Scout 435 LXF LI-Ion S-Class

Scout Boats is a high-end boat builder.

Scout isn’t shy to admit that, and you shouldn’t be shy to agree. Scout tags its most luxurious line of center consoles as LXF, and they range from 26 to 53 feet. The newest entry to the model line is the 435 LXF Li-Ion S-Class.

Wait? You mean Li-Ion is for lithium-ion, as in batteries? Yup! The kind you’ll find in e-scooters, e-bikes and toys that have had fires? Nope! Not all lithium batteries are created equal.

Power Play

Scout has decided to utilize the Fathom e-Power Lithium Battery Management System to replace standard batteries. Scout notes a number of benefits to this system, including eliminating the need for a generator thanks to the 24 kWh usable energy storage setup. Tossing the generator means no vibrations, exhaust fumes or the associated noise of a genny running when at anchor. It also eliminates the purchase price and maintenance of a gen system. Having a Fathom e-Power M-6000X+ 48 V Li-PO4 system integrates the battery management system to monitor voltage and current, protects against overcharge/discharge and, more importantly, monitors thermal events (it’s not prone to thermal runaway).

Other benefits include its integration with Navico Group components, such as CZone digital switching, Blue Sea Systems power distribution and Mastervolt energy storage. The batteries are recharged by the Mercury outboards (2-24V, 2-48V). Scout Regional Sales Manager James Pate explains that these Li-Ion PO4 setups have been deemed very safe, are highly stable, have a long lifespan, have been used in the RV field for many years and are now seeing the transition into the marine field. Scout is so confident in the usage and acceptance of Li-Ion technology that it has added it to the model name.

After my education on lithium battery systems, Pate got us onboard for a walk-through of the 435 as we departed the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida, to see the handling, seakeeping ability and maneuvering firsthand.

It’s in there!

Along with other Scout models, the 435 is defined by Scout’s signature sweeping sheerline, which starts high to help battle the waves before extending aft to the cockpit, where it breaks into a horizontal tail that runs to the transom. The hull is constructed with carbon fiber and e-glass lamination, and is epoxy-infused and applied to the hull, stringers and deck alike. The use of epoxy over polyester resin offers greater strength, resistance to water absorption and blistering, and improved long-term durability. Scout’s closed-cavity infusion offers a precise resin-to-glass ratio and eliminates voids.

Ride ’em

Creating a fast yet safe ride is Scout’s dual-stepped hull, which creates “breaks” at the steps that pull in air to break the water’s suction and friction. By minimizing the wetted surface, fuel efficiency and speed are improved by cutting drag. Add in a sharp entry and 22-degree transom deadrise and the 435 is slicing through the waves effortlessly while maintaining the set speed. Any fisherman knows that heavy seas can spoil a day of fishing. With a Scout, that’s not a concern.

The trade-off for that aggressive deadrise is a tendency to roll when drifting. Thanks to the inclusion of a Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer that runs off the Li-Ion batteries, roll is nearly non-existent.

There’s no chine walking or slippage through a turn, just unadulterated control of a 21,000-pound missile. Of course, the standard Zipwake dynamic trim helps a bit.

Let’s face it, going fast in a boat is different than going fast in a car. Excitingly, getting the 435 to reach highway speeds at 66 mph on a slight chop in the open Atlantic is a whole different sensation. Bolted to the extended platform are four Mercury 425-hp Verado V10 outboards (max 1,800 hp, so triple Merc 600s will work). Neatly packaged and color-coordinated to the hull paint, these slim powerplants deliver.

Wide-open throttle delivered top-end speed at 6150 rpm, consuming 138 gph. Granted, you won’t be running at that speed very often, but it’s good to know it’s available if you’re outrunning a storm. Pull back to 4000 rpm for a speed of 36.7 mph, 60 gph and a range of around 425 miles.

Let’s go cruising

You may think the 435 is just a fishing platform, but think again. There’s so much going on for the cruisers and weekenders. And don’t discount its use as a tender to the big boys.

The open bow sports a large U-shape bench seat in the peak, suitable for six people, with a hi-low table that converts into a sunpad or recesses into the deck. Side backrests offer great padding. There’s an additional forward-facing backrest at the end of each seat, creating lounge seats. In front of the helm is a two-person lounger with armrests, headrests, cup holders and dry storage beneath — a great spot for sunbathing.

Wide decks make transiting from bow to stern easy, with plenty of room for anglers to take up position anywhere.

Seating in the cockpit includes an aft-facing bench seat with plush cushions and a stitched backrest. There’s a cooler below with drainage for drinks or gear. Additionally, the backrest folds down, revealing a large tackle drawer, or opt for the cutting board and electric grill — a great space saver!

Across the transom is another electrically actuated bench seat that lowers and raises the seat bottom. It’s comfortable when cruising, yet out of the way when fishing.

The excitement happens underneath the hardtop. There are two rows of three bucket-style seats, each with bolsters, armrests and AC/heating. The captain is in the middle seat, with easy access to the glass bridge, which consists of three 18-inch Garmin 9219 multifunction displays recessed in the black lacquered console and EmpirBus digital switching. The helm sits inside a wraparound three-sided glass enclosure, which helps to minimize exposure to the elements.

But you came for the fishing, so let’s talk about it. Dual 45-gallon baitwells man the cockpit aft corners, and 92-gallon port and starboard in-deck fishboxes keep the fish you caught with that bait. Fifteen (count ‘em) gunnel rod holders ring the boat, and the five pole rocket launchers in the hardtop articulate horizontally when the SureShade awning is deployed.

Cozy Cabin

Below deck is a cozy climate-controlled cabin, perfect for overnighters. Scout maintains its high-end craftsmanship with a berth for two that converts into bench seating, a galley with a microwave, a drawer fridge and a single-burner cooktop. Add in a 32-inch TV, 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom, and an enclosed head with a shower, and you may never leave the dock.

Scout has numerous features and options, including port and starboard hydraulic beach terraces with fold-down boarding steps, teak flooring, a second-row Garmin display and more. Paint options include a Midnight Edition, with most components painted black. You can also opt for an upper-helm flybridge complete with full controls. It’s evident that Scout builds one of the most luxurious center consoles available. “We want to be the Rolls-Royce of center consoles,” says Pate.

With the latest technology, exceptional design and finest materials, Scout is certainly on its way with the 435 LXF Li-Ion S-Class.