Jerry Cahalan

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!

Water sports are a great way to bring fun and excitement to your boat. You may have purchased a boat for fishing, but you likely have people in your family who want to ski or wakeboard. If this is the case for you, you should consider one of the best boats for water sports from Scout.

What To Look For

Before you go out and purchase a boat for water sports, make sure you understand the best possible features that you should have in these vessels:

• Ski pylon or tow bar. A ski pylon lifts the tow rope about three feet, which means it won’t droop into the water as easily. This is an essential feature if you are serious about skiing or wake boarding.
• Swimming platform. A swim platform allows skiers to easily jump in the water while providing a convenient space for climbing into the boat.
• Rear-facing passenger seats. When a skier is behind the boat, you need someone watching, as the driver is facing forward. With rear-facing seating, a passenger can easily keep their eye on the skier.

Best Boats From Scout

These boats have the standard and available features you need for true enjoyment on the water.

210 Dorado

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The skiers in your group will appreciate the optional ski tow bar, which stays conveniently over the motor where it doesn’t clutter the deck. There is also enough space for passengers who can watch the action from almost any seat on the boat. With dual swim platforms, getting in and out of the boat is easy.

235 XSF

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Like the 210 Dorado, this craft is perfect for water sports. Plus, it features a center console, which allows passengers to walk all around the deck. The boat has a swim platform for added convenience, and it is loaded with comfortable seating for everyone on board. Add in features like a self-contained head and a 65-quart cooler, and you have the perfect boat for skiing and relaxation. This is a versatile and comfortable boat that delivers the features you need for multiple activities, including water sports.

255 LFX

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Some might consider this boat too large for pulling a skier, but the craft can deliver the maximum enjoyment you deserve while allowing for outstanding comfort. It has standard equipment that includes teak swim platforms as well as multiple convenience features. It can also be equipped with a ski pylon to create one of the best boats for water sports.

Build Your Scout Today

Use our Build Your Scout feature to create the ultimate ski boat for your specific needs. You can enjoy outstanding features, maximum comfort, and world-class designs in every Scout. Whether you need a large offshore boat or a small skiff for intertidal areas, make sure you have the luxury, refinement, and convenience of a Scout.

Hoping to host a party on your boat? Then you need a craft that has the right size, features, and technology. With one of the best boats for partying from Scout, you and your guests will have a wonderful time on the water!

What To Look For in a Party Boat

While you can have a “party” on virtually any boat, there are some characteristics that can help ensure you’ll have a far more memorable experience. With these features, everyone will talk about your party for weeks! · Entertainment Features. To have an enjoyable party, your guests need to have access to features like audio speakers, MP3 players, and even televisions. · Large Capacity. It’s hard to have a party on a boat that only holds four people. Make sure the boat you purchase has enough room for your group. · Comfortable Cabin with Head. Sometimes people need to escape the party and relax. A spacious cabin with a toilet is essential to your party.

Best Party Boats From Scout

These boats are fully loaded and ready to host your next party!

530 LXF

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With the 530 LXF, you will have all the space you need for a wonderful party. This incredible boat, which is currently the largest in our fleet, is 53 feet long and has a beam (nautical for “width”) over 14 feet. This gives you enough room for a large group and ensures your boat can be loaded with features—without crowding your space.

On this boat, you’ll find features to keep everyone entertained, including an XM stereo system, comfortable seating, and a television set for watching the big game.

420 LXF

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While this boat was created to be the ultimate off-shore luxury fishing craft, it still has all the amenities and features to make it a wonderful party boat. It has a large deck with space for comfortable seating upfront, and it comes standard with a summer kitchen, which includes a grill, cooler, and storage bin.

In the cabin, your guests can enjoy air conditioning, a microwave, and even a 32-inch television for people who want to escape the party and relax.

380 LXF

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This vessel has some amazing luxuries, including the top-quality seating found throughout the deck. One of the features that makes it such an incredible party boat is the outstanding cabin, which has a 6’4” height, a sleeping berth, and an enclosed shower and head area. These might not sound like party features, but they are useful conveniences that everyone will enjoy!

