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Scout 260 Sportfish

The Scout 260 Sportfish combines the best of old and new.
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With an eye toward the recent retro trend in the automotive industry, Scout Boats has launched a new center console that combines state-of-the-art engineering and design with the look and style of a classic fish boat. With its seaworthy hull and lengthy list of standard features, the 260 Sportfish should prove popular with weekend and tournament anglers alike.

I had the chance to test the 260 recently in a choppy Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, with Scout President Steve Potts. The boat handled the real-world conditions with ease. It was rigged with a pair of Yamaha F150TXR four-stroke outboards, which provided good initial acceleration and top-end speed (a single 250-hp Yamaha four-stroke is the other power option). The GPS pegged out at 50.5 mph with the two of us aboard, 95 gallons of fuel and six gallons of water. At a comfortable cruise of 4000 rpm, speed was 33.7 mph, with a fuel burn of 12.9 gph. At that rate, the 260 has a 296-nautical-mile range with its 145-gallon tank and a ten-percent safety reserve.

Handling was also impressive. The 260’s hull features a sharp bow entry, 20-degree transom deadrise and outward-stepped strakes for a ride that was comfortably soft and dry in all directions, despite the stiff wind. The hull responded immediately to the standard trim tabs. Tilt hydraulic steering is also standard.

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The large and ergonomic console on the 260 sports a James Bond-like feature – turn the ignition key off and an opaque Plexiglas cover electronically lowers to protect the flush-mount electronics against theft and the elements. The beige textured highlight on the console – another trend borrowed from Detroit- is stylish and cuts down on glare. An oversized T-top with electronics box, spreader lights and rocket launcher is also standard. Its D-shaped aluminum tubing reinforces the classic look, and Scout claims the design is stronger structurally than conventional round tubing.

But the 260 Sportfish is more than good looking – it’s a serious offshore fishing machine. The aft section of the starboard gunwale incorporates a 27-gallon bait well and sink, plus several tackle drawers and storage compartments. The port side houses a deep, insulated fishbox with overboard drain. Both bulkhead configurations are cantilevered above the deck, with rounded edges for integral and functional toe kicks. The removable wave gate/stern seat is standard, as is a complete bolster set and bow cushion seat.

The bow casting deck is slightly raised and houses 120-quart port and starboard insulated fishboxes with deep gutters and thick gaskets to prevent water intrusion. A large dry-storage box is positioned on the centerline, aft of the two-part anchor locker that is big enough to house a vertical windlass, along with fenders and dock lines.

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Our test boat was outfitted with the optional deluxe leaning-post equipped with a 55-gallon bait well. The well’s clear-acrylic window lets in plenty of light so it’s easy to net the bait. This leaning post also includes a second tackle-storage compartment with dual Plano boxes and a switch that allows you to change from raw water to the 15-gallon fresh water system.

¿ SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 26′ 2″ Beam: 8′ 10″ Draft: 15″ Weight (hull only): 3,000 lbs. Deadrise: 20˚ Fuel: 145 gals. Water: 15 gals. Max. hp: 300 Base price w/ twin Yamaha F150TXR four-stroke outboards: $85,009

The roomy, bright head compartment allows access to the standard Clarion stereo/CD player, as well as the batteries and dual bilge pumps. There are also access panels for the electronics and wiring harnesses. A porta-potty or porcelain marine head with manual holding tank are available options. Other possible accessories include a battery charger, TACO Grand Slam outriggers and LED trim-indicator switch.

The Scout 260 Sportfish may be too big to tow behind a Chrysler PT Cruiser, but it’ll be a perfect match with a classic restored pickup. Better still, idle one through the marina and see how quick the heads turn as this stylish center console goes back to the future.

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Scout Boats, Summerville, SC; (843) 821-0068; www.scoutboats.com.

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