There are many, many 26’ center console boats out there, but there are not many that will rival the Scout 260 LXF—in a number of ways. The 260 LXF replaced Scout’s 255, which was previously the smallest boat in the builder’s luxury center console lineup. It’s 6” longer, holds 14 gallons more fuel, can take 50 additional horses, and has a notably larger bow lounger forward of the console. But the biggest difference you’ll see looking at the old versus the new comes down to the tech.
The 260 LXF comes standard with the Seakeeper Ride vessel attitude control system, which is more or less like having genius trim tabs on steroids. As the sensors feed data to the computer brain those tabs (which are more like rotary blades) make up to 100 adjustments per second to keep your boat level. Net result? According to Seakeeper’s testing (and we’ve validated theirs against our own in the past and found no difference) on the Scout 260 LXF that translates into a 64-percent reduction of roll and a 63-percent reduction of pitch in a one- to two-foot confused sea.
Another techy touch you’ll enjoy is the hard top. Look at any number of different builders and it won’t take long to realize that Scout takes their tops seriously, and works hard to provide maximum protection to the boat’s occupants while integrating as many pieces and parts rather than just bolting them on and hoping they stay put. In this case, the top is built with carbon fiber, integrates the spreader lights, stereo speakers, and switch panel, and even the three-sided enclosure itself. It’s as slick as they come.
More modern perks include USB and USB-C ports, a pair of wireless phone chargers, a Garmin 943xsv (which can be upgraded to a 1243 or a pair of 1243s), and even an anchor cam in the bow so you can see that the stainless-steel anchor’s clean and untangled when you raise it up via the windlass in the through-stem bow. Additional options include the usual stuff like radar and autopilot, but you can also add FLIR night vision cameras, joystick controls, and underwater lights.
That’s all uber-cool, but what about fishability? A center console is a center console, right? Well, hold on a sec. One area where many fall short is in the leaning post, where the available space may or may not be fully utilized. In this case you’ll find a bulk stowage drawer plus a pair of tackleboxes, plus-plus a rigging station with a sink. We note that it’s ringed by a hefty stainless-steel grabrail so you can get busy on your way to the canyons as well as having four rocket launchers and a pair of drink holders. There’s even a slide-out trash bin. Oh, and a 45-quart Yeti underneath. There’s a livewell in the port corner of the transom, fishboxes in the deck, fresh and raw water washdowns, four rocket launchers on the hard top, and not the usual four but instead six flush-mount gunwale rodholders. You can opt for more rodholders in the bow and/or Taco outriggers on the hard top.
Dang and darn, we’re running out of space and we haven’t touched on performance yet: with a single 400-hp Mercury V-10 Verado you’re looking at a 4500 rpm cruise in the upper 30s and a wide-open speed bumping up just over 57 mph. Twin 200s get you a cruise right around 40 and a top end just over 50. And after the cruise you'll have plenty of spots to kick back and relax; just take a gander at the bow arrangement and especially the forward console lounger.
Like we said: there are plenty of 26-footers out there. But not many rivals.
Scout 260 LF Specifications
- LOA – 26’0”
- Beam – 8’11”
- Displacement – 5300 lbs.
- Draft (hull) – 1’8”
- Transom Deadrise – 21.5 degrees
- Fuel Capacity – 146 gal.
- Max. Power – 450
- Area Dealers – Anchor Boats, North East, MD, (410) 287-8280.