For entertaining, the deck has top-quality upholstery and an optional convertible hideaway entertainment station. This station includes a hidden sink, grill, and other features that make your party even more enjoyable.

Build Your Ideal Boat

With a Scout Boat, you’ll find luxury, refinement, and plenty of features that create an excellent party atmosphere. Use our Build Your Scout tool to create the perfect boat for your specific needs.

There are many types of boats you can choose. A large center console boat or small dual console boat are just a few of the numerous options. Many boaters, however, will prefer the ease and convenience of a walkaround boat, which is excellent for fishing as well as leisurely and relaxing boating. Scout is proud to offer some of the best walkaround boats that let you enjoy fishing and entertaining on the water.

What Are They?

Walkaround boats are marked by two specific features. The first is a small cabin, which allows for enclosed relaxation with sleeping quarters—and possibly a small kitchen and dining area, as well as a head (nautical term for bathroom). The second feature is a center console that can be walked around from all angles, allowing for 360-degree fishing as well as the ability to walk from the front of the boat to the back.

What To Look For

When you shop for a walkaround boat, keep an eye out for these important features:

• Fishing Amenities. Look for a craft that gives you plenty of fishing amenities. Above all, these boats are used for angling, which means you need plenty of rod storage, large live wells, and easy access to the water.
• Comfort and Luxury. It’s also useful to have comfort, such as ample seating space and comfortable materials. You might spend hours, or even days out on the water, so make sure there are luxuries to keep you happy.
• Ample Space on the Deck. Part of enjoying a boat is having enough space on the deck so you can actually “walkaround” the boat. Make sure there is enough room so you don’t feel crammed.

Walkaround Boats From Scout

If you are looking for one of the best walkaround boats on the market, check out these options from Scout Boats:

355 LXF

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This is one of the best boats for fishing and pleasure cruising. At 35 feet in length, this boat has space for your group and some of the finest fishing features to your adventures.

420 LXF

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Few boats offer the level of luxury that you get with the 420 LFX. Plus, this boat also offers all the right fishing features, including a large live well and an optional marine fighting chair. In the cabin, you’ll find optional features such as a coffee maker and rod storage.

255 LXF

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If you want a nimbler boat that has the advantages of a top-quality walkaround boat, the 255 LXF is a great option. With this craft, you’ll get casting access from all angles of the boat, as well as a draft of only 19 inches.

Find the Right Walkaround Boat for Your Specific Needs

You deserve a boat that will keep you happy for years. Use our Build Your Scout feature to create a boat that is perfect for you and your family!

Center console boats are a wonderful option for anglers and boating enthusiasts all across the country. While many center console boats are larger, often measuring over 40 feet, vessels under 30 feet give greater convenience and maneuverability. Here are some of the best center console boats under 30 feet from Scout.

What To Look For

If you are looking for a small to medium-sized center console boat, these are the features you will likely want:

• Fishing Features. A center console boat should have plenty of fishing features, including rod storage and a live well. Spacious casting room is also important.
• Luxury Features. You don’t need a massive boat to have luxury on the water. Look for a boat that has excellent materials, technology, and comfort for you and your guests.
• Shallow Draft. One of the advantages of having a smaller boat is that you can reach shallow fishing destinations that other boats can’t access. Make sure you have a craft with a shallow draft so you maintain access to remote fishing locations.

Featured Models

If you want luxury combined with the best fishing features on a craft under 30 feet, these boats from Scout will meet your needs.

255 LXF

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The 255 LXF is roughly 25.5 feet in length, giving it excellent maneuverability while allowing for a wealth of luxury and convenience features. It can give you enjoyment on open waters, and with a draft of only 19 inches, it can access remote fishing destinations that are untouched by other anglers. With a 220-quart fish box, this boat is ready for practically any fishing adventure.

235 XSF

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As a center console boat, this craft is ready for a wide range of expeditions on the water, including fishing excursions or leisurely cruising. This boat sets a high standard for family-friendly boating. It has a sleek appearance, yet maintains power and space for you and your group. Thanks to conveniences and luxury, everyone will have a great time while riding in this center console boat. If you want a boat with numerous features, this is the craft for you.

