Scout 235 XSF Review

The all-new Scout 235 XSF blends serious fishability with the versatility and seating that today’s boating families demand.

Center console fishing boats have always been popular in the south, especially among hard-core anglers. But with the increased versatility we’re seeing in modern designs, they’re attracting a whole new generation of buyers across North America who appreciate the added creature comforts and low maintenance of this highly adaptable layout. One of the newest and most exciting models that we’ve seen for 2018 is the all new Scout 235 XSF.

Scout is no newcomer to building top-of-the-line center consoles, and the company’s experience is evident in the 235 XSF’s fresh, contemporary design. The massive, flared bows deflect spray to keep water out of the boat, while its 14-degree deadrise hull delivers an ideal balance of stability and rough water prowess. The Scout 235 XSF is built on the new NuV3 hull design, a highly fuel efficient platform that provides greater interior space with its forward-seating layout, while keeping the thrilling performance and sure handling that the company’s boats are known for.

Getting rid of the traditional splash well let Scout open up the stern on the 235 XSF and provide a full-width swim platform.

From the dock, the first thing you notice is the boat does away with the traditional splash well altogether, and instead offers a full-width swim platform. Taking advantage of the 30-inch shafts available on modern outboards allows Scout to re-engineer this end of the boat and give it far more utility than we’ve seen on mid-sized center consoles of the past. With the Scout 235 XSF, there’s plenty of space for someone walk completely across the swim platform even with the engine tilted up. A three-step retractable boarding ladder on the starboard side of the platform confirms this space is meant to be used for swimming – it’s not just for good looks. Today’s boat buyers expect center consoles to do more than just fish, and with this innovative transom design Scout clearly gets that.

Step aboard through the starboard-side transom walk-through and it’s immediately apparent that while the 235 XSF is a fishing boat at heart, it’s a fishing boat that also likes to play. A scan across the transom reveals the expected flush-mount rod holders and a 15-gallon bait well, but with drink holders joining them. The soft cockpit coaming along each gunnel is a familiar Scout touch, accented by a new retractable transom seat that folds down to comfortably accommodate two passengers while underway, and folds flush into the transom wall when not in use.

Flush-mount rod holders, a 15-gallon bait well, and drink holders speak to the new Scout’s multiple personalities. Flush-mount cleats are a thoughtful touch.

The cockpit is fairly spacious for a 23-foot boat. The fiberglass central console sits within a powder-coated aluminum T-top frame, with a hard top as standard equipment. There are four rocket launcher-style rod holders along the aft face of the top, and four more along the aft face of the helm leaning post. The back of the leaning post also provides three stainless steel beverage holders, and a comfortable grab handle for passengers standing in the cockpit. At the base of the leaning post is a standard Igloo cooler, which can be upgraded to a Yeti model.

The aft face of the leaning post provides rod holders, drink holders, and a grab handle for standing passengers.

The front side of the leaning post features beautifully upholstered bolsters that fold down to form twin, independently adjustable seats. The helm itself is framed in black, with a flat glass cockpit look. The standard Garmin 942 EchoMap multi-function display keeps all controls at your fingertips, while the standard stainless steel steering wheel includes a turning knob and tilt adjustment. There’s a Fusion stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, a large port-side glove box, and twin 12-volt outlets up top for keeping cell phones and other electronics fully charged. The full acrylic windshield with side panels allows a comfortable ride and excellent all-around visibility. There’s room inside the console for an optional head compartment, and this is a worthwhile upgrade.

With its standard Garmin display, huge glove box and Fusion stereo,the 235 XSF gets a fresh, contemporary look at the helm.

The bow is where the Scout 235 XSF really shines, though, starting with the front face of the console. Most center consoles have some sort of seat on the console’s front face, usually a perch the size of a cooler with a cushion on top. Not so on the Scout, which offers a full size lounge chair with arm rests and a seat long enough you can you’re your feet up and sprawl out in comfort. It’s such an improvement over the traditional approach that it’s probably the best seat on the whole boat. Of course there’s storage space beneath the seat – in this case a 61-gallon box with drainage, which can be used as a fish box, a cooler, or for storing bulky gear.

Bow seating is spacious, comfortable, and well designed.

Facing the big console seat is an equally impressive, wrap-around bow seat that extends aft along both sides of the boat. At its aft end, removable back rests allow this space to be used for either forward-facing or aft-facing seating. You’ll also find plenty of drink holders and a couple of stereo speakers, making the bow the place to hang out and relax with family or friends. There’s abundant storage under the bow seats as well, giving this boat exceptional stowage capacity for 23-footer.

With a single 300 hp Yamaha, the 235 XSF will easily top 50 mph while delivering exceptional fuel economy.

Maximum power for the Scout 235 XSF is a single 300-horsepower outboard. With a 562-pound Yamaha F300 on the transom, our review boat planed in just about three-and-a-half seconds, and hit 30 mph in under six seconds. At wide open throttle the boat was nudging 54 mph on the GPS, which is excellent performance for a center console of this size. Cut the throttle back to 3,500 rpm and the big Yamaha will still push the 235 XSF along at over 30 mph while delivering exceptional fuel economy in the range of 3.5 mpg. That’s not a typo, and speaks to the efficiency of Scout’s NcV3 hull design and the fuel efficient Yamaha.

The all new Scout 235 XSF is a great example of why center consoles continue to attract new buyers all over North America. With its comfort, its amenities, its versatility and low maintenance requirements, it’s exactly the kind of boat that suits the needs of today’s active families.