Scout 420 LXF

Center-console boats have advanced from Spartan-like fishing platforms to mini yachts. The new 420 LXF — Scout’s largest model yet — is one of the latest examples, blending angling utility with luxury, classic styling, new construction technology, a step-hull, abundant power and sophisticated onboard systems.

This model offers cruising comfort and the ability to entertain guests, qualities that make the 420 LXF a top candidate as a yacht tender. It’s available with a heavy-duty towing eye ($3,714) for just that purpose.

If you’re looking for a comparison, the new Regulator 41 ($793,325 with quad Yamaha F350s) also integrates comfort with fishing features in that company’s largest boat yet.

To ensure structural strength while also keeping the 420 LXF as light as possible, Scout turned to vacuum-infused epoxy-resin construction for the first time. This technique eliminates bubbles and minimizes shrink as the boat cures. Also, there’s virtually no print-through on the hull’s exterior.

A massive aft cockpit, measuring 9 feet 4 inches wide and 4 feet 4 inches along the centerline, not only lends itself to fishing but also socializing. For anglers, there are seven stainless-steel flush-mounted rod holders across the transom, an 80-gallon transom livewell and a pair of 108-gallon fish boxes.

Fold out the transom bench-style seat for a relaxing entertainment setting. A trio of high-back seats on the aft side of the central module adds to the social atmosphere. Extend a motorized awning from the hardtop for shade.

Raw- and freshwater washdown hoses pull out from ports on the underside of the hardtop. With a quick tug, each automatically retracts. A recessed boatswain’s locker on the starboard side of the console exterior stows deck brushes, gaffs and boat hooks.

In another innovative design, a door on the port side cantilevers outward on hydraulics to become to a 6-foot-long by 2-foot-4-inch-wide dive platform. It folds back into place so cleanly, you’d never know it was there. However, the design negates its use as a boarding door at floating docks.

A transom door in the starboard quarter offers access to the full-width platform forward of the outboards. The 420 LXF has no splashwell, so you can traverse from side to side.

Within the central seating module is a step-down systems compartment where we found an optional Seakeeper NG5 gyrostabilizer ($58,000). This minimized roll on a lumpy day outside the inlet. A Koehler 6 kW diesel generator below the aft deck powered the gyro and two air-conditioning systems (one for the cabin and another for the bridge deck), and it also powers other 120-volt AC equipment while away from the dock. A shore-power cord unwinds from within the transom. To entertain the crew, there’s an outdoor galley with an Isotherm drawer-style fridge/freezer/ice maker, an electric grill and a top-opening cooler.

Three-across helm seats feature flip-up bolsters and armrests. The center console has a three-piece tempered-glass windshield. Scout chose to leave a small space between the windshield and the hardtop for fresh air, but it also lets in errant spray. We’d like to see those gaps closed to protect the 59-inch-wide helm, which accommodates three flush-mounted Garmin 8215 15-inch multifunction displays. The helm also includes CZone digital switching.

Forward of the console, a lounger entices guests with its angled backrests and fold-down armrests. In the bow, U-shaped seating surrounds a motorized teak table, which descends to become a sun pad (with filler cushions). When it’s time to fish, retract the table completely.

The console cabin, accessible from a portside companionway, features 6½ feet of headroom and the ambience of a private jet. Lower the wood dining table to convert the area to a berth measuring 5 feet 1 inches long and 7 feet wide from which you can enjoy a 32-inch TV. Windows on each side open for fresh air and include dual-action shades for privacy. Accent lighting sets the mood.

The cabin galley features wood-veneer cabinetry, a faux granite countertop, a sink with a brushed stainless-steel backsplash, hot and cold fresh water, a drawer-style fridge, a microwave and a two-burner electric stove. Hardwood flooring leads to the aft private head compartment with the shower separated from the vanity and marine toilet by a clear acrylic bi-fold door.

The dual-stepped hull of the 420 LXF ushers a cushion of air under the running surface to boost speed and efficiency. We gathered data on a boat powered by four Mercury Verado 350 outboards. The big Scout vaulted to 30 mph in 8.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 56.8 mph at 6,350 rpm. The most economical cruising speed occurred at 37.7 mph (4,500 rpm), where the quad 350s burned 51 gph, resulting in 0.98 mpg and a maximum range of 440 miles based on the 500-gallon fuel capacity.

The new 420 LXF offers a pleasing balance of angling functionality and comfort, surrounds it with style and sophistication, and propels it with an efficient hull and ample power. If you’re looking for a big center-console that you can customize to your heart’s content, put Scout’s biggest boat ever near the top of the list.

Comparable Model: Regulator 41