Our survey confirms it: Scout consistently meets its aim of building niche-leading sport-fishing, dual console, walkaround, flats and bay boats, 17 to 42 feet long. Our respondents like the way Scout boats are designed and built, how they run, and how they fish.
For more than 25 years Scout has researched, designed, engineered and built its boats in-house, shepherding each from inspirational flash to fishing splash. That’s built the company a world-class reputation for quality, strength, durability and value.
Scout hulls proclaim their Carolina heritage, in proud wave-splitting bows, transom tumblehome and waterline “speed” fins. Hidden but integral is Scout’s Strata-Mount transom system with hull stringers that extend through an integrated transom back to the engine mounts: The boat’s frame, not just its transom, supports the engines for stability and speed.
Scout uses three gas-saving hull designs including its largest stepped hulls. The NuV3 hull, whose increased deadrise enhances stability and speed, also produces a softer ride. Air-assist hulls have added stability and longitudinal buoyancy, which Scout credits with additional efficiency and improved handling.
SCOUT 231 XS
Scout’s new 231 XS comes in the wake of the popular 251 XS, like its big brother a “hybrid”: a hardcore fishing machine at home inshore or on the open bay.
It gets to the fishing fast: On its high-performance stepped hull, the 231 XS nudges and passes the 60 mph mark ahead of a 300 hp Mercury or Yamaha outboard.
The bow angler stands atop an open casting platform, beneath it plenty of storage, including lockable horizontal rod storage on both port and starboard.
There’s also vertical rod storage on each side of the console, notched upper brackets further securing and protecting rods while underway. Four of six stainless rod holders are also cup holders.
A forward console seat has a backrest and cushion. The rear casting platform houses a flush-mounted convertible deck seat with backrest and seat cushion.
Other fishing features include a lighted, aerated baitwell with high-speed pickup, lighted aerated/recirculating release well, and a trolling-motor plug. There’s a large console storage compartment, Fusion stereo, transom ladder, 6-inch jack plate, trim tabs, 45-quart Yeti cooler and Sea Star hydraulic steering.
Options? A raft of them, drawing survey respondent raves, including a two-person, curved-cushion leaning post, Brisa upholstery, powder-coated T-top and Powerpole bracket mounts.
More Info: scoutboats.com
