At 38 feet 6 inches long and a hair over 12 feet wide, Scout’s 380 LXF is a center console, but that’s like saying a Porsche Panamera is a station wagon. We ran the 380 through sloppy cruiser and workboat wakes in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor. This nicely equipped boat took the largest wakes at well over 40 mph with no slamming. The very pronounced Carolina flare keeps crew dry. The hull is double-stepped to release the wetted running surface for high efficiency. Hull construction features epoxy-infused e-glass, hand-laid and vacuum-infused for maximum weight savings and strength, with no wood core to rot. At the bow, ultra-vinyl cushions flank a pop-up table that can be set higher for snacking, or lowered and fitted with a center cushion to form a larger sunbathing area. Just forward of the center console reside forward-facing loungers with foldable armrests. A recessed powder-coated security grab rail encircles the deck, within easy reach yet not obtrusive.
The access doors of the center console lead down to the cabin. A berth (6 feet 5 inches usable length), galley, separate head and shower, entertainment system and air conditioning make for a comfy overnight space. Below-deck rod storage is standard, but it can be replaced with a cedar-lined closet and shoe storage.
Returning topside, the helm is completely digital and connected. Every function is accessed via three flush-mount Garmin touchscreen displays, with backup controls (traditional buttons and switches) on the underside of the hardtop. The console is protected by Scout’s stylized hardtop and windshield enclosure, which is crafted from tempered safety glass. The three-abreast helm seating is heated and features flip-up bolsters. Behind the helm seats there’s a rigging/prep station with built-in tackle drawers and/or fridge and icemaker. Rod storage is abundant under the gunwales. At the transom, port and starboard fish boxes hold 92 gallons each, with more dry storage and a 100-gallon aerated baitwell abaft. A walk-through transom door allows access to the full-width transom bracket/platform, which has an Armstrong dive ladder.
High Points
- Standard Seakeeper 3 DC gyro-stablizer eliminates roll in rough seas for superb comfort, whether fishing or cruising.
- Power sun shade looks cool while offering great functionality.
- Anchor windlass washdown hose in bow is a great touch, keeping salt and mud to a minimum on the anchor and rode.
- Scout’s patent-pending bow camera with fisheye lens is helpful and a great safety feature when casting off — it offers a view of what lies directly in front of you.
Price: $728,619 (base); $876,483 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engines: Triple Mercury Verado 350 hp FourStrokes
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14.625″ x 18″
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 226 gal.
Crew Weight: 700 lb.
Scout Boats – Summerville, South Carolina; 843-821-0068; scoutboats.com
