Take a good look at any Scout boat and you’ll see that the company’s designers have been thinking about comfort, fishability and easy operation for years. The 235 XSF is no exception. It’s a center-console big enough to run around the Chesapeake in reasonable weather, roomy enough for family day cruises and serious fishing pursuits, and smartly outfitted with a wide range of fishing features.
From the helm station, a standard Garmin 942XS touchscreen display runs everything from GPS and sonar to engine data, while a broad dash with a stainless wheel and precise Yamaha binnacle delivers confident control. Lift any hatch or access door and you’ll find smooth gelcoat finishes, finely finished edges and smart, clean rigging.
The bow is a nice mix of comfort and fishing amenities, with a cushioned lounge seat set forward of the console and a cavernous, 31-gallon insulated fish box (with overboard pumpout) directly underneath. Up front are twin raised, upholstered bench seats with removable backrests and storage beneath. An optional teak table for the leaning post will turn the space into a party platform when entertaining dockside.
Under power from a single Yamaha V6 Offshore F300, the 235 XSF proved comfortable and responsive. It took 7.75 seconds to reach planing speed on a choppy river, and at a cruise of 4500 rpm and 53.5 mph, she consumed only 2.6 gallons per hour. And like every Scout we’ve tested, the 235 XSF handled a variety of conditions with poise and precision.
