Ok so I looked at the yellowfin and the contender and the regulator based on everyone’s advice. They look like awesome fishing boats but not really nice to go cruising on. They did not look like they had many creature comforts. So I am looking for a good 50/50 boat and I think that the scout is for me. Maybe I am biased but I like my current Scout a lot.
So my question is if any of you know of the pros and cons of the 26’ vs the 28’ center console would you fill me in. I am on the fence as to which one I will go after the cost difference isn’t that huge so I don’t know what if anything the bigger boat will get me. And will the bigger one me harder to handle/dock/trailer etc.
IMO, Scout is what you want if you will be doing over 3/4 cruising and 1/4 fishing offshore. They are fast because they are so light. They are therefore pretty efficient boats to run. They also look great and have great resale value.
The difference in the 26 ride vs the 28 ride is the 28 will take a headsea better, but you’re getting the boat to cruise in right? To get the same speed out of the 28, you will need more HP, and you will buy more gas. I have a friend who has a 26XF sportfish, and the layout and everything on it is fantastic for cruising and a little fishing. They are just light boats… but that is a good thing for cruising, manuevering and trailering. With twin F150’s the thing will run over 40kts and get well over 3mpg fuel economy at 30kts. You aren’t going to get that with the 28. The 28 will ride better in a headsea and will have only slightly more room. I don’t see why you’d want to spend the extra $$$$ on the 28 unless you insisted on having a scout and needed the boat to run better offshore. By that point, I’d get a previously enjoyed yellowfin or regulator for the same $$$$ and not take as much depreciation hit that you will over a new Scout. A used Scout may be a different story. You may find a 28 for the same as a 26. Then, your comparison will be slightly - only slightly - more room and a higher gas bill basically.
What creature comforts are you looking for? The 26 Reg. has plenty of creature comforts…forward seating, head, etc. I can’t imagine a Scout having any more “creature comforts” and it will not ride nearly as well as the 26 Reg. Southport 28 is another one to look at. You can only get so many creature comforts for a center console. I would take a look at the 28 Scout Abaco if you want a more family friendly boat. It has all the comforts and will ride decent offshore…not nearly as nice as the Reg or Contender.
I owned the 26’ Scout Abaco with twin F150’s and loved it. Top end 50 MPH on GPS. Great customer support, and the factory is up the road in Summerville. Economical to run (2.4 mpg at 32 MPH). If you go to the 28, you will need bigger motors. (I ran the 29 Abaco with twin F250’s and liked it too). Just depends how much room you need and how much you plan to go far offshore. Bigger boat=better ride. You really can’t go wrong… and Hanckel is selling boats at 15% below Dealer cost (See Tony).
Bwilliams,
I used to sell Scouts, and I’m pretty sure I sold you your first one. I don’t sell them anymore, but I owned two 28’s and rode/fished the 262’s. There is a big difference between the two. I fished mine hard and did very little cruising. I can dispell the claims that Scout builds less of a fishing boat and more of a cruiser. We put those boats through hell and were very pleased. I have probably told you before when I was in sales: I never had anyone buy the 28 and wish they had bought the 26, it’s always the other way around. That statement is very true, not just a sales line. Call me if I can help and I hope all is well. I’m at Ross Marine–843-559-0379
Ok so I looked at the yellowfin and the contender and the regulator based on everyone’s advice. They look like awesome fishing boats but not really nice to go cruising on. They did not look like they had many creature comforts. So I am looking for a good 50/50 boat and I think that the scout is for me. Maybe I am biased but I like my current Scout a lot.
So my question is if any of you know of the pros and cons of the 26’ vs the 28’ center console would you fill me in. I am on the fence as to which one I will go after the cost difference isn’t that huge so I don’t know what if anything the bigger boat will get me. And will the bigger one me harder to handle/dock/trailer etc.
Thanks Paul yea thats me. There are some good deals out there and I really am seriously considering an upgrade. I have had a few fun trips to the ledge and back in the 222. Furthest I have gone out was Edisto banks. I would like to fish more but the days I can fish my boat have to be pretty much perfect weather days. Ill give you a call sometime and maybe you can show me how to drive the silly thing if I get one LOL.