Jerry Cahalan

Choosing the right fishing features can make a big difference in the enjoyment and quality of your boat. With the right accessories, you can have a boat that keeps you happy for years. So what fishing boat accessories should you add to your boat? Here are a few ideas.

Outriggers

Used for deep-sea trolling, outriggers are essentially long fishing rods that allow anglers to place more lures in the water. Outriggers hold the fishing lines and incorporate a pulley with a cord at the end of the rod. There is a quick-release system that releases the line when a fish strikes, allowing the angler to reel in the fish.

Outriggers increase your chances of a successful outing because you’ll have more lures in the water. A variety and quantity of lures never hurts. And you’ll also cover more space, further enhancing your odds.

Release Marine Fighting Chair

Fighting chairs give you more comfort and leverage when you are reeling a massive fish. Release Marine is a leader in this area. They make chairs that are contoured to your body with stabilizing bars and solid footrests, allowing you to stay in the fight against the trophy of your life.

Additional Rod Storage

A good angler can never have too many rods. Be sure you can take all of your equipment, from large offshore rods to small inshore rods by adding additional rod storage to your boat. Without proper storage, your boat can become cluttered, so don’t neglect this fishing boat accessory.

Retractable Rocket Launchers

“Rocket launchers” are tubes for holding the rods in storage. They hold the rods upward at an angle, making it difficult to access. Retractable rocket launchers angle the rods downward when needed, and tilt them up when you’re ready to move, creating greater convenience on the boat.

Fish-Box Ice Maker

Some of the fish you keep will need to be put on ice right away. With an ice maker located directly in the fish box, you can conveniently add ice when you need it. This creates fresher fish when you have the chance to clean it. Plus, it makes for a tastier meal when it’s time to eat. Speaking of eating…

Kenyon Grill

There are few things in life as enjoyable as catching a fish and grilling it right on the boat. This creates a magnificent fishing experience. When you add tasty veggies or even some hotdogs or burgers, you can feed a larger group without ever heading to shore!

Built-In Keurig Coffee Maker

Some of the best fishing is done early in the morning. Fortunately, you can add a Keurig coffee maker to many boats in the Scout Boat lineup, including the 420 LXF. This may not seem like a fishing feature, but when you’re on the water before sunrise, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Scout Boats: The Engineering You Need,
The Accessories You Want

Use our Build Your Scout tool to create a boat that perfectly matches your needs. With numerous fishing boat performance, comfort, and convenience.

With Scout Boats, you’ll get hand-laid marvels of engineering that are enhanced by outstanding luxury. Contact us today for more information!

Tuna fishing is one of the most enjoyable yet challenging sports on the water. Hauling in large tuna is both exciting and can bring in some of the most appetizing seafood around. This sport, however, takes unbending patience, so having the right boat can make a big difference between success and failure. In this post, we’ll highlight some key features to look for in a great tuna boat as well as showcase some of the top tuna fishing boats for sale from Scout.

SIZE

Tuna fishing occurs in some of the deepest and roughest waters on the planet, so you need to be prepared with a boat that is large enough to handle heavy waves and chop. A tuna boat needs good size and should be at least 30 feet in length, if not more.

BAIT WELLS

Most tuna fishing is done with live bait. This means you will either have to visit the bait shop before you go fishing or you’ll have to catch the bait yourself. Be sure you have a boat with a large bait well so you can keep baitfish alive through your entire trip.

COMFORT

Tuna fishing is done in offshore locations that can take hours to reach. It’s also common for tuna anglers to spend days or even a full week on the water. For this reason, you need to ensure that your boat is comfortable and spacious enough for an enjoyable experience.

Tuna Fishing Boats From Scout

Here are some boats in our lineup that can be great for pursuing tuna!

420 LXF

This is our flagship boat, and it’s also one of the finest vessels for tuna fishing. This boat comes with a huge selection of fishing items, including a cockpit baitwell that holds 80 gallons. The deck can also be equipped with a marine fighting chair, and the Garmin screens give you right information for effective fishing. On long outings, you can enjoy the cabin area, which comes standard with two single beds that convert into a queen and a DVD player connected to a 32-inch LED television.

380 LXF

You can enjoy a masterpiece of engineering while you fish for tuna with this boat. The 380 LXF has everything you need for an outstanding experience, including a 100-gallon baitwell. It also comes with a raw water wash-down so you can clean the deck area after you catch a fish or prepare bait.

