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I remember when a run to the offshore fishing grounds went something like this: Get to the boat the night before to load up gear, bait and tackle. Once we cleared the breakwater, we’d settle in for a long, slow chug through the inky darkness. If there was any weather, the inability to see approaching waves meant slowing down even more. After eight or 10 hours of creeping along and taking turns at the helm, a faint horizon would materialize along the hem of the purple-gray sky, and our fishing day would officially begin.

Today a new breed of high-speed fishing boats has created a new paradigm for serious offshore anglers coast to coast. Owners of these powerful fishing machines are likely to hop on board in the morning, fire up the four or five high-­performance outboards sitting shoulder-­to-shoulder across the ample transom, and motor out of the harbor to the oohs and aahs of onlookers and envious anglers. 

When the captain reaches open water and opens the throttles on up to 3,000 hp of outboard power, the true appeal of these speed machines becomes apparent. With a jaw-dropping amount of available horsepower, high-tech mono- or multihulls rocket to the offshore destinations in a fraction of the time required in yesteryears. The concept of comfortably running 100 miles or more, catching a load of fish, and returning home on the same day is not just possible but also common. 

Fishing-boat brands such as Contender, Freeman, Invincible, Regulator, Scout, SeaVee, Yellowfin and others have broken the mold on what a ­center-console outboard-­powered fishing boat can achieve, blasting through size and performance barriers. This new crop of boats offers the dimensions and seaworthiness of old-fashioned sport-fishing yachts, but can also reach 60 mph and cruise all day at 40 to 50 mph without breaking a sweat. And they do this with surprisingly good fuel economy, providing the range to go long and fish hard all day.

However, there’s a lot more to this new class of boats than just size and speed. Boatbuilders are competing to introduce more comfortable and capable offshore machines, adding new features, ­interior comfort and amenities without compromising on the open layout and unfettered fishing access that define the breed. Owners are attracted by these vessels’ versatility as well. These boats can be supersize (with corresponding price tags well over $1 million), but a center-console is still a center-console. If the mood strikes, owners want the ability to pull up on a sandbar with everybody else, kick back with a drink, and enjoy the party with their smaller cousins.

When you first see one of these sleek and stylish boats, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the gleaming engine ­cowlings seemingly filling every inch of transom space. It’s clear that the entire class of vessels couldn’t exist without quantum leaps in outboard motor power and ­technology from builders like Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha. There are different theories about which came first, this growing number of high-powered outboards from 350 to 600 hp, or the ever-­larger hulls designed for outboard power. Conventional wisdom is that the evolution of more-powerful outboards led to the development of wider, longer and more-advanced hulls. However, there are also those who believe that evolving consumer demand for simplicity and ease of use was simultaneously pushing builders to redefine the center-console and walkaround fishing-boat classes. 

Perhaps we should call it a tie. “The evolution of outboard motors has resulted in even more-powerful, reliable and feature-­rich powerplants, enabling boat sizes in this popular segment to grow to overall lengths of 40 feet and beyond,” says John Caballero, sales and marketing director for SeaVee Boats. At the same time, he acknowledges an existing preference for simpler boats. “The market discovered long ago how practical a center-console boat is in terms of its utility and ­generally lower maintenance requirements.” He highlights the company’s 42-foot 420Z and 45-foot 450Z as ideal models for meeting this need, providing the amenities to enhance the fishing experience and the safety and comfort for all on board. Additionally, both models can be highly customized to suit the owner’s needs and preferences. 

“While supersize center-consoles are by no means simple machines, they are undoubtedly less complex than multi­stateroom sport-fishing yachts,” says Rob Sabin, southeast sales manager for Contender Boats. “This typically translates to lower maintenance bills and less time in the yard. It also gives owners the ability to run and maintain their own vessel.” 

Contender considers its 44-foot 44FA (Fisharound) the perfect fishing platform for extended adventures. Built on the center-­console 44ST hull, the 44FA features a large berth, enclosed head and kitchenette. It carries 575 gallons of fuel along with 70 gallons of fresh water and can be equipped with a generator, air conditioning, ice makers, water heaters and gyrostabilization.

