At the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, Scout Boats showed off a couple of new models, but the big news—literally—was that the South Carolina-based builder will be launching a 67-foot outboard-powered flagship series in early 2024.
Called the 670 LX, the line will feature three unique models: the 670 LXF (Luxury Fish Model), the 670 LXS (Luxury Sport Model) and the 670 LXC (Luxury Cruise Model). All three versions will be powered by quint 600-hp Mercury V-12s for a total of 3,000 horsepower, have a projected top speed of 52 knots, a fast cruise of 35 knots, and with 1,500 gallons of fuel have a range of about 500 miles.
Since its founding in 1989, Scout Boats has built a reputation for designing and building well-constructed and ever-larger fishing boats. Founder, owner and CEO Steve Potts said the 670 LX series represents the company’s “Everest project,” calling it, “a mountain for us to climb.”
The 67-footers will be among the largest outboard-powered boats in the world and feature three staterooms and a central entertainment cabin. The cruise model will have its steering station placed farther forward and the fish model will feature a flybridge.
The hulls will be of carbon and epoxy construction. Potts said at the February announcement that the tooling was about to be built, that construction on the first hull would begin in the third quarter of 2023 and that the 670’s debut was planned for the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. Production is slated to begin immediately after the premiere of the series. The price tag will be around 5 million dollars.
Scout worked with superyacht design studio Harrison Eidsgaard to create the 670 LX. Asked why the company decided to offer an even bigger model than the 530 LXF, which is now around 70 builds, Potts said “we have to design and build to people’s imagination.”
Asked why they’re going with outboards on a 67-footer, he said Scout always goes outboard. “With an inboard engine, the running angle would require a higher profile boat,” he said. “With outboards you can beach it, you get the range and the performance.”
Potts said he likes the idea of owner-operated boats. “I can operate it,” he said about the 670 LX. “I can have breakfast in Charleston and dinner in Miami. We believe the 67 will be a world-class boat.”—Pim Van Hemmen
This article was originally published in the May 2023 issue.
