For nearly three decades, Scout has evolved from a new, unknown company to one of the industry’s most respected brands. Today, it builds luxury sport-fishing center-consoles, luxury crossovers, dual consoles and inshore/bay boats ranging from 17 to 53 feet.
Scout boats are defined by their 100 percent hand-laid construction, head-turning designs, -superior fit-and-finish, best strength-to-weight ratio in class, and completely finished bilge, lids, doors and hatches. Its fuel-efficient hull designs—used across its model lineup—include the NuV3, Air Assist and Stepped Hull technologies.
Scout 231 XSB
Scout calls its new 231 XSB the ultimate fishing and family bay boat.
The successor to the 231 XS, the 231 XSB is a -serious bay boat with a stepped hull, aggressive lines and proven high performance. But the new model adds touches requested by families: most obviously wraparound bow seating with removable cushions and storage beneath, as well as up to five removable backrests throughout the boat, with two back sockets in the bow and three serving the transom bench seat. An oversize lounge seat forward of the console has armrests, and all upholstery is diamond-stitched for a luxurious feel.
The XSB boasts port and starboard rod storage. Another notable feature is the optional new, patent-pending through-hull bow anchor pole named the “Scout Post,” which handily pins the boat in place for either fishing or hanging out, storing easily when not in use.
Standard features include a powder-coated -hybrid leaning post, a wraparound helm windshield, port and starboard aerated baitwells and release wells, four stainless-steel flush-mounted cup holders, six stainless-steel flush-mounted rod holders, a console lounge seat with cushions, and a Fusion Bluetooth stereo with four speakers.
Among options are aft baitwells, leaning-post choices, upgradable Garmin display screens, a -portable head and console lounge storage.
Manufacturer’s Remark
Scout has built a reputation for being first-to-market with innovations throughout its 30-plus-year history.
Performance Data
- Test Power: Mercury Verado V8 300 HP
- Test Props: Revolution 4 stainless steel, 20P
- Test Load: 3,500 lb., incl. 49 gal. fuel, batteries, safety & test equipment; one person
- Test Speed: 56.5 mph @6,000 rpm
- Max Range: 193 mi., 23.7 mph, 3,000 rpm
Specs
| LOA: | 23’2″ |
|---|---|
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 65 gal. |
| Dry Weight: | 2,800 lb. plus power |
| Max HP: | 400 |
| Certifications: | NMMA |
Editor Says
In my time aboard Scout’s 231 XSB, I found features not typically associated with bay boats, such as a forward console lounge with a coffin box underneath. I also discovered innovations like a through-hull bow anchor pole called the Scout Post, as well as a boarding ladder that tucks inside an exterior transom locker. – Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Fishing Group
