Jerry Cahalan

Owning a boat is one of the true pleasures in life. Whether you are fishing, skiing, or simply cruising around the bay, being on the water seems to melt your stress and worries away. The only real question is which boat you should buy? This is where is can get complex, as each person has different needs and preferences for their boating. Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the right boat for you!

THINK ABOUT YOUR GROUP

How many people do you expect to ride along with you in the boat? If you probably won’t be taking more than a few people, you can likely get by with a smaller craft such as the 195 Sportfish, which has a capacity of seven people. However, if you plan to host a dozen or more people on a consistent basis, then perhaps you should choose something a little larger, such as the 235 XSF, which is rated to carry 11 people.

CONSIDER THE TYPE OF WATER

Bays? Lakes? Open ocean? Rivers? Each area will demand different characteristics from a boat, and while many of the boats from Scout are versatile and can be used in various areas, you’ll still want to have a strong idea of the type of water you will be boating on. This will help guide your decision. For example, most boats that are ideal for rivers and shallow intertidal areas may not be suitable for the open ocean or even larger bays with heavy boat traffic.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY ON THE WATER?

Sometimes simply being on the water is enough, but we all have preferences for our activities. Part of choosing the right boat will be to decide on what you plan to do with it. Will the boat be used exclusively for fishing? Will your kids want to ski or wakeboard? Will it simply be for pleasure cruising? Take the time to think about how you will be using the craft, and you can make a better buying decision.

WILL YOU NEED TO TOW THE BOAT—OR WILL IT STAY AT THE MARINA?

This is an important consideration, as boats that will be left in the marina can be bigger and heavier, because you won’t need to tow them from one body of water to the next. If you plan to tow the boat home every time you use it, however, you’ll probably want something more manageable. You can always tow a larger boat if you’re comfortable doing so, but many people prefer to tow only smaller crafts.

RESEARCH STANDARD BOAT & ENGINE WARRANTIES

Warranties might seem inconsequential, but they can make a big difference in the overall boat-ownership experience. The best boats have top-notch warranties that protect both the boat itself and the motor. These warranties may be separate. For example, Scout has several warranties for our boats, and Yamaha provides warranties for the motors. But they always provide a level of confidence and peace-of-mind when you purchase and take to the water.

FIND EXCELLENT BOATS FROM SCOUT!

If you have more questions about the right boat for your needs, contact the team at Scout Boats today. We’ll help you understand the benefits of each model in our lineup so you can be confident that you buy the right boat for you!

Buying a boat can be tough. You have to decide on the right size, the right features, and the right price for your budget. In many cases, people will choose a used boat over new. While there is certainly nothing wrong with purchasing a quality used boat, this may not be the right choice for everyone. To help you decide whether to buy a new or used boat, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A USED BOAT

When deciding to buy a new or used boat, Price is by far the biggest reason to go the pre-owned route. While you can certainly find expensive used boats, if you want a reasonable vessel that fits within a tight budget, you will likely choose a used option. Not only is the price lower, but like a used car, much of the value depreciation has already happened, so a used boat will hold its value better as well. You’ll also have the choice of buying from a dealer or a private seller.

The disadvantage, of course, is that you really never know what you’re going to get, and you could be stuck with a lemon. The boat may have been driven hard and treated rough, so you need to be extremely wary and inspect all the important components, including the hull and motor. With used boats, you may also have worn out seats, broken levers, and other issues that may not become noticeable until you’re out on the water.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A NEW BOAT

When you buy a new boat, you can get exactly what you want from your craft. As an example, take a look at our Build Your Scout feature. This option allows you to build the exact boat you want, with all the right features and conveniences to fit you needs. With used boats, you essentially have to take what’s available. New boats are clean, neat, and shiny; they’re not beat up and the motors are reliable and trustworthy. While it’s certainly possible, you’ll rarely have engine troubles with a new boat – the same can’t be said for used. For reliability and quality, many people choose new boats. Also, if anything goes wrong with a new boat, you usually have the backing of a manufacturer’s warranty, which helps reduce or eliminate the overall cost of repairs.

