Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

If your favorite fishing holes take you a long way from your slip, then you can appreciate fuel economy and your boats range. And even though outboard engine technology has come a long way in the past few years, it is hard to compete with the value of diesel power. With that in mind, Scout introduces the Vintage 280 and moves into the future by using today’s materials combined with classic styling cues to bring you a stout fishing machine.

Spacious Working Cockpit

The cockpit uses a clean and simple layout, with a pair of long fish boxes in the sole and rod holders on both starboard and port gunwales. Thick bolster pads are attached to the cap rails for added fishing comfort as well.

At the stern is a padded engine box that tilts forward so you have good access to check all your fluids. Unfortunately, the Racor is mounted all the way aft and might be a bit of a challenge to service. Moving forward in the cockpit is a utility station located to port. The station supplies space for the livewell and a small bait prep area with a pressurized, freshwater faucet. There is also a small tackle stowage cabinet to starboard, as well as a large built-in cooler.

At the Helm

Surrounding the helm station is a massive tubular aluminum structure that supports a large hardtop. This top, combined with the wraparound windshield will keep the weather from slowing down your water adventures.

Like the rest of the boat, the helm is well though out with analog engine gauges clustered in a pod right above the navigation panel. Mounted to the beefy fiberglass hardtop is a pair of large electronics boxes, just waiting for your favorite gear to be installed. The raised helm station gives the skipper good visibility and results in a surprisingly roomy cabin.

Cabin

Complimented by the teak sole, a generous V-shaped lounge works as a double berth or as a dining area with the removable table installed. You’ll also find additional rod stowage above both lounges. On the port side of the cabin is a mini-galley which features a microwave oven, refrigerator, storage space, and a large countertop with sink. The power distribution panel and stereo are also conveniently located here. On the starboard side is the private head compartment which offers many features for a boat of this size.

Diesel Power

The highlight of this boat is of course the Cummins MerCruiser diesel engine. The 4.2 liter, electronically controlled power plant dishes out 300 horsepower and over 450 foot pounds of torque. Even better is that the output is virtually smoke free. Underway, the 280 felt docile at engine speeds under 2000 rpm. But once the torque curve of the inline 6 kicks in, and the boat wants to plane, you can feel the pulling power of this world class engine.

Performance

Best cruise speed and fuel economy came in at 30 miles per hour at 3.9 miles to the gallon. Top speed numbers were reached at 42 miles per hour while turning at 3,800 rpm. A Bravo Three sterndrive came equipped on our test boat, and helped get the Scout out of the hole quicker, and made docking much easier than a single propped drive. Combined with the outstanding fuel economy, the 280 provides a solid ride in rough water and will make those long distance journeys much more comfortable.

• Top speed for the Scout Boats 280 Vintage is 42.0 mph (67.6 kph), burning 15.2 gallons per hour (gph) or 57.53 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Scout Boats 280 Vintage is 29.8 mph (48 kph), and the boat gets 3.87 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.65 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 488 miles (785.36 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 300-hp Cummins MerCruiser 4.2 ES.