355 LXF

With comfortable seating and plenty of technology, this fishing boat can help you locate and hook tuna, all while enjoying a luxurious boating experience. The boat comes standard with a 55-gallon transom bait well, as well as a 60-gallon fish box. The boat will also give you plenty of storage space so you can bring along all the important equipment for catching tuna. It also has a marine head, refrigerator, and a removable teak table so you can live the good life even on the water.

ENHANCE YOUR TUNA FISHING WITH SCOUT

Scout has many world-class tuna-fishing boats for sale. Use our Build Your Scout feature to create the perfect vessel for your needs! No matter which boat you choose or which options you select, you’ll get outstanding craftsmanship from a boat that will deliver performance, luxury, and successful fishing!

The term “power boat” can be applied to virtually any watercraft that is propelled by a motor of some kind. A large offshore yacht could obviously be considered a power boat, but so could a canoe with an attached trolling motor. However, when people use this term, it generally applies to a medium-sized boat that is used for fast cruising, skiing, racing, and other water sports. A power boat is essentially a craft with a high power-to-weight ratio—one that has easy planing, fast speeds, and quick acceleration. Here are some of the best luxury power boats from Scout!

225 XSF

The XSF line is a popular choice for luxury power boats, and the 225 XSF makes a great craft for salt or freshwater boating. It has all the luxury features you demand, including a tilt steering wheel, Bluetooth stereo, rear-deck jump seats, and an aerated leaning post with a bait well.

At Scout, we like to give you options, so you can select from a wide variety of optional motors for all of our boats. For example, the 225 XSF can be built with Yamaha’s F150 or F200 models, or you can choose the Verado 200 from Mercury. Get the power level that’s right for you.

215 XSF

Not all power boats need to be exceptionally large. The 215 XSF is the perfect example of speed and comfort in a smaller package. Despite the size, this boat gives you outstanding luxury with additional features such as the removable teak bow table.

There are nine different engine options for this boat, giving you plenty of choices for your needs. For example, you can choose the standard Yamaha F150XB, or you can upgrade the craft with a Yamaha F200XCA, which is available with the Sea Star Steering upgrade.

255 LXF

With 25-feet of length and a width of almost nine feet, the 255 LXF is exceptionally comfortable and luxurious. By enhancing the deck with conveniences such as the underwater lighting and deluxe stereo, you have a truly exceptional boat.

To give this boat even more performance, select a dual-motor combination, such as dual Mercury four-stroke V6 DTS.

225 Dorado

Luxury abounds in this fantastic dual-console boat. It comes with an adjustable captain’s chair, a port-side tackle center, and a fold-down bow table with a built-in cooler. You can also add a bimini top, back-to-back lounge seats, or a ski tow bar for enhanced luxury.

You can also select multiple engine options, including a Mercury 200XL four-stroke V6 Mechanical or a Mercury 250XL motor.

Helping You Find The Right Boat

At Scout Boats, we want you to enjoy your time on the water. Contact our staff and we’ll help you find the right luxury power boat for your specific needs. Whether you need a large boat for your entire family or a small boat for elite near-shore fishing trips, we have vessels that will keep you happy for a long time!

Buying a boat is a lot like purchasing a home. If you choose the wrong one, it can lead to frustration. When done right, it can be a dream come true. This is especially true when you are buying your first boat. Sure, you may have grown up on the water and you may have spent plenty days on your friends’ fishing boats, but until you own a boat yourself, you can’t fully appreciate everything involved in the process. To help you make the right decision, remember these important tips for buying your first boat.

Determine Your Budget

It can be all too easy to overspend on a boat. If you’re not prepared and disciplined, you could easily spend more than you can afford. Before you buy, write down a specific number for total price (not monthly payments), and stick to this number throughout the entire process.

Don’t Forget Costs Of Boat Ownership

When estimating your purchasing price, you also need to realize your total cost of boat ownership. Again, this relates to being a first-time owner, as there are many expenses that you simply don’t see when you’re riding on a friend’s bay cruiser. For example, there will be costs for fuel, storage, insurance, and fishing gear. You’ll need safety equipment, seasonal maintenance, and the occasional repair. Make sure you know how much it will cost, in full, to own the boat.

Visit A Boat Show Before Purchasing

Boat shows are a great chance to see some of the finest crafts on the market. In one location, you’ll see multiple models from dozens of manufacturers, helping you make a fully informed decision when buying your first boat.

Buy The Boat That Fits Your Needs & Experience

It’s tempting to go out and purchase the most powerful speed boat on the water. It’s also tempting to buy the largest offshore vessel you can afford. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about pricing, it might seem like a good idea to buy a smaller boat. However, you need to think about your needs and experience level. A larger or more-powerful boat may be too much for a first-time owner, while a small boat may not give you the comfort and space you prefer.