Price, however, it the real downside to new boats. You will, in most cases, pay more for your new boat than if you were to buy a comparable used boat. You’ll also have to assume most of the value depreciation, although if you buy a high-quality boat like a Scout your depreciation could be less.

FIND OUTSTANDING BOATS FROM SCOUT

Ultimately, making the decision to buy a new or used boat can be a challenge. If you decide on a new boat, make sure you take a look at the complete lineup from Scout. From river fishing to open-ocean adventures, we have the right boat to fit your specific purposes.

Use our online customization tool to Build Your Scout today!

At Scout Boats, we take pride in creating some of the finest vessels you can find on the water. We use advanced hulls that are created in-house by our professional development and engineering team, we install high-quality materials that bring comfort and relaxation, and we make sure to include top-quality fishing features so you can enjoy every trip.

All of our boats are outstanding, but these are a few of our best-value center console boats. Note: Prices may vary, please contact Scout Boats or visit one of our dealers for current pricing.

215 XSF

Using our revolutionary NuV3 hull, this boat has ample room for a large group yet maintains a smooth, efficient ride on the water. Like all of our hulls, the one on the 215 XSF is made from 100% hand-laid fiberglass and has a comfortable beam of eight feet. This gives your group, which can be as big as nine people riding in the boat, plenty of room to relax.

While you can upgrade the craft to your liking, standard options include an aerated bait well, premium gel coat, and a raw water wash down in the live well.

195 SPORTFISH

The 195 Sportfish gives you the tremendous fishing experience and luxuries you expect while still being one of the best value center console boats available. With the relatively-low starting price, you get standard features like flush-mount rod holders, BayStar hydraulic steering, and LED under-gunnel lights.

It has a person capacity of seven and comes with a standard Yamaha F115XB motor, giving you plenty of power to match the efficient, streamlined hull. You’ll be able to enjoy the water and catch your limit with this affordable center console boat.

175 SPORTFISH

This craft is a great example of the dedication to superior engineering at Scout Boats. The light and efficient 175 Sportfish can cruise over shallow water thanks to a draft of only ten inches. Despite the shallow depth, it still maintains outstanding performance and a smooth ride from the dock to your favorite fishing destination.

With standard features such as an aerated live well, captain’s chairs, and a 72-quart cooler, this boat gives you the luxury you desire while maintaining an affordable price tag.

177 SPORT

The 177 Sport is a versatile fishing boat that can be used in rivers, lakes, intertidal areas, and bays. It runs with ease on both inshore and offshore waters, giving you access to virtually any type of fishing. It also has a flared bow, which helps deflect spray so you and your passengers have a comfortable ride.

This boat has standard features that include sports seats, an aerated console bait well, and vertical rod holders, giving you more enjoyment and a wonderful value.

BUILD YOUR SCOUT TODAY

Want to find out more about these best value center console boats? Ready to get your dream craft in the water? Shop Scout boats today and use our convenient online “Build Your Scout” feature to start the process!

Owning your own boat: it’s been your dream since you graduated high school and left home. You couldn’t wait until that day when you had a good job and strong savings so you could purchase the exact boat you want, with all the fishing features needed for a successful outing. You’re finally in a position to buy, but your life has changed. You now have a spouse and children, and buying a boat isn’t as simple as you thought. You don’t just need a fishing boat, you need a family boat. Choosing the perfect craft can be tough, but if you are looking for the best fishing boats for a family, these are some of the features and characteristics you should look for…

SPACIOUS CASTING DECKS

If you have ever fished with children, you know how hard it can be to keep their lines in the water. All too often, a child’s line is tangled and in a tree…or dad’s shirt…or mom’s hair. Having a large casting deck allows kids to cast with less chance of problems.

ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRONICS

Kids can get bored easily, so if you are going out on the water, make sure you have entertainment features, especially if it’s going to be a long trip. With Scout Boats, you can find a wealth of standard and optional features, including Bluetooth connectivity, televisions, and even DVD players. All of these features help your family stay entertained during long offshore adventures.

A COMFORTABLE CABIN

Sometimes people need an escape from the sun and heat, and having a comfortable cabin gives your family better rest and relaxation. In fact, you can find a Scout with an air-conditioned cabin, giving you comfort during the hot days common off the coast of Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas.

SKI PYLON

Another great activity for the family is skiing and tubing. By adding a ski pylon, you can take a break from fishing and add some real excitement by pulling kids (or adults) around on the water.

SWIM PLATFORM

While you might be able to spend the whole day fishing, your family is probably going to need a break at some point. What can they do? Well since you’re on the water, you might as well go swimming! The best fishing boats for a family double as swimming vehicles. A swim platform towards the back of the boat turns your fishing vessel into a swimming dock, creating fun for kids of all ages.

DINING & DRINKING CONVENIENCE

When you take to the water, you want to create a wonderful all-around experience for your family. Eventually, people will get hungry and thirsty, so having features for food preparation, such as a microwave, an onboard grill, and a convenient dining table are essential. You can even add features like coffee makers and wine coolers for the adults.

A SCOUT BOAT IS PERFECT FOR YOUR FAMILY

Explore our lineup of luxury fishing boats, and contact our staff to learn more! With fishing features, luxury materials, and enhanced convenience, these are simply the best fishing boats for a family. With Scout Boats, you can maintain an excellent lifestyle on the water.

If you are interested in freshwater fishing, you need the right boat. Make sure you have a craft that can handle lakes and rivers by choosing one of the best freshwater fishing boats from Scout. With a full selection of top-quality crafts, we have the right boat to match your freshwater needs!

380 LXF

When you think of freshwater fishing boats, you likely think of smaller boats that are no more than 20 feet in length. But if you live near the Great Lakes or any of America’s larger lakes, like Mille Lacs in Minnesota, or Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada, you can enjoy large luxury boat without the open ocean.

The 380 LXF is a 38-foot fishing boat that has all the features you need for an outstanding freshwater-fishing experience. If you are going after salmon on Lake Michigan, for example, you can use the cranking outriggers to place more lures in the water, increasing your chances of success.

The boat is fully loaded with luxury features, including comfortable seating and world-class amenities so you can enjoy the ride from the marina to the fishing hole.

255 Dorado

For many anglers, the 255 Dorado is an ideal fishing boat. This craft if comfortable on large rivers such as the lower Mississippi and Missouri, and it can give you outstanding comfort while helping you catch your favorite species.

This boat has everything you need for a wonderful fishing experience. Standard features include a recirculating bait well, a freshwater wash down, and starboard-side gunnel rod holders. It also has optional features like a fiberglass hardtop so you can escape the sun on a long day of fishing.

Throughout your fishing trip, you’ll also be able to relax in comfort. The 255 Dorado has a capacity for 11 people with seating that is made with durable and comfortable materials.

177 Sport

This is the ideal boat for anglers of all types, including freshwater fishermen. It has a dependable platform that allows you to access the water from all angles and has many of the standard features that you would expect from a larger luxury boat.

To create an excellent fishing experience, we have given this boat standard features such as a 72-quart cooler, three vertical rod holders, and two tackle trays. All of these features combine to make the 177 Sport an ideal craft for fishing on rivers and lakes.

When you are cruising to your fishing spot, you can enjoy optional luxuries like Bluetooth stereo and JL audio speakers, giving you an entertaining experience even when you don’t have a line in the water.

FIND THE BEST BOAT FOR YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS

Contact Scout Boats today and we’ll help you choose the ideal boat for your fishing goals. From freshwater fishing boats to offshore crafts, we have everything to keep you happy on the water.

