The world of jet boating is full of exciting options, from compact thrill-seekers to luxurious multi-passenger cruisers. For those who want the perfect balance between size, comfort, and performance, mid-size jet boats stand out as a compelling choice. Two models often compared in this category are the KYMA K7, an advanced jet boat engineered for versatility across environments, and the Scarab 215 ID, a popular mid-size option from a well-known manufacturer.

Both boats bring power, style, and fun to the water, but their differences become clear once you look beyond the surface. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore how the KYMA K7 and Scarab 215 ID stack up in design, performance, durability, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

When evaluating any mid-size jet boat, durability and build quality are crucial.

• KYMA K7: The K7 is designed with a modern, sleek profile but built on rugged foundations. Reinforced construction and marine-grade materials ensure that it can handle everything from lake cruising to saltwater coastal runs. Its stainless-steel components and closed systems are designed to last, reducing long-term maintenance headaches.
• Scarab 215 ID: Scarab has built its reputation on bold, sporty designs that appeal to younger boaters and thrill-seekers. The 215 ID reflects this with an aggressive exterior and stylish interior touches. While the build quality is solid, its focus leans more on aesthetics and performance in controlled environments rather than rugged versatility.

Verdict: Scarab brings style, but KYMA brings substance—its long-term durability makes it the more reliable partner.

Size and Passenger Capacity

Mid-size jet boats are expected to provide comfort without becoming too bulky to manage.

• KYMA K7: Designed for flexibility, the K7 comfortably accommodates family trips, wakeboarding, or day-long adventures with friends. Its layout maximizes space for both passengers and storage, making it feel larger than its footprint suggests.
• Scarab 215 ID: As one of Scarab’s bigger offerings, the 215 ID has space on its side. With seating for up to 10 passengers, it’s marketed as a social boat. However, when fully loaded, the performance can feel a bit compromised, and space for gear is more limited than expected given the size.

Verdict: For large parties, Scarab offers more raw seating, but KYMA balances passenger comfort with usability, making it better suited for all-day use.

Engine Power and Performance

Performance is at the heart of any jet boat showdown.

• KYMA K7: Powered by an American Turbine jet propulsion system with a stainless-steel impeller, the K7 is built for reliable thrust across diverse conditions. Whether you’re in shallow rivers, saltwater bays, or weed-filled lakes, the engine is tuned to maintain smooth, consistent performance. Its acceleration and responsiveness make it feel agile despite being a mid-size boat.
• Scarab 215 ID: The 215 ID offers dual Rotax engines, making it a powerhouse in the Scarab lineup. This setup delivers thrilling acceleration and high top-end speed. It’s undeniably fun for watersports and recreational cruising, but the system requires more care in challenging environments, especially saltwater or vegetation-heavy areas.

Verdict: Scarab wins on raw horsepower, but KYMA delivers more consistent and reliable performance across conditions.

Shallow Water Capability

One of the biggest perks of jet boats is the ability to explore areas inaccessible to prop-driven boats.

• KYMA K7: With its shallow draft of only 15.5 inches, the K7 is built to excel in skinny waters. The absence of exposed props and rudders reduces risk of damage, allowing you to confidently explore sandbars, docks, and shallow river passages.
• Scarab 215 ID: While still shallower than many traditional boats, the Scarab requires more than two feet of water to operate safely. This restricts access to some shallower areas and makes it less versatile than the KYMA K7.

Verdict: For shallow water exploration, KYMA is the clear winner.

Saltwater Durability

Saltwater performance separates a versatile boat from one that needs babying.

• KYMA K7: Built with 316 stainless steel hardware and tinned wiring, the K7 resists corrosion at every turn. A closed-cooling system keeps saltwater out of internal engine components, drastically reducing maintenance and long-term wear.
• Scarab 215 ID: While Scarab offers saltwater packages, the 215 ID primarily uses open cooling, meaning saltwater flows through engine components. This design requires frequent flushing and upkeep to prevent corrosion, making it more labor-intensive for coastal boaters.

