Scout 288 LXF

The Scout 288 LXF provides a smooth, dry ride thanks to a deep-V hull and Carolina flare. Courtesy Scout Visit Scout Build Your Scout Find a Scout Dealer

Liken the all-new Scout 288 LXF to a hardworking fisherman who knows how to dress for a party. Scout established its stellar reputation by building the most seaworthy vessels possible with incomparable style and luxury, while maintaining traditional lines with wave-taming Carolina flare and serious fishing amenities. The 288 LXF carries all of that DNA and more.

It comes loaded with premium standard features that set it apart from competitors, including a windlass, premium audio equipment, digital switching and more. An integrated carbon-fiber hardtop with a glass windshield streamlines the styling while adding the high-tech look of carbon fiber. But it extends beyond appearances—the new design is stronger, per Scout, and provided excellent forward visibility in our tests.

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The helm dash is black acrylic. Ours had a huge widescreen Garmin to display sonar, charting, engine data and the digital switching. Twin displays are also available. The most used devices like bilge pumps and navigation lights have tactile buttons on the hardtop’s overhead electronics panel. We like the wheel on the left side of the station with the throttles and joystick handily to the right—more or less centered. The arrangement makes crew seating more comfortable without crowding the skipper. 

Powered by the optional twin Mercury 300 hp Verado V8 outboards, the 288 LXF demonstrates impressive efficiency in the crucial cruising range between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm, delivering 1.6 miles per gallon at 3,500 rpm while maintaining a comfortable 31.7 mph cruise, sipping just 19.4 gallons per hour. For those seeking more speed, the boat can achieve over 57 mph at wide-open throttle, though fuel efficiency predictably decreases at these higher speeds. The 188-gallon fuel capacity ensures you’ll have plenty of range for long days offshore or extended coastal cruises.

The aft side of the helm seating module doubles as a tackle and rigging station. Its molded fiberglass structure provides still another of Scout’s commitments to style plus utility. For instance, rigging-station rod holders are molded into the module. So are cup holders. A sink is available as well. Below the working counter, storage drawers organize gear and tackle. A Yeti cooler fits neatly below, with enough room to raise the lid without sliding it out. Adding to that convenience is a special magnetic catch on the top of the lid that connects with a magnetic plate above, so the lid stays up and out of the way when rummaging through the cooler.

With the wheel positioned to port, there’s plenty of room for the co-pilot to starboard. The dash offers ample space for single or twin flush-mount MFDs. Courtesy Scout

Magnets play another role in the new Scout. We thought it was brilliant. Instead of snaps and sail rail to fasten the removable upholstered cushions, magnets in the seat and magnetic receivers in fiberglass hatches firmly attach cushions easily and quickly, making converting the bow seating from cruise to fish an easy task. In our high-speed testing, they remained secure. 

The nearly 10-foot beam allows a spacious cockpit fishing area that provides ample room to move around and fish comfortably, even with a full crew aboard. A fold-away transom bench offers comfortable seating when deployed. The padded backrest provides cushioning  to lean against when the seat is stowed. A 46-gallon livewell in the transom has dual hatches, while a transom door to starboard provides easy access to the swim platform. Platform design and rigging efficiency allow clear footing from port to starboard. For non-skid footing, the fully walkable transom swim platform features EVA foam matting. More tackle storage is available in the portside transom compartment with tool holders, three utility box slots and a handy drawer. Rod hangers in the side will hold three sticks or gaffs and a boat brush.

The aft side of the seating module is packed with features, including tackle storage, a trash bin, a 45-quart Yeti cooler, and molded-in rod and drink holders. Courtesy Scout

A portside boarding door offers yet another boarding option and will be handy for dragging big pelagics aboard. It is also fitted with a removable dive ladder. 

Up front, the forward seating with backrests and under-storage offers comfortable lounging space while keeping gear stowed and the deck organized. Scout designed the seat hatches to be raised and held in place even with cushions on, so access is easy. A center hatch provides access to the anchor rode below the windlass compartment.

While impressively equipped as standard, Scout offers several notable optional features to further customize the 288 LXF to your specific needs. These include a choice of upgraded upholstery color packages to match your personal style, underwater lights for nighttime ambiance and fishing, outriggers for serious offshore anglers, hardtop-mounted rocket launchers for additional rod storage, and a dual engine flush kit for easier maintenance after saltwater use.

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The transom features a 45-gallon livewell, a transom door, a storage compartment and a fold-out bench seat. Thick cushioning offers comfort to lean against. Courtesy Scout

The Scout 288 LXF successfully achieves what many boats attempt but few accomplish—a perfect balance of fishing functionality, comfortable amenities, and head-turning style. Its combination of thoughtful standard features, impressive performance metrics, and quality construction make it a standout choice in the competitive center-console market.

Whether you’re pursuing pelagics offshore, entertaining friends for a sunset cruise, or island hopping with family, the 288 LXF delivers capabilities that outpace competitive models in its class while maintaining the refined aesthetics and styling for which Scout is so well known. 

Specifications Length:28’9″Beam:9’9″Draft:2’0″Fuel:188 gal.Max HP:600Price:Starting at $302,452 (includes standard twin Mercury 225 outboards and Seakeeper Ride system) Contact Scout

Scout Boats – Summerville, South Carolina; scoutboats.com

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