Month: October 2019

If you’re looking to trade up to a new boat—perhaps one of our outstanding models available from Scout Boats—you’ll need a strategy for selling your current craft. It’s not only important to sell it for a good price, but you also don’t want to create a significant burden on your already limited time and energy. Learn how to sell your used boat in a simple, effective way that allows you to speed up the process.

If you’re looking to purchase a new boat, consider creating your ideal craft with our Build Your Scout tool. This allows you to customize your boat exactly to your liking so that you can fully maximize your time on the water.

Will You Sell it Yourself or Use a Broker?

One of the first decisions you need to make is whether you will sell the boat yourself or use a broker. If you sell the boat yourself, you will receive 100% of the profits from the sale. However, if you use a broker, you will not have to deal with the numerous tasks that come from selling. These tasks include setting a price, listing and advertising, negotiating sales, and finalizing the deal. A broker takes many of these time-consuming issues off your plate, but they cut into your profits. However, it’s also possible that using a broker could sell the boat for more, but this is not guaranteed.

Prepare Your Boat to Sell

To prepare your boat for the market, you don’t have to perform a complete overhaul. However, you need to do some basic cleaning and maintenance. Remember that you are selling a non-necessity, so the more appealing your boat, the better.

You want to entice buyers by making sure they see a clean, tidy boat. Wash and wax the boat thoroughly, and remove any dirt and debris from the interior. Pick up any extra gear so it looks uncluttered and attractive.

Research and Price Your Boat Appropriately

Setting the right price is crucial. Do your research and find a price that will help the boat sell without making it a complete giveaway. If you are not in a rush to sell, you can set the price high and see if any offers come through. NADA offers reliable guides for valuing a boat.

Be Available for Showing and Even Test Drives

When selling the boat, you need to work with the buyers. If you make your boat available for showings and test drives, you are far more likely to sell quickly at the price you expect.

Sell it to the Dealer

One of the best ways to conveniently sell your used boat is to simply trade it back to the dealer. Like auto dealerships, boat dealers are constantly looking to increase their inventory of available used products. While you won’t get as much as you would if you sell yourself, this can be a convenient option.

Custom Design Your New Craft

Now that you know how to sell your used boat, it’s time to start dreaming of your next purchase. With our Build Your Scout tool, you’re able to customize your craft exactly to your liking to create the boat of your dreams. From an onboard grill and XM stereo to sturdy outriggers and Garmin Display Screens, you’re sure to have maximum enjoyment on the water with a craft from Scout!

Inshore fishing is a fun and exciting sport. While it may not offer the massive trophies of offshore fishing, you can almost always expect a higher catch rate. Plus, with these essential inshore fishing techniques, you’ll have even more success every time you go out on the water.

Are you looking to purchase a fantastic inshore fishing boat? Consider creating your ideal craft with our Build Your Scout tool. This allows you to customize your boat exactly to your liking so that you can fully maximize your time on the water.

Catch Your Own Live Bait

One of the most crucial techniques for inshore fishing is catching your own bait. If you’re going to spend the day fishing, it’s definitely worth the time and effort. Fresh bait is much more likely to attract bigger catches!

Add Flash to Your Artificial Lures

Many inshore species respond to artificial lures as well as live bait. If you are using artificial lures, it may be worth your time to add a little extra flash to your tackle. Depending on where you shop, you may be able to find bright and flashy skirts or other accessories that can be added to your lures. These will increase the visibility and possibly the success rate of your lures.

Fly Fishing for Subtle Presentation

Sometimes when inshore fishing, you need a quiet, subtle technique. In this case, you should try fly fishing. If you’ve ever been fly fishing, you know that it can be a tricky skill to get down. However, if you master this art, you can place the right lure in the path of some of the most sought-after fish, including bonefish. 

“Match the Hatch” With Your Lures

There is a technique for lure selection called “match the hatch,” which is usually used for trout fishing in streams. However, this technique can be used for inshore fishing as well. Essentially, you want to select lures that match what your fish is eating. For example, if the fish are currently feeding on shrimp, choose lures that mimic shrimp.

Practice “Sight Casting”

When fishing in murky water where you can’t see if there are any fish, you basically cast to all possible locations, as you never know where a fish may be hiding. In clear water, however, you should practice “sight casting.” You do this by casting a lure directly to a visible fish. This technique not only requires accuracy and aim, but it also requires a quiet, gentle approach so you don’t scare off the fish.

