Jerry Cahalan 
Anchoring may seem like a simple practice, but it actually requires a bit of skill. It’s important that this is done correctly in order to maintain your position and secure the boat safely in place. Practice and experience is the best way to learn, but these tips will show you how to anchor a boat properly.
If you’ve recently purchased a boat, the first launch can be stressful. But don’t worry—with these tips, you’ll find that launching is quick and easy. Read on to learn exactly how to launch a boat the right way.
Docking a boat can be one of the easiest parts of boating. In good conditions—and usually when no one is watching—the boats seems to glide perfectly into place. But with windy conditions, sharp angles, and lots of traffic with seemingly everyone watching, docking a boat can be quite stressful! That’s why you need to learn how to dock a boat safely, effectively, and properly, so that you can get it right every time regardless of the environment around you.
Ready to store your boat for the off season? Remember these simple tips to keep your boat in excellent shape for years to come. Here’s how to store your boat!
To protect the water-holding components of the boat, you should drain the bilge, water tank, head, pipes, and any other areas that hold water. If possible, raise the bow of the boat to ensure thorough drainage, and spray the bilge with a moisture-displacing chemical.
Throughout the boating season, your vessel has gone through a lot of salt and grime, which now needs to be removed before storage. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the boat from front to back and top to bottom. Leave some time for the boat to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Whether you’re storing your boat inside or outside, this step is important. Use a marine wax to help prevent rust and corrosion on your boat’s hull, giving it a clean shine while also protecting it for years to come.
The engine needs to be cleaned and flushed to remove saltwater and grime. Refill the coolant system, and briefly run the engine to loosen any impurities. Replace the oil and the filters, and apply a fogging oil to the carburetor and spark plug holes. You may even want to remove and store dry belts to prevent them from snapping under constant tension. Once complete, add some gas and fuel stabilizer to protect the engine over the winter.
The steering system and control mechanisms should be greased before storage. Gently apply a lubricant that displaces moisture on all moving metal components, including hinges, links, and latches.
Take the propeller off the motor and remove any weeds, fishing line, and debris that may have collected. Check for damage on the prop itself, and look for any issues on the prop shaft. Lubricate and return the prop for winter storage.
If you’re storing the boat outdoors in a cold environment, this is especially important. Take out the battery, give it a complete charge, and lightly coat the terminals and cable ends with grease. Store the battery in a warm, safe location for the winter.
Lifejackets, fire extinguishers, electronics, and anything else that is not a permanent part of the boat should be removed. Go through the boat and look under seats, around corners, and in all storage areas for loose items. (Just remember to bring them back before you start the next boating season!)
Now you can cover the boat and take it to your favorite storage location. Shrink wrapping is one option, but canvas covers are a popular choice as well.
Now that you know how to store a boat, if you are looking for a luxury vessel that has all the features you need, purchase a boat from Scout. You can design your ideal craft using our Build Your Scout tool, which allows you to add custom features for fishing, skiing, cruising, or complete luxury. Try it out today!
Those who live in coastal areas are truly blessed when it comes to fishing, as many can target nearby bays for some of the most active and exciting angling possible. However, to have success while bay fishing, you need to have the right gear, implement the best strategies, and know which species to target. Prepare yourself for an afternoon on the water with this ultimate bay fishing guide filled with useful tips!
Dual console boats deliver some of the finest ride quality you can have on the water. With a dual console, you have seating along both sides of the boat, creating more room and seating for all passengers. Plus, they are incredibly popular for boaters of all types and experience levels. Whether you are an experienced boater who loves to fish or a new boat owner who simply wants to take the family skiing, this type of boat will deliver the features and convenience you need. Let’s look at five of the best dual console boats over 20 feet in length from Scout.
The 275 Dorado has a wealth of features, but one of its most notable aspects is the custom fiberglass built-in hardtop. This addition to the boat comes with four flush-mounted rod holders, LED lighting, and stainless steel handrails. It’s also the largest dual console boat available in our lineup, giving you ample space for all of your friends and family who want to join you on your adventures.
