Boat Test: 2024 Scout 357 LXF

Overview

Scout has been building quality fishing boats since 1989. Replacing the popular 355 LXF, the new 357 LXF center-console is part of the nine-boat lineup of luxury-cruisers aimed squarely at the higher-end slice of the outboard offshore-fishing market, appealing to buyers who want a performance-flavored, ultra-finished, luxury approach in their new center-console fishing conveyance.

Engines

The 357 fires a magnum bullet with triple 400 Mercury Verado outboard power. With these, we spun multiple 72.2 mph top-end speed runs in rough, windblown channel chop. The ­V-10s pulled 6,400 rpm swinging 27-pitch stainless-steel four-blade Mercury Revolution X SS ­propellers through 2.08-to-1 gear ratios. While acceleration won’t scare any quick PWC or little single-engine hot-rod hulls, it was plenty zippy considering the 35-by-11-foot size and 14,000-pound heft. With 180 gallons in the 319-gallon tank, we hit 30 mph in 7.4 seconds from dead ­in-gear idle. Fuel-sippers who dislike dawdling will like the efficient cruise speed we noted. At 4,000 rpm, the ­22-degree-deadrise stepped Scout V-bottom was reaching 1.15 miles per gallon—and so ­netting more than 390 miles of range while leaving 10 percent in reserve. A long weekend of cruising, fishing and ­island-hopping ­without ­refueling is easily in the cards.

In many cases, a fast hull trades comfort for speed and punch. Not the 357 LXF. Its deep-V double-stepped hull offers a crisp, smooth and stable ride. Turns are predictable; it takes room to slow this beast, but the hull cuts and banks as it arcs around in tight hard-over turns. Planing shows pronounced bow rise as that elongated nose breaks over, then the hull flattens out and scoots. The ­resin-infused fiberglass hull features a pad ­bottom with multiple lifting strakes and a ­set-back transom, all of which translates into enhanced performance and ­efficiency.

Each 357 LXF is built alongside Scout’s other models ranging from 17 to 53 feet, with its newest flagship 67-footer set to debut sometime this season. Scout’s Summerville, South Carolina, plant is most impressive, employing over 400 workers and seemingly under constant expansion. Each Scout is designed, ­prototyped, tested and built right there in the plant. Even the electrical harnesses, ­plumbing and fixtures are built in-house. We spent some time there observing the processes in the prototype stage, the electrical assembly clean room, the gelcoat and layup stage, and the final assembly line. With the exception of the computer-aided prototyping and calculations, it’s done by hand. The epoxy-infused layup is as efficient as it gets, tossing aside the age-old adage that an offshore boat must be laid up heavy to last and offer a smooth ride.

Interior and Accessories

Posh forward seating includes a lounger for two on the forward console as well as wraparound seating/loungers in the bow, with an electrically actuated bow table that can retract flush with the seats to accommodate an upholstered filler cushion to create a spacious sun lounger.

The cockpit layout offers a center-mounted helm, triple heated helm seating with flip-up bolsters behind a fully integrated pilot’s console surrounded by a custom Scout-designed and -built T-top with full safety-glass enclosure. Helm controls feature a Fusion Bluetooth amplified eight-speaker sound system, Garmin 8612 display, lighted electronically controlled switching, compass, USB ports, and courtesy lighting. Rear-facing aft cooler bench passenger seating rounds out the console. An optional electric telescoping sunshade is a techie touch that makes sun-scorched days easier on the skin; add optional air conditioning for ultimate comfort. A hardtop solar-panel trickle charger, an additional charger and batteries keep all the accessories humming. A Seakeeper 3 option is a great choice for rougher seas.

Belowdecks, the overnight cabin features a double berth, marine head with electric pump, Corian counter surfaces, sink, refrigerator, port and starboard windows, a 19-inch built-in flat-screen TV, a removable teak cabin table, and ­multiple storage cubbies.

In the bow, an electrically actuated bow ­table/sun lounge rises from an Esthec deck for casual gatherings. An anchor camera is standard, making mooring easier from the cockpit, and an aft-facing bench seat converts into a raised prep table. Grigio bow-cushion upholstery is available, along with other color options.

For anglers, the 60-gallon transom fish/­storage box, port and starboard 43-gallon in-floor fish boxes, and a 47-gallon cockpit baitwell are all standard, as are 10 gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders. Options include retractable hardtop rocket launchers, electric-reel plugs, underwater lights, and hardtop-mounted outriggers.

Read Next: Scout 281 XSS

Abaft, anglers and water enthusiasts alike will enjoy the full-width walkable swim/engine platform with a starboard-side walk-through door.

Fountain’s 34CC, powered with triple 400 Verados, comes in at a base price of $586,150 before options. It’s a 76 mph runner with a ­519-mile range at cruising speed.

Scout has honed its LXF lineup over many years. This latest 357 LXF takes its rightful place as a premier 35-foot fisher, with style and comfort and performance.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Mercury 400 hp Verado V-10 outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Triple Mercury Revolution X-SS 16″ x 27″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 180 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• The Scout 357 LXF sports an epoxy-infused hull with gelcoat that provides for a Class-A automotive-like finish to the hull and deck. It shows deep shine and luster, and is free from irregularities and blemishes.
• Tech options such as a Seakeeper 3 ­gyrostabilizer, retractable electric T-top ­sunshade, solar battery chargers, and ­heated helm seating keep the Scout 357 LXF at the forefront of fishing-craft convenience, innovation and luxury.
• Featuring steps and a transom setback, this  performance hull delivers 70-plus mph speeds and provides excellent midrange ­efficiency.

Low Point

• The 357 LXF has less fuel capacity than similar-size triple-engine center-consoles.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation