Classic American Performance Icon — 1980 Wellcraft Scarab 38 | Au Gres, MI | $15,000
A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of American boating history. This 1980 Wellcraft Scarab 38 has been in the same private ownership since 1989 — over 35 years of single-family stewardship on Lake Huron. The seller is straightforward: the boat is a classic that's ready for a cosmetic facelift, priced accordingly, and open to reasonable offers.
The Scarab line traces its roots directly to Wellcraft's collaboration with legendary offshore racer Larry Smith, producing deep-V performance hulls that became icons of American boating culture. The Scarab 38 in particular gained worldwide recognition in the 1980s as a symbol of high-performance American style. Finding one with this level of documented history is increasingly rare.
Power comes from twin Mercruiser 454 big-block inboards paired with TRS drives, producing a combined 400 hp. The seller reports both engines have been fully rebuilt twice during their ownership, with the most recent top-end rebuild completed fewer than 20 hours ago — meaning the powerplants are essentially fresh. The owner notes the boat was never pushed hard, typically cruised at 35–45 mph, and used only 7–10 hours per season.
Cosmetically, the cockpit and sun pad upholstery are described as in good condition. The below-deck areas need rehabilitation, and the gel coat shows its age — as expected on a 40+ year-old boat. Bottom paint has been applied. The boat sits on a storage trailer that has been used for winter indoor heated storage throughout the seller's ownership — a significant preservation advantage for a classic of this age.
KEY FEATURES:
• Twin Mercruiser 454 Big-Blocks — Rebuilt Twice, <20 Hours Since Last Rebuild
Fresh top-end rebuilds on both 454 big-block inboards mean the buyer inherits essentially new powerplants in a classic hull. Mercruiser 454 inboards are well-supported with widely available parts, and the TRS drive system was Mercruiser's performance stern-drive of the era — a combination that made these boats genuinely fast for their time.
• 35+ Years of Single-Owner Stewardship, Light Annual Use
Owned by the same family since 1989 with documented light seasonal use of just 7–10 hours per year. This kind of ownership history is exceptionally rare in the classic boat market and provides a buyer with meaningful provenance and confidence in how the boat was treated.
• Indoor Heated Winter Storage Throughout Ownership
The trailer has been used exclusively for indoor heated storage every winter during the seller's ownership. For a fiberglass hull of this vintage, consistent indoor storage dramatically reduces freeze-thaw damage, UV degradation, and moisture intrusion — a major factor in the structural integrity of any classic boat.
POWER & DRIVE:
Engine: Twin Mercruiser 454 inboard
Drives: TRS (Transom Rear Suspension) stern drives
Total Power: 400 hp combined
Engine Hours: <20 since last rebuild
Fuel Type: Gasoline
CONDITION NOTES:
Cockpit & sun pad upholstery: Good condition
Below deck: Needs rehabilitation
Gel coat: Showing age — cosmetic restoration recommended
Bottom: Painted
Trailer: Included; no brakes, aged tires — for storage/transport use only
LOCATION & STORAGE:
Au Gres, Michigan 48703. Currently sitting on storage trailer. Indoor heated winter storage maintained throughout ownership.
More Details
Boat Details Description Classic ready for a facelift. Owned since 1989, engine top ends done <20 hours ago. Bought a new boat, don't need two, make me an offer. Sits on storage trailer in Au Gres, Mi. I’ve owned this boat since 1989, bought it used. During my ownership have rebuilt the motors twice, last time about 20 hours ago. 454’s, TRS Drives. Never treated her like a speed boat, mostly cruised at 35 to 45 mph. Cockpit & sun pad upholstery is in good condition. Below deck needs rehab, gel coat is showing its age, bottom painted. All my use has been Lake Huron. Trailer has been used for winter indoor heated storage during my ownership, no brakes, aged tires. Classic head turner, my annual use has been 7 to 10 hours per season, including last summer. Bought a new boat, don’t need two. Will negotiate within reason. Show Less Measurements Dimensions Length:38ft Propulsion Engine Make:Mercruiser Engine Model:454Total Power:400hp Engine Hours:20Engine Type:inboard Fuel Type:gasoline More Details Mechanical Equipment Two 454’s
