Have you ever seen a center console fishing boat under the 19’ mark with seating for six people? Nope. How about one with a forward console lounger? Not likely. How about one that features digital switching? Heck no. These are all goodies you expect in significantly bigger boats, and all are present on the new Scout 188 Sportfish.
In recent years Scout has made plenty of headlines with their larger, more luxurious boats, but this company’s roots lie in building small, easily trailerable fishing machines. And with the 188 Sportfish it seems the company is setting out to prove that they still have a talent for it. Along with packing in more features than one would think is possible, Scout also gives it a serious quality boost over what one usually sees in boats of this size. Consider the helm seat, for example, which has a real metal frame and a cooler underneath as opposed to the common all-in-one swing-back cooler seat. But that seat back still swings, so you can sit facing forward or aft with a backrest, or set it in the middle to serve as a leaning post. Or, check out the grab rails at the swim platform, stern, and bow, all of which are blind-fastened stainless-steel. And note that Scout wraps the brow above the forward deck with a bolster when you opt for the forward cushion, so use it as a seat and you have a built-in backrest all around. The coup de gras, however, is seen when you pop open the bilge access hatch in the transom. No one would ever expect to see a fully finished, gel-coated bilge on a boat of this size. But there it is.
On the fishing front the 188 Sportfish boasts four flush-mount holders in the transom plus a rack of three vertical holders on the console, along with under-gunwale racks. Under the port aft jump seat there’s a 13-gallon livewell, and there’s stowage space under the starboard seat. Lift up that forward console lounger when you’ve reeled in dinner to ice down the catch.
For hitting the Bay with the cards stacked in your favor, we’d vote for adding in a couple of critical optional fishing features. The electric trolling motor on the bow will be considered a must by many anglers, and either a Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80 or a 36” 24-V Garmin Kraken are available. You can also get a Garmin 943xs with a GT 21 transducer. Some fishermen will find the Power Pole a nice addition, and a pair of LED underwater lights can be added in as well.
Scout even adds in a few comfort features on the 188 Sportfish. There are six cupholders, a USB/USB-C port, and the port-side swim platform sports a telescopic reboarding ladder that folds down into a recess. You can add a stereo system and Bimini top, too.
Even as they build all those 40’ and 50’ sportfishing luxury yachts, does Scout still have the drive and the know-how to build a small, easily trailered center console fishboat? Yes. The 188 Sportfish proves it beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Scout 188 Sportfish Specifications
- LOA – 18’11”
- Beam – 7’6”
- Draft (min.) – 10”
- Displacement – 1645 lbs.
- Transom Deadrise – 11 degrees
- Fuel Capacity – 39 gal.
- Max. Power – 115 hp
For more information visit Scout, or FishTalk supporter Anchor Boats in North East, MD (410) 287-8280.