You can also use our Build Your Scout feature to create the exact boat for your unique preferences!

River fishing brings a unique variety of excitement, seclusion, and beauty that is different from many other forms of fishing. While offshore saltwater fishing has massive trophies, and lake fishing has the undeniable appeal of a summer vacation, there’s something about the unpredictable nature of moving water that brings an unexpected level of interest. Somehow, river fishing feels more primitive, more remote, and more wild. But like all forms of fishing, river fishing demands the right boat. River fishing boats must be something nimble, reliable, and comfortable in order to reach the best fishing locations.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RIVER FISHING BOAT

River fishing, like intertidal fishing, requires a boat that has a shallow draft for reaching specific fishing destinations. Ask any hardened river fisherman and they will tell you that the river will change from year to year; what was a deep pocket last season could be a shallow sandbar the next. This unpredictability, along with trees, branches, and other obstructions, means you need a shallow-draft boat for river fishing.

175 Sportfish

With a draft of only ten inches, the 175 Sportfish can reach spots on rivers that challenge even flat-bottom boats. This craft allows you to travel up the river and find the right spot for high-quality fishing. With a length of less than 18 feet, it is loaded with features, including a spacious casting deck and an aerated live well. This sleek, comfortable boat can handle lakes and bays, but it’s also at home in rivers across the country.

177 Sportfish

This boat is ideal for virtually any angler, including those who like to frequent America’s rivers. The 177 Sportfish has many of the standard features that you expect from a fishing boat, including a trolling motor plug, an aerated bait well, and a 72-quart cooler. It can also be enhanced with features like a poling platform, trim tabs, flush-mount rod holders, and a Bimini top. With a draft of only ten inches, this boat maintains excellence while cruising through the river.

175 Sport Dorado

Dual-console river fishing boats have many advantages, and the 175 Sport Dorado brings them all together in one package. With rod holders, a live well, and a windscreen for the consoles, this boat is comfortable and effective. Add features like a ski tow bar and trim tabs, and you have a river fishing boat that is perfect for many different activities.

GET YOUR SCOUT TODAY

Contact Scout Boats today to learn more about our luxury fishing boats. Whether you want a large off-shore vessel or one of our nimble river fishing boats, we’ll help you choose the right boat for all your needs.

The people at Scout Boats are truly passionate about creating a world-class boating experience. From initial design to the construction process to customer service, we do things differently, creating high-end fishing boats that are a true joy from the dealership to the water.

IN-HOUSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Most boat manufacturers start their process by hiring out the development stage. This is especially true for the hulls, as most boat-builders find it more cost-effective and efficient to hire someone to design the hull for them. They can then take the hull, which was built to a size they need, and craft the boat on top of that foundation.

Scout, however, chooses to design all of our boats in-house, including the hulls. We have an advanced research and development team that works to create unique, one-of-a-kind hulls that give the craft better ride quality and performance. We also have different hulls designed for various sizes, giving each size category the performance it deserves.

100% HAND-LAID CONSTRUCTION

One way to build a boat is “chopping.” In this technique, you have an individual with a spray gun that delivers fiberglass into a mold. The sprayer determines the thickness, which leaves the potential for human error. The other technique is to hand lay the fiberglass. Many companies, unfortunately, chop a large portion of their boat, then do a few sections of hand-laid, and call it “hand-laid.”

Many boat companies say their boats are hand-laid, and while this might be true, vessels from Scout Boats are 100% hand-laid, including the hulls, decks, and boxes. This means that the strength-to-weight ratio is superior and there is almost no variation from one to the other.

FINISHING THE DETAILS

Adding the final finishes, such as cleaning and polishing, to the exterior of a boat is important to virtually all boat manufacturers. But Scout once again takes it to a higher level. We don’t just clean the areas you see from the sales floor, we take the time to clean areas like the inside of the hull and live well, areas that you won’t see unless you lift the lid.