Complete A Safety Course

Finally, before purchasing your first boat, we’d encourage you to complete some form of boat safety training. It may not be mandatory, but safety training can allow you to have more fun with less chances of injury. With proper training, you’ll always be ready on the water.

Find The Perfect Boat With Scout

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned boat owner, Scout Boats has a world-class vessel that will keep you happy for years. Thanks to outstanding features and a meticulous build process, our boats give you comfort, relaxation, and adventure every time you head for the water!

Safety is important for everyone on the water. Some states require a boating license for anyone operating a vessel. If you are headed for the lakes, rivers, and bays, it’s crucial that you verify whether or not you need a license. To help make the process easy, here’s some info on how to get a boating license.

Why Is Boating Education Important?

Boating safety is crucial on the water. The more people who have at least some form of education in boat safety, the safer everyone can be when they go for a cruise. Some states, in fact, legally require you to have a license (more on that later), but regardless of laws, it is the right thing to do. Having your boating license can make you a safer boater, allowing you to enjoy your favorite activities with less risk and more fun.

When Do I Need a Boating License?

While many of us grew up driving a boat without any formal education or licensing, there are now many laws that require people, especially younger boaters, to complete boater education courses. The American Boating Association has compiled a complete list of state laws for you to reference. For example, in Arkansas, anyone born on or before January 1st, 1986 must complete a boater education course. In Connecticut, anyone wishing to boat more than 60 days a year must have their license, and in New Jersey, anyone operating a powered vessel must have their license, regardless of their date of birth.

Alaska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands, on the other hand, have no requirements for boating licensing. As you can see, a lot will depend on where you live. Make sure you know the requirements in your area.

Typical Boating-Safety Course

There are many ways you can complete a boater’s education course. While you can take the course in person, you may also be able to complete the requirements with an online education class.

Online boating classes can take many forms. Most of the time, however, the course will consist of learning, quizzes, and course completion. The learning section generally includes different aspects of boating that are broken down into different sections. These sections can include safe operation, boating etiquette, emergency response, and legal requirements.

These learning sections are usually followed by a short quiz that tests your knowledge of the previous information. You’ll need to get a passing score before you can move to the next phase. If you don’t pass, you can usually study the learning section and attempt the quiz again.

After you complete all of the units, you can move into the final step, which is obtaining a license or certificate through the state. You will need to demonstrate that you completed the course successfully to get your boater education license.

Excellent Boats For Your Favorite Activity!

When you are ready for the water, make sure you have a high-quality boat. Contact Scout Boats today. We’ll help you find an outstanding craft that will give you superior performance on the water.

Whether you’re looking for a boat for offshore fishing or simply cruising the lake, we have the right boat for your needs!

If you are purchasing a boat, you should seriously consider boat insurance. While it may not be required, boat insurance provides financial support is certain situations, and can also give you greater peace-of-mind when you take to the water.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Like car insurance, boat insurance come in many forms and, depending on the plan you purchase, will cover a wide variety of issues. Collision damage, for example, can cover repairs and replacements for your boat. There is also liability insurance, including property damage and bodily injury, that covers you financially if your boat were to cause an accident. Additional coverage can include medical payments, roadside assistance, vandalism, and even theft.

How Much Does It Cost?

It will vary depending on the type of boat you have, what waters you use, and selected coverage, but boat insurance can run from about $75 to $500 a year.

You May Need Boat Insurance When…

…It’s Legally Required

The first and probably most common reason to get boat insurance is when it is legally required by your state or region. Many states will require that you have some form of insurance, usually liability insurance, which simply covers you in the event that you damage someone else’s property or cause injury when driving your boat. This is similar to minimum requirements for car insurance. It’s required as a protection for other people on the road, or in this case, on the water.

…You Took Out a Loan for the Purchase

The second situation that may call for boat insurance is when you took out a loan to purchase the vessel. Lenders will want to make sure their investment is properly covered, and insurance reduces the risk that they will not be able to recover all of their assets in the event that the boat is destroyed and the borrower stops making payments. The type and amount of insurance required by the lender may vary, but virtually all boat loans will require insurance of some kind.

…Storing the Boat at a Marina

The other situation that generally requires boat insurance is when you are storing your boat at a marina. There are dozens or even hundreds of boats moving through these areas, and this can create a lot of liability for the owners of the marinas as well as the boat owners themselves. By requiring insurance, especially liability insurance, marinas are better able to protect their financial security. If you are going to store your boat at a marina, be ready to purchase boat insurance of some type.

