Scarab 235 Open ID Reviewed in 2025

The Most Versatile 22-footer for Under $100k

The Scarab Jet 235 Open ID Multi-sport is a 23-foot, multi-sport jet boat with a deep-V hull that seems like someone took a center console and mated it with a wakeboat.

The Multi-Sport version is the premium model of the 235 Open ID, combining qualities found in the Sport and Wake Sport models built on the same Open ID hull platform.

Think of a 22-foot bowrider as impressive as a coastal fishing CC, as focused and able as a Yamaha 222XD for wakeboarding or surfing.

Starting at under $93,000, the 235 OpenID (Multi-sport version) is a lot of boat for this price! Grant it, with any added features for skiing/surfing or fishing, etc., it’ll likely end up closer to $95k. But it will probably be worth it, both for the first-time buyer and the resale options if needed.

There are so many customization with the different packages. Fishing features like a baitwell and rod holders and wiring for a bow trolling motor highlight some of them. The bow platform is great for casting in bare feet while covering a cooler for beverages.

Not big on fishing, check out the Comfort package for more lounging space and sunning options.

The wake package includes everything from ballast to tow tower.

With the shallow draft afforded by the Rotax jet system (from the makers of Sea Doo engines), getting on to the sandbar is also pretty worry-free.

Twin 170 horsepower jets can be upgraded to 300 hp. That’ll add almost $20-grand to the starting price, but the extra juice might be nice when driving a boat with 8 or more on board while towing–though not necessary.

The boat’s open-bow design allows for easy boarding and seating, while the aft deck provides ample space for spotting and lounging too (with or without the Comfort package). The foldable transom makes for an aptly functional swim platform.

In general, Scarab has designed the boat’s interior for comfort and functionality, with a wraparound lounge, a spacious cockpit, and a semi-hidden head (Porto-potty) just in front of the console.

Jet 235 Open ID Multi-Sport Jet Performance

The Scarab Jet 235 Open ID is powered by two 170hp Rotax jet engines, with up to 600 horsepower available (2x300hp). This provides enough power for wakeboarding, surfing, and cruising at high speeds with the Multi-Sport maximum of 12 passengers.

Jets also take some of the worry away from skiers and swimmers in the water. Or for those of us who had to disentangle tow lines from the prop, no worries here either.

Four driving modes (Ski, Eco, Dock, and Cruise) for different towing profiles and cruising distances are selected via the touchscreen. With digital precision powered by the Rotax engines, these jet drives require less maintenance than outboards or sterndrives.

Rotax are the same jets that power Sea Doo’s PWC’s and some of the more innovative pontoons too. There’s safety involved in these jets, but they also provide inboard power while having deck space at the transom.

The boat’s deep-V hull also contributes to its performance, providing stability and handling in a variety of conditions.

Further Design Features

The Scarab Jet 235 Open ID has features that make chilling on this 22-footer very enjoyable. This includes a fold-down transom with a swim platform, a boarding ladder, a bow lounge, and a cockpit lounge. The helm seats have flip-up bolsters for stand-steering with back-rests that can swing forward to make more seating in the cockpit.

With integrated speakers, a JL Audio premium sound system, a Garmin chartplotter with sonar, a digital dash, and a hydraulic jack plate.

Modern Center Console Technology

The Scarab Jet 235 Open ID is equipped with a variety of technology features that enhance the boating experience. This includes a digital dash with engine information and boat data, a Garmin chartplotter with sonar, an optional autopilot system, an optional radar system, and an optional JL Audio premium sound system.

The Scarab Jet 235 Open ID is a great choice for boaters who are looking for a versatile, stylish, and feature-rich boat. It is great for a variety of activities when the full spectrum of customizations are done right.

The price starts at $93,000 for the Twin 170-hp Rotax engines, but when the optional packages are added, this boat can easily cross the $110,000 mark with the motor upgrades and fishing- or wakeboarding-specific packages.

With a length of 22’6″, a beam of 8’5″, and a draft of 18 inches, the Scarab 235 ID Multi-Sport is a manageably-sized boat that remains easy to trailer. A new purchase includes a robust and proper trailer too.

It has a dry weight of around 4,500 lbs and a fuel capacity of 56 gallons. The boat’s water capacity is 12 gallons and, even if there’s no wet bar, it will be a great and capable day riding boat.

Overall, the Scarab 235 ID is described as a boat that is just fun, perfect for different activities and suitable for smaller bodies of water. Its size is ideal for easy trailering yet substantial enough for coastal waters. The boat’s performance is impressive across a range of speeds and conditions, offering an enjoyable and exciting experience on the water​