“Boats are getting bigger and more powerful, but that’s not all,” says Matt Arnholt, marketing manager for Yellowfin Yachts. They have been able to maximize efficiency and fishability while incorporating various features, electronics in particular, Arnholt points out. 

While the 36 Offshore continues as Yellowfin’s most popular model, anglers are also turning to the 39 Offshore, 42 Offshore and 54 Offshore, Arnholt ­observes. The 54 delivers the brand’s styling, stepped hull, fuel efficiency and construction with features like a fully equipped galley, queen berth and a ­diesel generator. Its long list of available options includes a bow thruster, a Quick dynamic stabilizer, and a range of hardtop and tower possibilities.

“Many of our customers used to own large sport-fishermen,” says Alan Lang, director of sales and marketing for Scout Boats. “They are ready to move to a center-­console for the ease of operation and the ability to drive it themselves and take care of it themselves. Outboard power not only makes our boats fast and ­agile, it also makes maintenance much ­easier.” Multiple high-horsepower engines also provide owners with peace of mind. According to Lang, Scout’s current flagship—the 530 LXF—will easily get on plane and get you home at 50 mph, even with one engine down. 

Scout raised eyebrows across the industry when it first previewed its 670 LXF, a 67-foot LOA cross between a center-­console and a superyacht due for launch in 2024. Scout’s 530 LXF (Luxury Fish) is a 53-footer built almost entirely of lightweight yet strong carbon fiber and epoxy resin, and it’s packed with amenities like dual hydraulic beach platforms that lower for family water play, heated helm seats, a standard Seakeeper gyrostabilizer and luxurious interior options.

“The biggest things driving these supersize center-consoles are high horsepower, along with the great weight-to-horsepower ratio,” says Dan Freer, senior director of engineering for Invincible, which offers both monohull and catamaran models. 

Invincible’s 46-foot cat is offered in both a center-console and pilothouse configuration. Even with the added comforts of two sleeping berths, interior seating, air conditioning and a generator, the 46 Pilothouse stays true to the brand with 360-degree fishability. The new flagship of Invincible’s monohull fleet is the 43 Open Fisherman. While the cockpit layout emphasizes all-around fishing room, the design includes a cabin with a full sleeping berth, a vanity sink and a head for ­extended angling journeys.   

Builders pretty much agree that the trend will continue, even if the overall size of the boats eventually tops out. Consumer demand and outboard engine development will continue to drive future innovation. What this future will look like is anyone’s guess, but it will certainly be a hell of a ride. 

Outboard Muscle

Powerful and efficient outboards are helping drive the trend for larger boats. Here are the top dogs in horsepower from three manufacturers.

Mercury: The Mercury V-12 600 hp and Mercury Racing 450R and new 500R are popular choices for twin, triple, quad and even quintuple installations.

Suzuki: Suzuki’s V-6 DF350 pioneered twin contra-rotating propellers for the added torque to push heavy loads, making this 350 a solid and efficient choice for catamarans in quad applications.

Yamaha: Yamaha’s new V-8 450 XTO Offshore outboard is a popular power option for the new breed of XL-size open fishing boats.

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Scout’s new 260 LXF, which replaces the 255 LXF, boasts a maximum power rating of 400 hp, a ­146-gallon fuel capacity, a beam of 8 feet, 11 ­inches, and 100 percent hand-laid construction with a completely finished bilge, lids, doors and hatches. It features a forward lounge seat, side door, in-sole fish boxes, and an extended walkable transom. An integrated fiberglass hardtop complements this model’s sleek profile, which includes a sweeping sheerline, a wide Carolina flare to shed spray, and Scout’s trademark tumblehome in the stern quarters. Other standard features include a Seakeeper Ride trim-control system, six stainless-steel ­flush-mounted rod holders, a livewell in the port quarter, two wireless phone chargers, a 45-quart Yeti cooler, and a step-down console interior with a porcelain marine head. Notable options include multiple Garmin ­display-screen upgrades, hardtop-mounted rocket launchers, power-assisted hydraulic steering, a forward canvas deck shade, and much more. The 260 LXF is available with single- or dual-outboard engine packages from Mercury or Yamaha. 

