It’s clear that Scout focuses on above-the-cut luxury as staples, and this 355 LXF is no exception.
Scout brass redesigned the 350 LXF from the stringers up to accommodate the much-demanded Seakeeper gyrostabilizer. The new stringer grid, transom and inner liner join with a redesigned console and leaning post. A repositioned fuel tank and batteries maintain balance. The result is assured comfort in rough water.
Anglers and divers will love the robust portside boarding door with built-in ladder. Astern, the triple outboards are rigged with typical Scout precision and detail (translation: no loose anything anywhere, and clean rigging means easy access and service). Scout upgraded the electrical systems; our tester ran the entire day on 12-volt DC power thanks to the added triple AGM batteries. Solar panels incorporated into the T-top help keep the system purring even when amperage draw is high. With all the accessories running, it’s great to know you won’t run out of juice before getting back on shore power.
The wider console accommodates three across at the helm. Down under, there’s room and amenities for a couple to overnight — and remember, it’s a center console, not an express cruiser. Notably, with everything running, it’s super-quiet; the well-designed door and hatch seals ensure that. Astern, there’s enough room for everyone to fight fish without stepping on each other. The bow section accommodates sun-seekers with a forward body-contoured lounger and cocktail area with retractable table.
Triple outboards powered the 355 to nearly 70 mph in the chopped-up and wind-driven Charleston harbor, without breathing hard. The double-stepped 22-degree deadrise V-hull never gave pause or a hard thump, despite the thrasher-size tug wakes we crossed at speed. Hard-over turns produced a satisfying carve with no surprises. The fit and finish of the vacuum-infused hull and deck were also no surprise, a level of quality that’s standard fare with Scout. Prospective owners know what they want, having owned many boats — and usually a few Scouts — before perusing boats like the 355. With that in mind, it’s good to expect that the surprises are pleasant ones and come in the form of new innovations and refined amenities.
High Points
* Garmin fisheye bow camera, operated from the touchscreen dash, is a great new feature that makes anchoring easier and even bow-high, low-planing speed-running safer.
* Console and helm station have innovative features such as air conditioning, heated seats, a rear seat back that forms a cooking table, a touchscreen dash with push-button fail-safe backups, and highly engineered door seals and hardware to ensure long life.
Price: $394,882 (base MSRP)
How We Tested
Engines: Triple 300 hp Yamaha F300 outboards
Drive/Prop: Outboard/15″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 115 gal.
Crew Weight: 600 lb.
More Information
Scout Boats – Summerville, South Carolina; 843-821-0068; scoutboats.com
