Jerry Cahalan

Having a shallow-water boat allows you to enjoy some of the most exciting fishing possible. While larger boats can safely take you to the deep blue water, allowing you to catch massive trophies, smaller boats allow you to cruise over some of the shallowest water you can find. Why is this an advantage? Because shallow waters often hold hungry, aggressive species, as well as sportfish that test your angling skills. Here are some of the best shallow water boats from Scout Boats.

175 Sport Dorado

Draft: 10 inches

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The 175 Sport Dorado has all the features you need for exciting fishing. Wth a 10-inch draft, you can reach remote shallow water destinations untouched by many anglers. With a six-person capacity, you can bring a larger group along for the adventure, and with an aerated livewell and plenty of rod storage, you can all enjoy fishing in the shallows.

The boat can also be used for activities beyond shallow-water fishing, as the craft is ideal for tubing with kids or simply cruising the water with your friends and family.

175 Sportfish

Draft: 10 inches

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To create this boat, we used the finest engineering and designs, resulting in a boat that can handle open waters like bays and lakes. Yet is fully capable of cruising over shallow waters. You’ll have versatility that is hard to find from most water crafts, as well as numerous fishing features that enhance your pleasure on the water.

This center console boat can do it all, and you’ll love the comfortable layout and precise handling, as well as the smooth ride. With standard features that include a swim platform, captain’s chairs, and pull-up cleats, the 175 Sportfish has all the amenities you expect.

177 Sport

Draft: 10 inches

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No matter what your level of fishing, no matter what type of species you want to target, the 177 Sport can make it happen. This is a boat with a huge variety of standard features, including a flared bow that perfectly deflects sprays, keeping you dry while you cruise on the water.

The draft is shallow, and it has a beam (width) of 7-foot, 3-inches, giving you plenty of space as you fish, cruise, or lounge on the deck. With an aerated live well, flush-mounted rod holders, and two tackle trays, you’ll have all the right features for superior fishing.

Create the Perfect Boat for Your Needs

If you want to create the perfect shallow water fishing boat for your needs, use our Build Your Scout feature. You’ll be able to choose the right size for your needs and select the right features to enhance your enjoyment on the water.

While Scout Boats is proud to offer some of the finest high-end luxury fishing boats on the market, we also understand that sticking to a budget matters to everyone, regardless of income or net worth. Our boats are crafted with premium materials, advanced designs, and some of the most sophisticated technologies available, but we also strive to make our boats affordable for any buyer. With that in mind, we offer several boats that come with a base price below $30,000. These boats, which come with all the luxury, refinement, and excellence that our buyers have come to expect, give you the chance to enjoy an elite boat at a price you can afford.

Here are some of the best boats under $30,000 from Scout Boats!

175 Sportfish – Base MSRP: $27,250*

If you want a nimble fishing machine that can help you reach some of the most remote and untouched spots on the water, you need the 175 Sportfish. Not only does this boat have a draft of only 10 inches, which allows you to cruise over shallow waters, it also has all the features required to make is an excellent family boat. Standard features include jump seats with bottom cushions, a swim platform with a ladder, and an Igloo 72-quart cooler. For the adventurous angler, you’ll have an aerated live-well, console rod holders, and flush-mounted rod holders at the stem.

175 Sport Dorado – Base MSRP: $29,650*

The 175 Sport Dorado is a dual-console boat that gives you an excellent combination of refinement and utility, making it an ideal fishing boat for families, as well as a great craft for the demanding angler who wants an elite vessel. It has space for 6 people, and can comes standard with conveniences like tilt steering, a swim platform, and a Fusion Bluetooth stereo system. You’ll appreciate the captain’s chair, full bow rail, USB plugs, and Bay Star hydraulic steering, which all come standard on this vessel.

177 Sport – Base MSRP: $24,150*

As one of the most affordable boats in our lineup, the 177 Sport is an incredibly popular vessel that can deliver excellence in fishing while allowing you to cruise the water. This boat comes with a wide variety of standard equipment, including sport seating, tackle trays, a 2-scope telescoping ladder, and a 72-quart cooler. With a draft of 10 inches, this boat can help you reach an active fishing destination, and with a person capacity of 5, your entire group can enjoy the experience.