Scout Boats – scoutboats.com

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Scout builds luxury sport-fishing center-console, dual-console and -inshore/bay-boat models ranging from 17 feet to 53 feet and, since its founding more than three decades ago, its goal has always been to manufacture the best boats in each of those sport-fishing niches.  

Scout boats, designed and produced in-house, are known for their all-hand-laid construction, smart and sharp designs, superior fit-and-finish, best-in-class strength-to-weight ratios, fuel-efficient hull designs, and completely finished bilges, lids, doors, and hatches. 

Scout 281 XSS 

Scout’s new 281 XSS, one of three new Scout models this year, is a serious inshore/offshore hybrid bay boat. It complements the popular 251 XSS and the 231 XSB, boasting aggressive lines, high performance, and all-around fishability.

Built featuring carbon-epoxy construction, the new boat has large fore and rear casting decks, dual stern bait/fish boxes, and generous rod and tackle storage. Its all-composite hardtop includes a T-top superstructure built of carbon fiber, with fiberglass supports and an integrated acrylic wraparound windshield. Its dash can accommodate two 12-inch screens or a single 24-inch.

Standard features include jack plate, custom transom storage boxes to house four fenders, and independent dual helm seats with flip-up bolsters. The leaning post has an acrylic-faced baitwell, Corian countertop, cutting board, freshwater and raw water washdown, and rod holders—all atop a 65-quart Yeti slide-out cooler. 

Among options are fish-box conversions to livewells, recirculating leaning-post livewell, bow rod/cup holders, Minn Kota trolling motor with iPilot, and Garmin electronics, stereo, and outrigger additions and upgrades. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

Our newest bay-boat model, the 281 XSS, couples the luxury of a Scout with all the characteristics of a serious bay boat.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Mercury Verado 400 hp
• Test Props: Enertia SS Series, 17p
• Test Load: Two people, 84 gal. fuel, batteries, hardtop, and safety and test equipment
• Test Speed: 55.3 mph at 6,800 rpm
• Max Range: 295 miles. (90% of 126 gal. capacity at 2.6 mpg, 34.9 mph, 4,500 rpm)

Specs

Editor Says

The 281 XSS boasts advanced epoxy-infused carbon fiber and e-glass construction that minimizes weight, ensures long-term durability, and maximizes performance.  -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

scoutboats.com

The post Scout 281 XSS: 2023 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

We got onboard and took a peak at the new 2023 Scout Boats 281 XSS during the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Watch the video for all of the details and a look around. To learn more about the Scout Boats 281 XSS including MSRP and to see their full lineup, visit Scout Boats 281 XSS.

The post Scout Boats 281 XSS appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

While well-known for its luxury center-console models, Scout is no stranger to bay boats. In fact, it now offers three models in that class, all boasting the quality construction and fit-and-finish that made the builder a standout. The 231 XSB, the latest, shares many traits with its popular 231 XS sibling.

It also offers improvements in three important categories: performance, comfort and fishability. And in typical Scout fashion, it sports an innovative feature bound to leave the competition wondering why they didn’t think of that: the patent-pending Scout Post, a clever yet simple through-hull anchoring pin that enables staking out in shallow water from the bow, complementing or even replacing the pricier Power-Pole also offered as an option. 

The forward casting deck, the tallest point upfront, has space for a bow-mount trolling motor, a dedicated anchor locker, and elbow room for a pair of anglers fishing side by side. A step aft, raised storage boxes comprise U-shaped forward seating with removable backrests for lounging to port and starboard, while an ample forward console seat/lounger accommodates two crew and provides generous, coffin-box-style insulated storage.

Scout offers three different helm-seating alternatives for this model. Our test boat sported the aluminum leaning post with flip-up bolsters that seats the skipper and a companion, and includes a grab rail, three cup holders and a four-rod rocket launcher on the backrest, plus space for a 45-quart Yeti cooler at the base. 

