A Grafton resident always had suspicions his speedboat was special, but just recently it was confirmed how special his craft is.
Patrick Bonneville has finally confirmed his 1986 Scarab 38KV, twin 603 hp speed boat was one of the boats used in the series Miami Vice.
Speaking to Today’s Northumberland while docked for the Waterfront Festival in Cobourg, Bonneville said he’s had the boat for five years, but three years ago he started wondering about the boat’s history.
There were seven boats that were leased for the series that starred Don Johnson as Detective James Crockett and Phillip Michael Thomas as Detective Richardo Tubbs.
The series ran from 1984 to 1990 and had the two cops battling the underworld drug cartel of Miami.
Five of the boats were actually used in the series and another two were loaned out to Johnson.
“After the Miami Vice series was finished they took the two boats and painted them DEA grey for a movie that never happened.”
The season three and four mystery boats was never found, but just over a month ago Bonneville found out that one turned up in Michigan.
More investigation revealed the serial number of that boat was one hull number off of Bonneville’s boat.
“They asked me to scrape off some of the paint, because it had been re-painted and low and behold, the colours were there.”
“When I scraped off the paint it was exactly where it should be and was correct.”
The boat Bonneville has is the one that was used in season three and four.
The first season Bonneville said they used a Chris Craft Stinger.
But when Chris Craft wouldn’t lease them and wanted the series to purchase them, the series switched over to Wellcraft Scarab 38KV.
Now that it’s been confirmed, the feeling of owning a boat that belonged in a high profile series like Miami Vice is still sinking in.
“Considering there was two for season two, and two for season three and four and one for season five, they all are accounted for now.”
“It will never be really realized until we strip the boat completely and do a repaint and make things correct.”
Bonneville expects that to cost approximately $70,000 but when complete it could be worth from $250,000 to $400,000 depending on the economy.
From 1985 to 1989 there were only 102 hulls ever made of this particular style. Only five were produced for paramount and two for Don Johnson as loaners.
“So you can see how really rare they are.”
When Bonneville and his girlfriend Vanessa Humble left their spot on the north wall on Monday, Canada Day, there was approximately 40 people around the boat asking questions.
“It’s a piece of art as well as a piece of history.”
And for those who are curious, the boat hold a ton of fuel and can travel 140 kph burning 20 imperial gallons an hour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLqP_kkGIMo
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
