Scout’s 275 LXF center console is a sleek sportster that proves beauty is more than skin — or gelcoat — deep. Its appearance isn’t the only thing striking about this boat — its performance is pretty appealing, as well. The 275 really has the bona fides for serious offshore pursuits.
We picked the perfect day for the test, which was set up with the help of Legendary Marine in Destin, Florida. An unusual summer cold front had Choctawhatchee Bay whipped into a confused chop, but the 275 never missed a beat. Tabbing the bow down slightly, we ate up the stacked rollers like the spread at a tailgate party. The Nu-V3 hull performed as advertised, with negligible bow rise on acceleration and a soft, smooth, fuel-efficient ride regardless of heading. The aggressive bow flare knocked down any spray to keep us bone-dry.
With a 22-degree deadrise at the transom, handling was sure and predictable. The stern bit and held in tight turns, rolling was minimal at rest. At a leisurely cruising pace of 4,500 rpm, the GPS recorded 39.2 mph with a miserly fuel rate of 18.4 gph consumed by the twin Yamaha 200 hp four-strokes. At wide-open throttle, the boat’s nearly 52 mph top speed proved plenty quick to outrun a pop-up thunderstorm or make it back in time for dinner.
The helmsman and companion are comfortably snuggled into the console’s bolstered flip-back leaning post. Either position, standing or seated, offers a commanding view and protection from the elements. System gauges and mil-spec toggle switches are easily scanned or reachable. The fiberglass hardtop with wraparound tempered glass provides protection, yet the top-edge gap still allows airflow. Hydraulic tilt steering and trim tabs are standard, and power assist and the Optimus 360 Joystick Vessel Control are available as options. The large electronics panel accommodates the biggest displays, and the helm folds aft for access to the wiring. There’s additional access to the electrical panel and battery switches from inside the console, through the port head-compartment hatches. A self-contained porcelain head comes standard, as do fresh- and raw-water washdowns.
The upgraded leaning post includes an aft bait-prep station, sink, stainless-steel storage drawers and two side storage compartments, one of which houses a handy trash bin. Four rod holders are incorporated into the post, with another five-tube rocket launcher along the back edge of the hardtop. Under the gunwales, horizontal rod racks with cushioned pads to protect the reels hold six outfits, with four more on top.
Scout didn’t scrimp on storage on the 275, either. Twin 20-gallon baitwells in the transom corners hold a good supply of sardines or pogies. Matching 100-quart fish boxes in the cockpit sole are equipped with diaphragm pumps. Moving to the bow, the forward console seat has a drink cooler underneath, while twin outboard compartments in the bow double as lounge seats. Retractable backrests can be added. You can stow dock lines and other items in the radiused forward bulkheads, while another large compartment in the centerline deck accommodates buckets, anchor balls and other bulky gear.
The fit and finish of this model, like all Scouts I’ve tested, is impeccable. All hatch lids close snugly and smoothly without rubbing, binding or squeaking. Premium hardware is used throughout and the two-tone upholstery is striking yet durable. Buyers also have numerous options to add a custom look, including full hull-color upgrades, Imron accent striping, solid teak on the swim platforms, LED-underwater lights and painting the engines white. A special Guy Harvey edition is also available in this model. And if you enjoy grilling the day’s catch on the water, the Kenyon electric grill, 12-volt refrigerator and inverter/charging system option make that possible.
The 275 Luxury Sportfisher is a boat that’ll certainly turn heads in any marina or complement a megayacht as a tender. But beneath that gorgeous facade lies the heart and soul of a serious fishing machine.
