Scout: A History of Uncompromising Quality

Scout Boats is one of the most successful boating companies in the world. This statement doesn’t come from sales numbers or profit margins; it comes from quality products, outstanding service, and an uncompromising culture of excellence.

Through its history, Scout has maintained a commitment to doing things right and building a strong, high-integrity company.

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A World-Class Organization from Humble Beginnings

Scout’s owner, founder and president Steve Potts, has been working in the boat-building industry since he was 14. Working in various jobs, from a ground-level employee as a teenager to a plant manager for American Sail, he always knew that one day he would go off and do his own thing. But Steve also understood the risks involved with any entrepreneurial leap, so he worked hard, gained more knowledge, and saved $50,000, which he used to launch Scout Boats.

When Steve started his boat-building company, it was just himself, his wife Dianne, and a helper or two. He was working from a garage or a barn; wherever he could set up shop and get to work.

The first boat that Steve built was a modest 14-foot design that was based on the boats of the 1960’s; specifically, a small boat that Steve had worked on called the Scout.

During the 1970’s, the simple Scout design and name disappeared, but Steve had such fond memories of that simple, effective fishing boat that he wanted to continue the name.

The first design was a high-end, finely finished fishing boat. It was simple, but it was definitely a saltwater fishing boat. By early 1989, Steve was working with about seven dealers in the Carolinas. He would build boats during the week and deliver them on the weekend; during his few moments of spare time, he would develop newer, larger models. He was making ends meet and building his business, but most importantly, he was living his dreams.

Hurricane Hugo

The true test of a company is it’s ability to thrive during difficult setbacks. The first major setback for Scout Boats came in September of 1989, a month that few people in the southern Atlantic region will forget. Hurricane Hugo leveled the brick barn Steve was operating in, forcing Steve, his wife, and his two children to sift through the rubble, salvage whatever they could, and attempt to rebuild. Eventually, the building was rebuilt, and Steve and his family got back on their feet.

Thanks to meticulous engineering, advanced designs, and a culture of accountability, Scout Boats began to thrive. There was almost no real competition because Scout was building something that people had never seen before. The level of detail was phenomenal. Everything was polished and given dedicated attention, even things that usually go overlooked, like the bottom of the fiberglass lids.

Eventually, Steve brought his boats to a major boating show. When the people in attendance saw his creation, they new it was something special. Steve would walk away from that show with a list of 31 dealers who wanted his boats in their showrooms. According to Steve, it was like going from feast to famine.

Bright FutureThe challenge for Steve now became managing the growth of Scout Boats. Steve had to be more than an innovative boat builder, he has to be involved with management, marketing, accounting, and more. Most of all, he has to be a leader for an expanding business.

Steve’s leadership was once again tested during the economic recession of 2008. While other boat companies were folding or being consumed by mergers and acquisitions, Scout Boats continued its upward climb. From 2008 to 2010, Scout actually launched 18 new models, all but reinventing the company with bigger boats, unique styles, and enhanced performance. Since 2009, Scout has seen about 25% annual growth.

The future is bright for Scout Boats, but it will always look to its history of innovation and dedication to excellence.

Great Fishing Boats for High Standards

If you have a passion for greatness, you can get a boat that meets your higher standards. Visit our website and take a look at our large selection of world-class fishing boats and yacht tenders.

530 LXF Scout Line Drawing

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