Larry Smith and the birth of Scarab
The history of the Wellcraft Scarab begins in California with offshore racing engineer and designer Larry Smith.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Smith became closely involved with the rapidly developing sport of offshore powerboat racing.
He developed a reputation for building strong, efficient deep-V racing hulls capable of operating at high speeds in demanding conditions.
Smith established Team Scarab in the mid-1970s, giving the new racing organization a name inspired by legendary sports cars.
His offshore boats achieved important competition victories and attracted the attention of established marine manufacturers.
One of those manufacturers was Wellcraft Marine, which recognized the commercial potential of adapting serious racing designs for recreational customers.
Wellcraft established a relationship with Smith that allowed the company to manufacture and market recreational Scarab models while benefiting from his hull-development experience.
The resulting boats combined the appearance and handling characteristics of offshore racers with interiors suitable for private ownership.
The Scarab brand soon developed a strong following among performance-boat enthusiasts.
Its narrow hulls, large engines and distinctive profile distinguished the boats from conventional pleasure craft.
The relationship between Smith's racing designs and Wellcraft's production capabilities eventually led to one of the most famous offshore powerboats ever built.
That boat was the Scarab 38 KV.
Betty Cook and the KAAMA racing connection
One of the most important figures in the Scarab's early history was Betty Cook, an accomplished American offshore racing champion.
Cook competed at a time when offshore racing demanded extraordinary physical endurance, mechanical knowledge and the ability to navigate difficult open-water conditions.
Her KAAMA racing organization became one of the most successful teams in international offshore competition.
Working with skilled throttlemen and engineers, including John Connor, Cook helped demonstrate the capabilities of advanced deep-V hulls and specialized marine propulsion systems.
The KAAMA racing operation was associated with Larry Smith's Scarab designs, giving the recreational models a genuine competition pedigree.
The relationship is also important to the Scarab 38 KV designation.
According to enthusiasts and historians familiar with the original boats, the letter K honored the KAAMA racing program while V referred to Miami Vice.
The naming history is complicated because related Scarab 377 and special-edition configurations existed before the television model received its famous identity.
For collectors, the distinction between an early Scarab 377, a 38 KV and a genuine Miami Vice Edition is more than a detail.
It helps establish the original purpose and configuration of an individual boat.
Betty Cook's contribution remains one of the strongest connections between the Scarab's television fame and the world of competitive offshore racing.
The 38 KV becomes a luxury performance boat
The Scarab 38 KV combined a race-derived hull with the equipment expected by wealthy recreational buyers.
Its long pointed bow and narrow profile were unmistakably connected to the performance-boating world.
But beneath the forward deck, Wellcraft provided accommodations that made the boat considerably more practical than a dedicated offshore racer.
The factory described two cabin areas, including a V-berth and main salon.
The interior also offered a galley, sink, seating, head and entertainment equipment.
The cockpit featured standing performance seats, extensive instrumentation and controls intended for operation at high speeds.
An overhead radar arch became one of the boat's most recognizable visual features.
The Scarab was built using fiberglass construction, with Kevlar reinforcement offered on certain configurations.
Twin high-performance MerCruiser engines provided propulsion through sterndrives.
The result was a boat that could attract attention at a waterfront restaurant while also delivering serious offshore performance.
For customers who wanted something more dramatic than a conventional express cruiser, the Scarab offered an appealing alternative.
Its success would soon be transformed by an unexpected appearance on American television.
Miami Vice changes everything
When Miami Vice premiered on NBC in September 1984, it introduced audiences to a new vision of South Florida.
The series combined crime drama with contemporary music, fashionable clothing, exotic automobiles and the brightly colored waterfront scenery of Miami.
Its central characters were detectives James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas.
Crockett's automobiles became famous almost immediately, but the boats used in the show were equally important to its visual identity.
During the first season, Crockett operated a Chris-Craft Stinger 390X.
For the second season, which premiered on September 27, 1985, the production introduced the Wellcraft Scarab.
The long, narrow powerboat was ideally suited to the show's atmosphere.
Its dramatic turquoise-and-blue graphics complemented the pastel colors and coastal settings used throughout the series.
