Miami Vice's Iconic Boat: A Detailed Look

The iconic 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV speedboat was prominently featured on the classic 1980s television show Miami Vice. The silver, blue, and black boat was used by James Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, for water-based activities and pursuing criminals on Miami's waterways. The Scarab replaced the Chris-Craft Stinger from the first season, as the show's producers sought a racier look and feel. The Scarab's first major appearance was in the shootout in the episode Out Where the Buses Don't Run. The actual Scarab used in the series was sold in Miami in the mid-1980s for around $55,000.

The boat was a 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV

The boat from *Miami Vice* was a 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV. Wellcraft is an American brand of powerboats founded in 1955. The Scarab KV was featured prominently in the show, with James "Sonny" Crockett using it for his water-based police work. The boat was silver, blue, and black, with a top speed of 80mph. It was powered by twin 440-hp engines and sold for $130,000 in 1986.

The use of the boat in *Miami Vice* caused an "onslaught of orders" for Wellcraft, increasing sales by 21% in one year. The boat's distinctive Miami Vice graphics and colour scheme, which included turquoise, aqua, and orchid, could be ordered on any model Scarab from 20 to 38 feet. Wellcraft produced and sold a "Miami Vice Edition" of the boat, with only 33 units made. The show's influence on powerboating was so significant that it even inspired some viewers to purchase their own speedboats.

The choice of the Wellcraft Scarab KV for the show was not without controversy. Originally, a red Chris-Craft Stinger 390X was proposed, but this had to be changed to the blue and white Scarab KV to fit the colour palette of the show, which banned earth tones and required red and brown colours. The Scarab KV was also chosen for its racier look and feel, which fit the fast-paced and exciting atmosphere of Miami that the show wanted to convey.

The boat used in the show was given to Don Johnson, who played Crockett, as a gift from Wellcraft in appreciation for the boost in sales the show gave them. Johnson, a powerboat enthusiast, was also involved in designing a special edition of the boat, the Scarab 43 Excel Don Johnson Signature Series, which was powered by twin 650-hp Lamborghini V-12 engines. Johnson went on to race professionally in the OPT Tour using a similar boat.

It had a top speed of 80mph

The boat from Miami Vice, a 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV, had a top speed of 80mph. This speed, combined with its powerful engines, made it one of the leading powerboats of its time. The Scarab's speed and performance were so impressive that they influenced the purchasing decisions of speedboat enthusiasts. Its speed and performance also contributed to the boat's iconic status and its association with the fast-paced, action-packed world of Miami Vice.

The Scarab's speed can be attributed to its twin engines, which produced a total of 440hp. This gave the boat the power and acceleration needed to reach its top speed and perform the daring stunts it became known for. The boat's engines, combined with its sleek design, made it a true muscle boat of the 1980s.

The Scarab's speed and performance extended beyond the world of television and had a significant impact on popular culture. The boat's speed and performance attracted the attention of speedboat enthusiasts, and some even credited Miami Vice with fuelling their need for speed. The Scarab's speed and performance became synonymous with the show's high-octane action and glamorous portrayal of the undercover cop lifestyle.

The Scarab's speed and performance were not only limited to the water; its impact was also felt in the world of powerboat racing. Don Johnson, the star of Miami Vice, was a keen powerboat enthusiast who often commuted to the set aboard the Scarab. Inspired by the boat's speed and performance, Johnson took up powerboat racing and even formed his own racing team, Team USA. Johnson's success in powerboat racing can be partly attributed to the Scarab's speed and performance, which he had experienced firsthand through his association with the boat.

The Scarab's speed and performance were not just a product of its design and engineering but also of the cultural moment it represented. The 1980s, the decade in which Miami Vice was set, was an era of excess and glamour, and the Scarab embodied the spirit of that time. With its sleek lines, powerful engines, and impressive speed, the Scarab came to symbolise the fast-paced, exciting world of Miami Vice and the undercover cops Crockett and Tubbs.

It was driven by Don Johnson's character, Sonny Crockett

The boat featured in Miami Vice was driven by Don Johnson's character, Sonny Crockett. It was a 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV, an offshore powerboat with twin engines. Johnson, a powerboat enthusiast himself, had input into the design of the boat, which was painted in eye-catching pastel hues. The boat could reach speeds of up to 80 mph and was an iconic part of the show, appearing in many water-based scenes.

