Month: March 2019

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.