The Scarab appeared prominently during the show's remaining seasons, becoming closely associated with Crockett's character.
Shots of the boat accelerating through Biscayne Bay, passing Miami's waterfront and running along the Atlantic coast helped establish one of television's most memorable marine images.
The Scarab became so recognizable that viewers who knew little about powerboats could identify it immediately.
For Wellcraft, that exposure was commercially extraordinary.
Star 1 and Star 2: the actual filming boats
The boats used during Miami Vice production were not ordinary showroom examples.
Wellcraft supplied vessels configured for filming, with distinctive color schemes and equipment suited to the show's requirements.
Two early boats became known within the production as Star 1 and Star 2.
Star 1 was associated with the principal camera work, while Star 2 was used for stunt and supporting sequences.
Additional Scarabs were supplied during later production years, and Don Johnson also had access to boats provided for personal use.
According to research compiled by Scarab historian and collector Wayne Kolb, 103 Scarab 38 KV boats were built during the relevant production period.
Of those, 42 were finished in Miami Vice-related colors.
His registry identifies nine boats supplied to Universal Studios, including six used for filming and three associated with loans to Johnson.
That would leave 33 Miami Vice Edition examples sold to private customers.
These figures are derived from specialist registry research rather than a newly published Wellcraft factory production ledger.
The distinction matters because ordinary 38 KVs and boats with similar paint schemes are sometimes incorrectly described as original television boats.
A genuine screen-used example should have documentation connecting its hull identification number with the production.
For serious collectors, the provenance can be more important than the boat's current appearance.
How Miami Vice transformed Wellcraft sales
The Scarab's appearance on Miami Vice became one of the most successful examples of automotive or marine product placement during the 1980s.
The show was watched by millions of viewers in the United States and distributed internationally.
Suddenly, a boat associated with the relatively specialized world of offshore racing was appearing in homes around the world.
The publicity contributed to a substantial increase in interest in Wellcraft's performance models.
Contemporary marine-industry accounts credited the series with helping increase Wellcraft orders by approximately 21 percent during one year.
The company responded by offering a Miami Vice Edition that allowed private buyers to acquire a boat with the same recognizable visual identity.
The special color scheme became an important part of the package.
Some early Miami Vice Edition boats reportedly sold for approximately $130,000 during the mid-1980s.
That was a substantial sum for a recreational powerboat at the time.
The result was a new group of customers who wanted a boat because of what it represented as much as what it could do on the water.
Owning a Scarab became a way to participate in the Miami Vice lifestyle.
Few other performance boats have achieved the same level of international recognition through a television series.
Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV Technical Specifications
Original Wellcraft factory literature provides useful documentation of the Scarab 38 KV. The 1987 and 1988 brochures agree on the principal dimensions, weight and maximum factory engine rating, although they list different fuel capacities.
| Specification | 1987 Factory Literature | 1988 Factory Literature |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Scarab 38 KV | Scarab 38 KV |
| Overall length | 37'7" | 37'7" |
| Beam | 8'6" | 8'6" |
| Published weight | 9,100 lb | 9,100 lb |
| Hull | Deep-V fiberglass monohull | Deep-V fiberglass monohull |
| Transom deadrise | 23 degrees | 23 degrees |
| Maximum listed power | Twin 420 hp MerCruiser | Twin 420 hp MerCruiser |
| Combined listed horsepower | 840 hp | 840 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 204 U.S. gallons | 130 U.S. gallons |
| Water capacity | 8 U.S. gallons | 8 U.S. gallons |
| Draft, drives raised | 24 inches | 24 inches |
| Draft, drives lowered | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Cabin | V-berth, salon, galley, head | Salon, galley, head and sleeping area |
| Construction options | Custom performance equipment | Kevlar hull listed among available equipment |
| Exterior finishes | Standard gel coats and custom Imron graphics | Four named colors and optional three-color graphics |
One particularly interesting detail is the difference between the fuel capacities listed in the original brochures.
The 1987 literature specifies 204 gallons, while the 1988 brochure lists 130 gallons.