275 LXF

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This boat has a huge variety of innovative features, making it a top-quality center console boat. For example, the wave gate folds all the way down to the deck, creating superior convenience while you are out on the water or loading and unloading passengers. It also has a wide range of optional features, including a grill and wet bar, which will make your boating experience even more enjoyable. With style, performance, and luxury, this boat is perfect for anglers or people who simply enjoy being on the water.

Find the Right Boat for Your Needs

You can have an outstanding boat, and Scout can help make it happen. Contact one of our excellent dealers to get the service you deserve and find the boat you want.

From large boats to small fishing vessels, Scout Boats has everything you need!

There are many unique types of boats that you can choose. From large yachts to nimble inshore vessels, you have many options when selecting a craft. A skiff is a popular choice for people who want a boat that can handle shallow water. Here are some of the best skiff boats for sale from Scout!

What Is A Skiff?

While the exact definition varies, a skiff is generally a small boat with room for roughly four people, at the most. Skiffs area great for fishing, and they can also be an enjoyable family boat, but you need to know what to look for before you start shopping.

What To Look For in a Skiff Boat

Skiffs are popular for nearshore fishing as well as river fishing. To enjoy a skiff, you need to find a model with the right features and characteristics.

• Shallow Draft. A shallow draft will ensure you have the ability to reach various fishing destinations, including intertidal areas and backwater locations that often hold scores of fish.
• Stable Hull Design. A proper hull design is especially important in smaller boats like skiffs. With an intelligent design, the boat can handle heavier chop while still maintaining a shallow draft.
• Fishing Features. Most skiffs are used specifically for fishing—so you need to find a craft that has excellent fishing features, including rod storage, bait wells, and ample casting space.

Skiff Boats From Scout

These skiff boats from Scout give you performance, comfort, and the chance to catch outstanding shallow-water species!

175 Sport Dorado

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From family fun to elite fishing adventures, this boat gives you everything you desire. You can cast all day and enjoy outstanding comfort and convenience, or you can hit the lake for an afternoon of skiing and tubing. With a convenient swim platform and ample rod storage, this is a truly versatile and convenient boat!

175 Sportfish

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Thanks to the center console, this boat allows you to cast in all directions, making your fishing easier and more successful. With a 94-quart removable cooler, you can keep your catch fresh, while the extensive bow platform and storage area makes the experience more reliable. Thanks to a 10-inch draft, you can take this boat into some of the most remote destinations.

177 Sport

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This boat is ideal for anglers of all skill levels, as it can help you cruise across the water with ease and find the perfect fishing hole. It has a draft of only 10 inches, yet comes with a width of 7 feet and 3 inches, giving you stability and space. Thanks to a variety of fishing features, including an aerated console bait well, this craft if ready to hit all the best fishing destinations!

Build Your Skiff Boat Today

You deserve a boat that meets your specific needs. With our Build Your Scout tool, you can create the exact boat you need for years of enjoyment on the water.

A cruiser boat can give you outstanding pleasure on the water. These crafts are meant for long, luxurious adventures, allowing you to spend hours or even days at sea without sacrificing your lifestyle. With the right cruiser, you can have the luxury you expect with the superior reliability and comfort you deserve. Here are some of the best cruiser boats for sale from Scout!

What to Look for in a Cruiser

• A Luxurious, Comfortable Cabin: You may spend hours or even days on your boat, so it’s essential that you have a comfortable cabin where you can relax. The best cruiser boats will have all the basic amenities, including a head, sleeping quarters, and dining table, as well as luxury features like refined materials, entertainment systems, and elegant lighting.
• Refined Amenities and Conveniences: Throughout the boat, you should find refined materials and conveniences. These are features that enhance your boating enjoyment, such as Wi-Fi capability or a grilling station for your meals.
• Large Size and Capacities: It’s okay to spend a few hours on a smaller boat, but if you will be on the water for days at a time, you need size and capacity. The size of the boat should be large enough so you can relax, and the fuel and freshwater capacity should be enough to last for your trip.

