Month: July 2019

Buying a boat is incredibly exciting, but you can’t rush through it. If you take your time, are patient, and ask plenty of questions, you’ll be far more likely to find a boat that meets your needs and is reliable for years to come. These are the essential questions to ask when buying a boat that can help you make an informed decision.

What Are The Warranties?

Most new boats will come with a warranty, which helps protect you financially if certain repairs are needed. In most cases, there are separate warranties for the boat and the motors. The hull, electronics, and other features are often protected by the manufacturer of the boat (Scout Boats, for example), while the motor manufacturer (Yamaha, Mercury, etc.) will have a different warranty. It’s important to inquire about all warranties before buying.

When Can I Test Drive The Boat?

This is not a matter of if you can test drive the boat, but a matter of when. Purchasing a new boat, especially a high-end, luxury fishing boat, will cost thousands of dollars, so driving it before you buy it is essential. Just like driving a car or walking through a house, this is a necessary part of the buying process.

Find a Scout dealer near you to schedule a test drive!

How Often Will The Boat Need Service? What Are The Typical Costs?

Different types of boats will have different needs for service. Ask the dealer or the manufacturer how often the boat requires routine maintenance, as well as its overall costs. Service is an important, and sometimes forgotten, part of boat ownership, so it shouldn’t be overlooked.

What Material Is The Boat Made From?

Boats come in a wide variety of materials. From the hull to the seats, the materials can make a difference on the quality, performance, and overall comfort of the craft. Be sure to ask about all materials before you make a boat purchase.

How Much Will It Cost To Insure This Boat

Another important cost is insurance. Many people rush into buying a boat and completely forget to insure the craft. In some areas, minimal boat insurance is required by law, so be sure to ask about these requirements before you buy.

How Many Passengers Does This Craft Hold?

Every boat has a specific capacity for passengers. You cannot legally have more passengers on board than your boat’s limit. Passenger capacity will have a direct impact on how you use the boat, making it one of the most essential questions to ask when buying a boat.  

Is Financing Available?

As we discussed earlier, boats can be expensive. For this reason, many people need to use financing to make the purchase. Talk with a representative to see if financing is available for your boat. If not, you may be able to get financing through a local credit union or bank.

Your Dream Boat Is Waiting!

Our friendly staff at Scout Boats is happy to answer all of your questions. Contact us today to learn more about our crafts, including warranties, materials, test drives, and any other questions you may have.

When most people take their smaller boat along on a yacht trip, they store it onboard. However, this can be a hassle when you’re ready to use it. It’s a pain to load the boat into the water, and later, hauling it back up again. Because of this, many yacht owners are realizing the ease of towing their tender instead of storing it on board. To do so safely, take a look at the proper steps on how to tow a tender behind a yacht.

Proper Markings And Lights For Each Vessel

Once you start moving with this rig, you’ll legally be considered a towboat. Towboats have different regulations and restrictions, and they also have a variety of required lighting to ensure proper safety. Both the yacht and the tender must have the proper markings and lighting to be a legal craft on the water, so be sure to talk with a boating expert to ensure your boat is up to standards.

Without the proper markings and lightings, your boat may not be legal for the water, and you could create significant safety issues. Always have the right lighting and markings long before you tow a tender behind your yacht.

Use Sturdy Cleats And Bitts

It’s essential that you use the right bitts and cleats when towing a tender, as the equipment will undergo a lot of pressure. If you’re using low-quality equipment, it could snap or break, which means you’ll have to retrieve your tender. Breaking equipment can also create a safety issue and could cause significant injury.

It’s also important to note that the small eye that’s commonly installed at the front of a tender is often inadequate for proper towing, so you may need to replace this item—although Scout Boats models all come with a top-quality tow eye.

Use Floats On The Line

One major safety issue for towing a yacht is the potential for tow lines to become wrapped in the yacht’s prop. To reduce the chances of this occurring, make sure there’s a float on the line itself. This will keep the rope at the surface of the water and will significantly reduce the chances of having your rope caught in the prop.

Don’t Pull A Boat That’s Too Big

You have to make sure the tender you’re pulling isn’t too big for your yacht. A general rule of thumb is that your tender should not be longer than the width of your yacht, as larger boats will create drag and reduce the speed, efficiency, and ride quality.

Get the Boat You Deserve with Scout

Are you looking for a great yacht tender? Contact Scout Boats today to learn more about our excellent selection of luxury fishing boats and tenders. With outstanding engineering and world-class designs, Scout Boats is a leader on the water. You deserve the finest features and amenities on your boat, so get in touch with us today!

