Scout 435 LXF high tech center console
There are a lot of center consoles out there, including hundreds at the Miami Boat Show, but Scout Boats stand out. They are known as a premium brand that uses high quality components and construction techniques in their boats along with ergonomic designs and layouts that are ideal for cruising and catching fish. At this year’s show they introduced several new models including the Scout 288 Dorado and the Scout 435 LXF.
Built in Summerville, South Carolina by experienced American craftsmen, the new Scout 435 LXF utilizes modern technology to take the boat to a higher level. Hulls are not made of fiberglass but instead use a carbon fiber/E-glass construction with epoxy infusion for incredible durability and lightweight. The hulls use a proprietary dual stepped hull for increased performance and seakeeping.
The Scout 435 LXF I went aboard was powered by Quad Mercury Verado V10 425-horsepower outboards but twin Mercury Verado V12 600-horsepower is another option. The boat is also fitted with a bank of lithium batteries that can power everything onboard including air conditioning to negate the use of a generator. The system is controlled by Navico’s Fathom 48V E-System (See Best4Boats Fathom article) which we previously covered on a different boat we tested. Fathom brings electrical information up on your MFDs and notifies you when charging is needed. Because both Navico and Mercury are Brunswick companies, they work together so the outboards which have oversized alternators can be fired up and used in a safe neutral mode as chargers when you are not running but away from the dock. In Power+ mode the outboards are automatically started and run up to rpm in neutral to charge the large lithium battery banks and run onboard equipment that uses a lot of power.
Suffice it to say that at 43’4” long with 13’1” beam the Scout LXF has a lot of comfortable spaces. These include a centerline helm seat with companion seats on either side and a second row of three more passenger seats behind, all under their large, patented powder coated hardtop with a curved windshield ahead. Port and starboard hydraulic beach platforms fold down for extra deck space and to get close to the water. There is lounge seating fore and aft including removable tables. The climate controlled cabin has a galley with electric stovetop, sink, and microwave, along with a large center bunk that can be converted to a dinette and a head with a separate shower compartment. Whether fishing, weekending, or just having fun on the water, the Scout 435 LXF gives you a lot of options.
MSRP” Scout 435 LXF Li-Ion base price w/ Triple Mercury 425 V10 ES Verado’s is $1,492,799 www.scoutboats.com