There are other situations that call for insurance, but these are the three most common reasons.

Enhance Your Experience On The Water

If you are looking for a wonderful vessel, check out the full selection from Scout Boats. We have outstanding boats for inshore, offshore, saltwater, and freshwater fishing. No matter which Scout you choose, you’ll have incredible comfort, advanced technology, and some of the best fishing features you can find!

If you want to enjoy a good time on the water, Scout has the boat you need. We have a full selection of top-notch boats, including many options that make perfect party boats. You’ll enjoy luxury, space, comfort, and technology when you travel in a world-class boat from Scout. Explore our lineup below for some of our best party boats!

420 LXF

If you want an outstanding experience on the water, the 420 LXF is one of the top boats available, and it’s perfect for entertaining thanks to the large size and bountiful amenities. You can take to the water and enjoy music thanks to a full line of JL audio speakers, including two ten-inch subwoofers, and a USB connection. There is plenty of room for your friends and family, and this boat even has a drawer fridge on the deck and cabin.

380LXF

With over 38 feet of length and 12 feet of width, the 380 LXF is a great option for hosting a large crowd. You can take to the water and enjoy comfortable seating throughout the deck, and if you want to treat your guests, you can cook a meal on the optional Kenyon grill. You could also add the upper helm flybridge, which has two speakers, Garmin screens, and full helm controls.

355 LXF

The deck on the 355 LXF was designed for the Seakeeper 3DC gyro stabilizer, which creates a comfortable ride for everyone on the boat. This makes it a great party boat, as everyone will be comfortable from start to finish. It has plenty of seating made with the finest materials, as well as high-quality Fushion speakers to keep the party going. You can even add underwater lights to create an impressive look during boat parties at night.

350 LXF

It has comfortable seating at the front and the back. There’s plenty of room for everyone, making it ideal for parties yet small enough to cruise through bays and smaller waterways. Whether you are joining your friends on the beach or having guests on your boat, the 350 LXF has the features you need for an outstanding experience, including speakers with an amp, a 12-volt refrigerator, and an ice chest with a high-quality counter.

Responsible Boating Is Always Top Priority

No matter which boat you choose, always remember that maintaining safety at all times is crucial. We all want to have a great time on the water, but don’t let the party get in the way of safety. By keeping everyone safe, you can ensure your guests want to come back for your next boat party!

Get The Right Boat For Your Needs

Contact Scout today to learn more about the extensive options in our full lineup. We have the right boat for any water activity, including fishing, cruising, or throwing a party with your friends.

Use the Build Your Scout feature and you’ll be able to create the exact boat for you!

When is the best time to buy a boat? Each season has its own advantages, but understanding the different seasons for boat-buying can help you find a better deal. Whether you are buying in the height of summer or the chill of winter, knowing how the different seasons affect boat sales can improve your overall shopping and purchase experience.

SPRING OR SUMMER

If you were to take a poll of boat owners, you’d likely see that spring and summer are, in general, considered the worst times to buy a boat. These are, after all, the boating seasons—so more people are out buying a boat, driving demand and, in some cases, increasing prices. Because of increased competition for boats and a large pool of people shopping for their next craft, many people avoid shopping in the spring and summer.

However, there’s a reason that so many people want to buy a boat during these months. Summer is boating season, so buying in the spring allows you to prepare for your new activity, and buying in the summer allows you to enjoy the water right away.

FALL

Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing. For both new and used models, you can often find some of the best prices by searching for a boat during the fall.

In addition to the superior pricing, if you buy a boat in the fall you can use the entire off-season to install equipment and accessories. You can also ensure that there is plenty of time to get the boat ready before the start of next boating season.

WINTER, AKA BOAT SHOW SEASON

The winter might seem like an odd time to buy a boat, but many people feel that this is the absolute best time. Why? Because of boat shows! Boat shows bring together a large selection from the most popular manufactures from across the globe, allowing you to explore various models across all ranges of price, size, and style. Exhibitors show off new models and display the latest features, and you can look at many boats from different companies without going from one location to another.

“Boat-show season” usually starts around January and lasts through March, and you can often find great deals at these events. Even dealers in warm climates are trying to sell their year-end inventory, so there is usually a chance for a quality deal even if there is no off-season for boating.

THE REAL BEST TIME TO BUY IS WHEN YOU’RE READY!

