Jennifer Sangalang

FLORIDA TODAY

More than 30 years after it zoomed and sped through Miami waters, the Wellcraft Scarab 38-foot KV boat — aka the "Miami Vice" boat — is back.

Nicknamed "the Legend," its owner David Martino of Miami brought the boat to Brevard this weekend for the seventh annual Thunder on Cocoa Beach, Space Coast Superboat Grand Prix. Before Sunday's races at the Cocoa Beach Pier, the boat had "face time" with fans young and old at various events tied to Thunder on Cocoa Beach.

"It's a great city," Martino said of Cocoa Beach. "People are really friendly and very laid back."

Since Martino bought the boat for an undisclosed sum just over a year ago, he's been getting multiple calls for special appearances. "We have to be really selective, but the boat is available for select events and charities," he said.

He was invited to be part of the Thunder on the Beach festivities, and Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grill at Port Canaveral was a principal sponsor.

In addition to Thunder on the Beach, Martino said the Legend made a stop to an assisted-living facility in Cocoa Beach. "It's amazing how people relate to the 'Miami Vice' boat. They say, 'this is my favorite show.' "

Don Johnson's character, James "Sonny" Crockett, used the Wellcraft Scarab during the hit '80s show, which ran for five seasons from 1984-90. The Scarab was used in seasons two through five.

On occasion, Martino sports a Don Johnson/"Miami Vice"-like outfit. "I'm not trying to impersonate him," the super fan said of the actor. But sporting the clothes and owning the boat brings back a lot of nostalgic feelings for that era.

A "Miami Vice" reunion with original cast members is in the works. Martino and other organizers are shooting for November in — where else? — Miami.

"It's an extremely valuable boat," he said of the Legend. "It's priceless, it's like a fine piece of artwork."

For more on the boat, visit miamivice38kv.com.

Contact Sangalang at 321-242-3630

or jsangalang@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @byjensangalang