*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Stated Retail Price) is current as of April 9th, 2019. Prices are for example and general information only and do not reflect an official offer. Prices are subject to change, so contact a dealer for current and accurate pricing.

Find the Boat that Fits Your Needs

Whether you want a budget-minded boat or a luxury fishing vessel for offshore adventures, Scout Boats has the craft for you. Use our Build Your Scout feature to create the perfect model for your needs and budget.

Scout Boats is proud to offer luxury boats that are perfect for many different activities. While we are known for our outstanding fishing features, our luxury crafts are also excellent for watersports like skiing and wakeboarding. The best wakeboard boats from Scout combine top-notch features, a balanced size, and superior craftsmanship. The final result is unforgettable excitement when you take to the water.

What to Look for in a Wakeboard Boat

To have the perfect boat for wakeboarding, you need the right features and amenities. Of course, comfortable seating and spacious decks are important for all boats, but you should also have features that are specific to watersports.

For size, a good wakeboard boat will be roughly 17 to 25 feet. Smaller boats won’t have the space required, while larger boats won’t deliver the acceleration needed for wakeboarding. One of the most important features is easy access from the water. A platform, as well as a ski ladder, is important for any wakeboard boat. You should also have a ski pylon, which lifts the rope roughly four feet from the surface, keeping it from being dragged by water. Storage is also crucial, as you’ll need space for wakeboards, extra ropes, straps, lifejackets, towels, and more. Finally, the boat needs enough speed and power to effectively lift and pull wakeboarders.

Best Boats From Scout

With the featured noted above in mind, you can choose the best wakeboard boats from Scout:

235 Dorado

Of all the boats in our lineup, this one might be the perfect choice for wakeboarders. It has a manageable size of roughly 23 feet, and it comes with many features that make the boat perfect for watersports. It comes standard with a full transom swim platform, swim ladder, a transom rope light, and a transom walk-through door.

235 XSF

If you want the same size of craft in a center-console layout, the 235 XSF is the boat for you. It also has excellent features that enhance your wakeboarding experience, including a large swim platform that makes entering and exiting the water simple. With plenty of storage and the ability to deliver power and speed, this boat is excellent for all types of watersports.

215 XSF

This boat has many features that make your boating experience a true delight, and wakeboarders will love all the different amenities, including ample space for storage and a useful swim platform on either side of the transom. This boat can also be equipped with a ski pylon, giving you better performance when being pulled behind the craft.

210 Dorado

The 210 Dorado has optional and standard features that make it an excellent wakeboarding boat. It can be equipped with trim tabs, which are useful for watersports, as well as a ski tow bar. With the Sea Star hydraulic steering, you’ll be able to maneuver the boat to deliver the best wakeboarding for your group.

World-Class Boats from a Leading Boat Builder

If you want a wonderful wakeboarding boat, contact Scout Boats today. Our boats have the finest craftsmanship and designs, giving you unmatched quality whether you are fishing, cruising, or wakeboarding!

Boat shows give you a chance to see all the excellent new products and models being created by the boating industry. You can learn about new innovations, see the flashy new models, and learn all about modern boats. For many, boat shows are simply a chance to browse and learn, but for some, they are a great time to buy. Here are some boat show buying tips to help you get a good deal.

Upcoming Scout Boat Shows

Do Your Research

Probably the most important task when buying a boat at a boat show is to do lots of preparation and research. Boat shows are filled with dozens and even hundreds of boats, so you can’t possibly expect to learn about every model from every manufacturer. Instead, research which manufacturers will be displaying boats, then see which of their models fit your needs. By doing pre-show research, you will be better prepared when attending the event.

Check out the latest Scout Boats models.

Set A Strict Budget

It’s easy to overspend when you don’t know your budget. Instead of going to the show with a general idea of how much you want to spend, sit down and calculate an exact amount. When you are at the show, stick to this budget. With accessories and add-ons, a budget can collapse quickly. Try to stay with your determined amount so you don’t get buyer’s remorse.

Avoid Zero-Down, No-Payment-Until-Whenever Offers

Getting the best terms on a boat loan can be enticing. You only have to pay a minimal amount for a certain period, and with some deals you won’t have to pay at all for two or three years. These are very tempting deals that can be hard to resist, but they aren’t for the smart boat buyer. Avoid these deals, as they usually result in higher payments at the backend.

