The design, construction, and fit and finish are all top-notch. The epoxy-infused carbon-fiber and E-glass hull ensures maximum strength and light weight, and wood-free stringers and bulkheads promise lasting reliability.
The layout smartly uses the available space above- and belowdecks, providing roomy areas for fishing, running the boat, lounging and entertaining.
At the bow, aft of the dedicated -anchor locker with windlass, a sizable bowrider-style area features U-shaped seating with twin lounges to port and starboard, and dual pedestal tables on electric actuators that rise to seat -level to form a large sun pad, or higher to share drinks or a meal. A triple lounger with backrests and fold-down armrests on the forward console offers direct -access to bow seating, and dry storage underneath for life jackets, cushions and other bulky items.
The helm offers a glowing example of simplicity and ergonomic design. All systems can easily be controlled with the touch of a button—a -virtual button—thanks to Garmin’s GRID (Garmin Remote Interface Device), a touchscreen control pad providing access to all onboard systems via three large multifunction displays protected by glass bezels for a slick, seamless look. As backup, Scout also provides traditional switches mounted overhead, next to a fourth display (there’s a fifth in back of the double companion seat to port). A multiengine monitoring display flanks the steering wheel, leaving room for a VHF and switches for the Zipwake trim tabs, which drop only 1¾ inches to produce the desired ride adjustments. Helm air-conditioning ducts and a camera showing the view under the bow and ahead of the boat are other nifty features.
The windshield enclosure, devoid of blind spots, is set up as an integral part of the hardtop, which also includes a retractable sunroof, and a retractable awning that shields the cockpit. Helm seating is heated and elegantly upholstered. Mezzanine seating behind it faces an entertainment center with a bar that makes a perfect social zone, complete with fridge, grill, ice maker, and storage for bar stools not in use.
The cabin below the center console lavishly blends leather, wood veneer, marble, granite and backlit onyx. It includes an aft stateroom that sleeps two, and a forward master suite with a 7-foot berth with rod stowage under. There’s a galley with all the necessary appliances, a wine cooler, and dining area with a table that becomes a third berth.
While other boats offer a second helm station, the 530 LXF offers a complete bridge, large enough for entertaining.
Dual electronically actuated platforms extend cockpit space from 105 to 150 square feet and provide water access. In addition, twin walk-through transom doors fold out to -easily reach the full-width swim platform.
From -flush-mounted holders to -gunwale racks and -hardtop- mounted -rocket launchers you can -lower and raise electronically, rod stowage abounds. Other key fishing features include twin 30-gallon livewells, two 65-gallon fish boxes, and lots of tackle storage.
Our test boat was powered by -quintuple Yamaha 425 XTOs on the massive -offset bracket integrated into the -transom, which affords the motors the lift to minimize bow rise during the hole shot and acceleration, and enhance the boat’s overall performance.
Speaking of hole shot, it took us 12.2 seconds to go from zero to 30 mph, with no discernible cavitation, and bow rise too slight to hinder visibility at the helm. Running full throttle off Key Biscayne, Florida, we repeatedly -surpassed 65 mph. At cruising speed, the 53-footer traveled at nearly 40 mph, unaffected by the 2-foot chop.
The Scout also handled -impressively, banking nicely on sharp turns at 5,000 rpm, and showing off an unexpected tight turning -radius. The ride remained smooth at a range of speeds, and even when -taking on 4-foot wakes head-on, there was no need for bracing. Nevertheless, a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer comes standard and fully integrated into the 530 LXF.
The great looks, -innovative features and creature comforts push this Scout ahead of the pack. Whether you’ve considered buying a -sport-fisher or an express in the 50-foot range, or if you place a -premium on offshore fishing, island hopping and -entertaining, with -occasional -overnighting on board, give the 530 LXF a -serious look.
Specs
Length: 53′5″ Beam: 14′8″ Draft: 31″ Deadrise: 18 degrees Fuel: 875 gal. Water: 100 gal. Weight: 26,500 lb. (plus power) Max HP: 2,510 Price: $2,342,019 w/ quad Yamaha 425 XTOs Scout: scoutboats.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Sunny Location: Key Biscayne, Florida Wind: NNW 9 knots Sea State: 2-foot chop Test Load: Four adults, 440 gallons of fuel, 40 gallons of diesel (for generator), 80 gallons of water
