Life in the Fast Lane

Scout blurs the line between
center console and cruiser

By Suzi DuRant

The new Scout 345XSF definitely has a wow factor—think cruising luxury in a center-console fishing boat. The range of options should please everyone, whether they are die-hard fishermen, sport divers or just sunbathing cruisers. Plus, it just looks fast!
Scout Boats, based in Summerville, South Carolina, spent 18 months on the research and design for the new 2010 model, integrating the latest technology and a host of amenities into its creation. From the double lounge seat complete with armrests in the bow to the comfortable helm seats and retractable sun awning aft, you feel more like you’re on a sport cruiser.

Dave Wallace, Scout’s general manager, explains that the concept “is to be more than a fishing boat. We like to be in the forefront of creative boating ideas.”
Those ideas start at the transom with an integrated door that doesn’t look like an add-on. The transom platform, nonskid with a teak option, extends across the stern so no one has to step on the engine rigging or down into a well. Along with an Armstrong swim ladder, it makes a great set up for diving or water sports.
Another unique feature in the center of the cockpit is an “under deck systems station,” a relatively spacious watertight compartment containing bilge pumps, the optional generator, oil systems, etc.  It allows easy access for service and some additional storage.
Scout’s patented, powder-coated, rigid T-Top with glass enclosure looks sleek. Its swept-back Euro-style flows with the lines of the boat. It houses an optional fiberglass sunshade that deploys out over the cockpit at the touch of a button. Electric-powered outriggers on the T-top are also an option.
The helm area features two adjustable Airmar custom vinyl helm chairs that fold up to provide leaning bolsters. For the shorter driver, a fold-down step for increased height is offered.  In a compact space, the tilt steering wheel and engine controls are easy to reach while the instruments are easy to read. Electronics, of course, can be customized. The helm seats are separated by a console glove box that has a 12-volt receptacle and cup holders. Picture yourself ensconced in the comfy seats one evening with the courtesy lights twinkling under the gunnels, the Kenwood stereo system playing, the air conditioning (yes, AC is an option) cooling as you wend your way home after a day on the water.
Forward of the console is an eye-popping cushioned double sundeck lounger, a great place to relax. The seat lifts to reveal a large locker where dive tanks could easily be stored. The seating around the bow also has storage underneath with separate lockers that could be used for coolers. More storage under the bow deck includes room for a battery located for the optional bow thruster as well as the recessed windlass.
Step through a door on the port side of the helm and you’ll be surprised by the cabin under the lounge seat that features a double berth with a fold up Corian table and a small galley area with a microwave oven, an icebox with a Corian counter, a porcelain sink, and a head. The space is so well laid out it doesn’t seem cramped, especially with natural light from port and starboard windows.
But Scout hasn’t forgotten its base; it’s gone over the top to accommodate fishermen. Start with the standard 60-gallon transom fish box that can be customized with a freezer. A 60-gallon bait well is also an option. Two seven-foot fish boxes are recessed in the deck on either side of the cockpit. The aft-facing seat behind the helm has five rod holders above it and sliding tackle drawers and a bait box below it. Tournament fans can replace the seat with a bait prep station and a fighting chair is possible. A locker recessed in the starboard side of the helm station is designed to store lines, a gaff and cleaning supplies.

Specifications

LOA: 34’ 11”
Beam: 10’ 9”
Draft: 27”
Dry Weight: w/engines 10,800 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 330/30 U.S. gals.
Power: 2 x Yamaha @350hp
(700 hp max)
Top/Cruising Speed: 55.4/31 knots
MSRP: $291,954

Contact

Scout Boats
Summerville, SC
843-821-0068
scoutboats.com

Beyond function and luxury, the most exhilarating feature of the 345XSF is  performance. With twin 350 Yamahas, the boat accelerates quickly and smoothly…so smoothly that you only realize the difference between 40 and 60 mph by checking the instruments. Scout’s characteristic stepped hull jumps on plane, keeps the bow up and the boat dry. The deep-V hull really carves into a turn. This is so like driving a sports car. In the calm harbor, our top speed was 63 mph. The sweet spot for cruising is at 3500 rpm where the boat runs about 29 mph at 1.22 mpg. With 300-hp engines she still turns 55 mph WOT and still gets better than a mile per gallon, proving efficiency can come in a pretty package.