The reason for that difference cannot be established from the brochures alone. It may reflect a configuration change or a documentation issue.
Owners should therefore verify the actual tank installation rather than relying on a generic model specification.
Period accounts also describe boats with twin 440-horsepower engines, giving a combined 880 horsepower. That specification should not be confused with the twin 420-horsepower maximum appearing in these particular brochures.
Original Wellcraft documents: 1987 Scarab 38 KV brochure and 1988 Scarab 38 KV brochure.
The original MerCruiser V8 engines
The Scarab 38 KV was powered by large-displacement marine gasoline engines mounted beneath the rear engine hatches.
Original configurations commonly used twin MerCruiser V8 engines connected to heavy-duty transmissions and sterndrives.
The twin-engine arrangement delivered substantial acceleration and provided the deep exhaust sound associated with the boat.
Wellcraft's factory brochures list twin 420-horsepower MerCruisers as the maximum engine package.
Other period descriptions identify twin 440-horsepower installations.
The distinction is important because not every Scarab left the factory with identical mechanical equipment.
Many boats were modified during their lives, receiving different engines, transmissions, exhaust systems and drive components.
The original TRS sterndrive system was designed for powerful marine applications, and surviving boats may still use these drives.
Older boats sometimes retain the original engines, but many have been rebuilt or replaced.
A properly documented mechanical restoration can substantially improve reliability and performance.
However, increasing horsepower also places greater demands on the hull, drivetrain, cooling system and steering equipment.
The Scarab was built for performance, but successful ownership requires an appreciation of its mechanical complexity.
What was the original Scarab's top speed?
The familiar Miami Vice-era Scarab 38 KV was generally associated with maximum speeds in the vicinity of 60 mph in its period configurations.
That figure may seem modest compared with modern offshore catamarans, but it represented substantial performance for a heavy recreational deep-V boat during the mid-1980s.
The boat's reputation was built as much on its ability to handle offshore conditions as its maximum speed.
A long narrow hull operating at 60 mph in open water offers a very different experience from a conventional pleasure boat traveling at the same speed.
The driver must manage throttle position, trim, steering and the movement of the hull over the waves.
Engine power, propeller selection, fuel load and sea conditions all influence performance.
Some restored Scarabs have been modified to achieve much higher speeds.
One documented 1986 Miami Vice Edition owned by Gustavo Morales has been upgraded to approximately 1,300 combined horsepower.
Its reported maximum speed is approximately 85 mph.
That performance belongs to the modified boat, not an untouched factory example.
The distinction is essential when comparing historical specifications with modern restoration projects.
Why the deep-V design became famous
A traditional offshore performance boat uses a V-shaped bottom to manage wave impacts and maintain directional stability.
The Scarab's 23-degree transom deadrise reflects a serious performance-oriented design.
The hull's length also helps distribute motion when crossing offshore chop.
The result can be a more controlled ride in suitable conditions than that offered by a flatter-bottomed recreational boat.
However, a deep-V hull requires substantial horsepower and careful operation.
The boat's relatively narrow beam is another important part of its character.
Compared with a conventional family cruiser of similar length, the Scarab places less emphasis on maximum interior space.
Its proportions serve performance first.
The hull works together with the sterndrives, trim tabs and propellers to influence running attitude.
Experienced operators continually adjust those systems according to conditions.
This is why offshore powerboating has always involved more than simply opening the throttles.
The Scarab's engineering rewards careful setup and knowledgeable handling.
Famous People and the Scarab 38 KV
Few historic performance boats have such strong connections to television, offshore racing and prominent international personalities.
Don Johnson: the man behind the wheel
Don Johnson became inseparable from the Scarab through his portrayal of Sonny Crockett.
His character frequently used the boat during waterfront and offshore sequences.
Johnson also developed a genuine interest in high-performance marine racing.
Wellcraft provided Scarabs for his use while the series was being produced.
He later participated in professional offshore powerboat racing and became involved with the development of the Wellcraft Scarab 43 Excel Don Johnson Signature Series.
That later 43-foot model should not be confused with the 38 KV used on Miami Vice.