ELITE DEALER NETWORK

We are fully aware that to excel as a manufacturer of high end fishing boats, we have to have an elite sales force. While some manufacturers are perfectly happy letting any dealership group sell their boats, we are extremely meticulous about our sales network, which in many ways is the face of our brand.

We put so much pride and effort into every model, so we make sure that all the dealers who sell our boats meet the highest level of service, communication, and reliability. We don’t just focus on creating boats, we make sure you have a world-class buying experience through our outstanding dealer network.

SCOUT HAS THE BEST BOATS FOR YOUR NEEDS

Scout Boats has an unmatched selection of high-end fishing boats. Contact us today to find the right craft for offshore fishing, near-shore angling, or simply cruising the bay with your friends and family.

Looking for a boat that can help you fish in nearshore locations, lakes, rivers, and tributaries? Then check out these small fishing boats for sale from Scout. We have lots of options, so let’s look at a few of the most important aspects of a small fishing boat, as well as the best choices.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GREAT SMALL FISHING BOAT

With fishing boats, there is a give-and-take for the size. Larger boats, while ideal for offshore fishing, are unable to reach the shallow fishing destinations that are accessible by small fishing boats. Therefore, one of the most important factors you should look for is a shallow draft. The “draft” is essentially boat-speak for how deep the hull goes. A low draft of roughly a foot allows you to cruise over intertidal areas, giving you access to many untouched fishing spots.

Small fishing boats will obviously be limited in terms of interior space, but you still need plenty of fishing features for your adventure. Look for a small fishing boat that has plenty of fishing accessories like a live well, rod holders, and a spacious casting deck on both ends.

Finally, don’t neglect the importance of comfort and convenience. You may only want to catch fish, but you still deserve a boat that keeps everyone comfortable and happy while you travel from the dock to your special fishing location.

175 Sportfish

The 175 Sportfish is a nimble, sleek offshore fishing boat with a draft of only ten inches and a person-capacity of six people. You’ll enjoy a huge variety of fishing features, including a 94-quart removable cooler, a bow casting platform, and an insulated fish box. Thanks to the center console deck, you can access 360 degrees of fishing enjoyment. Unknown and untapped fishing spots will be all yours when your cruise in this leader of small fishing boats for sale from Scout.

175 Sport Dorado

If you want a small fishing boat with a dual console design, then 175 Sport Dorado is a great choice. This boat gives you flush-mount rod holders and an aerated live well, but if you want to enhance your boating experience, you can add options like trim tabs, a ski tow bar, and JL audio speakers. This boat gives you an excellent balance between elite fishing and casual boating enjoyment.

215 XSF

With a revolutionary fuel-saving hull and some of the most advanced features you can find on a boat, the 215 XSF is a champion on the water. Despite a 21-foot length, the boat maintains a draft below 16 inches. You’ll have the size you need for cruising across the bay, but when you reach intertidal, near-shore, and coral fishing spots, you can continue to ride with confidence!

FIND YOUR SMALL FISHING BOAT

Contact Scout today to learn more about our full selection of small fishing boats for sale. With a full lineup of luxury fishing boats, we have exactly what you need!

There are many luxury fishing yachts on the water, but Scout Boats has some of the best features, materials, and engineering you will ever see. These vessels adhere to a higher standard of boating, so let’s look at a few of our most popular models.

420 LXF

The 420 LXF is one of the most impressive and luxurious boats you can find. It has everything you need for comfort and relaxation, but it’s also built to make sure you maintain a high level of luxury from the shore to the fishing hole.

When you take a fishing trip in this luxury fishing yacht, you’ll have all the features you need for a successful catch. The boat is completely loaded with features, including standard fishing features like gunnel rod holders, floor fish boxes, and an aerated transom bait well.

