It's time to pick out our new Salt Life ride at Scout Boats.
Dropping by the Scout Boat plant feels like visiting family.
I've known the Wallace family- a big part of Scout Boats, for years, especially Dylan Wallace. Dylan won the grand prize combo at our very first Hook the Future Kid's Fishing Clinic at the Charleston Boat Show over 10 years ago, and we've been friends ever since.
He has helped me out at the Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics at various boat shows over the years, to the point I think he could give the clinic better than me.
Every time we run into each other he asks, "when are you gonna' run a Scout, Capt Don?"
We decided to take a tour of the Scout Plant, in Summerville, South Carolina, and check out their awesome boats. (Its only fair to mention that some of the best shrimp and grits on the planet are served about a mile from here. If you come within 5,348 miles of Oscar's in Summerville- make the stop! )
I was absolutely blown away by their facility! I've had the opportunity over the years to see quite a few boat plants and factories- I've never seen a cleaner, more organized operation than the Scout plant.
Wow! Everything in it's place. Boats all in a line at various stages of construction... very impressive!
Wow! Everything in it's place. Boats all in a line at various stages of construction... very impressive!
Not one piece out of place, no trash anywhere in sight, not even a screw on the floor!
And then there is the boats themselves! Talk about fit and finish!
Every detail is refined, so much thought goes into the different features and options, ensuring that every type of boater enjoys their time on the water in a Scout boat.
Every detail is refined, so much thought goes into the different features and options, ensuring that every type of boater enjoys their time on the water in a Scout boat.
High performance doesn't just apply to the hulls on a Scout.
The fit, finish and attention to detail is unsurpassed, as Dave Wallace points out.
Dave showed me their new line coming out, and explained some of the revolutionary changes about to debut.
Scout has always been a leader and innovator and it shows in their boats.
Scout has always been a leader and innovator and it shows in their boats.
This looks like a great place to shoot the opener of Hook The Future shows!
I can see kids loaded up with fish smiling big!
I can see kids loaded up with fish smiling big!
Dave showed me the different options to customize my boat- you can choose a berth or rod storage...Hmmmm... rod storage it is! I chose the fishier option every time- Imagine that.
This one is getting ready for the plunge and a wet test.
The name says it all!
Whoa! Here she is! My new 32!
The pieces are coming together!
The pieces are coming together!
What a high performance hull! Dry ride, check, speed check, style and comfort, check, check!
And she looks incredible! Lovin' the black!
Yep! This is what I need to live the Salt Life. ...
And she looks incredible! Lovin' the black!
Yep! This is what I need to live the Salt Life. ...
The interior is shaping up. What a well thought out design!
My twin Mercury 300 Joy Stick Verados are mounted!
Giddie up!
Check out the modern design of the console and helm. Check out the Joy Stick control just to the left of the throttles..... it works just like a video game, moving the boat whichever direction you choose, with counter-rotating engines for power.
The day is FINALLY here- I got the call the boat is ready! I picked up my Float-On Trailer from Vero Beach and headed up to Summerville for my new 32'... and a little more shrimp and grits.
One happy guy.....She's a beauty.
Check out the dive door....
We're gonna need it to drag big fish on board!
We're gonna need it to drag big fish on board!
I'm lovin' the new 32'
The technology on this Scout is revolutionary- key fob push button start...
(for details check out www.scoutboats.com)
(for details check out www.scoutboats.com)
I'm going to need a class or two to figure out how to use everything. Loaded with the best electronics on the market a complete Garmin package including two huge flat screen displays!
No time to play... yet. We had to show her off a little...
so off to the Mercury in water display at the Miami Boat Show for her debut on the water.
so off to the Mercury in water display at the Miami Boat Show for her debut on the water.
Can we take her out?
Ahhhhhh... Home sweet home!
Wonder what that button does?
Everything has a place on this boat- perfect for fishing
Roomy bow, with push-button seat backs, a sink, and a place for everything!
I'm really excited to use these new Garmins with the Airmar CHIRP technology. You can count the number fish on the bottom in 2,000 feet !
All smiles getting ready for the test drive with Dave from Scout and Brent from Mercury.
This is so awesome- the power and performance are unparalleled.
I'm so excited about a feature I didn't even know existed- Skyhook technology. With the press of a button, Skyhook pinpoints your location and heading using a GPS satellite antenna. It works with the Mercury engines and drives to maintain that position and heading regardless of wind or current. Talk about changing the game for bottom fishing offshore! No more constant readjustment to keep over a spot to say "drop down now" just touch the button and start fishing!
High and dry, knocking the spray down at the water line,
while everyone aboard enjoys the comfort and sunshine!
I can't wait to share the memories I know will be created on this boat!
Back to Jax for the Salt Life wrap and she's complete.
Big Slimy 5's to Scout Boats and Mercury for making it all happen!
Hey Dylan when are we goin' fishin'?.... In my new Scout!
Livin' the Salt Life,
Capt Don
This is really a great tour! Well, if the facility itself is clean and organized, I think there’s an assurance that their operation is pretty detailed and well-structured too. I also like the structure of their boat. It looks very practical and convenient for the sailors.
ReplyDeleteKent Garner @ Whites Marine Center