The 38 KV established Johnson's public connection to offshore performance boating, while his racing activities demonstrated that the interest extended beyond acting.
For many enthusiasts, Johnson remains the most recognizable personality associated with the model.
Philip Michael Thomas: Ricardo Tubbs on Biscayne Bay
Philip Michael Thomas played Detective Ricardo Tubbs, Crockett's partner throughout Miami Vice.
Although Don Johnson is most closely associated with operating the Scarab, Thomas appeared alongside him in numerous marine sequences.
The two characters helped make the boat an integral part of the show's identity.
The series often placed the detectives aboard the Scarab while moving between waterfront locations, pursuing suspects or traveling across Biscayne Bay.
Its role was much more substantial than that of a decorative background vehicle.
The boat helped connect the show's crime stories to the physical geography of South Florida.
The pairing of Crockett, Tubbs and the Scarab became as memorable as the series' Ferrari automobiles.
Betty Cook: the racing champion behind the pedigree
Offshore racing champion Betty Cook played a significant role in the history of the Scarab design.
Her KAAMA racing program helped establish the reputation of the hull concepts that later influenced recreational Wellcraft Scarabs.
Cook was a formidable competitor during an era when offshore racing was dominated by men.
Her knowledge of racing conditions, engines and propulsion technology contributed to the development of powerful offshore machines.
Her association with Larry Smith's designs is one of the strongest connections between the Scarab's racing heritage and its later television fame.
She did not need a Hollywood production to establish her reputation.
Her achievements on the water had already helped demonstrate the capabilities of the Scarab name.
Lewis Hamilton: Miami Vice returns in 2026
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton brought new attention to the Scarab in May 2026.
Hamilton appeared in a cinematic social-media video titled Vice City Run, filmed in Miami.
The video featured him driving a restored 1986 Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV across Biscayne Bay.
The boat belonged to Miami enthusiast Gustavo Morales and was known as Vicious.
Hamilton wore a white suit, recalling the fashion associated with Miami Vice, while the city's skyline served as the backdrop.
The production also featured a white Ferrari Testarossa, another famous automobile associated with the original television series.
The video connected the Scarab's 1980s identity with a modern Formula 1 star.
Hamilton's role was that of a featured driver, not the boat's owner.
Gustavo Morales: preserving a Miami icon
Gustavo "Gus" Morales is a Miami-based aviation attorney, pilot and enthusiast who owns a restored 1986 Scarab 38 KV called Vicious.
The boat has become a recognizable presence on South Florida waterways.
Morales has invested in extensive mechanical improvements while preserving the recognizable Miami Vice appearance.
Its twin 540-cubic-inch big-block engines produce approximately 650 horsepower each.
The boat retains original-style transmission and sterndrive arrangements, combined with substantial engine and exhaust upgrades.
In February 2026, marine journalist John Moore joined Morales aboard Vicious for a run through Miami waters.
The resulting feature helped document the boat's modern mechanical configuration.
Vicious also became the boat driven by Lewis Hamilton during his May 2026 video production.
Wayne Kolb: keeper of the filming-boat history
Collector and Scarab historian Wayne Kolb has devoted considerable effort to documenting surviving Miami Vice-era boats.
His work includes researching original hull identification numbers, production records and the differences between television boats and privately sold editions.
Kolb has owned multiple Scarab 38 KVs, including a vessel identified as Star 2.
His research has helped establish a more detailed picture of the boats supplied to Universal Studios.
That information is particularly important because many surviving Scarabs have been repainted, restored or modified.
A boat wearing the famous turquoise-and-blue colors is not automatically a screen-used vessel.
Documented history can distinguish an ordinary recreational example from one with a genuine connection to the television production.
Star 1, Star 2, Vicious and Lady Vice: Four Stories Worth Knowing
The original Star 1
One of the best-known surviving Scarabs is the boat identified as Star 1, the principal filming boat associated with Miami Vice.
A restored example was publicly marketed as the original screen-used Scarab, with documentation presented to support its history.
The boat's familiar color scheme, radar arch and interior details remain central to its identity.
YachtCreators later featured the restored vessel in Miami and Pompano Beach, displaying its unmistakable dark-blue and turquoise appearance.
