab-which Dumas scaled)
1987/redone in 2003
Miami Vice Edition Wellcraft Scarab 38KV
Based in Central Florida currently stored indoors on a 43' Myco Trailer she has an updated power package of two 500 EFI Mercruiser Racing Engines and Bravo One Drives, she pulls around 75+ MPH on 28" Pitch Props
I have always wanted to own a 38KV since watching Miami Vice and getting the chance to drive one when I was 17 at the Tampa Bay Boat show where my dad bought a 43' Portofino Cabin Cruiser, which was Wellcraft's flagship boat-next to it was a Miami Vice Edition 38KV it was LUST at first sight!
I look forward to watching this model being built! I may puchase it back! LOL!
1987/redone in 2003
Miami Vice Edition Wellcraft Scarab 38KV
Based in Central Florida currently stored indoors on a 43' Myco Trailer she has an updated power package of two 500 EFI Mercruiser Racing Engines and Bravo One Drives, she pulls around 75+ MPH on 28" Pitch Props
I have always wanted to own a 38KV since watching Miami Vice and getting the chance to drive one when I was 17 at the Tampa Bay Boat show where my dad bought a 43' Portofino Cabin Cruiser, which was Wellcraft's flagship boat-next to it was a Miami Vice Edition 38KV it was LUST at first sight!
I look forward to watching this model being built! I may puchase it back! LOL!
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
ORIGINAL: darindotson
Oh, and Randy- did you paint the inside of the hull with anything?? or did the previous owner?? I was just wondering if I need to surface prep this for placement of the stringers and transom doubler. Thanks!
Oh, and Randy- did you paint the inside of the hull with anything?? or did the previous owner?? I was just wondering if I need to surface prep this for placement of the stringers and transom doubler. Thanks!
I think the hull is Virigin and never painted by me or the previous guy.
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
OK, just checking- it's probably catalyzed and ready to be glassed. I ordered the prop yesterday- it's a 3 blader, stainless, and sharpened. With the Zenoah 260, and properly trimmed, I would estimate this boat is capable of 45-50 mph, but I could be wrong. Heck, my little Scarab scoots along at close to 40 with a modded Homelite weed whacker engine!!
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Looking at the inside of the hull its got some kind of finnish in there ?,either paint or could be white gelcoat.If either it will def need stripping off before you add any rails.
Mart
Mart
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
If it truly is "paint", it would most likely be enamel which of course would have to be removed. However it has a very low sheen, the same as when gelcoat is thinned and sraryed on. Since it appears to be a virgin hull I seriously doubt it's nothing but a thinned gelcoat layer over that fiberglass mat. I don't think a manufacturer as big as Dumas would "paint" something inside a hull that couldn't be glassed over for a rail install or other engine mount......so my guess it it's nothing but gelcoat, and you should be able to just scratch the surface area of the rail location with 60 or 80 grit and glass them in easily.
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Even if its gelcoat you cant go adding rails onto it? it can easily shell off ,id remove it.If theyre such a great manufacturer then why didnt they add rails to start with .
Mart
Mart
#13
RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Never said they were "great", just a big one. You know gel is nothing but resin....it would have a good enough bond directly without completely removing. Buy anyway....you say tomato, I say tomata......
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
You know how i hate to disagree with you mate but guess what i do,gelcoat will not hold up to the stresses caused by mounting rails on top and the stresses caused by the torque of the motor running in a boat,you only need to look at how gelcoat cracks on the outside under the stresses caused by the hulls flexing over time.No way would i trust it to hold never in a million yrs.I also wouldnt trust any hull that was gelcoated inside as id think he had something to hide?.
Mart
Mart
#15
RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Perhaps....just never had one of my boats crack up.....even ones I didn't build. If you see cracking either that gel was on way too thick, or a weak/thin layup.
I know absolutely nothing about these fiberglass Dumas boats, so not exactly sure why they felt the need to cover with whatever they covered with. I can only suppose it was for cosmetics, nothing more?? Seems like a factory job since the decal is placed on top....unless the buyer placed it there.
Actually, I have a little experience with a Dumas....their "Big" Swamp Buggy plywood kit....hehe Way back in the 9'th grade I built one and stuck an O.S. .60 nitro in it....never had it on water, but hauled on grass and snow!
Anyway, getting off topic here.
I know absolutely nothing about these fiberglass Dumas boats, so not exactly sure why they felt the need to cover with whatever they covered with. I can only suppose it was for cosmetics, nothing more?? Seems like a factory job since the decal is placed on top....unless the buyer placed it there.
Actually, I have a little experience with a Dumas....their "Big" Swamp Buggy plywood kit....hehe Way back in the 9'th grade I built one and stuck an O.S. .60 nitro in it....never had it on water, but hauled on grass and snow!
Anyway, getting off topic here.
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
I think it usually takes a cpl of yrs but it does happen.None of mine have cracked yet either but ive seen many older hulls and they all seem to have em after been bashed arround for a cpl of seasons,small spider cracks etc.Gelcoat is quite brittle by nature,also adding on top of a hull that has cured id think theres a stronger possibility of it cracking and shelling off?.I personally wouldnt glass over it id remove it where needed to install the rails.I agree about the too thick gelcoat cracking ive seen it.
Mart
Mart
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Believe the color on the inside is better looking than plain fiberglass color. Not even sure it is actually gelcoat it could just be pigmented. Certainly not a reason to knock the manufacturer because they thought of making the inside look nicer. My new Lazer is black inside don't think that makes AC a lesser boat.
Daniel
Daniel
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Thanks guys- I don't believe this was done by Dumas- all of the other hulls I've seen new have no coating, only the thin "half-cured" sticky resin on top. I will sand these areas all the way back to the transom to get the best binding. I appreciate your comments!
D.
D.
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Truce you two! That will be a fun project!
Randy, thanks for sharing the link with the pictures...I did not have a top view and just noticed a bit different detail on the deck. GREAT pix! I bet your scarab is a fun boat to run with the EFI and the Bravos...My father-in-law has a 34 which is still powered by teh original 440/TRS but the drives are in need of a little tightening up...who did the re-power?
Randy, thanks for sharing the link with the pictures...I did not have a top view and just noticed a bit different detail on the deck. GREAT pix! I bet your scarab is a fun boat to run with the EFI and the Bravos...My father-in-law has a 34 which is still powered by teh original 440/TRS but the drives are in need of a little tightening up...who did the re-power?
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Not meaning to knock them Daniel but on second looks i believe you are right though it might well be pigmented resin and not gelcoat so in that case it would be fine to glass rails onto once you scuff it up a bit and wipe with acetone.Looks like a nice big hull should be a nice runner.
Mart
Mart
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
You guys doing the 38KV might need some drivers for the boat.If I would have kept mine and redid it I was thinking of a Crockett and Rico doll to make it really look realistic, at least when it's on the boat stand.The 38KV is around 1/8 scale and these dolls are 9",which is 1/8 of an average man's height.".Maybe you could find some one to make swimsuits for them. http://www.infinitybeyond.com/miami-vice-figures.html
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RE: Dumas Scarab 38kV Build from NIB Kit
Tidnab- that is hilarious! I'm definitely into the scale look- but that might be just a bit cheesy! I was thinking live chipmunks- little fellers scurrying all over the deck while slapping the waves at 45 mph! Just kidding!