Our test team had been admiring several Scout boats from afar
when we had a chance to get our hands on the wheel. Then, no one
wanted to give it up, even though strong easterly winds blew
four-foot seas straight into shore. The 280 Sportfish refused to
give them quarter, too, cleaving them neatly with a 21-degree
deadrise hull and pounding them down to size with its sturdy
“this-ain’t-no-storm” construction. We heard no
cracking or popping and felt no give to the total fiberglass,
all-composite construction of the 280 Sportfish.
You’d think a 28-footer would want a steady course, but
this one delivered a reassuring ride in extreme turns and rough
waters. Most anglers would give up on fishing long before the Scout
280 would.
Once aboard, there are all-day fishing comforts like stylishly
padded coamings for stand-up comfort and toe recesses for secure
footing during battle. There’s an awesome livewell centered
in the transom. A step down into the aft cockpit is intended to
make the fishing area deeper. The port and starboard steps conceal
racks for six more rods. The leaning post features rocket launchers
galore and a hard-core bait station complete with tackle locker,
freshwater washdown, cutting board and a deep ice chest.
The center console houses one of the largest heads we’ve
seen, giving cranium clearance for anglers up to 6’5”.
The batteries are stowed down here, lowering the center of gravity.
Above is the stereo CD player, with a remote control on the
dash.
There are plenty of creature comforts. The forward lockers
convert to a comfortable lounge area with cushions that snap in
place. Another two passengers can enjoy the jump seat on top of a
cooler forward of the helm.
The boat fishes well, but also makes everyone comfortable at all
times. We’re still admiring it from a distance.
Final Take: This hard-core fish boat has more style than
we expected
We Also Liked…
1. Futuristic, water-resistant Yamaha LCD gauges include fuel
flow and engine functions.
2. Stainless-steel gas shocks support all hatches.
3. Powder-coated T-top with D-channel tubing looks better and is
more durable than bare aluminum.
4. Electronics hatch only opens when the key is turned.
5. Foot step at helm doubles as rope locker.
6. Separate switches for port and starboard engine batteries,
plus a battery for electronics.
DETAILS
Length: 28’6”
Beam: 9’5”
Dry Weight: 4,100 lb. (plus engines)
Seating Capacity/Weight: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 208 gal.
MAX HP: 500
MSRP: $98,000
Contact: 843-821-0068
PERFORMANCE
Test Engine: Twin Yamaha HPDI 250 HP outboards
Test Prop: 17” SS Yamaha Saltwater Series
Test Load: Fuel (50 gal.); People (400 lb.)
Top Speed: 57.7 MPH @ 5,800 RPM
Time to Plane: 3.4 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 6.0 sec.
Noise at Idle: 68 db
Noise at 30 MPH: 82 db
Cruise Stats: 85 db; 46.0 MPH @ 4,500 RPM
POWER CURVE
RPM MPH
650 1.8
1,000 6.0
1,500 8.2
2,000 10.4
2,500 17.8
3,000 29.2
3,500 35.2
4,000 40.8
4,500 45.8
5,000 52.0
5,500 56.4
5,800 57.5