Cruiser Boats From Scout

Here are some of the largest and most popular cruisers found in the Scout Boats lineup:

530 LXF

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The largest and most impressive boat in our entire lineup, the 530 LFX is a craft built for luxury cruising. It has all the amenities you expect, including standard bolster cushions, a transom platform, and a cockpit island with barstools. It also has optional luxuries that increase your boating experience, such as Garmin screens and underwater lights.

420 LXF

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We made sure to include every possible detail when we designed this boat. The engineering process resulted in a craft that has the smooth performance and handling of a smaller boat, while maintaining the comfort and space of a large cruiser. The 420 LXF has a cabin loaded with amenities, including an air conditioner, stove, shower, and a queen-size bed.

380 LXF

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When it comes to combining luxury and technology, few boats match the 380 LXF. This cruiser has all the amenities you need with an advanced hull that delivers remarkable performance. One of the most impressive features is the SeaKeeper Gyro Stabilizer, which helps keep the boat level and reduces rocking. The double-stepped hull sits beneath a deck that has everything you need, from comfortable seating to ample rod storage.

Build Your Scout Today

Scout Boats offers some of the most advanced features and technology on the water. With refined features and advanced engineering, these vessels are the industry leader in luxury and comfort. Build Your Scout today!

Maintaining safety on the water is crucial. You might not have thought about it, but there is a proper way to pass a fishing boat on the water. Here are some tips to help you maintain safety for both you and the anglers.

Why is There a Concern When Passing Fishing Boats?

More people are boating than ever before, and this is creating a unique set of dangers on the water. As people are out boating, there is an increased chance of collisions and accidents.

With a fishing boat, the chances of an accident are increased. That’s because these vessels often have lines and ropes in the water, sometimes to a distance of hundreds of yards.

Understand The Basics

According to practice, and common courtesy, you are not allowed to pass over lines unless the other boat has given you the all clear. As a boat owner, you are responsible for maintaining safe practices on the water. There is always a chance of accidents, no matter how well trained you are, but by doing things properly, including seemingly small issues like passing another boat, everyone will be safer on the water.

Imagine if there were no rules on the road, and everyone could just make up their own way of driving, including the path for their cars and trucks. Chaos would ensue. The same goes for boating: by knowing and respecting consistent rules of boating, you can increase the overall safety.

What Should You Do When Passing a Fishing Boat?

To pass a fishing boat, you should steer to the starboard side, which is the right-hand side of a boat. This means both boats will pass each other on their port side, or left-hand side.

However, there are some situations when passing to the starboard side is not possible. For example, you may come across a fishing boat that has cast lines toward the shore, limiting where you pass. In this case, you can pass on the other side, but you are supposed to communicate to the other boat that you will be doing so.

To pass on the starboard side, it is customary to honk the horn once, then wait for a single honk in reply from the other boat, which signals your go-ahead. If passing on the port side, blast twice and wait for a double-blast in reply to signal your go-ahead.

It’s important that you maintain a minimum wake when passing a fishing boat. This is not only a courtesy, it’s also an important part of maintaining safety on the water—as large wakes could cause a safety issue on the fishing boat you are passing. Someone could fall and hurt themselves, or they could be tossed overboard.

Considering A New Boat?

If you want a top-quality vessel for fishing, cruising, or water sports, you need a Scout. Use our Build Your Scout tool to create the perfect craft for your specific needs!

If you live near a river, you can enjoy the luxury and quality found on all Scout Boats. Here are a few of the best river boats that you can find in our extensive lineup.

What to Look For

Minimal Draft. When purchasing a boat for the river, you will need one that has a shorter draft, which indicates how deep the bottom of the boat goes. A shallow draft is important because there can be many obstructions in the water, including logs and sand bars. Rivers change every year, so shallow spots and obstacles can take you by surprise, making a shallow draft essential.

Maneuverable Size. While boating on a river, you will need to navigate through narrow channels and around branches, sandbars, and rocks. Being able to steer the boat accurately and quickly is important, so look for a boat that is nimble and maneuverable.

River Boats From Scout

Here are a few of the best rivers boat you can purchase from Scout!

