Scout 195 Sportfish Review

Story by Craig Ritchie Nov. 23, 2015

Summerville, South Carolina-based Scout Boats has developed a growing family of loyal customers over the past several years by building well-made boats that over-deliver on value.

Built for the open ocean, Scout is a perennial best-seller among serious saltwater anglers, especially those who venture far offshore in search of big fish. But their seaworthy, elegant designs have earned the company legions of admirers in fresh water too, and not just among fishermen. One of the company’s most popular models is the 195 Sportfish, a center console that’s not only a great fishing boat but a versatile cottage runabout that’s able to do many things well.

An available bow cushion converts this area from elevated casting deck to comfy lounging spot.

Stretching 19 feet, five inches in overall length and with a an eight-foot, six-inch beam, the 195 Sportfish follows the proven center console format but with a number of contemporary twists. It starts on the front casting deck, where a pair of built-in beverage holders blend with available coaming and a padded seat cushion to leave no doubt to the 195’s multiple personalities.

Facing the bow seat is a forward-facing seat at the head of the console, with a seat cushion that lifts to provide access to its integrated 72-quart marine cooler.

The cockpit main deck is a sensible non-skid fiberglass which, with the 195 Sportfish’s self-draining design, makes end-of-day cleanups a breeze. The wide-topped gunnels provide plenty of flat space for installing downriggers, a rack system, or additional rod holders to supplement the two flush-mount gimbals in the rear corners.

The helm console provides a pair of space-saving digital multi-function gauges up above a neat row of toggle switches for functions like lights, bilge pump and other accessories. To the right of the instrument cluster is the control head for the standard Infinity AM/FM/MP3 stereo, leaving a large flat panel for the installation of flush-mount displays. A Ritchie compass atop the console, and a large, efficient wind screen, round out the helm. Our review boat was equipped with an available T-top, which is a popular option that provides much-appreciated protection from the mid-day sun. You can order the boat with a canvas enclosure around the top for true three-season use.

The helm is neat and clean, with plenty of space for electronics.

The helm seating is a side-by-side twin bench which, like the bow seating, shows off Scout’s excellent upholstery work. The seat cushions provide excellent support while underway, and true all-day comfort. In the base is an aerated bait well.

The helm seating is a side-by-side twin bench with an aerated bait well in the base.

Because the 195 Sportfish isn’t just a fishing boat, the stern provides a full-width bench with a three-way seat back, allowing the middle or end sections to be raised or lowered as required. Our review boat came with an optional ski pylon, swim platform, retractable two-step boarding ladder, and handy stainless steel grab rail. With its ability to please both the serious fishermen and the water-skiers in the family, the 195 Sportfish makes a versatile all-round family boat.

An available ski pylon gives keeps the family water-skiers happy.

Rated to handle outboards of up to 150 hp, our review boat was rigged with a long-shaft Mercury 115 horsepower four-stroke with the Command Thrust lower unit and an Enertia 21-inch propeller. This power makes a nice match to the 2,150-pound Scout, especially when combined with the extra grunt of Mercury’s Command Thrust lower unit. With two people aboard and a full tank of fuel on a scorching hot summer day, the 115 gave us a top speed at wide-open throttle of 45 mph, running at just under 6,000 rpm. Our 0 to 30 mph time clocked in at just over nine seconds, which is excellent performance. If you cruise at around 20 mph and 3,500 rpm, fuel economy comes in at a bit over six miles per gallon, providing a range of over 300 miles.

Although rated for up to 150 horsepower, the efficient Scout hull works well with a fuel-efficient 115.

The list of standard features in the Scout 195 Sportfish is extensive, and the option list even more so. This is a nice boat, built to fish but truly versatile enough to handle just about anything.