Month: December 2018

When looking at boats, you’ll find a lot of different numbers and statistics. Beam, deadrise, and transom height are all stats that boating-industry experts use to describe different vessels. Another term commonly used is “draft,” and it might be one of the most important numbers for your boat, especially if you fish in shallow areas. Learn what makes your boat’s draft so important, and discover top shallow draft boats from Scout.

What is a “Draft” and Why is it Important?

In simplified terms, draft is the measurement between the waterline and the bottom of the boat. Draft is essential for many reasons. It affects the stability, performance, and handling of a boat, and it also impacts where the boat can travel.

While deeper hulls, in general, can provide better stability, a shallow draft is important if you want to fish and boat in shallower areas. With a shallow draft, you can target shallow intertidal areas and flats that are not accessible to larger, deeper craft. A shallow draft gives you better access to species like bonefish, barracuda, and permit, among many other species.

Top Boats From Scout

At Scout Boats, we are dedicated to using the most advanced engineering principles to create vessels that have shallow drafts with greater stability and control. With these boats, you’ll be able to fish in some of the most remote, untouched areas while catching fish that rarely see a lure.

251 XSS

251 XSS

Draft: 13 inches

This is the industry’s first true inshore/offshore fishing boat, and while it has the stability to handle rough waters, it can travel through shallow intertidal areas thanks to the low draft. As a true hybrid, this is a boat that brings luxury and fishing excellence.

231 XSS

231 XS

Draft: 12 inches

This is a dedicated fishing machine with a shallow draft that can help you excel on the water. At 12 inches, the draft allows you to fish intertidal spots while enjoying optional features like a forward bait well, JL speakers, and a Garmin display screen.

175 Sport Dorado

175 Sport Dorado

Draft: 10 inches

As one of the most versatile boats on the water, the dual-console 175 Sport Dorado can be used for skiing, pleasure cruising, and shallow-water fishing. From the aerated live well to the ample rod holders, this boat has everything you need for ideal fishing performance.

175 Sportfish

175 Sportfish

Draft: 10 inches

It may only be slightly over 17 feet in length, but this center-console boat gives you plenty of fishing features over a ten-inch draft. With a spacious casting deck and comfortable chair, this agile boat will enhance your enjoyment on the water.

177 Sport

177 Sport

Draft: 10 inches

If you want a nimble craft that can access virtually any fishing spot, the 177 Sport is right for you. Like the 175 models, it also has a ten-inch draft, allowing you to target many different locations without scraping the hull. 

A World-Class Boat is Waiting for You

Make sure you have the right boat for your fishing adventures. With a Scout, you’ll be able to target intertidal areas that are teeming with hungry fish. Contact us today for more information on our full lineup of world-class boats.

While the traditional purchase location for a boat is a dealership, there are other options. Here are some common places to buy a boat. We hope this information helps you make the right decision for your needs.

Dealerships

A dealership is one of the main places you can buy a boat, and it is typically the ideal place to get a new boat if you are a first-time buyer. The advantage of buying at a dealership is that you’ll get the guidance and service you need to make the right choice. Dealer sales associates can discuss your needs and wants from a boat and direct you toward the right vessel. Other locations may not have this luxury.

There are Scout dealers all across the country, so use our helpful Dealer Locator to find a dealer near you. All of our dealers meet a high standard of service and support, so you can count on them to make sure you purchase a boat that will fit your budget and keep you happy for years.

Boat Shows

Visiting a boat show is a great way to learn about all the fantastic developments and see the newest models from the boating industry. You can often find a great deal on boats, as the show environment lends itself to high competition among dealers. You may also find show-only models, and you can get a first-hand look at specific boats that catch your interest.

However, you should avoid the buy-now pressure of boat shows. If the deal doesn’t feel right, take your time and don’t buy on impulse. Boat shows can also result in a long time for boat delivery, so if you want a craft for next week’s vacation, you may be out of luck.

Check out our events page for upcoming shows that Scout will be attending.

Private Seller (Used Only)

If you are looking for a used boat, you can always purchase from a private seller. However, you need to be aware of the inherent risks involved in purchasing a boat privately. There will not be any warranties, and you are buying a boat that may not have been properly serviced over the past years. You can certainly get a great deal, but you may want to set money aside to deal with any repairs that could come up.

Online

While you’ll need to work with a dealership for final delivery, you can order a boat online. For instance, Scout offers a Build Your Scout tool, which allows you to purchase a boat and choose all the specific features you want for your craft from the convenience of your home. You won’t be able to see the boat in person, but this is a great option if you know exactly what you want.

Scout Makes the Purchase Process Easy

If you need help finding the perfect boat, contact our helpful staff. We’ll be happy to guide you toward a dealership in your area. We can also answer any questions you have on boating features, models, warranties, and more, so contact us now!

In the boating industry, certain terms are often used to position a product in the market. “Bay boat,” for example, is used to describe medium-sized boats that are excellent for fishing and boating in bays. Bay boats fill a niche between smaller flats boats that are excellent for shallow waters and larger boats that are intended for open seas. Flat boats can rarely be used safely in the open ocean, while large off-shore boats can’t reach shallow fishing destinations. With a bay boat, you get a nice balance between the two. Discover some of the fastest bay boats from Scout.

Why A Bay Boat?

Bay boats emerged around 2005 and have become increasingly popular in the market. They are able to fish in shallow areas using a trolling motor, and they are also able to fish in the open waters if the weather is decent. In most cases, they are about 22 to 26 feet in length and have a shallow draft, a center console, and a spacious casting deck. They usually have short gunwales to allow for access to the water. A shorter gunwale will also make it easier to fully submerge a trolling motor. This is because if the gunwale is too tall, the trolling motor cannot reach without a long shaft. The specific features found on these boats will vary by personal needs, but with a shallow draft, decent length, and stable hull, they fill the needs of many boaters across the country.

Fast Bay Boats From Scout

One of the features you need from a boat is speed. By having a fast boat, you’ll be able to cruise across the water quickly so you can spend more time fishing. Here are some of the fastest bay boats from Scout.

251 XSS

251 XSS

The 251 XSS is a fast and efficient bay boat. This vessel can reach up to 56 mile per hour when properly equipped, yet has the ability to deliver efficient fuel use. When cruising at 3,500 RPMs with the Yamaha F300XCA motor, the 251 XSS gets 3.52 miles per gallon. To car drivers, this might not seem very good, but boat owners know this is a great stat for fuel efficiency. This boat isn’t just fast, it’s also comfortable and luxurious. The craft has console seating and a revolutionary T-top glass enclosure, which gives it a clean, modern appearance.

231 XS

231 XS

When you want speed from a bay boat, you need to consider the 231 XS. This craft has the right performance standards to help you travel swiftly across the water. When equipped with a Yamaha F300XCA motor, it can reach a top speed over 60 miles per hour. Like all of our boats, it’s also efficient. With the same engine, it reaches 3.7 miles per gallon when traveling at 3,500 RPM. Even if it has a smaller engine, it can reach speed and efficiency. With the Yamaha F200XCA motor, it has a top speed of almost 49 miles per hour. And when cruising at 25.6 miles per hour it achieves 4.93 miles per gallon.

Find The Best Boat For You

With Scout Boats, you’ll have access to the finest vessels on the water, including our fast, efficient, and comfortable bay boats. Contact us today for more information on our excellent boats.

Heading out into the open ocean for some fantastic fishing? The water can get rough when you go out to sea, so make sure you have a boat that is able to handle the chop. Do you know what to look for in the best center console boats for rough waters? With this helpful guide, you’ll know what features will help to ensure comfort, stability, and performance in heavy chop.

Decent Size

When designed properly (more on that below) even a small boat can handle rough waters. In general though, the larger the craft, the better it will perform when the waves are high. If you expect to be cruising through rough conditions, you will want a boat that is at least 30 feet in length. The larger you go in boat size, the more it will be able to resist the rolling and instability created by large waves. Look for a decent size when shopping for the best center console boats for rough water.

A Well-Designed Hull

Although a larger boat will give smoother performance in general, a small boat with a well-designed hull will give you smoother performance than a large boat with a poorly designed hull. At Scout Boats, we meticulously design all of our hulls in house using our advanced design and engineering department.

This is a phase of the boat-building process that gives us great pride, as our boats are better able to handle and cut through chop with ease. There’s simply no substitute for a great hull design when you are on rough water.

A Dry Ride

Nothing’s worse than being in a boat and getting completely soaked. You need to make sure that the boat you purchase is able to give you a dry ride in both calm and rough conditions. Be sure to test drive the vessel and, if possible, take it through a few wakes to see how well it cuts through the waves. If you notice water splashing into the deck, you will likely not have a pleasant boating experience when you are cutting through open ocean.

Find the Boat You Need for Rough Water

Here are some top picks from Scout to help you over rough waters in high style.

530 LXF

530 LXF

Scout Boats is proudly revolutionizing the boating industry once again, this time with the 530 LXF. This boat has incredible luxury and refinement. It features a world-class hull design that allows it to perform smoothly on the water.

420 LXF

420 LXF

With all the luxury features you expect from Scout, as well as the size and design you need for rough waters, this boat can be your companion on all your adventures. You will have smooth performance and a dry ride that allows you to cherish every moment.

Build Your Scout

If you are looking for a comfortable, luxurious boat for rough water, you can find exactly what you need from Scout. Use our Build Your Scout Tool to create a boat that will keep you happy for years!