For fans of the television series, seeing one of the actual filming boats provides a direct connection to the production.
Unlike a reproduction or tribute vessel, a documented screen-used Scarab has historical value beyond its ordinary recreational utility.
Original Star 1 restoration and history
The Star 2 stunt boat
Star 2 was another important early filming vessel.
According to Scarab historians, the boat was used for stunt and supporting marine sequences during production.
Its identity has been preserved through specialist registry work and documented ownership.
Because television productions often use multiple versions of the same vehicle, establishing exactly which boat appeared in a particular scene can be difficult.
Star 2 is therefore especially interesting to collectors trying to reconstruct the full history of Miami Vice's marine equipment.
Vicious: 1,300 horsepower and a modern celebrity
Morales's Vicious has become one of the most visible restored Scarab 38 KVs in South Florida.
The 1986 boat retains the recognizable Miami Vice color arrangement while incorporating extensively upgraded propulsion.
Its twin large-displacement engines provide approximately 1,300 combined horsepower.
That is considerably more than the period factory configurations.
The boat's recent appearances include the 2026 Miami International Boat Show period and Lewis Hamilton's Biscayne Bay video.
Vicious demonstrates how a classic performance boat can remain relevant through careful restoration, mechanical improvements and active use.
Lady Vice returns to Miami in 2026
In October 2026, Morales announced the acquisition of another historic Scarab called Lady Vice.
The boat was identified as a 1986 Wellcraft Scarab 377, a closely related model from the period when the 38 KV designation was emerging.
Its history was linked to a boat reportedly provided for Don Johnson's personal use during production.
A period identification plaque described the boat's connection to the television series.
Morales returned it to Miami, where its condition and restoration possibilities could be evaluated.
The acquisition added another important piece to the ongoing effort to preserve the marine history of Miami Vice.
Original Factory Colors and the Famous Miami Vice Paint Scheme
Few powerboats are associated with a more recognizable color combination than the Scarab 38 KV.
Its Miami Vice appearance used dark blue, turquoise and other accent colors to create a finish that complemented the television series' distinctive visual style.
However, not every 38 KV was delivered in the television color scheme.
Wellcraft's original 1988 factory literature identified four principal color families and offered optional three-color hull graphics.
Color swatches are approximate illustrations, not original gelcoat or paint formulas. The named colors come from Wellcraft's archived 1988 Scarab 38 KV brochure.
The Miami Vice Edition: dark blue and turquoise
The Miami Vice graphics are the most recognizable Scarab finish.
The combination incorporated a dark-blue upper hull, bright turquoise sections and contrasting accent stripes.
The exact design varied among individual production and filming boats.
Some original boats used complex custom Imron paintwork rather than an ordinary factory gelcoat combination.
The special appearance was part of the show's identity and became a major selling point for the recreational Miami Vice Edition.
Customers wanted the same colors seen in the television series, and Wellcraft capitalized on that demand.
Today, original graphics and documented restoration work can be important to enthusiasts.
A professionally restored boat with accurate period colors may attract greater interest than an otherwise similar boat with an unrelated modern paint scheme.
However, the visual appearance alone cannot establish a vessel's historical provenance.
The original hull identification number and ownership records remain essential.
The cabin colors were just as memorable
The television boat's interior carried the same strong sense of 1980s design.
Turquoise upholstery, contrasting carpet and carefully chosen fabrics created a cabin unlike that of an ordinary offshore racer.
The interior included seating and sleeping accommodations, together with a galley and head.
Restoration specialists have paid particular attention to reproducing the original fabrics and decorative details.
For enthusiasts of Miami Vice, the cabin is as much a part of the boat's history as the exterior graphics.
Originality matters: Many Scarabs have been repainted or reupholstered during their lives. A genuine Miami Vice Edition should have supporting documentation, while a tribute boat should be described as a reproduction or restoration rather than a screen-used original.
What Does a Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV Cost in 2026?
The collector market for the Scarab 38 KV is very different from the market for modern Cigarette Racing boats.
The vessels are approximately forty years old, and their condition can vary enormously.