At 34 inches wide and 51 inches tall, the center console leaves room on both sides to pass comfortably, and offers good protection without hindering the view from the helm, which accommodates a 10-inch multifunction display, VesselView display, waterproof switches, gauges, trim-tab rockers and a Fusion stereo, with real estate to spare for other essentials, like a VHF radio. 

The console also has 56 inches of headroom and space inside for a port-a-potty. For shade and more shelter from the elements, a three-sided windshield integrates into the aluminum frame of the optional fiberglass hardtop, which can be augmented with a cockpit-facing four-rod rocket launcher. 

Horizontal racks complete with reel pads hold a pair of rods on each gunwale, and six flush-mount holders on the covering boards and transom come standard and are easily supplemented on request. Individual removable backrests add comfort to the bench-style seat for three on the transom. Twin 26-gallon recirculating livewells book-end the seat, which lifts to reveal a sizable storage tray that pulls out for access to the bilge. A hatch on the outside of the transom opens to release a telescoping boarding ladder, and a freshwater washdown on the cockpit is among the available options, which also include a Lumitec light bar, hardtop storage, underwater lights, a bow-mount Minn Kota trolling motor and more.

When it comes to performance, the 231 XSB certainly hits the mark. Not only does this bay boat scoot, it also responds without hesitation to slight turns of the steering wheel, and minimal adjustments of the trim tabs change its attitude to improve the ride, increase speed or both. The standard 6-inch outboard setback on this Scout can be replaced by the optional Sea Star hydraulic jack plate, which improves overall performance as well as skinny-water capability, increasing the outboard’s clearance to enable the boat to take off and run in shallower depths.

Read Next: Fishability Test: Scout 330 LXF

Powered by a Mercury Verado 300, our test boat jumped on plane and accelerated from zero to 30 mph in under 8 seconds, with only negligible bow rise. And while the Scout cruises effortlessly at 30 mph sipping just 9.6 gph of fuel, punch the throttle and you’ll feel it race to more than 56 mph. 

The boat’s responsiveness, tight turning radius and steady tracking made every kind of maneuver simple and predictable. While the hull of the 23-footer leans some on tight curves, it feels natural and never unsafe. 

Although freeboard at midship (19 inches) and aft (14 inches) is tailored primarily for inshore boating, neither crossing open water nor tackling the light-to-moderate chop from an unexpected storm will be a white-knuckle experience aboard this Scout, which has the ability to handle 2-foot waves without pounding or dowsing the crew. 

Overall, the 231 XSB proved a comfortable, smooth-running and well-rounded fishing boat, one that’s bound to fit the bill for anglers looking for a versatile performer under 25 feet that’s also easy to launch, tow and store. 

Test Conditions

• Weather: Sunny, 71 degrees
• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Wind: NE 11 mph Sea State: 1- to 2-foot chop Test Load: Two adults, 40 gallons of fuel

Specifications

Scout Boats – scoutboats.com

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The Miami International Boat Show, the world’s largest event of its kind, returned to a recently renovated Miami Beach Convention Center in 2022, after using the Miami Marine Stadium in Virginia Key as its main venue the past few years. As expected, the show presented the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in boats and marine products. Here’s a look at this year’s crop of new fishing boats making their debut. 

Bayliner T24CC

Blackfin 302 DC

Boston Whaler 360 Outrage

Caymas 401 CC

Fountain 32NX

Lowe 22 Bay

Robalo 266 Cayman

Sailfish 320 CC

Scout 400 LXF

Sea Fox 268 Traveler

Solace 32 CS

Stingray 273CC

Tidewater 380 CC

The post New Boats From the 2022 Miami Boat Show appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

For nearly three decades, Scout has evolved from a new, unknown company to one of the industry’s most respected brands. Today, it builds luxury sport-fishing center-consoles, luxury crossovers, dual consoles and inshore/bay boats ranging from 17 to 53 feet.