Verdict: KYMA K7 is purpose-built for saltwater, offering peace of mind where Scarab demands extra effort.

Vegetation and Debris Handling

Lakes and rivers often mean dealing with weeds and floating debris—an area where propulsion design matters.

• KYMA K7: The American Turbine jet system with its stainless-steel impeller can shred through weeds and grass. Its clean-out port makes clearing debris fast and easy, ensuring boaters spend less time fixing and more time enjoying.
• Scarab 215 ID: The dual Rotax system is high-performance but more prone to clogging and entanglement in weedy environments. Clearing vegetation requires more effort and disrupts the boating experience.

Verdict: KYMA is engineered for tough environments, while Scarab is better suited to clean-water recreation.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is non-negotiable, especially in family-oriented mid-size boats.

• KYMA K7: Its enclosed jet propulsion eliminates exposed props, making it safer for swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. Combined with corrosion-resistant construction, it provides a boat you can trust season after season.
• Scarab 215 ID: Also benefits from jet propulsion safety, but requires more frequent maintenance to maintain peak reliability. Missed flushes or poor upkeep can quickly lead to issues.

Verdict: Both boats are safe, but KYMA edges ahead with higher reliability across varied conditions.

Versatility for Adventure

Beyond specs, the true measure of a boat is what it empowers you to do.

• KYMA K7: Built for versatility, the K7 transitions seamlessly between shallow lakes, saltwater bays, and debris-filled rivers. Its design encourages exploration and adventure without constant worry about environmental limitations.
• Scarab 215 ID: The 215 ID is perfect for social outings, watersports, and thrilling cruises. However, it is best suited for clean, deep-water environments where maintenance is easier to manage.

Verdict: If you’re a thrill-seeker sticking to recreational boating, Scarab shines. For explorers who want all-environment confidence, KYMA is the better companion.

Cost and Value

Price is often a deciding factor, but true value goes beyond the sticker.

• KYMA K7: While positioned as a premium boat, the K7 delivers long-term savings with reduced maintenance, greater versatility, and better durability. For serious boaters, this translates into more use and fewer restrictions over time.
• Scarab 215 ID: Priced competitively for its size and dual engines, the Scarab is an attractive entry point into mid-size jet boats. However, the additional maintenance and environmental limitations add up over time.

Verdict: Scarab wins on upfront affordability, but KYMA delivers stronger overall value.

Why the KYMA K7 Wins

The Scarab 215 ID is a fun, bold, and fast jet boat that has earned its popularity for good reasons. With room for a crowd and dual engines, it promises excitement for watersports and recreational fun in the right conditions.

However, the KYMA K7 surpasses it in areas that matter most for long-term ownership:

• Shallow Water Access: Explore areas Scarab can’t safely navigate.
• Saltwater Durability: Stainless steel and closed cooling make KYMA saltwater-ready.
• Vegetation Handling: Built to grind through weeds and debris without stalling.
• Versatility: One boat that excels in lakes, rivers, and oceans alike.
• Value: Premium engineering pays off with less maintenance and more freedom.

The Scarab 215 ID is thrilling in its niche, but the KYMA K7 is built for boaters who want to go beyond the basics.

Conclusion

In the mid-size jet boat showdown, both the Scarab 215 ID and the KYMA K7 deliver excitement, style, and fun. The Scarab excels at being a social cruiser with plenty of seating and impressive horsepower. Yet, it falls short when the environment becomes demanding—whether that’s shallow water, saltwater, or vegetation-filled lakes.

The KYMA K7 emerges as the better long-term investment, offering durability, versatility, and engineering that unlocks more waterways and more adventure. For boaters who want more than just thrills—who want confidence and reliability no matter where they launch—the KYMA K7 is the clear winner.

Ready to see why the KYMA K7 is redefining jet boating? Schedule your VIP test drive and discover the difference firsthand.