Weekdays Can Bring Better Deals

If you are absolutely serious about buying a boat at a boat show, your best strategy is to attend during a weekday. Boat shows are overflowing on the weekends, so sellers have plenty of potential customers. On a weekday, however, there are fewer people buying boats, so you may be able to secure a better deal on your purchase.

Get A Wonderful Boat From Scout

If you want an excellent watercraft, learn about the complete lineup from Scout Boats. With advanced engineering and the finest materials, our boats deliver an unmatched level of quality on the water.

You deserve a boat that will make you proud, so contact our staff today to learn more!

There are many types of fishing boats available, and choosing the right one is crucial to your long-term enjoyment. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right boat for your needs.

Center Console

As one of the most popular types of fishing boats, the center console is seen in a variety of waters and can be designed to fit numerous purposes. As opposed to a console on each side, the center-console boat has the helm directly in the center, which allows for 360-degree access to the water. This type of boat is ideal for fishing, as it offers more floor space and the ability to cast at all angles.

Center Console Example: 195 Sportfish

Dual Console

The opposite of a center console is a dual console, which has its own advantages as a fishing boat. With casting access at the front and rear, these boats still allow for excellent fishing—but they usually have more seating and, depending on the design, more storage. In general, these are great all-around boats, ideal for both fishing and leisurely boating, while the center-console design is usually preferred by dedicated anglers.

Dual Console Example: 235 Dorado

Offshore Boat

Designed to handle deeper waters and travel further from land, offshore boats are ideal for long trips on the water. Size is the most obvious feature to these types of boats, as they have adequate size to handle large waves and rough chop without putting passengers in danger. Offshore boats generally have features (either standard or optional) for catching large fish, including outriggers for fishing multiple lures in the water.

Offshore Boat Example: 380 LXF

Flats-Fishing Boat

At the smaller end, you will find a type of boat that is ideal for fishing shallow water: the flats-fishing boat. Intertidal flats and other shallow areas offer some of the most active and exciting fishing, but you need a lightweight boat with a short draft. Flats-fishing boats generally have fewer conveniences and luxuries, which helps them maintain a nimble, maneuverable profile. You will, however, have a variety of essential fishing features, including rod storage and live-wells.

Flats-Fishing Boat Example: 177 Sport

Bay Boat

These vessels are essentially the compromise between the larger offshore boats and smaller flats-fishing boats. They are designed to maneuver easily but also have a size that can handle larger waves. They usually have a good balance of features as well. While they won’t have all the luxuries you find in an offshore fishing boat, you will have a handy array of useful amenities, such as conversion tables and ample rod storage. Most of all, you’ll have a boat that can handle almost any conditions, including relatively shallow waters, bays, and nearshore areas. On clear, calm days, these boats can travel to offshore locations, but they usually don’t have the range of larger boats.

Bay Boat Example: 251 XSS

Find The Right Boat For You At Scout!

If you want help finding the right type of fishing boat for your needs, contact Scout Boats today!

The naming of boats goes back thousands of years, connecting modern-day boaters to the sailors, traders, and fishermen of ancient history. When purchasing your new Scout, you can tap into tradition and make it your own by giving it a name. But how can you possibly select the right one? While we can’t name the boat for you, we can give some basic tips to help you come up with the best fishing boat names.

The Tradition Of Boat Naming

Originally, naming a boat was (in the minds of the ancients) a life-and-death situation, as boats had to be named properly to bring good luck. They were usually named to honor the gods, bringing good sailing and safe passage.

Now, it’s a matter of respectability and belonging. The right boat name brings a touch of memorability, fun, or character to your boat—and proper naming rituals still have a heavy touch of superstition.

Choose a Name that Reflects the Boat’s Purpose

A good boat name often reflects the purpose of the boat. For example, if you are buying a boat purely for leisure and relaxation, think about words like “relax,” “easy,” or “lazy” to reflect the care-free nature of the boat. If it’s a fishing boat, words like “bait,” “catch,” “lure,” or any fishing-related term could apply. Going for speed? Use words that evoke speed such as “fast,” “quick,” or “lightning.”

