Integrating luxury into a center-console design is a tricky balancing act. Scout’s new 420 LXF, the boatbuilder’s largest to date, strikes the balance between posh and functional. It does so with classic Carolina styling, dual-stepped hull design, first-class fit and finish, sophisticated onboard systems and plenty of power.
“We knew skippers would be running this boat at relatively high speeds, in fairly big seas at times,” explains Scout product specialist Josh Slayton. “So we had to build it super tough.” To meet its goals for structural quality and durability, Scout turned to vacuum-infused epoxy resin construction, which offers greater strength with less weight than conventional vinylester resin fiberglass.
One of the first things to stand out was the boat’s massive aft cockpit, which features a pair of 108-gallon fish boxes, a total of 13 rod holders and an 80-gallon livewell on the transom, along with a fold-out bench seat.
A trio of high-back seats on the aft side of the central seating module is perfect for keeping tabs on the trolling spread or socializing. And to provide shade, a motorized awning — sturdy enough to deploy underway — extends from the hardtop.
Freshwater and raw-water washdown hoses pull out from ports in the aft hardtop supports. A transom door in the starboard quarter provides access to the full-width platform. A wide dive door on the port side includes a 6-foot by 2-foot, dive platform that cantilevers outward on hydraulics. The middle aft-facing seat lifts upward to reveal an immaculate step-down systems compartment.
Scout allows buyers to order custom features to meet their needs. Inside the systems compartment was one of those custom features, a Seakeeper NG5 gyrostabilizer. The Seakeeper minimized pitch and roll as we test-drove on a lumpy day. To power the gyro, Scout installed a Kohler 6 kW diesel generator below. The genset also provides power for the air-conditioning system, which cools the cabin and the bridge deck, and other 120-volt AC equipment.
On the starboard side of the seating module, I found an Isotherm drawer-style fridge/freezer/ice maker and an electric grill. On the port side was a cavernous top-opening cooler. The top of the module serves as step up access topside should you opt for a tower and second helm. A pair of Rupp carbon fiber outriggers stands ready for action, and three-across seats on the bridge deck feature individual flip-up bolsters and armrests. Enveloped by a three-piece tempered-glass windshield and integrated hardtop, the 59-inch-wide helm accommodated three Garmin 19-inch multifunction displays to manage the chart plotter, Garmin 424 xHD 4-foot open-array radar, GSD 26 CHIRP sounder, autopilot, Fusion stereo, CZone digital switching and more. The helm also housed a pair of Yamaha Command Link Plus gauges and Helm Master system with joystick and Sidepower Proportional bow thruster that made extracting the 42-footer from its tight dock space a cinch.
The roomy, step-down console cabin with stand-up headroom is nicely appointed with hardwood flooring and upholstered headliner. A beautifully crafted wood dining table lowers, converting the area to a 7-foot-wide berth, and a 32-inch display lets you watch your favorite shows via satellite TV. There’s also a galley with wood-veneer cabinetry, faux-granite countertop, sink, fridge, microwave and electric stove, as well as a head compartment with shower separated from a vanity and marine toilet.
Topside, padded coaming bolsters encircle the interior, and 2-foot, 4-inch-wide walkways around the console make it easy to follow a hooked fish around the boat. An expansive lounger with angled backrests and fold-down armrests is ideal for crew to take a load off. In the bow, U-shaped seating surrounds a teak table with motorized pedestal that retracts to deck level.
While underway, the dual-stepped hull of the 420 LXF ushers a cushion of air under the running surface to boost speed and efficiency. Powered by four Yamaha F300s, the boat achieved a top speed of 60.2 mph at 6,000 rpm. The most economical cruising speed was 31.9 mph at 3,500 rpm, where the quad 300s burned 34 gallons per hour, resulting in .94 mpg and a range of over 450 miles, based on the 500-gallon fuel capacity.
Scout’s 420 LXF offers a rare blend of fishing functionality, comfort, sophistication and performance. Anglers searching for a supersize luxury center console they can customize to their heart’s desire need to put this one near the top of their list.
Length: 42′
Beam: 13’1″
Draft: 28″
Fuel: 500 gal.
Water: 69 gal.
Transom Deadrise: 22 degrees
Weight: 15,800 lb. w/out engines
Max HP: 1,675
Base Price: $772,960 w/ quad Yamaha F300s and Helm Master
scoutboats.com
Scout Boats 420 LXF