Owning a boat is a wonderful experience. But if you’ve never purchased a boat before, you need to take your time and make sure you select the right craft. Here’s what to look for in a good first boat!

What To Look For in a First Boat

When searching for your first boat, look for these important features:

• Affordable Price. There is little doubt that you’ll love owning a boat. However, for your first purchase, look for one with a moderate price. If you discover that boating is right for you, you can move to a higher-priced craft.
• Moderate Size. If this is your first boat, it’s safe to assume that you don’t have much experience driving and maneuvering a vessel. Choose something with a manageable size to help you ease into boat operation.
• Variety of Features. Your first boat should have a wide variety of features so you can try many different activities. This should include features for fishing, watersports, leisurely cruising, and more.

Excellent Beginner Boats from Scout

If you are looking for a first boat, consider one of these excellent models from Scout Boats. They combine an affordable price, a manageable size, and numerous features to create a boat that you will love for years!

175 Sport Dorado

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Starting at a great price, the 175 Sport Dorado is a comfortable dual-console boat that delivers superior handing and versatility on the water. With a draft of only ten inches, this boat can reach shallow fishing areas that other anglers can’t reach, leaving you with access to untouched spots. It has a livewell for fishing, a swim platform for skiers, and can be equipped with a variety of other features that enhance your boating experience!

195 Sportfish

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Another affordably-priced boat, the 195 Sportfish is a remarkable craft that can be used for virtually any water activity. It has a comfortable deck for your group thanks to a beam of eight feet, six inches, yet it maintains easy maneuverability. With features like the Bimini top, backrest seating, and a capacity for seven people, this sleek vessel gives you everything you could desire from your first boat.

231 XS

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Although at a higher price point than the previous two models, this is such a popular boat that it is often limited in inventory—so you need to act quickly if you want one of these excellent vessels. The 231 XS is a versatile boat that can be used for both inshore and offshore boating. Whether you want a craft that is great for fishing or simply want to pull skiers for an afternoon of enjoyment on the water, the 231 XS is a wonderful option.

Get the Boat You Deserve from Scout!

If you want a truly incredible vessel for your first boat, you need a Scout. Use our Build Your Scout Feature to customize a boat that meets all of your needs!

After a long winter of sitting idle in a storage unit, your boat can’t just go straight to the water. Spend a weekend preparing your boat, and you’ll have more fun all summer long. With these tips, you can get your boat ready for summer in a flash!

Visually Inspect the Hull and Deck

After you take your boat out of storage, the first step should be a thorough visual inspection. If you have used a canvas or tarp to cover the boat, check it for tears. Look over the hull to see if there are any scratches or dents, then inspect the deck to see if there is any obvious damage. Look over every inch with meticulous care, and check all screws and bolts to ensure they are tight.

Check the Engine, Battery, and Other Mechanical Parts (Or Have Them Checked)

Your boat should have been properly winterized, so you now need to “de-winterize” to make sure it is ready for the water. Check the oil, filter, and battery to ensure everything is in top condition. It may be a good time to install a new battery, especially if the current one is over two years old. While they last longer, it’s comforting to have a fresh battery when you are miles from the dock.

Inspect the Pumps and Drains

The well will need to be properly inspected to make sure all hoses are secure and belts and cables are not brittle. One of the most important tasks is to check the bilge pump to make sure it is working properly. You will also want to check the drain plug on all the wells and test the pumps that drive water to these wells.

Verify Proper Registration, Life Jackets, Fire Extinguisher, Radio, and Other Necessities

Safety is crucial on your boat, so you need to make sure you have all the legal requirements. Although not tied to safety, you should first make sure all registration and permits are up-to-date. Then go through the boat to make sure all safety equipment is onboard, including enough lifejackets, a working radio, and a fire extinguisher. Don’t forget that fire extinguishers expire, so you may need to have it recharged or replaced.

Check the Trailer

If you pull your boat, you should give the trailer a full examination. Make sure all the rollers and pads are in top shape, and lubricate the wheel bearings and trailer jack. Test the lights to make sure turn signals and brake lights function properly, and check the brake fluid. The tongue and safety chain should also be inspected to make sure they will hold strong.

Start the Engine Before Heading to the Water

You may have a problem starting the engine, especially right out of storage, so it’s always best to water test the boat on your driveway before heading out.

Enhance Your Summer with Scout Boats

If you need a new boat that is perfect for summer relaxation and fun, contact Scout Boats today. We’ll help you find the right craft for your next adventure!