At the Palm Beach International Boat Show last March, much attention was given to the debut of Scout Boats’ 670 LXS, the largest outboard-powered boat in production. In its shadow, it would have been easy to overlook the builder’s continued focus on its core midrange models. Yet Scout also introduced the 288 Dorado—a design that quietly advances what a dual-console boat can be, bringing features and capabilities to the segment that are uncommon in this size range.
The 288 Dorado serves as the new flagship of Scout’s high-quality, dayboat line designed for coastal work. It also marks a fresh design direction for the series. Measuring 28 feet, 9 inches in length with a 9-foot, 9-inch beam, the 288 is noticeably roomier than the 277, which remains in the builder’s lineup. You feel that extra space the moment you step aboard. The wide-open deck makes an excellent gathering spot for a large group. It’s an ideal boat for families who want to fish, cruise and enjoy time on the water without sacrificing comfort or quality.
I toured the 288 in Palm Beach and immediately appreciated the generous shade provided by the oversized hardtop. It features built-in lighting that gives the boat a polished, upscale feel after sunset. It also has a central handrail that offers passengers a secure grip when conditions turn choppy. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful touch that sets Scout apart from other production dual-console builders.
The boat comfortably seats up to eight passengers, yet even with a full crew, the 288 is spacious enough for everyone to stretch out and relax. When anglers are aboard, the layout adapts easily for fishing. For instance, the cockpit features a transom bench with a 13.5-gallon baitwell underneath and a fold-out gunwale bench that’s great for socializing but stows away quickly to maximize deck space for those casting lines.
Seating along the port side of the boat has been completely redesigned for versatility. By adjusting the backrests on the seat opposite the helm and the one behind it, passengers can face each other across a fold-out table that creates a cozy dinette. When the meal is over, the table lowers and is covered with a cushion to form a large sunpad. When it’s time to get underway, simply stow the table and readjust the backrests to create four forward-facing seats.
In the bow, a U-shaped lounge provides additional passenger seating, and owners can add an optional sunshade. To starboard is dedicated dry storage to keep gear, lines and other items protected.
The captain enjoys a comfortable helm seat facing a dash equipped with joystick steering, a large Garmin display, built-in phone chargers and handy stowage. Additional helm features include digital switching, stereo controls, Mercury VesselView and Zip Wake integration. An opening windshield provides easy bow access; beneath it is a wind deflector that locks in place to keep rain and spray out on inclement days. These practical touches make the 288 particularly appealing to experienced boaters.
A head compartment in the console adds convenience, as does a 23-gallon freshwater tank and a compact wet bar with refrigerator and sink in the cockpit. Those who enjoy cooking aboard can opt for a grill.
Standard power is a pair of 300-hp Mercury V-8 outboards. According to Scout, the boat reaches a top speed of 49.6 knots at wide-open throttle (burning 44 gph) and achieves its most efficient cruise at 26 knots and 3,500 rpm, consuming 17.1 gph. The hull’s 21-degree deadrise at the transom delivers a confident, comfortable ride, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
All Scout boats are built at the company’s facility in Summerville, South Carolina. The 288 Dorado showcases the brand’s renowned craftsmanship, evident in everything from the gelcoat to the robust hinges and hardware. Built to last and priced starting near $388,000, the boat delivers serious value. The 288 Dorado doesn’t just fill a gap in the dual-console market; it raises the bar for the class.
- LOA: 28’9”
- Beam: 9’0”
- Draft: 2’0”
- Dry Weight: 7,500 lbs.
- Fuel: 188 gals.
- Water: 23 gals.
- Power: (2) 300-hp Mercury V-8 outboards
This article was originally published in the July 2026 issue.