Fishing, however, is not the only aspect that sets this boat apart. It also has a comfortable cabin that holds an air conditioner, microwave, wall-mounted DVD, and more. From a beautiful design to the most amazing features on the water, the 420 LXF is a perfect example of luxury fishing yachts from Scout Boats.

380 LXF

You deserve advanced innovation that creates an unforgettable experience for boating, cruising, and fishing. This fishing yacht is designed with precision and a dedication to quality, and it comes packed with features that make your boating experience even more enjoyable.

One of the highlights of this boat is the incredible electronics that allow you to stay connected and in control throughout your boating adventure. When you are on the 380 LXF, you’ll have access to CZONE digital switching, Garmin screens, Bluetooth capability, and much more. These technologies allow you to stay connected with the outer world while getting all the information you need for fishing success.

You can also upgrade this luxury fishing yacht to meet your needs. Add items like stereo upgrades, cabin and deck cameras, and an upper helm flybridge for advanced boating. You can even select the colors and designs you need to make the craft look the exact way you prefer.

355 LXF

When you are looking for unmatched performance and advanced technology in a world-class boat, you should turn to the 355 LXF. This vessel is built with a dedication to design and style, and from the deck to the cabin, it has luxury throughout.

Standard fishing features on this boat include rod holders, fish boxes, and a 55-gallon bait well. However, you can also upgrade the boat to hold cranking outriggers to increase your chances of hauling in a once-in-a-lifetime trophy.

For luxury, this yacht has comfortable features, plenty of seating, and even a 19-inch television with JL speakers. All of these features and more create a better experience when you take to the water.

SCOUT BOATS HAS THE RIGHT YACHT FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

Whether you want an elite fishing craft of a comfortable yacht for cruising the water, we have everything you need!

Contact Scout Boats today to learn more about our large selection of luxury fishing yachts. We would love to help you select the right craft for your needs and preferences.

If you were shopping for a boat 30 years ago, you may have had a hard time finding financing for your boat. However, when you look for a boat today, you can easily find a lender who will help you get affordable terms for a boat loan. So how does boat financing work? Here’s what you need to know.

Who Will Provide Boat Financing?

To get started, you should have a basic idea of the institutions that provide boat financing. If you start with these organizations, you should be able to find affordable terms for your boat loan.

• BANKS
  You may be surprised by how many banks offer financing for boats. Visit your local bank and see if they have any options for you. You can often find the information you need on their website, but it wouldn’t hurt to give them a call or even ask about boat financing options.
• CREDIT UNIONS
  Many credit unions offer boat loans to their customers, so if you are a member of any credit union, be sure to check into their options. These organizations usually have the most attractive rates and may even have a marine-lending specialist on staff.
• FINANCIAL SERVICE COMPANIES
  There are also financial service companies that offer lending on boat and marine products. These companies have broad access to many different lending institutions, so you may find more options.

Loan Choices

You will also need to understand the various loan choices when you start to look for boat financing. Here are a few of the most common…

• FIXED-RATE LOAN
  Similar to home loans, this is the simplest and the one used most often. The advantage of this loan type is that you have the same monthly payment throughout the life of the loan.
• VARIABLE RATE
  Also called adjustable rate, these loans have interest rates that can fluctuate based on the specific indexes. They usually have a low rate for a locked-in period, then go up. They may also have a cap on how much it can rise.
• BALLOON PAYMENT
  This loan requires borrowers to pay the entire balance at the end of a certain term. This can be beneficial if you will only own the boat for a short period, allowing you to prepare to pay off the loan.

Application Process

The application process will vary depending on what institution you use, but in most cases you will need to bring specific information to the lending office. This information should include the price of the boat, income verification, personal finance statements, information on other debts, credit scores, and more.

When you sign the application, you will also give authorization for the lending company to check your credit independently.

Get Helpful Advice On Boat Financing

At Scout Boats, we are dedicated to service and quality. Contact our staff today and we’ll help you understand the details of boat financing for your new Scout Boat.