Scout boats are defined by their 100 percent hand-laid construction, head-turning designs, -superior fit-and-finish, best strength-to-weight ratio in class, and completely finished bilge, lids, doors and hatches. Its fuel-efficient hull designs—used across its model lineup—include the NuV3, Air Assist and Stepped Hull technologies. 

Scout 231 XSB

Scout calls its new 231 XSB the ultimate fishing and family bay boat.

The successor to the 231 XS, the 231 XSB is a -serious bay boat with a stepped hull, aggressive lines and proven high performance. But the new model adds touches requested by families: most obviously wraparound bow seating with removable cushions and storage beneath, as well as up to five removable backrests throughout the boat, with two back sockets in the bow and three serving the transom bench seat. An oversize lounge seat forward of the console has armrests, and all upholstery is diamond-stitched for a luxurious feel.

The XSB boasts port and starboard rod storage. Another notable feature is the optional new, patent-pending through-hull bow anchor pole named the “Scout Post,” which handily pins the boat in place for either fishing or hanging out, storing easily when not in use.

Standard features include a powder-coated -hybrid leaning post, a wraparound helm windshield, port and starboard aerated baitwells and release wells, four stainless-steel flush-mounted cup holders, six stainless-steel flush-mounted rod holders, a console lounge seat with cushions, and a Fusion Bluetooth stereo with four speakers.

Among options are aft baitwells, leaning-post choices, upgradable Garmin display screens, a -portable head and console lounge storage. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

Scout has built a reputation for being first-to-market with innovations throughout its 30-plus-year history.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Mercury Verado V8 300 HP 
• Test Props: Revolution 4 stainless steel, 20P  
• Test Load: 3,500 lb., incl. 49 gal. fuel, batteries, safety & test equipment; one person    
• Test Speed: 56.5 mph @6,000 rpm   
• Max Range: 193 mi., 23.7 mph, 3,000 rpm

Specs

Editor Says

In my time aboard Scout’s 231 XSB, I found features not typically associated with bay boats, such as a forward console lounge with a coffin box underneath. I also discovered innovations like a through-hull bow anchor pole called the Scout Post, as well as a boarding ladder that tucks inside an exterior transom locker. – Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Fishing Group

More Info

scoutboats.com

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Scout luxury sport-fishing boats span styles from center-console, dual-console and inshore/bay-boat models, and range from 17 feet to 53 feet—the latter an exciting full 11 feet longer than was true last year!

Proud of its superior fit-and-finish; best-in-class strength-to-weight ratio; fully finished compartments, lids and doors; and more than 30 years of family ownership and operation, Scout has also built a reputation for being first to market with innovations. Those include the company’s patented bow camera, and an optional articulating rocket launcher that works in unison with a SureShade retractable aft awning, both electronically actuated.

Epoxy infusion utilizing carbon fiber/E-glass, used in Scout’s 530, 420 and 380 LXF model (38- to 53-foot) hulls, is a process borrowed from the aerospace industry. It provides a rigid hull with more strength and stability at a lower overall weight. Models from 33 to 35 feet are also created using epoxy-infused E-glass.

Scout 530 LXF

Scout calls its new 530 LXF a “mega center-console.” Two years in development, it’s a jaw-dropping 53 feet, 5 inches long, and ready to carry four or five powerful Yamaha or Mercury outboards.

Beam is 14 feet, 8 inches, stretching to 17 feet, 6 inches when electronically actuated dual beach platforms are extended port and starboard for entertainment space or swimming access.

Standard are a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, glass helm enclosure, cockpit island, generator, air conditioning, heat, electric sliding sunroof, and heated helm seats. At the helm is a Garmin 24-inch MFD touchscreen, with a 12-incher in the overhead helm.

The boat can be configured into 21 comfortable seating areas throughout the boat, several with tables. The helm area seats seven. (Only 16 percent of boats in our survey seat eight or more.)

Below deck is a master stateroom with a large berth, enclosed head, shower room, galley, a convertible single and fixed aft double berth, hanging closet, and central vacuum system.