Comfort is one of the main advantages to owning a Scout dual console boat, and you can see this highlighted in the 255 Dorado with its electronic aft-facing seat. This feature converts to a lounger and is enhanced by a fold-down aft port-side seat. The boat can even be upgraded with a grill that allows you to cook your catch without setting foot on land!
If you prefer a craft that has an expertly-designed hull, choose the 235 Dorado. This boat rides on the NuV3 hull, which provides greater efficiency, ride quality, and stability while cruising across the water. With multiple rod holders, the 235 Dorado lets you take all your fishing equipment so you can target your favorite species.
Also riding on the NuV3 hull, the 225 Dorado gives you nimble performance without sacrificing quality and effectiveness. The boat has plenty of family-friendly features, including dual swim platforms so you can stop and enjoy the water. With plenty of space and comfortable seating, this is a great boat for your entire group.
Anglers who want to target shallow-water areas will love the 215 Dorado. This boat gives you a small profile so you can head into intertidal areas and other locations where larger boats are unable to travel. It has all the features and luxuries you’d expect from a Scout, including a fantastic stereo system, hydraulic steering, and comfortable captain’s chairs. Although smaller than many other dual console boats, it has the ability to carry nine people at one time.
If you need a dual console boat over 20 feet that fits your specific needs, use our Build Your Scout tool today. You can select the model and features that will keep you and your family happy for years!
If you’re looking for a top-quality boat that you can take on long offshore adventures, you should have a vessel that is at least 30 feet in length. At this size, you can enjoy comfortable space and plenty of amenities, all while having the ability to easily travel through open ocean.
You deserve one of the best center console boats over 30 feet from Scout, so learn more about the top options for your next adventure! Then, customize your favorite craft with our Build Your Scout tool to add on even more luxury features.
The 530LXF is the largest and most impressive boat in our lineup. Sporting numerous luxury features and plenty of space, this boat is a wonderful choice for anyone who values a high-quality lifestyle and wants to take that lifestyle with them wherever they go, even the water. The 530 LXF is also highlighted by a digital helm, which allows you to stay fully connected to all the information you need for a successful trip.
If you want a boat that combines art and engineering to give you near perfection, the 420 LXF may be the selection for you. This craft uses an epoxy-infused hull to create superior performance, while features like the fish-eye bow camera add to your experience on the water.
This boat also gives you tremendous convenience. For example, the 5-N-1 Performance Leaning Post provides a second-row seating option, allowing for more passengers in the comfortable helm.
You deserve the finest in boating innovations. With the 380 LXF, you can have a boat that melds technology and design into a sleek, sporty craft. The vessel comes loaded with luxury features like a Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer, which improves the overall ride and reduces sway in the boat in rough waters. You can even add a convertible hideaway entertainment station, further improving the quality of your boating experience.
The 355 LXF has it all: performance, comfort, luxury, and convenience. While smaller than other craft we have mentioned, this boat is excellent for many different purposes, including elite fishing adventures with a smaller group of friends.
This boat is loaded with electronics, and to keep everything functioning strong, you can use the integrated solar panels on the hardtop. This gives you additional power while enjoying a day on the water.
Nimble and elite, the 330 LXF is perfect for fishing and cruising the bays and open oceans. It can carry a large group, but it’s best used for dedicated fishing trips where catching your limit is the top priority.
From ample rod storage to a large bait well, this boat has everything you need for a full day of fishing. But you can also enjoy a luxury cruise thanks to comfortable seating and a convenient leaning post with a cooler and sink.
We hope you’ve enjoyed browsing the best center console boats over 30 feet from Scout. With our Build Your Scout feature, you can choose even more features and amenities to include that fit your exact needs. With excellent designs and world-class materials, our boats will give you years of fishing and cruising!
