If you see a gaggle of boats anchored or rafted up around a sandbar or back bay beach, you’ll probably notice that many are center consoles. You might assume that’s because the center console is one of the most popular boat styles on the water today. But you should also consider that owners of these boats enjoy being out in the open air, whether they’re casting lines off the coast or pointing the bow toward the beach for some chill time.

Among center consoles, there are few as luxuriously appointed as the new 357 LXF S-Class from Scout Boats of South Carolina. You can lounge on deck, dive off the swim platform or take a break from the sun in the air-conditioned cabin. “This new model, like all of our boats, is designed to look amazing and outperform the competition,” says Alan Lange, director of sales and marketing at Scout. “It’s also built to be purposeful. Our customers want to enjoy the complete boating lifestyle. That means entertain family and friends in style and comfort, and have an exhilarating experience on the water.”

This newest member of the LXF series features a broken sheer that dips from the prominent bow to the lower freeboard aft, where it blends with a subtle tumblehome transom. The engine platform is unobstructed by rigging tubes and decked with faux teak Esthec, so it’s easy to walk from boat to boat when rafted up, or simply access the outboards and swim ladder.

The deep-V hull has an aggressive entry, dual steps and a 22-degree transom deadrise that enhances seakeeping, speed and fuel economy. The Scout is available with twin and triple outboards from Yamaha or Mercury. Max horsepower is 1,200. With three 400-hp Mercury motors, the boat can reach 72 mph. Best cruise speed is at 4000 rpm, where it runs 43.7 mph, burning 37.9 gph and getting 1.15 miles to the gallon.

Yes, the Scout is a performer, but it also shines in a sandbar setting. The bow area is designed for fun in the sun. A lounge for two adults sits atop the cabin forward of the windshield and has a storage area beneath with dedicated rack for the Armstrong swim ladder. Forward are a pair of lounge seats with backrests molded into the liner, both with dry compartments underneath. The center seat at the forepeak lifts to provide access to ground tackle. There’s an electric windlass here too. A standout feature is the electric Esthec-topped table. Raise it one position and it becomes a casting platform. Bring it up higher, slip on the removable cushion and it’s an upholstered sundeck. Bring it to full height and it’s a dining table, or a great place to enjoy a meal with a view.

A door on the port side of the console opens to a surprisingly large cabin with air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, stereo speakers, berth for two and a removable teak table. There’s also a refrigerator and sink, plus private head with electric toilet. When the kids need a break from building sandcastles on the beach, they can come here to cool off, play video games or nap.

The helm is surrounded with tinted glass on three sides and covered by a fiberglass T-top. An electric, fiberglass cockpit sunshade with sunroof panels extends aft to provide relief from the midday intensity of Old Sol or protection from a passing shower.

The captain operates the boat from a centerline driving station. A glove box includes USB and USC charging ports, air conditioning vents keep the area cool, and a cellphone charger keeps that communication device front and center. Overhead are solar panels to keep the batteries topped off. For fishing, there are tackle drawers, and the seat backrest drops down to become a rigging station.

In the cockpit, a fold-down transom bench faces mezzanine seats and a hullside door is built “like a bank vault,” says Lang. A transom door provides access to the engine platform, which makes a great diving board. For fishing, there are 10 gunwale rod holders, a transom live well, in-deck fish boxes and a bait cooler. With the optional Seakeeper, you lose the cooler. Scout is known for outfitting its boats with a lot of standard equipment and the 357 LXF S-Class carries on that tradition.

This new center console is both an offshore fishing boat and a fun family cruiser. It will make a scene while making the scene at the sandbar nearest you.

Scout 357 LXF S-Class

LOA: 35’3”
Beam: 10’9”
Draft: 2’0”
Displ: 10,120 lbs.
Fuel: 319 gals.
Water: 23 gals.
Power: (3) 400-hp Mercury Verados 

This article was originally published in the June 2024 issue.