For anglers, seven shotgun rod holders across the transom stand ready, plus more mounted in cockpit gunwales. Rods stow beneath the cabin’s master-stateroom berth as well as in-deck. Two 30-gallon livewells will meet the stated needs of 96 percent of center-console survey respondents, while a pair of aft fish boxes awaits catches.

Survey Says: On Target

• Medley of rodholders, livewells and tackle storage makes it tournament ready
• Flexible power options

Owners Say

• Style, great riding, fun to fish on
• Very comfortable offshore

Brand Says

• Yachtlike center-console masterpiece on so many levels
• An on-the-water entertainment platform

Reader Response

• “Great layout”

Specs

LOA: 53′5″

Beam: 14′8″

Fuel Capacity: 875 gal.

Dry Weight: 26,500 lb. plus power

Max HP: 2,250

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

scoutboats.com

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The 330 LXF from Scout Boats, a sporty and purposeful fishing machine also offering appointments that ramp up comfort to a luxurious level, epitomizes the evolution of today’s center-consoles and Scout’s perennial quest for the ideal blend of fishability and convenience.

Amenities like twin high-back helm seats, posh forward loungers, a retractable bow dining table, a lounger on the forward console, and an optional, motorized cockpit shade can spoil anglers accustomed to more spartan accommodations.

According to Josh Slayton, Scout product specialist, the 330 LXF is one of the S-class models, built with double-stepped hulls for greater efficiency and performance. The sweeping sheerline, Carolina-style bow flare, and classic tumblehome of the stern quarters lend a yachtlike air. The 10-foot-4-inch beam results in ample deck room and greater stability, both at rest and also while trolling.

Propelled by twin Yamaha 425 XTO outboards bolted to the integral motor bracket/swim platform, the 330 LXF planed in 5 seconds, and reached 30 mph in 8.2 seconds. Top speed was 66.4 mph at 6,100 rpm, where the twin Yamahas drank 76.6 gph for 0.87 mpg. The sweet spot for fuel economy was 3,500 rpm and 32 mph as the outboards burned 22.2 gph for 1.5 mpg.

While waters off Key Largo, Florida, were calm during our test, we created our own rough seas by carving a series of high-speed turns and crossing back over our wake. The 330 LXF felt solid, with nary a creak or rattle, thanks to Scout’s 100 percent hand-laid construction and advanced epoxy infusion. And it handled with confidence-inspiring precision, riding silky-smooth through our self-generated 3-foot waves.

The test boat came equipped with Zipwake interceptor trim tabs, but we did not find it necessary to use them. The double-stepped hull lifted nicely with little bow rise, easily maintaining a near-level trim angle.

The hardtop of the 330 LXF integrates seamlessly with the full-height, tempered-glass windshield and side windows, as well as the center console itself. On the dash, a Yamaha CL7 display monitors the twin outboards and interfaces with the Yamaha Helm Master system that includes a joystick among other features. A standard Fusion stereo delivers audio to 10 JL 7.7-inch speakers, and for finding fish and navigating, our test boat came with optional Garmin 8616 multifunction displays set flush in the wide helm panel, networked with Garmin chirp sonar, xHD2 radar and GHP 40 autopilot. The optional 12-volt -air-conditioning system cooling the helm deck was a welcome addition.

A workstation abaft the helm seating features a sink and freshwater faucet for rigging baits or prepping food. The station also can be equipped with either a grill or a mini fridge. It includes raw and freshwater washdown spigots, as well as three tackle drawers on the port side, and a handy trash bin in a cabinet to starboard. A Yeti Tundra 65 slides out from underneath

Six rod holders along the transom provide handy stowage with quick access. Racks under the covering boards and shelves on the gunwales provide stowage for more rods and small items, such as sunscreen. A 21-gallon covered livewell is nestled in the the port quarter, and to ice down the catch, twin 132-quarter in-sole fish lockers bracket the aft deck. A flip-out transom bench offers a great place to take a load off, but quickly folds away when it’s time to fish.