Some have been carefully restored with upgraded engines and extensive documentation.
Others require major mechanical repairs, interior work or structural attention.
Because surviving 38 KVs are relatively uncommon, there are not enough consistently reported completed sales to establish a reliable single market average.
The following examples provide useful historical and current asking-price references.
| Boat | Reported Price | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 Miami Vice Edition, Hesperia, California | $85,500 asking | Listed in October 2026 with engine modifications, TRS drives and a trailer. Listing |
| 1988 Scarab 38 KV, Hollywood, Florida | $79,900 listed | MarineSource subsequently marked the boat sold, but the final transaction price was not disclosed. Listing record |
| 1987 Scarab 38 KV, Missouri | $59,900 advertised | Older archived listing with modified twin engines and trailer; not a verified October 2026 offer. Archived listing |
| 1986 Miami Vice Edition, period new-boat price | Approximately $130,000 new | Reported historical price for the television-themed special edition during the mid-1980s. Period-price history |
| Original Miami Vice filming boat, 2019 | $20 million advertised | Publicity asking price that included a television-related Ferrari Daytona replica. Not a confirmed sale or representative market valuation. Original report |
These examples illustrate why the Scarab market requires careful interpretation.
An ordinary recreational 38 KV may be offered for tens of thousands of dollars, while a properly restored example with strong mechanical documentation may be priced considerably higher.
Boats with verified Miami Vice filming provenance occupy a separate category, but their values cannot be determined simply from dramatic asking prices.
The $20 million listing publicized in 2019 attracted considerable attention because it paired a Scarab with a Ferrari Daytona replica associated with the television series.
However, a seller's asking price does not establish market value.
No completed transaction at that amount was verified in the reviewed sources.
For most purchasers, the most important questions concern engine condition, structural integrity, restoration quality and the availability of original documentation.
An inexpensive boat requiring major engine and hull repairs can ultimately cost much more than a properly maintained example offered at a higher price.
Pricing note: These are asking-price and historical examples, not formal appraisals. The specific 38 KV should not be confused with later Scarab Thunder, Excel, AVS, fishing or jet-boat models, which have different specifications and market values.
Inspect the hull before the engines
The Scarab 38 KV was developed for demanding offshore use, but age and previous operation can affect its structural condition.
A qualified marine surveyor should examine the fiberglass hull, transom, stringers, bulkheads and engine-mounting areas.
Evidence of water intrusion, delamination, cracking or previous structural repairs deserves careful attention.
The condition of the bottom is especially important because even apparently minor changes can influence the handling of a high-performance deep-V hull.
Where Kevlar reinforcement is claimed, the construction should be verified against original documentation.
The boat's hull identification number should also be checked against registration records and available factory history.
On a boat with a possible television connection, provenance should be established before paying any premium for its claimed identity.
MerCruiser engines and TRS drives
The mechanical condition of a forty-year-old performance boat can determine whether ownership is enjoyable or financially demanding.
Many Scarab 38 KVs use older MerCruiser big-block engines, transmissions and TRS sterndrives.
Some have been rebuilt or modified with substantially more horsepower.
A specialist inspection should include compression and leak-down testing, cooling-system evaluation and examination of maintenance records.
Drive cases, shafts, steering components, propellers and transmissions should be checked for wear or previous damage.
Claims of recent engine rebuilds are most valuable when accompanied by detailed invoices.
A boat that has received large performance upgrades should also have appropriately engineered steering, drivetrain and safety equipment.
Restoring the original Miami Vice appearance
For collectors interested in the show's history, visual accuracy is an important part of the restoration process.
The turquoise-and-blue exterior, radar arch, cockpit upholstery and period instrumentation can all influence the appearance.
However, the best restoration is not necessarily the one with the most expensive paintwork.
A responsible project begins with sound construction and reliable mechanical systems.
Once the hull and propulsion are in good order, the original cosmetic details can be recreated using historic photographs and documentation.
Specialists should also inspect the electrical system, fuel tanks, wiring and safety equipment before the boat is returned to regular use.
An accurate and properly maintained Scarab can become an impressive piece of living marine history.
