Scout 350 LXZ Review

It’s interesting to see the changes that have taken place in family cruisers over the past 20 years. Where the emphasis used to be on indoor accommodations – to the point most of the boat was buried under the front deck, with just a small outdoor seating space at the stern – today it’s quite the opposite, with the focus on being outdoors and enjoying fun in the sun. That’s particularly evident in the larger cockpits of today’s boats, their open bow seating that makes better use of what was once just closed space, and their onboard creature comforts that ensure the utmost in comfort and convenience.

Perhaps the best example of this new design approach is the all-new Scout 350 LXZ, which neatly blends loads of outdoor seating with opulent luxury, while still retaining a belowdecks sleeping space enabling the boat to be used for weekend getaways.

Spacious bow seating and a full hardtop with a sunroof and integrated solar panels give the 350 LXZ a distinctive look.

Step aboard at the full-width stern swim platform, and gated walk-throughs on either end lead into the cockpit. Between the gates is an electrically actuated lounge that converts from a forward-facing bench seat to a spacious sun lounger at the touch of a button. In the floor are twin insulated fish boxes, and a storage space that can be used to accommodate an optional gyroscopic stabilizer.

A stern lounge seat with a pass-through at each end defines the aft cockpit. The seat can face forward as shown, or lay flat to form a sun pad. Note the in-floor insulated fish box (one of two), complete with a gas ram to hold the lid open when in use.

Opposite, an aft-facing seat to starboard has a pair of pull-out drawers in its base. To port, an outdoor galley complete with a sink and faucet, a cutting board, and a cooler box which can be replaced with an optional electric grill includes a pair of pull-out bar stools for added seating. That outdoor galley further conceals a cooler in its base that slides out on an electric actuator, along with a Garmin touchscreen display above the grill, so you can monitor the GPS or fishfinder, or use the display as a TV and enjoy the big game.

A cockpit galley houses a slide-out cooler, swing-out bar stools, a sink, and an optional electric grill. There’s even a Garmin display hidden behind the grill cover.

Note the grill is electric, not propane. That’s because the Scout 350 LXZ comes with a lithium-ion power system with a silent, emission-free battery pack that replaces the old-school generator. The batteries power everything onboard, including the air conditioner.

An optional electric cockpit awning extends aft from the hardtop to provide a break from the mid-day sunshine.

Overhead, an optional electric awning extends aft to protect the entire cockpit from the mid-day sun. The hardtop has a big central sunroof to let fresh air flow through the boat, which is surrounded on each side by solar panels included as part of the electrical system.

The starboard-side cockpit seat offers storage for small item in its base.

The hardtop shades a comfortable dinette. The side windows open for further air flow and cooling, while the dinette seat base offers additional storage spaces for gear.

Step under the hardtop and a comfortable dinette to port flanks an opening window.

To starboard, the helm features a double-wide heated seat and a glass dash console with twin Garmin multi-function displays – 12 inchers come standard, with twin 16s available as an upgrade. There’s also space for a joystick docking control if desired.

The big bow seats are beautifully upholstered, and feature fold-down arm rests.

Access to the bow is through an open walk-through on the port side of the windshield just forward of the dinette. The bow seating consists of a double-wide, forward-facing lounger to starboard complete with headrests, and surrounded by nicely upholstered coaming pads and a low-rise deck rail to create an incredibly comfortable, secure space. Pull-down arm rests include integrated drink holders, while stereo speakers up front provide great sound for anyone seated in the bow.

The overnight accommodations below are simple, but functional, with a fully-equipped head, and a comfortable seating area that converts to a double berth.

The belowdecks accommodation in the Scout 350 LXZ is accessed through a doorway on the end of the helm console. It’s simple, but well executed with a head compartment with a toilet, sink, shower and storage, and a main salon with a 32-inch HDTV, a microwave, and a removable insert that converts the lounge sofa to a comfortable double berth.

With triple 300s Scout’s 350 LXZ will achieve top speeds approaching 60 mph. Triple 400s make the big Scout a legitimate 70 mph boat.

Rated to handle up to 1,350 horsepower, the Scout 350 LXZ will most often be seen powered by triple 300s, a setup that provides a nice balance between performance and fuel economy, and capable of hitting top speeds approaching 60 mph. Triple 400s will give the boat another 10 mph or so, but at greater cost and fuel burn.

Powerful, luxurious, and clearly built for families who take their time on the water seriously, the new Scout 350 LXZ is a versatile performer that seems to do all things equally well. For those seeking the ultimate day boat, this is one to seriously consider.