If you’ve ever seen a cluster of boats anchored or rafted up at a sandbar or a quiet back-bay beach, you’ve likely noticed how many are center consoles. That prevalence isn’t accidental: center-console boats are versatile and popular because they put people in the open air—perfect for casting lines offshore, sunbathing at the sandbar, or cruising with friends and family.
Among the center-console options, Scout Boats’ new 357 LXF S-Class stands out for its blend of luxury, performance and purpose-built features. Built in South Carolina, the 357 LXF S-Class is designed to turn heads while delivering serious capability. “This new model, like all of our boats, is designed to look amazing and outperform the competition,” says Alan Lange, director of sales and marketing at Scout. It’s clearly aimed at owners who want a complete boating lifestyle: entertaining in comfort, fishing effectively and enjoying high-speed performance when the mood strikes.
Stylistically, the latest LXF model uses a broken sheer that drops from a prominent bow to a lower freeboard aft, flowing into a subtle tumblehome transom. The engine platform is free of rigging tubes and finished with faux teak Esthec for a clean, non-slip surface—handy when moving from boat to boat while rafted or when accessing the outboards and swim ladder.
The hull is a deep-V with an aggressive entry, twin steps and a 22-degree transom deadrise that improve seakeeping, efficiency and speed. Scout offers the 357 with twin or triple outboards from Yamaha or Mercury, with a maximum combined horsepower of 1,200. With three 400-hp Mercury Verados, the 357 LXF S-Class can reach a top speed of 72 mph. The most efficient cruise observed is at 4,000 rpm, where the boat runs 43.7 mph while consuming 37.9 gallons per hour, achieving about 1.15 miles per gallon.
While it’s a high-performance hull, the 357 LXF S-Class is equally suited to sandbar life and family days on the water. The bow area is laid out for relaxation and activity: a two-person lounge sits atop the cabin forward of the windshield with storage beneath and a dedicated rack for the Armstrong swim ladder. Forward of that are a pair of molded lounge seats with backrests and dry storage below. The center forepeak seat lifts to give access to the ground tackle and the electric windlass.
A particularly clever feature is the electric table topped with Esthec. It adjusts through multiple positions: low as a casting platform, mid-height with a removable cushion as a sunpad, and fully raised as a dining table—ideal for meals with a view when the boat is anchored at the sandbar.
Comfort below decks is generous for a center console. A door on the console’s port side opens to a surprisingly roomy cabin with air-conditioning, a flatscreen TV, stereo speakers, a berth for two and a removable teak table. The galley area includes a refrigerator and sink, and a private head features an electric toilet. The cabin is a practical retreat for kids or adults who want to escape the sun, nap or charge up and cool down between swims.
The helm benefits from three-sided tinted glass and a fiberglass T-top. An electrically operated fiberglass cockpit sunshade with sunroof panels extends aft to provide relief from the sun or quick shelter from a shower. The centerline helm station is thoughtfully equipped: a glove box with USB and USB-C charging, air-conditioning vents, a dedicated cellphone charging pad and overhead solar panels to help maintain battery charge. For anglers, there are tackle drawers and a backrest that drops down into a rigging station.
On deck, a fold-down transom bench faces mezzanine seating, and a vault-like hullside door—built for durability—offers secure access. A transom door leads to the engine platform, which doubles as a convenient diving board. Anglers will appreciate 10 gunwale rod holders, a transom live well, in-deck fish boxes and a bait cooler (note: the optional Seakeeper installation affects cooler placement). Scout continues its tradition of equipping boats with a robust list of standard features, and the 357 LXF S-Class reflects that approach.
Bringing together offshore fishing capability, comfortable cruising amenities and sandbar-ready design, the Scout 357 LXF S-Class is a versatile center console that will both perform on the water and serve as a social hub at your favorite anchorage.
Scout 357 LXF S-Class
LOA: 35’3”
Beam: 10’9”
Draft: 2’0”
Displ: 10,120 lbs.
Fuel: 319 gals.
Water: 23 gals.
Power: (3) 400-hp Mercury Verados
This article was originally published in the June 2024 issue.