Scout Boats Now in Vancouver Checkout Sea Trial Video
July 10, 2012
Scout Boats – Taking Quality to a New Level
June 14, 2012
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, it is a habit”
Aristotle
I wrote a post a while back on the rising demand for quality products in Vancouver luxury industries, including the demand for better quality yachts. This was a trend I had predicted would take place and one which drove me to get involved in the industry in the first place. Another line of boats leading that trend arrived in our waters recently; it’s sure to be a favourite amongst the fishing crowd, as well as with owners of large yachts looking for a high-quality, versatile tender. Innovation and leadership are hallmarks of Scout Boats’ culture, needless to say such characteristics are endearing to me and no doubt will be to the readers of Boating Vancouver.
Scout Boats are 100% hand laid fiberglass, resulting in a strength to weight ratio that outshines any competitor. Precise engineering techniques lead to a consistent, a well-crafted product that undergoes many, many quality control checks prior to leaving the factory. Consumer satisfaction with these boats is predictably high.
Pride of craftsmanship is evident from the video the company posted on YouTube. In it, company founder Steve Potts, takes us on a factory tour showing many details of the manufacturing process and highlighting many of the elements of each boat system. The systemic perfection which Potts demands ultimately leads to a “near perfect” boat every time. It is a mark of confidence in their product, and their people, that the makers of Scout Boats take us on such a detailed tour of their facilities.
Besides the aesthetic appeal which make them look hot on the docks or out on the sea, Scout Boats are unsinkable. Their method of construction includes adding 20% more foam than is required by US Coast Guard Regulations; a reassuring characteristic for any boaters who find themselves in rough conditions. Accuracy, safety and precision are essential to the makers of this boat. Fuel and electrical systems are designed to high standards of quality control and are assembled using the finest quality components.
The thoughtfulness of the design is found in detail after detail right down to the choice of colour on deck surfaces. To prevent glare on sunny days, designers chose a shade of white which looks great, but also minimizes the amount of sun reflected back into the eyes of those on board. Upholstery and seating layout are intended to provide those on board with the highest level of comfort, going over and above any competitor in its class. In the final inspection of each boat, details of fit and finish are tested in a light tunnel to ensure that no factor is missed. Excellence is a habit for this manufacturer and their reputation well justified.
Three unique running surface designs are available from Scout. The “Air assist hull”, available on models 15′-19,’ is one of those designs which helped Scout Boats to make their mark in the coastal fishing niche. This design has been around for over 20 years and allows for stability, easy planing, and fuel efficiency. Scout has different hull designs for each category of boat it produces; each design is driven by the consumer needs and high performance expectations. They look at the purpose for which the boat is intended and design a vessel that will perform well in the conditions in which consumers will take it. Given that Scouts are so admired amongst world-class fishermen, they set their standard to surpass even the most demanding of consumers.
I viewed the 17′ that Grand Yachts had on their docks at Coal Harbour Marina recently and plan to sea trial another model shortly. Be sure to check back for a detailed review of that experience as well as accompanying photos. If you are in the market for a boat and just can’t wait for that review, be sure to contact Dave Worland (dworland@grandyachts.com) at Grand Yachts and he will gladly set up a test ride for you.
Click here to watch the full tour of the Scout Boats Factory
75′ Galley Up Monk
May 10, 2012
If there is one thing I love, it’s a twist on a classic. The 75′ Monk Flushdeck Motor Yacht I viewed the other day has the best of everything one would expect from an Ed Monk design with the additional twist of having the galley up. This unusual variation on the standard layout makes it an ideal yacht for entertaining. The 18′ beam allows for a spacious salon which boasts a retractable movie screen and ceiling mounted projector as well as a flat screen TV and entertainment centre with 3-zone volume controls. The bar on the port side of the salon is equipped with a wine cooler, stainless sink, ice maker and plenty of room to stock your favorites liquid assets. Heading aft into the well-appointed horseshoe-shaped galley; granite surfaces, stainless steel appliances, large windows and new lighting make the space perfect for preparing meals while still allowing the cook to visit with guests; the galley doors open aft onto a spacious deck and a transom gate gives access to the swim grid.
Whether it’s for entertaining on a sunny West Coast weekend, or for taking advantage of our ability to cruise late into the fall, this boat has many features that will be appreciated. Boathouse kept and professionally maintained, this fine piece of work has all of the modern conveniences and is ready for a trip this weekend. Wood boat enthusiasts will appreciate the quality craftsmanship that one expects to find in a Monk design. The hull is mahogany below the waterline and red cedar planking above; the keel is made of fir and the stem is gumwood. Decks appear to have been well cared for and a visual hull inspection done in October 2011 did not observe any deficiencies.
Below deck you will find 4 well-appointed staterooms and 3 heads. I viewed the boat with the listing broker on a chilly day and noted that the temperature of the lower deck was down right cozy. The warmth of the interior was due in large part to the new block heaters; each heater has a programmable timer and ensures a smoke free quick start to the engines even on cold days. The twin V8 Detroits that give the boat a total of 850 HP are housed in a stand up engine room which is accessible, clean and well maintained. This boat cruises at between 10.5 to 12 knots at 1400 to 1500 RPM and tops out around 16 knots. The Keypower hydraulic bow thruster makes for easy maneuvering and is a feature not found on most wood boats. All new batteries in 2011; two gensets including a 5 kW Westerbeke and a new Northern Lights 12 kW genset with only 45 hours. Remote panels for both gensets were relocated to the helm for easy access in 2011.
For boaters serious about owning a woody this boat is a great option…rumor has it pencils will be sharpened on deals written before the end of May! Full specs can be found at Grand Yachts.
Want to learn more about local boats available in Vancouver? Drop me a note and I’d be happy to preview the boat for you.