The Scarab 38 KV and Miami's Offshore Legacy
The Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV belongs to a remarkable period in South Florida history.
During the 1980s, Miami was emerging as an international center for fashion, entertainment, financial activity and luxury recreation.
At the same time, the region was experiencing serious problems associated with organized crime and drug trafficking.
High-performance offshore boats became part of the public imagination because of their speed and their appearance in stories about smuggling and law enforcement.
Miami Vice used that atmosphere as the setting for a television series that transformed the way the city was portrayed internationally.
The Scarab helped establish the show's marine identity.
Its racing heritage was genuine, but its television fame came from the way it looked and moved through the South Florida landscape.
The boat became associated with Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, waterfront mansions and the city's unmistakable 1980s skyline.
For many viewers, the Scarab represented Miami just as clearly as the Ferrari Testarossa or Crockett's pastel clothing.
More than four decades after the series premiered, the appeal remains.
Owners continue restoring classic Scarabs, historians research the original filming vessels and enthusiasts gather to celebrate the performance-boating era.
The connection to professional offshore racing gives the boat additional significance.
Larry Smith's engineering, Betty Cook's KAAMA racing program and Wellcraft's production capabilities helped create a serious performance craft.
Television then introduced it to an audience far larger than the offshore racing community.
That combination of technical achievement and cultural recognition is unusual.
It explains why the Scarab 38 KV still attracts attention at marinas, boat shows and waterfront gatherings.
For South Florida collectors, it offers something particularly special: an opportunity to preserve a machine that helped define the city's international image.
Few recreational powerboats can claim a comparable legacy.
Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV: Frequently Asked Questions
What boat did Sonny Crockett drive on Miami Vice?
During the first season, Crockett used a Chris-Craft Stinger 390X. Beginning with the second season in 1985, the Wellcraft Scarab became his signature performance boat.
How long is the Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV?
Original Wellcraft brochures specify an overall length of 37 feet 7 inches and a beam of 8 feet 6 inches.
How fast was the original Miami Vice Scarab?
Period configurations were generally associated with top speeds around 60 mph. Modified examples can be considerably faster, depending on engines and setup.
How much horsepower did the Scarab 38 KV have?
Factory brochures list twin 420-horsepower MerCruisers, giving 840 combined horsepower. Other historical descriptions identify twin 440-horsepower configurations.
How many Scarab 38 KVs were built?
Specialist registry research identifies approximately 103 boats, including 42 in Miami Vice colors. These figures should be regarded as historian-compiled production estimates rather than independently audited factory totals.
How much is a Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV worth?
Values vary greatly with mechanical condition, restoration quality and provenance. Advertised examples include boats in the tens of thousands of dollars. Original filming boats require individual historical and market assessment.
Why the Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV Remains a Legend
The Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV is one of the rare automobiles-or-boats success stories in which real engineering achievement and popular culture came together at exactly the right moment.
Its foundations were established through Larry Smith's racing designs and the achievements of offshore champions such as Betty Cook.
Wellcraft transformed that competition technology into a recreational powerboat that wealthy customers could purchase and enjoy.
Then Miami Vice arrived.
The series gave the Scarab something most performance boats never receive: an instantly recognizable identity understood by millions of people around the world.
The dark-blue and turquoise hull, radar arch and long pointed bow became as important to the show's atmosphere as its music and exotic automobiles.
The model also developed an enduring collector following.
Surviving boats have been restored, mechanically upgraded and documented by enthusiasts determined to preserve their history.
Recent appearances involving Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton demonstrate that the Scarab's cultural appeal extends well beyond the generation that originally watched Miami Vice.
The boat represents a distinctive period in American performance boating, when deep-V hulls, large gasoline engines and offshore racing knowledge created an entirely new recreational lifestyle.
Modern performance boats can be faster, more efficient and more comfortable.
But the Scarab 38 KV offers something that cannot be measured by horsepower or maximum speed alone.
It carries the memory of an era when Miami became an international symbol of waterfront glamour, adventure and high-performance machinery.
For enthusiasts of classic offshore powerboats, it remains one of the most important designs ever built.