SCOUT 21XSF CENTER CONSOLE - The Fisherman

SCOUT 21XSF CENTER CONSOLE

Just launched for the 2017 model year, Scout’s 21XSF takes the concept of a functional 21-foot center console to new horizons. The engineers at Scout did not skimp on the goodies for their next-gen 21XSF and gave her ample amounts of space, beam and running bottom to do her thing out on the briny.

It’s not just the sheer size and volume of usable space that impresses on the new Scout 21XSF. Her standard features list is a nautical mile long, complemented by options that will allow each user to make this 21-footer their own unique ride. Starting aft and working forward, this Scout dances to its own drum beat. There’s a convenient wave gate positioned in the port corner, with a handy full-height 21-gallon recirculating livewell in the opposite position to starboard. Over 20-square feet of cockpit space will allow you and the crew to dance a 360 around the roomy center console when bending the rods.

The standard leaning post includes a four-rod rocket launcher, with split up/down seat cushions that double as back bolsters when standing up while underway. A handy 72-quart removable Igloo cooler is set under the powder-coated leaning post frame, which can be upgraded to a Yeti cooler if so desired. A trio of cup holders positioned under the rocket launcher completes this well-engineered setup. The console’s dashboard offers plenty of space to flush-mount a large screen multi-function display, with a convenient circuit breaker accessory panel, standard marine compass and engine gauges positioned exactly in just the right places. Stepping down through a portside companionway into the head area, you can add to her capabilities with an optional marine head, in addition to accessing the electrical panel connections and battery switch.

%pullstart%SPECIFICATIONS:
Length Overall: 21-feet, 6-inches
Beam: 8-feet, 6-inches
Weight- 2,776-lbs (dry, without power)
Draft: 16-inches (engine drive up)
Deadrise Aft: 20°
Freshwater Capacity: 13-gallons
Fuel Capacity: 82-gallons
Max Horsepower: 250 HP, single outboard%pullend%

Moving forward, the Scout 21XSF offers a unique doublewide sun lounge that features a deep insulated coffin box down under, which is handy to chill out your bait, chum or catch of the day, or just function as a large and dry storage space for all of your beach and watersports necessities. This Scout’s standards include full length cushioned coaming bolsters, raw water washdown in the livewell, a Fusion Bluetooth stereo with a quartet of 6-inch speakers, Bay Star hydraulic steering, quad flush-mount stainless steel rodholders in the gunwales, plus a quartet of horizontal racks down under.

GREAT PERFORMANCE / RANGE
One of the most interesting owner decisions on this new Scout’s features list is her choice of engine options. Standard power is either a Yamaha F150 or a big-block 3.0 liter Mercury 150 FourStroke. Engine options include an upgrade to Yamaha’s popular F200 in-line four cylinder four-banger outfitted with either mechanical or electric throttle and shift controls, Merc’s L4 Verado 200, or Yamaha’s 4.2 liter F250 Offshore four-stroke.

Factory tests with a Yamaha F150 four-stroke hitched to the transom indicate that she will hit a top speed of 45-mph spinning a 14¼-diameter x 17-pitch Reliance 3-blade stainless steel prop at wide open throttle (6000-rpm) with two people onboard and ¾-fuel. The fact that this beefy 21-footer can get this type of speed at WOT is a testimony to her slippery NuV3 hull design. Dialing it back down to more sedate throttle speeds, the Scout 21 XSF will get her optimum performance numbers at four-grand, skimming the wave tops at 27.5-mph while drinking 6.8 gallons per hour for a net of 4.04-mpg. If you have a need for speed and simply must beat everyone else to those hungry bass busting a bunker pod a few miles down the beach, she will get up and go when requested. This Scout will accelerate to 32.4-mph at 8.8-gph for a net of 3.7-mpg at 4500 revs and 36.8-mph at 10.4-gph for a bottom line of 3.54-mpg at 5000 rpm. The sweet spot for this ride running a 150 is probably in the 4200-4300 rpm range, where she’ll turn roughly 30-mph for just under 4-mpg.