The Scarab replaced the Chris-Craft Stinger from the first season, as the show's producers wanted a boat with a racier look and feel. The Scarab was first seen in the second season of Miami Vice and remained Crockett's primary boat for the rest of the series. It was featured in several popular music scenes in the show, including "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" and "Eminence Front".

The actual Scarab used in the series was for sale in Miami in the mid-1980s for around $55,000. The boat's appearance on the show significantly boosted sales for Wellcraft, and they released a "Miami Vice Edition" Scarab 38' KV, of which only 33 were made. As a result of the increased sales, the company gave Don Johnson an exact replica of the main boat used in filming. Johnson often commuted to the set aboard this boat.

The Scarab has become an iconic symbol of the show and the 1980s, with its distinctive design and powerful performance. It played a crucial role in the powerboating community and left a lasting impact on popular culture.

The boat was sold for $20 million

The boat from Miami Vice was sold for $20 million. But it's not that simple. The iconic 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV, which was featured on the classic 1980s television show, was listed on eBay for $20 million. However, the seller, David Martino, included a replica of the Ferrari Daytona Spyder in the sale. The replica was the last one built for the show, and Martino stated that the two items "really need to stay together as a pair".

Martino, a self-described "fan of the show", acknowledged the challenge of putting a value on the boat, which was driven by Don Johnson's character, Detective Sonny Crockett. He described it as a "true masterpiece" and "the Picasso of boats". The boat's value comes from its iconic status and its association with the show, which popularised the use of speedboats and exotic cars in television.

The boat's distinctive features include a turquoise hull, twin Mercury engines, and a graceful arch. It was restored several years ago and has been well-preserved, adding to its value. The sale of this boat and car combination is a unique opportunity for a fan of Miami Vice to own a piece of television history.

The $20 million price tag may seem high, but it reflects the seller's belief in the boat's cultural significance and its role in defining the style and aesthetic of the 1980s.

It was designed by Don Johnson

The famous boat from Miami Vice was indeed designed by Don Johnson, who played Detective James "Sonny" Crockett in the show. Johnson, a self-confessed powerboat enthusiast, had considerable input into the look of the boat and even helped design the boat's finishes and choose the colours. The boat, a 38-foot Wellcraft Scarab KV, featured a distinctive silver, blue and black design with a graceful arch mounted on the boat. It was powered by twin 440-horsepower V8 Mercruiser petrol engines, giving it a top speed of around 52 knots. Johnson's passion for boats extended beyond the show, as he later took up powerboat racing and competed in the OPT Tour (Offshore Powerboat Tour) for Team USA.

Johnson's involvement in the design of the Miami Vice boat is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his interest in powerboating. The boat's sleek and stylish design reflected the tropical canvas of Miami, where the show was set. Johnson's character, Sonny Crockett, often pursued criminals on Miami's waterways, showcasing the boat's speed and performance. The boat's appearance in the show contributed to the popularity of powerboating and influenced the purchasing decisions of viewers.

The Miami Vice boat was not just a prop, but a character in its own right. It had a prominent presence in the show and was featured in many water-based scenes. Its distinctive design and performance made it an iconic symbol of the show and the 1980s era. The boat's impact extended beyond the screen, as it sparked a trend in powerboating and influenced the design choices of boat manufacturers. The success of the show and the boat's iconic status led to increased sales for Wellcraft, the boat's manufacturer.

As a result of the significant sales increase, Wellcraft gifted Johnson an exact replica of the main boat he used during filming. Johnson's influence on the design and his association with the boat extended beyond the show. He was often seen arriving at work in the boat, commuting to the set from the docks. Johnson's passion for powerboating and his contribution to the design of the Miami Vice boat have left a lasting legacy in the world of powerboating and popular culture.

The Miami Vice boat has become a collector's item, with one owner, David Martino, listing it for sale on eBay for $20 million. The boat's iconic status and its association with the show have made it a sought-after piece of television history. Johnson's input into the design and his connection to the boat have undoubtedly added to its value and appeal among collectors. The Miami Vice boat has endured as a symbol of the show's influence and a testament to Johnson's impact on powerboating and design.

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