Look for Rhymes or Alliteration

A boat name should be as memorable as possible, so there are two techniques you can use. Rhyming is obvious, as it gives your boat name a moniker that will stick in people’s minds. Alliteration, which is the use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of each word, is also a good technique: “The Speedy Salmon,” “Karl’s Catch,” or “Lazy & Lucky” are all examples of alliteration.

Shorter is Better

When thinking of a boat name, sticking with a shorter title is usually best. There are long boat names that are humorous or memorable, but think of famous boat names from history: the Santa Maria, the Titanic, the Mayflower. All had names that were short and concise.

Women in Your Life

While it may seem boorish by today’s standards, there is a long tradition of honoring the women in your life with boat names. The roots of this tradition are fuzzy, but it may have started with naming boats after goddesses, then moved to wives and mothers.

Either way, if you like tradition, naming a boat after an important woman in your life is an old-fashioned technique. Women could easily flip this tradition and name their boat for an important man, such as a father, grandfather, or husband.

Bring Excellence to All Your Boating Adventures

Need a great fishing boat to go with the perfect name? Use our Build Your Scout feature to create the perfect boat for you and your family. Our boats bring luxury, refinement, and engineering excellence to the water. Check out our complete lineup today!

Entertaining guests on your boat gives your friends an unforgettable experience. When planned properly, you can maintain safety while delivering complete enjoyment on the water. Here’s what you need to know.

Safety, Safety, Safety

First, middle, and last, you need to make sure everyone on your boat safe. Water and parties can create dangerous situations, including the potential for drowning or slips and falls on a slippery surface. Before heading out, make sure everyone on the boat understands proper safety on a boat, and communicate all emergency procedures.

Keep Your Guest List Short

When you host a gathering at your house, you can invite as many people as you want. Boats are much different. Check the passenger capacity of your boat and never go over this number. Some of your friends might feel rejected, but boat capacity is important for safety and enjoyment among your guests, as well as the legality of your event. Be Prepared for Harsh Weather, Even When Forecast is Clear

Even if the weather is expected to be mild, make preparations for harsh conditions such as rain, lighting, or high winds. If a surprise shower passes through, for example, it will be helpful to have rain parkas for your guests. On the other hand, ensure there is enough shade to keep your guests comfortable.

Decorate the Boat with a Theme

Now we can focus a little bit more on the fun. To enhance the entertainment, decorate the boat with a specific theme. St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and the Fourth of July all have obvious decoration styles. If you’re hosting a birthday party, decorate the boat with the person’s favorite activity, such as golf, fishing, or tennis.

Make Foods Secondary, Not the Central Focus

When you are cruising on a luxury boat across a gorgeous blue ocean, people really don’t remember the food. Serving elaborate, complex meals on a boat is not only a hassle, it can be a waste of time—so make your focus more about the experience, not the foods.

Pick People Up at a Convenient Location

Boarding multiple people onto a boat can be a hassle, so choose a spot that offers convenient parking and easy access to the vessel. The obvious choice is a marina, although you may have to get parking approval if it is a private, exclusive location. Stay Sober, Encourage Responsible Drinking from Guests

As the boat’s driver, it’s your responsibility to get people out on the water and back home safely. Don’t put your boat or your passengers at risk by drinking. To increase safety, you should also encourage responsible drinking from your passengers.

Entertain Guests on a World-Class Luxury Boat

Scout Boats offer some of the finest luxuries on the water, making them perfect for entertaining guests. The 420 LXF and 530 LXF are perfect for parties, but even our smaller boats deliver a wonderful experience!

Contact our staff today to learn about out full lineup of comfortable, luxurious boats.

A cabin is one of the true luxuries that you can have on a boat. Giving you a sanctuary from the elements, a cabin allows you to enjoy longer trips with greater comfort. And as you might have guessed, Scout Boats has some of the best small-cabin cruisers available. Explore our featured models, and Build Your Scout today!

Advantages of a Cabin

You will discover many advantages of having a cabin on your boat. Most of all, you’ll have a comfortable, cozy place where you can escape and relax. You’ll have a place to sit back in quiet solitude away from the elements, which gives you two distinct benefits and allows you to use your boat in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

First of all, the cabin gives you a place to escape the sun on a long day of boating. You can take your children for a full day on the boat and, when needed, they can nap or simply relax in the cabin, away from the harsh sun and heat.