Purchase A World-Class Inshore Fishing Boat from Scout

While these essential inshore fishing techniques are sure to help you increase your catch rate, you still need the perfect craft for the job! In order to create the inshore fishing boat of your dreams, use the Build Your Scout tool to add customize features that fit your specific needs. From large live wells to spacious casting decks, our crafts provide the ultimate fishing experience. Create your boat today!

You just bought a boat and you’re ready to go fishing. You have the tackle, the gear, and all the food and drinks you need for a long day on the water. You’re ready to go…right?

Not so fast.

If you haven’t done so already, you need to register your boat. While you’re sure to be eager to start using your boat, it’s generally a pretty fast and simple process. And, just like registering your car, it allows you to enjoy the water legally and responsibly. Take a look at how to register your boat so you can take to the water!

Are you looking to purchase your dream vessel? Consider creating your ideal boat with our Build Your Scout tool. This allows you to customize your craft exactly to your liking so that you can fully maximize your time on the water.

Why Register Your Boat?

Registering your boat serves a few different purposes. First of all, registering helps keep boating safe by providing funding for law enforcement and, in some cases, maintenance of waterways. The fees can also be used to improve fishing and natural resources.

Registering your boat also serves as documentation that proves that you are the primary owner, which can be helpful for law enforcement, insurance, and other purposes.

Steps for Registering

In many areas, registration is handled by the DMV or the state’s Fish and Wildlife Agency. Remember that exactly how to register your boat will vary by state, so be sure that you check your state laws to learn about its specific requirements. You will likely have to fill out an application and pay registration fees in addition to your title fee. You will have different options for registering your boat online, and the certificate of registration will need to be on your craft before you go boating. In most cases, you should register your boat in the state where it is primarily used. Also keep in mind that boats that are powered by a motor of any kind need to be registered. Kayaks and canoes may also need to be registered depending on the size of the vessel and the state requirements.

Purchase a Craft from Scout Boats

No matter where you live, if you want a top-quality vessel, you should go with a Scout. With our Build Your Scout tool, you’re able to customize your craft with outstanding features to create the boat of your dreams. Fishing fanatics will love accessories like sturdy outriggers, Garmin Display Screens, and our advanced stabilizer technology. For those who enjoy entertaining on the water, consider including an onboard grill, the XM stereo, and a ski pylon for maximum enjoyment on the water. Whatever you like, you certainly can never go wrong with Scout Boats.

Saltwater fishing is an incredible sport. It provides you with the opportunity to catch some of the most interesting, hard-fighting, and unique species on the planet. Large trophies and beautiful fish are part of the experience, but in order to gain these things, you need the right gear. Use this saltwater fishing gear guide so that you have all the right items for your next adventure!

Rods

Fishing is a diverse sport with target species of all sizes and varieties. As such, the rods you choose will also be diverse. You may use light spinning rods for small fish, or you could purchase heavy-duty trolling rods for large species.

Reels

You will purchase the reel based on the rod you will be using. Fixed-spool rods are popular if you plan to use a variety of baits and lures. On the other hand, you also can find reels designed for casting both lures, baits, and a variety of other items for trolling and jigging.

Fishing Line

Again, the species you will pursue will determine the line size. Both braided and monofilament lines are used in offshore fishing, but braided line has become more and more popular throughout the years. It generally has stronger durability in comparison to its width, and it has less stretch, making it easier to set the hook. Depending on what species you are pursuing, you will likely want a leader at the end of your line as well.

Tackle

Just like freshwater fishing, there is a variety of tackle in saltwater fishing that allows you to catch the right fish. The list is practically endless, but you can use artificial lures or live bait depending on what you want to catch.

Clothing

With modern advances in technology, there is a variety of clothing you can wear that has made saltwater fishing more accessible throughout the year, as you can stay comfortable whether it’s cold, hot, dry, or wet. Be prepared for your next fishing adventure with rain gear, thermal clothing, long-sleeve shirts, and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.

Miscellaneous Tools

For the best fishing experience, you will also need a variety of tools. Consider purchasing the following:

• A fishing net or a gaff
• A high-quality fishing knife (if you plan on keeping and eating your catch)
• A pair of scissors that you can use to cut line
• A pair of pliers to make sure you can remove stubborn hooks from a fish’s mouth
• An ice-cooler to keep your bait and your dinner fresh

The Perfect Saltwater Fishing Boat is Waiting

We hope you’ve enjoyed this saltwater fishing gear guide. The final item you’ll need to acquire to begin your fishing adventures is the ultimate vessel! When you are looking for the perfect saltwater boat for your specific needs, use our Build Your Scout tool. Whether you want a large offshore boat or a small boat for inshore fishing, you can create a craft with the right features and equipment for your needs.