Scout’s 261 XSS is a 26-foot crossover offshore/bay boat that’s well suited for any waterborne activity, from bay inshore fishing and bluewater forays to afternoon sandbar gatherings. Scout’s Director of Sales and Marketing Alan Lang calls it a “luxury bay/offshore hybrid.”
When rigged with top-shelf power, such as Mercury’s 400 hp Verado V-10, performance is take-charge spirited. The 261 XSS tops out at nearly 60 mph and accelerates to plane in 7 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 11. The 400-horse Merc and Scout’s V-hull team up to achieve 2.3 mpg at a best-cruise speed of 28 mph and 4,000 rpm, burning 12 gph at that speed. With a 90-gallon fuel tank, that’s a range of 190 miles leaving 10 percent in reserve.
The hull responds quickly to throttle and steering input, whether at lower or higher speeds. It carves turns sharply and with authority, even if the turn is interrupted or made sharper midway through. The sharp V-entry at the bow flattens to a mere 15 degrees of deadrise at the transom, so the hull can ply the flats and shallows as well as venture out in the rough. The 261 XSS shows a sporty, arrowlike profile from a forward angle, alongside or viewed from the stern. It even looks fast when trolling, thanks to the smooth lines of the tumblehome shear and reverse-angle transom.
Scout’s build schedules all employ computer-generated state-of-the-art design and no-wood construction. The vacuum-epoxy-infused layup uses closed-cell foam flotation for the highest possible strength-to-weight ratio and positive flotation, and an automotive-rated Class A gelcoat finish. The hull features a double-stepped hull and a setback transom to put the engine’s gear case back in cleaner water for higher mounting capability—which means less drag, more performance and better efficiency.
Aboard, the cockpit is self-bailing—a great comfort, especially in big waters. Spacious raised casting decks dominate fore and aft, providing ample room for anglers or sunbathers, depending on the day’s plans. The bow section features a large upper foredeck, great for mounting a trolling motor. A large anchor locker also is positioned here, with a handy anchor rack to keep things tidy under the hatch. Just a step down from there, the bow seating area features a wraparound three-piece lounge section with dry storage underneath. At the aft end of the port and starboard loungers, there are handy cubbies with nonskid bases, cup holders and charging ports. Backrests create comfortable lounging and are removable to clear the deck for serious fishing. Likewise, all the bow cushions unsnap and stow in the console.
An interesting design feature about Scout decks is that every hole—whether for speakers, cup holders, rod holders or cubbies—is fitted with a drain tube that directs onto the self-bailing deck, not into the bilge. The entire deck of the 261 is fitted with custom SeaDek nonskid.
The center console features a large storage box forward, its lid sealed with a rubber gasket to keep contents dry, and mounted to articulating stainless hinges for ease of access. The storage locker is topped with an oversize, diamond-pleat upholstered lounge seat, with foldable armrests and a phone charger.
The center console and hardtop assembly is an integral part of the boat, formed from fiberglass, carbon fiber and epoxy. The windshield is safety acrylic and is bedded in place for a clean and seamless appearance. The hardtop features a forward laser light bar, spreader light, forward-firing stereo speakers, and horn. The port side of the console opens to access the interior, where a porcelain head resides in a surprisingly open space, not cramped in the least.
The entire dash is a flat screen capable of accepting flush-mounted multifunction displays with digital switching. Our test rig boasted a 24-inch Garmin MFD that performed all duties, providing navigation and fishing information, engine data and touchscreen boat controls. A panel with traditional push-button switches to control vital functions is positioned overhead as backup, as are Mercury’s Vessel View digital gauge and added controls for the Power-Poles.
On the console panel, the Mercury binnacle control falls easily at hand; it’s flanked by twin cup holders to starboard, and the JL Audio stereo head unit and Zip Wake trim controls to port. A tilt steering helm with a stainless steering wheel for the Mercury power hydraulic steering system completes the dash. A cubby underneath provides storage for phones, with a built-in charging pad. A two-tier footrest offers choices for the most comfortable piloting position. The leaning post is richly upholstered and features flip-up bolsters.
On the aft side of the leaning post, Scout has equipped the XSS with a freshwater sink, cutting-board/trash receptacle, tackle drawers, cup holders, an aft spreader light, aft-facing speakers and a Yeti cooler. The cooler is lit for ease of use at night. A handrail encircles the leaning post, providing stability for aft-standing crewmembers.
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At the stern, you’ll discover a large casting deck that converts to three-wide aft seating. Under the starboard-side seat resides a baitwell. The center lid hides access to the bilge and all pumps, hoses and wiring. The portside seat base conceals a second baitwell.
The transom shows off Scout’s rigging prowess with a standard Bob’s Machine Shop 10-inch setback hydraulic jack plate supporting the big Merc V-10.
The Scout 261 XSS is a formidable angling machine capable of tackling most any water, from backwater bayous to big-water offshore runs.
Specifications
| Length: | 26’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Weight: | 4,429 lb. (hull only, dry weight) |
| Fuel: | 90 gal. |
| Max HP: | 400 |
| Price: | $190,793 (base); $272,704 (as tested) |
Scout Boats – Summerville, South Carolina; scoutboats.com