Sarasota has so much to offer boaters. With beautiful, vibrant beaches, gorgeous bays, quick access to the Gulf of Mexico, and some of the best fishing on the planet, Sarasota, FL is a boater’s paradise. However, you need the right boat for the area. Luckily, Scout offers some of the best boats for Sarasota, FL, including large vessels for offshore excursions and smaller crafts for inshore fishing. You can even customize your boat exactly to your liking with the Build Your Scout tool!
You don’t have to own a massive yacht to get the best technology and luxury on the water. There are plenty of boats under 40-feet in length that deliver everything you need, all on a craft that is manageable and convenient. Take a look at our best day cruising boats under 40’ from Scout, then customize every detail of your selection with our Build Your Scout tool!
If you are buying boat under 40 feet, make sure that it has these features and characteristics to make the most of your purchase:
Below are the best day cruising boats under 40’ from Scout! Take a look at all they have to offer:
For outstanding luxury and refinement in a boat that is just shy of 40-foot, the 380 LXF is a great choice. This craft keeps you fully connected at the helm with technology like Garmin screens and Wifi capability. In addition, hideaway entertainment and an optional port side beach platform delivers the convenience and attention to detail you’d expect from a Scout.
Made with advanced designs and superior materials, the 355 LXF is a sleek yet powerful boat that delivers unsurpassed luxury on the water. With a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer and other outstanding features, you’ll be able to cruise the seas, bays, and open ocean for a full day without ever thinking of leaving your craft.
With elegant lines and a sleek form, the 330 LXF is one of the most visually-impressive boats in our entire lineup. However, it’s the technology and performance that makes this boat a stand out. With optional features like Garmin radar and autopilot systems, you can own a boat with leading technology.
While many of the best cruising boats are center consoles, you can have an excellent boating experience with a dual console boat like the 275 Dorado. This boat has room for a large group with plenty of space to spare, thanks to its 9-foot width. It is also an excellent boat for fishing, and it has all the optional features you need for skiing or simply relaxing on the water.
You deserve a boat that has the best technology, comfort, and luxury, all of which the above boats have to offer. Once you’ve made your selection, further customize your vessel with our Build Your Scout tool, which allows you to add on unique features that fit your boating lifestyle. We have everything you need for a top-notch boating experience!
There are many activities you can enjoy when you go boating. From casual fishing to simply relaxing on the water, your recreational boat should allow you to get the most from every adventure. In this article, we’ll show you exactly what to look for in a recreational boat, then give you a few examples of the best recreational boats from Scout.
Anyone who wants to enjoy recreational activities on the water should have a boat with the right features and characteristics. Look for a boat with these aspects, and you’ll have more fun every time you leave the dock.
These are just a few of the best recreational boats available from Scout:
While the 231 XS is only about 23-feet in length, it is still loaded with luxury and entertainment. You can actually seat eight total people, and you’ll find standard features like a Fusion Bluetooth stereo system, which can help pass the time on a long day of fishing or skiing. It can also be upgraded with a myriad of features, including Garmin screens, a trolling motor, and LED underwater lights.
Technology, performance, and luxury all come together on the 380 LXF. Not only is this large vessel visually stunning, but it gives you plenty of features to enjoy, including ample rod storage, a sunroof hatch, and a synthetic teak swim platform. It is also one of the most technologically advanced boats on the market, with optional features such as autopilot mode, radar, Garmin screens, and more. From short trips to overnight offshore adventures, this boat gives you complete enjoyment.
If you are looking for a family-friendly fishing vessel—one that will deliver the performance you want with the comfort you need—the 275 Dorado is a great choice. This recreational boat has a dual console layout, meaning it has seating on both sides and a walking path in the middle. It also has a self-contained porcelain head and a 25-gallon aft baitwell that can be converted into a cooler.
Contact our staff today, and we’ll help you find a boat that best fits your lifestyle. From large offshore vessels to small inshore fishing boats, you’ll get luxury, refinement, and advanced technology when you choose a Scout. Plus, you can further customize the craft of your choice with the Build Your Scout tool. Add every feature you desire in your optimal boat with this fantastic feature!
Click below to build your dream Scout model.