Month: February 2021

Different boats are used for different purposes. Whether you like fishing, skiing, or scuba diving, there’s a boat from Scout to fit your specific needs! Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll find comfort, refinement, and an outstanding design on every craft. Read on to learn more about the best recreational boats from Scout!

If you’d like to purchase a new craft, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, watersports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your boating experience!

Best Boat for Watersports

If you’re going to use your boat for skiing, you’ll want speed, power, and plenty of storage. It needs to take off quickly, maintain excellent speed as you pull a skier, and have enough space for equipment like skis and ropes.

The 215 Dorado is perfect for skiing. This dual-console boat is loaded with accessories, and it can be equipped with a ski pole that lifts the rope out of the water. It also has plenty of space for passengers so people can watch the skiers.

Best Boat for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

For a boat that will be used for snorkeling and scuba diving, you need excellent storage and convenient access to the water. You should also be able to leave the water and enter the boat easily, especially when you’re loaded with scuba gear.

The 425 LXF has everything you need for an excellent boating experience. Not only is the craft full of storage space, but scuba divers will greatly appreciate the hydraulic beach platform which creates the ideal launching pad for water activities.

Best Boat for Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing might not seem like a hobby that requires speed (you’re not racing anyone, after all), but you’ll certainly want to reach your offshore fishing destination quickly. The fishing spot could be dozens of miles away, and you don’t want to spend the entire day simply getting to the location. Offshore fishing also requires plenty of space and comfort for long trips.

The 420 LXF is one of the best choices for offshore fishing. It has luxury and refinement for long days on the water, and with high-quality motors, it can reach your destination in a flash!

Best Boat for Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing requires storage, ride stability, and comfort, but one of the most important aspects is a short draft. If you’re fishing in intertidal areas, you need a boat that can cruise through mere inches of water. A small, light boat is generally preferred for inshore fishing.

One of the best options for inshore fishing is the 195 Sportfish. This is a center-console boat with plenty of space for casting and excellent storage despite the smaller size. It also has a 13-inch draft, allowing it to cruise over shallow waters, sand flats, and intertidal areas.

Get the Boating Excellence You Deserve

These are the best recreational boats from Scout! No matter which boat you choose, you’ll find comfort and refinement with all of our models. From large offshore vessels to top-quality ski boats, we set the standard for recreational boating! Plus, you can customize your craft with all of your favorite features using our Build Your Scout tool. Try it out today!

Buying a boat is exciting, but you should take your time and choose a craft that’s right for your needs. You should also have a plan in place for your boat and purchase all of the equipment it requires in advance. Use this boat buying checklist to help you prepare for your new craft!

If you’d like to purchase a new boat, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, water sports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your time on the water!

How Will You Pay for the Boat?

While it may seem obvious, it’s important to carefully think through how you plan to pay for your new boat. Will the vessel be purchased with cash from your account, or will you need financing? Depending on the method of payment, you’ll need to take certain steps in preparation:

• If you’re paying with cash, you may need to sell assets to ensure that the money is in your account. Take this step as soon as possible.
• If you’re financing, it helps to shop around for the right loan. Loans can be provided by dealerships, credit unions, and banks, so do your research so you find a loan that fits your specific needs.

First-time boat owners often make the mistake of overextending their finances on this purchase. Be sure to set a practical budget and strictly stick to it.

Consider Storage

Another point to consider is how you plan to store your boat when it’s not in use:

• If you plan to store it at your property, you need to check community regulations on outdoor boat storage. Some neighborhoods won’t allow you to store your boat on the side of the road, and some won’t allow outdoor boat storage even on your driveway.
• If you plan to store it at a storage facility or marina, check for availability as early as possible. You may have to put down a deposit to hold your spot. Marinas often have other requirements as well, such as purchasing boat insurance, so call ahead so you can check this off your list.

Buy a Trailer

If you want to move the boat from one body of water to another, you’ll need a trailer. Talk to your dealer about a trailer and see if this will be part of the sales package. There are different trailers for different purposes, so do your research to find the right trailer for your needs.

Research Mechanics

No matter how new and reliable, your boat will eventually need a mechanic. Research local mechanics in the area to see if there are any nearby. Find out about their overall experience and whether or not they work on your type of boat.

Purchase Safety Equipment

Load up on safety equipment before you buy. Items like life jackets, throwable preservers, flashlights, air horns, and first-aid kits are crucial on the water. You may want to buy these items before purchasing a boat so you’re ready to use your craft as soon as possible.

Find a Luxury Craft from Scout Boats

We hope this boat buying checklist assists you. If you want to have an outstanding boating experience, a craft from Scout Boats can thoroughly enhance your time on the water. With refined features and advanced technology that are customizable using our Build Your Scout tool, you can create a craft that suits your exact needs!

Nothing is more important on a boat than safety. Complete safety involves many precautions, such as safe boating practices and informing all passengers about proper behavior on the vessel. It also includes having the right safety equipment. With that in mind, we have prepared a simple boat safety gear checklist to help you protect yourself on your boating adventures.

If you’d like to purchase a new craft, design one to fit your exact needs with our Build Your Scout tool. You can add features for fishing, watersports, entertainment, and more to best enjoy your boating experience!

Lifejackets

Lifejackets are an essential safety item for boating. Youth passengers should wear a life jacket at all times. Adult passengers don’t have to wear a lifejacket, but you need at least one properly-fitting lifejacket for each person on your boat. Also note that anyone participating in water sports must wear one while in action.

Throwable Life Preserver

In addition to lifejackets, you also need at least one throwable life preserver. This is a legally-mandated requirement in most areas. Be sure that your throwable is easy to reach and can be accessed quickly.

Fire Extinguisher

Fire is an extremely dangerous hazard on boats. It can cause burns and could result in your boat sinking. Your boat should have a working, up-to-date fire extinguisher that is stored in a safe location.

Signaling Equipment

If you’re in trouble and another boat passes, you need a way to signal for help. Flags and an air horn can help you call for assistance if needed.

First Aid Kit

You should keep a first aid kit filled with a few bandages, ointments, and first-aid basics on your boat. These items can help you deliver immediate care for burns, scrapes, cuts, and bruises.

Anchor and Rope

If your engine dies, floating adrift at sea can be deadly. Have an anchor on your boat so you can stay in place. This will help rescuers find your vessel and help you return to safety. Make sure there is also a rope with enough length so that it can be used to help the anchor reach large depths or tie the boat to another structure.

Weather-Update Technology

You always need to know what the weather is doing while boating. Have a radio or mobile device that will provide weather information so you can make appropriate boating decisions.

Flashlight

Even if you never boat at night, a flashlight is an important safety device. If you’re stuck on the water into the night, this device can provide the light you need and also help you signal for help.

Skier-Down Flag

A skier-down flag is a simple device that is displayed when a skier behind your boat falls. Usually measuring about 12-inches by 12-inches, these flags tell other boaters not to come near and to be on the look-out for people in the water. They are a crucial part of maintaining safety, especially on busy lakes and bays, and they may be required by your state.

Purchase a New Craft from Scout Boats

We hope this boat safety gear checklist assists you. If you want to have an outstanding boating experience, a craft from Scout Boats can thoroughly enhance your time on the water. With refined features and advanced technology that are customizable using our Build Your Scout tool, you can create a craft that suits your exact needs!