Scout 280 Abaco

Scout has been building small fishing boats since 1990 and the Abaco, at the time of her introduction, was the company’s first try at a model larger than 20 feet. Built on a beamy deep-V hull, the graceful styling of the Abaco gives her the appearance of a semi-custom boat. There’s bench seating for four and two captain’s chairs (which convert to leaning posts) on the raised helm deck, and cockpit amenities include a 35-gallon lighted livewell, two large in-deck fish boxes, bait prep center, and under-gunwale rod storage. While the cabin is adequate for an overnight stay, the absence of windows makes for a somewhat dark interior. Too, the V-berths are a tight fit although the athwartships single berth under the helm is long enough to stretch out on. Additional features include cockpit coaming bolsters, fresh and raw water washdowns, aft-facing jump seats, and a standard hardtop. It’s notable that the hull stringers run straight through the reverse transom and into the engine mount, transmitting the stress generated by the engines throughout the entire hull. Twin 225hp Yamaha reach 40+ knots top. (Note that the Scout 280 Vintage is the same boat with a Cummins diesel I/O.)