The Iconic Boats of Miami Vice: Power, Style, and 1980s Miami Glamour
Discover the iconic boats of Miami Vice
Miami Vice defined 1980s television with its neon-lit streets, pastel aesthetic, and thrilling action. The show’s boats stole the spotlight, slicing through Biscayne Bay in high-speed chases. These waterborne machines, chosen to match Michael Mann’s vibrant vision, became cultural icons. From the Chris-Craft Stinger 390X to the Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV, let’s explore the boats that powered Miami Vice into TV legend.
Chris-Craft Stinger 390X: The Season 1 Star
The Chris-Craft Stinger 390X dominated Miami Vice’s early episodes. This 39-foot powerboat featured a striking blue-and-white design. Twin 400-hp Mercruiser engines pushed it to 60 mph. It was perfect for chasing smugglers across Miami’s waters. Don Johnson, who played Sonny Crockett, reportedly used his personal Stinger in the pilot, “Brother’s Keeper” (1984).
Chris-Craft supplied three Stingers for filming. Each had unique side logo placements. The “hero boat” shone in episodes like “Calderone’s Return Part II” (Season 1, Episode 5). Stunning aerial shots captured it leaping ocean waves. However, filming took a toll. Rough handling damaged equipment. Chris-Craft grew frustrated when scripts mislabeled the boats as “cigarette boats,” a term tied to rival Cigarette Racing. They pulled support after Season 1.
Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV: The Iconic Upgrade
From Season 2, the Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV became Miami Vice’s signature boat. This 38-foot offshore beast hit speeds up to 80 mph. Twin MerCruiser 420s with TRS sterndrives powered it. Some sources note aftermarket 650-hp engines added extra punch. Wellcraft, initially hesitant, supplied two Scarabs. Don Johnson customized one with a paint scheme blending over 130 turquoise, aqua, and orchid hues. It perfectly matched Mann’s pastel aesthetic.
The Scarab’s sleek design became a fan favorite. Wellcraft capitalized on its fame, releasing 33 “Miami Vice Edition” Scarabs. This boosted sales by over 20%. In 2019, a verified Johnson-owned Scarab listed on eBay for $20 million. Experts, including designer Larry Smith, called the price ambitious. About 40 boats were made in the Miami Vice scheme.
St. Vitus Dance: Crockett’s Floating Home
Sonny Crockett’s home wasn’t a penthouse but a 42-foot Endeavour sailboat, St. Vitus Dance. Docked at Bayside Marina, it housed Crockett and his pet alligator, Elvis. This 1985 sloop had a diesel engine and a five-foot draft. It added quirky charm to the show. After Miami Vice ended, a Key West couple, Albert Tropea and Ronda Rinald, bought it for $39,000 post-Hurricane Irma in 2017. They refurbished its interior due to storm damage. Its low-hour generator and motor keep it in top shape. Now part of Key West Sailing Adventure, it draws fans to Key West’s Historic Seaport.
Michael Mann’s Pastel Vision
Michael Mann’s strict pastel palette defined Miami Vice. He banned earth tones and red. Soft pinks, pale blues, and vibrant teals captured Miami’s tropical allure. The boats’ designs, especially the Scarab’s custom paint, aligned with this vision. Mann drew inspiration from Miami’s Art Deco district. Pastel-hued buildings glowed under neon lights. This aesthetic extended to sets, wardrobes, and cinematography. It earned Miami Vice the nickname “MTV Cops.” The show’s style influenced 80s fashion and TV production.
The boats of Miami Vice were more than props. They embodied the show’s high-energy vibe. The Stinger and Scarab powered thrilling chases. St. Vitus Dance added character. Each matched Mann’s vision of 1980s Miami. Their legacy endures, from Wellcraft’s sales boom to fans visiting St. Vitus Dance. These vessels helped make Miami Vice a cultural touchstone.