235 Dorado

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If you want a boat that has good size, comfortable seating, and a high-quality hull, the 235 Dorado is a great option. This boat uses our NuV3 hull, which creates outstanding efficiency and performance. And thanks to its many fishing features, you can take this boat in pursuit of river catfish, walleye, bass, and more. It also comes loaded with standard and optional amenities, including a swim platform, a folding table, a fiberglass hardtop, and stern seating.

One of the most popular features is the bow rod holders, which are designed to store your fishing rods out of the way. This increases your storage options without creating a cluttered deck.

231 XS

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While this model was created to be a leading inshore/offshore vessel, it also makes an outstanding river boat thanks to its performance, versatility, and handling. This model is packed with innovations that include a hull designed by our in-house experts. It has all the performance you expect and can be equipped with a 300 HP motor to deliver speeds over 60 mph, perfect if you are boating in large rivers like the Mississippi.

The helm was designed with the elite boater in mind, but it’s intuitive enough that practically anyone can use this craft.

175 Sportfish

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If you want to fully enjoy the rivers, perhaps a small, nimble boat like the 175 Sportfish would be best. This boat has plenty of features to enhance your comfort, including a 94-quart removable cooler seat, as well as a large variety of fishing features.

Take to the river with this boat and you’ll enjoy an aerated livewell, ample seating, and a large bow casting platform.

Create Your River Boat Today

You can create your own river boat by using our Build Your Scout feature. Use this tool to create the ideal craft for your needs, then head to your local Scout dealer to pick it up. With innovative designs and advanced engineering, we have the right boat for rivers, lakes, and saltwater.

Boating is a wonderful hobby that virtually anyone, from experienced mariners to land-locked novices, can enjoy. In this post, we’ll walk you through what to look for in the best boats for beginners and highlight some of the top models from Scout Boats. What To Look For

If you’re just starting in boating, you need to choose the right craft for your needs. With that in mind, we would suggest you look for three specific qualities from your boat: moderate size, manageable power, and a moderate price.

• Moderate Size. You didn’t learn to drive behind the wheel of a massive semi-truck. Neither should you learn to pilot a boat on a large offshore vessel.
• Manageable Power. You likely didn’t learn to drive in an overpowered muscle car. Likewise, learning to boat with a jet-powered racing craft may not be the best place to start.
• Moderate Price. While boating is certainly enjoyable for all, some people don’t like it as much as others, and that’s okay. We would suggest choosing a moderately priced boat to see if ownership is right for you. If you find that you absolutely love boating, then you can always step into a more expensive, faster, and larger craft!

Beginner Boats From Scout

Here are some of the best boats for beginners in the Scout Boats lineup!

210 Dorado

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At 21 feet in length, the 210 Dorado is a manageable dual-console boat that can handle a wide variety of waters, ranging from shallow flats to large lakes and bays. Features include flush-mount rod holders, dual swim platforms, and Bay Star hydraulic steering. Equipped with a 150-horsepower motor (standard), the boat gives you plenty of power but also maintains a level of manageable performance. It also has plenty of room for up to eight people, so your first boat can be enjoyed by your friends and family.

231 XS

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If you want an elite fishing craft as your first boat, the 231 XS is a great option. It can get you to the best fishing spots in a hurry, but it doesn’t overwhelm you with power. At about 23 feet in length, it can easily be handled in crowded marinas and bays, and it gives plenty of technology including Bluetooth speakers and Sea Star hydraulic steering. With fishing features as well as comfort and versatility, this is a wonderful family boat that can also deliver a superior fishing experience.

195 Sportfish

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While this is one of the smaller boats in our lineup (but certainly not the smallest), this craft gives you outstanding comfort and an enjoyable ride. The hull was created by our own experts, so it meets a higher standard for performance and efficiency. With a 150-horsepower Yamaha motor, the craft propels across the water with ease but still allows for manageable performance. Standard features include rod holders, a swim platform, bait well, and stern jump seats, allowing you to have everything you need without increasing the price through optional equipment.

Find the Perfect Boat for All Experience Levels

These are just a few of the boats from Scout. If you want help choosing the right craft for your needs and experience level, contact our staff today. We’ll explain all the features and characteristics of any model so you can make the right choice for your first boat!