The truth is, there is never a bad time to buy a boat. The best time is when you’re ready for fun and adventure on the water! If you want more information on the best luxury fishing boats, contact Scout Boats today. We’ll help you make a confident decision on your next boat purchase!

If you are thinking of purchasing a boat, make sure you have all the necessary knowledge. From dealing with emergencies to reading the tides, here’s what to know before buying a boat.

HOW TO INSPECT THE BOAT

Before you leave on a long fishing trip or a short cruise across the lake, you have to know how to conduct a proper boat inspection. The inspection will mostly cover safety equipment, such as life jackets (one for each person), signaling devices (both noise and visual), and working lights. You’ll also want to make sure you have all the tools required for emergencies, enough fuel and oil, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure you know how to check for all of these things before you buy a boat so you can have a better experience when you reach the water.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A good boater always knows how to be safe on the water. While we all hope you never use them, be sure to understand all the emergency procedures, including overboard recovery, hypothermia recovery, and where you will go if medical attention is required. Know where life jackets and throwable flotation devices are located so you can be prepared for any situation.

HOW TO READ TIDE CHARTS

If you live near a coast, the tides will be an important part of your boating schedule. This is especially important if you plan to fish in nearshore or intertidal areas. The tide can make a big difference on your success rate. Know how to read tide charts, and you’ll have a better idea of where and when to fish. This knowledge can also help you to be a safer boater, as you’ll know what areas you can access at any given stage of the tides.

THE COST OF INSURANCE

The cost of boat insurance can vary depending on the type of boat you own, its size, motor, level of coverage, and your area. For example, in Florida, where boats can be used year-round, insurance will likely cost more than insuring the same boat in Michigan, where winter keeps boats off the water for roughly a quarter of the year or more.

BOAT TERMS

Left, right, front, and back may work fine for your car, and it may get you by when you’re boating with your family. But good boat owners have a strong understanding of the common terms associated with nautical language. You don’t have to be a Navy captain, but you should know the differences between bow, stern, port, and starboard, as well as topside, hull, transom, and other basic boat terms.

WORLD-CLASS BOATS FROM SCOUT

Find the right boat by browsing the world class models here at Scout. With a large selection of high-quality vessels, we can help you find the right craft for your specific needs. From large offshore vessels to small fishing crafts, we have the perfect boat for you and your family!

Boat ownership is a great way to improve your life, but it may not be as simple as you thought. Before you make a purchase, get familiar with what you need to own a boat. With this information, you can make a smart purchase and enjoy years of boating with less worry and less hassle!

A PLACE FOR STORAGE

This is without a doubt one of the requirements for owning a boat. If you’re going to purchase a vessel, you have to know where you’re going to keep it. For even the smallest boats, we’re talking about a large item that needs its own space, usually about the same amount of space as a car. Will you store it in your garage? Beside your house? In a storage unit? At the marina? Knowing where your boat will stay is an important factor that can be overlooked in the buying process.

INSURANCE

Many boats will need insurance, but each state has different rules on whether or not this is a requirement. Some states require that you carry liability insurance for your boat so any accidents that might be your fault are covered. There can be an insurance requirement for marinas where you store your boat, and it’s also possible that if you use a loan for your purchase the lender will require insurance.

A BOAT LICENSE FOR OLDER KIDS?

In many states, if your child is going to operate the boat, they will need training and a license. For example, according to the American Boating Association, Louisiana requires boating training for anyone under the age of 16. Some adults will need classes as well. Florida has a law that says persons born after January 1, 1988 must have completed after must have completed an education course or passed an approved equivalency to operate a vessel. Before you buy a boat, make sure you understand the rules in your area.

A SOURCE FOR MAINTENANCE

Your motor will need routine maintenance, so you must decide where you will go to have your boat serviced. Look into multiple mechanics and ask area boat owners for a recommendation.

FISHING & ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT

It can’t be all serious! As far as we’re concerned, if you’re going to own a boat, you must own fishing equipment. Make sure you are fully stocked with all the right equipment for catching a trophy, including rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Skis, wakeboards and rafts can also be a blast! With the right equipment, you can have more fun with your boat.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Finally, don’t forget proper safety equipment for your boat. Safety equipment can include life-vests, fire extinguishers, flares, and throwable flotation devices. Boating is lots of fun, but it can also be dangerous, so make sure you have the right equipment for the task.

CONSIDER A BOAT FROM SCOUT

Want more information on owning a boat? Contact the team at Scout Boats and we’ll show you all the details of boat ownership. If you’re ready to purchase, use our Build Your Scout feature to create the right vessel for your needs!