The anchor deploys from an in-stem chute/roller, and an electric windlass concealed under the anchor-locker hatch makes retrieval a breeze. Abundant dry stowage hides under the lounger and forward seat. An optional, retractable rocket launcher holds five rods on the aft edge of the hardtop. It’s designed to tilt down electrically, allowing deployment of the motorized shade from the hardtop to provide relief from the sun to the aft cockpit.

Accessed via a port-side companionway, the step-down center-console interior boasts 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom, a 6-foot-long berth that accommodates two adults, and an electric marine toilet.

Coaming pads encircle the interior of the 330 LXF to cushion your legs while fishing, and recessed grab rails extend from midship to bow for added safety. A transom gate in the starboard quarter offers access to the swim platform, in case you need to work fish around the outboards, and a beefy inward-opening door is built into the cockpit’s port side, granting easy boarding from floating docks, and enabling the crew to pull in a big wahoo, tuna or swordfish.

Ultimately, the Scout 330 LXF is like an apex predator. It’s sleek, and has the speed, agility and all the tools to successfully capture prey. Its abundance of creature comforts make it more enjoyable for the crew to go out on the hunt.

Specifications

Length: 32′9″ | Beam: 10′4″ | Draft: 27″ | Deadrise: 24 degrees | Fuel: 265 gal. | Weight: 9,545 lb. | Max HP: 900 | Price: $414,602 w/ twin Yamaha 425 XTOs and Helm Master | Scout Boats: scoutboats.com

Test Conditions

Weather: Sunny | Location: Key Largo, Florida | Wind: Calm | Sea State: 1-foot waves | Test Load: Two adults, 100 gallons of fuel

The post Fishability Test: Scout 330 LXF appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Comfortable fishing and luxurious cruising in center-consoles, dual-consoles and bay boats, from 17 to 53 feet.

Each Scout is an original, with in-house research and design teams working with engineers to nurture concepts from sketch to blueprint to production, efficiently, all the while growing the company’s reputation for quality, strength, durability and value.

Scout, founded 25 years ago, counts among its selling points its superior fit and finish; best-in-class strength-to-weight ratio; fully finished bilge, lids, doors and hatches; and the company’s -family ownership and operation.

Scout 420 LXF

Three years in development, this 42-footer takes its place in Scout’s LXF Collection, a line of luxury sport-fish boats the company calls a unique blend of high-performance fish boat and high-end cruiser.

Stevie Potts, son of Scout CEO and founder Steve Potts, headed up development of the 420, which the elder Potts said “rivals even some of the larger luxury sport-fishing machines with its appointments, technology and attention to detail.”

That technology includes an epoxy-infused, carbon fiber/ e-glass double-stepped hull that welcomes quad outboards. Standard are full transom walk-through with teak swim platform, side boarding door, Kohler generator, and Seakeeper gyrostabilizer.

Also standard are two 92- gallon in-floor fish boxes with overboard diaphragm discharge, powder-coated hardtop with curved glass enclosure, and three-person aft-facing cockpit seats that are part of a leaning post that contains an ice maker, drawer refrigerator and/or tackle drawers (you select two).

The cockpit baitwell holds 80 gallons, a nod to the 5 percent of offshore center-console survey respondents who carry hundreds of baits. (Sixty-three percent say a single livewell is enough, by the way.) The boat bears 10 stainless-steel gunwale-mounted rod holders, with seven more on the transom; offshore CC respondents ask for an average of six total. Optional hardtop rocket launchers articulate downward, making rod access easier.

Below are amenities Scout compares to those on a private jet: stove cooktop, microwave, flush-mounted TV, DVD player, galley sink, refrigerator, enclosed shower, and two single beds that can be combined into one large king berth.

The hydraulic portside beach platform adds a floating veranda.

Survey Says: On Target

⋅Luxurious seating abounds

⋅Ample tackle-storage options in leaning post

⋅Rod holders double most expectations

Owners Say

⋅Takes waves well, great fishability

⋅Fishing friendly plus family creature comforts

⋅Dry ride

Brand Says

⋅Loaded with standard features

⋅Countless unique features

⋅Digital switching enhances reliability

More Info: scoutboats.com

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