The other clear advantage is that you can use the boat as an overnight vehicle. You can go on trips and spend the night anchored, docked, or beached and simply enjoy the evening. This allows you to travel to places that might be out of reach if you had to head back before dark, and opens new adventuring opportunities for your boat.

355 LXF

The 355 LXF has a small but surprisingly comfortable cabin that gives you access to a wealth of features. In the cabin of the 355 LXF, you’ll find a porcelain vessel sink with a Corian vanity mirror that adds sophistication to the space. It also has a double berth, a removable teak table, and a port storage cabinet with countertops. For added convenience, there is a marine head with electric overboard that allows you to maintain cleanliness while remaining on the water for days.

380 LXF

This boat has a cabin made to near perfection. From the marine head to the air conditioner, it gives you everything you want for basic comfort and convenience, but it goes a step higher by also providing luxury and refinement. This boat gives you a teak table, stainless accents, and LED lighting to create a wonderful atmosphere.

420 LXF

From the outside, you can tell that the 420 LFX is a remarkable vessel, but once you step inside the small cabin, you’ll discover the true excellence of this craft. The cabin is loaded with features, including a two-burner glass stovetop, a 32-inch television, and two single beds that can be converted into a queen. It also has an AC unit to keep you comfortable during hot summer days.

Get the Luxury of a Scout Small-Cabin Cruiser

If you want to find the perfect small-cabin cruiser for your boating adventures, contact the team at Scout Boats today. We’ll help you choose the craft with the perfect size, features, and motors to ensure ideal performance and comfort.

With consistent maintenance, your boat can last for decades. Let’s look at some of the top boat maintenance tips to help you keep your boat in shape.

Inspect, Inspect, Inspect

Good maintenance starts with inspections. Don’t assume your boat is going to stay in great shape forever. Inspect every nook and cranny as often as possible so you know if any pumps stopped working, wires have become frayed, or mold is growing in a dark, hard-to-reach corner. By inspecting the boat regularly, you’ll be on top of any potential maintenance or repair issues.

Dry Interior After Every Use

To prevent mold growth, take a towel and wipe down the interior after every outing. This simple task will also help remove dirt, moisture, and grime, as well as reduce the chances of rust in your vessel.

Wash the Hull Regularly

Possibly the simplest task for boat maintenance, you should clean your boat regularly. If your boat is used in saltwater, be sure to rinse the hull thoroughly with fresh water. Salt can corrode your metal fasteners and other hardware, and can even harm your gelcoat, so wipe away the saltwater thoroughly after use.

Use Saltwater-Specific Cleaning Products

Cleaning your boat is simple, but it helps to have saltwater-specific products that will reduce the impacts of using your boat on the ocean. You can find cleaning products for saltwater boats at most marinas and boat shops.

Have the Oil Changed About Once Every 100 Hours Just like your car, you need to change the oil in your boat regularly. Most motors need to have their oil changed about once every 100 hours of use, although this will change depending on the model and the engine.

Inspect, Clean, and Maintain the Bilge Pump

Of all the pumps in your boat, none is more important than the one in your bilge, which empties water from the bottom of the boat. Without a good bilge pump, you’re courting disaster, so make sure the bilge is cleaned regularly and inspect the screen or filter of the bilge to prevent clogging.

Take Off the Propeller and Clean the Shaft

The propeller sits firmly on a metal shaft, and this shaft can become wrapped in vegetation, fishing line, and general debris from use. About once or twice a season, take off the propeller and thoroughly clean the shaft of any debris, which can harm efficiency and performance and lead to long-term damage.

Pull the Battery and Use Fuel Stabilizers During the Off Season

Before the off season, you’ll need to prepare your boat for long months of non-use. Two important chores (among many) are to pull the batteries, clean them, and store them somewhere safe. You should also use fuel stabilizer to ensure quality performance for next year’s first boating adventure.

Get Performance & Luxury on the Water

Contact Scout Boats to learn more about our complete lineup of top-quality boats. With expert designs and advanced engineering, we have the right craft for years of fishing and pleasure boating.