By Capt. Dan Armitage



Scout has offered the popular 187 Sportfish center console model for 18 years, and it continues to be a top seller. She is on sale this month (March, 2012) with 115-hp Yamaha engine for $26,995.

Mission of the Scout 187 Sportfish

This boat is designed for the average angler who wants a quality, seaworthy fishing boat that can be easily trailered and also be used for a variety of boating activities other than fishing. Oh, and one more thing...she has to be priced right.



Stainless steel rub-rails secured with screws that are carefully aligned, and are almost impossible to see, serve as an example of the fit-and-finish offered by Scout.

Distinguishing Features

Reverse shoebox. Scout says that it engineered the first reverse-shoebox hull/deck design, in which the deck cap fits inside – rather than outside - the hull. The two are bonded for a permanent connection, which increases overall hull strength and prevents water from penetrating through the hull/deck joint in rough conditions.

Air-Assist hull. The “Air-Assist” hull design incorporates pocket areas in the chines, designed to trap air up under the hull to allow it to more easily be release from the water. This reduction in surface tension helps create a better hole shot, as well as better speed and fuel economy.



Scout Boats gives fishing rod holder placement and installation special attention and drains them all directly to the bilge.

Direct drains to the bilge. The Scout’s flush-mounted, stainless steel rod holders (four standard) are fitted with flexible hose to direct water into the bilge.

Sectional rub rails. The stainless rub railing on the 187 Sportfish is made up of ten separate sections, so that if it is damaged there is only one segment to replace rather than the entire railing.



The cushions used on all Scout models incorporate extremely dense, 80 pound polyurethane foam that helps prevent water intrusion, breakdown and rot. The 187’s upholstery is covered in a thick vinyl skin with a pre-fix finish to resist abrasions and permits easy clean up.

Bow Features



The bow area of the Scout 187 SF is laid out for fishing and occasional lounging with the optional pad. The 94-quart cooler with cushion is standard.

By adding the optional pad insert that covers the built-in, 180-quart insulated fishbox, the bow area can become a comfortable spot for lounging. The portable cooler/seat forward of the console with 94-quart capacity can serve to keep plenty of food and drink -- or bait –- on ice.

Helm Features



The contours of the Scout’s console reflect those found throughout the 187 SF.

Soft, rounded corner design features, such as those found on the Scout, serve a practical purpose that becomes obvious as you move around the boat – especially in seaway. Check out the large compass on top of the flat-topped dash, the multi-function gauges placed in plain view over the wheel and the lockable electronics box.



The optional flip-flop bench seat at the helm is designed to cradle a portable cooler, and replaces the standard pair of captain’s chairs.



A second optional bench-style helm seat features a removable back rest and hides an insulated baitwell.

Cockpit Features



The aft end of the cockpit offers padded jump-seats for two, separated by a rack for holding pliers, knives, rigging needles and drinks. Note the large diameter scuppers for draining the deck, generous-sized hatch access to the bilge and pumps in the sole.



The port jump seat aft hides an aerated, 20-gallon baitwell. The lip overhang helps keep the water in the well when the going gets rough. The corresponding starboard seat base offers access to the battery compartment.



The Scout’s layout is traditional for an 18-foot center console fishing model, a time-proven design that functions as well today as it did 18 years ago when Scout first offered the popular 187 SF model.

Observations

I have tested several Scout center console models over the years and find them to be as well-built and easy handling as advertised. In person, it becomes readily apparent that Scout sweats the details in design and function, and the 187 SF is a boat I would be pleased to own and operate.

There is special pricing on a standard package that includes boat, 115-hp Yamaha outboard and matching trailer priced through March 31, 2012, at $26,995, (regularly priced at $32,980).