Scout 670 LXS

Scout Boats has crafted the new 670 LXS — the world’s largest outboard-powered yacht — to be so much more than a center console, as many have called it.

Every aspect is exponentially greater, from all-around spaciousness and cruising comfort to fishing ability and luxurious accommodations. Marry in thrilling performance and you really can expect everything.

Let’s start with a few obvious things. This yacht is a beast, and I mean that in an endearing way. Designed in partnership with world-renowned design studio Harrison Eidsgaard, London, Scout knew they had to collaborate with the best to build the best.

First, the hull with the sweeping, unbroken sheerline is like a piece of art. An extended stem incorporates a significant flare that can beat down most seas while making the 670 stylish yet seaworthy. Add in a raked windshield as part of the three-sided, low-profile house topped with an extended integrated hardtop, and you get a low-rider appearance that redefines sleek and turns heads.

LOTS OF PONIES

Featuring five Mercury 600-hp V12 Verado outboards (yup, 3,000 hp total), the only thing more impressive than the speed these powerplants produce is the attention to detail of the installation. It’s known that these big Mercs engine cases don’t pivot for steering purposes; that’s done by the lower gearcase below the waterline. This allows for a clean installation, no cables or steering rods cluttering the transom. Scout has the engines mounted to the aft platform with dedicated polished stainless steel rigging tubes containing the electrical runs from boat to motor. The result is a beautiful layout with walking access to each engine (most preventive maintenance is via an opening cover on each cowling).

Speaking of the engines, they get the 670 up and out quickly, thanks to the immediate response to throttle commands. Cruise at 33 mph at 4000 RPM, burning 117 gph. This 60,000-pound vessel cracked 59 mph (51.3 knots) at wide open sipping 260 gph. Now you likely won’t run at that speed very long, but it’s there if needed or just want some bragging rights. The twin-stepped carbon fiber and fiberglass epoxied hull felt solid at speed, tracked true and responded to the wheel nicely. Additionally, at the helm running at speed with the aft doors open, I recorded only a 77-decibel top sound, so it is a fairly quiet boat.

COME ABOARD

Scout says they have poured everything into “Project Everest,” the internal code name for the 670 model since the project began in 2021. What they have delivered is an exceptional balance of fishability, sociability and every other “ability” in the dictionary. Notably, the 670 is taking the title of “largest outboard-powered yacht in the world.” And rightly so.

In the cockpit, not only are there fore- and aft-facing centerline well-padded bench seats, but port and starboard beach terraces open from the hullsides to increase usable real estate for guests to enjoy water toys and views. The terraces also have half-doors for easy boarding from the docks. Access to the lower machinery space containing the Northern Lights generator, water system filters and other gear is via a flip-up hatch in the forward seat. A hatch in the cockpit deck provides access to a Seakeeper 14.

FISH ON!

Did I mention fishability? There are two 30-gallon live baitwells nestled into the ends of the transom seat unit. Along with the nine rod holders across the transom station, there’s an overhead patented rod storage that actuates down to access the rods, then rotates up to get them out of the way. Twin in-deck 60-gallon fishboxes will hold the catch. Scout is also in the process of making a fishing version of the 670.

Up one step is an entertainment area with a generously sized forward-facing C-shape settee with twin high-gloss wood tables. The extended hardtop offers protection from the elements.

Ahead of the settee is a bar with three beautifully designed Release Marine wood and metal fixed bar stools. The bar abuts the large metal-framed aft window that drops into a concealed compartment, opening up the interior and exterior spaces.

SUPER SALON

Step into the salon and you’ll see a few things that will surprise you. Our test boat had the “Salt Interior Package” with oak wood and light-washed walls and cabinets accented by black counters (there are other interior color combos available). With 6 feet, 7 inches of headroom throughout, large side windows and a single-pane windshield, ambient light flows throughout. A galley is to port with a double-burner cooktop, fridge/freezer drawers, a microwave, and dedicated drawers for glassware and plates. A C-shape settee is to starboard with a flip-out hi-low table.

Forward is a unique setup. Not only does the starboard helm have twin seats with bolsters and armrests, but the port side also has twin seats, as well as a navigation station with twin Garmin 9022 multifunction displays. Having an extra set of eyes on the radar or chart screen assists the captain; it also allows for access to the house controls without being in the way.

The compact helm has twin Garmin 9222 multifunction displays, magnetic phone chargers and an engine monitor display. Mounted right on the dash is the Mercury joystick controller, literally at your fingertips for ultimate control. My turn on the wheel showed great visibility, instant response from the controls and comfort from the chairs. I can see running the 670 on long excursions without the boat beating up the operator.

C’MON DOWN

Another cool design is the lower atrium lounge. Curl up with a good book on the starboard sofa or catch a flick on the portside 43-inch smart TV. This is a nice getaway area that also gives access to the three staterooms.

Forward is the primary stateroom, with a queen center berth and a head with a shower stall. Two additional staterooms have a double berth and side-by-side bunks. One reason this lower deck works so well is that Scout created a full-size mock-up to be able to really “feel” the area, understand where the design needed changes, and carry through the sophisticated luxury and elegance.

Probably one of the most innovative items I have ever seen on a yacht is the drop-down, fold-out ladder for accessing the hardtop (like one you may have for your home’s attic). Why use up space for a fixed ladder that is only used occasionally? This one drops from a dedicated recessed hatch over the starboard bar stool with hinged sections that angle out for safe climbing.

Scout does offer a plethora of options, including color upgrades, enhanced electronics, night vision, underwater lights, an electric shade awning and more to trick out your ride.

Some folks have called the 670 a center console, which may be due to the full walk-around decks. Or because the large bow sunpad incorporates plush forward bench/lounge seating that flanks a wood center table. Or because of the optimum performance and handling. But according to Scout’s CEO and founder, Steve Potts, it’s more than just a center console: “We want to continue to raise the industry bar for class, comfort and style.”

Along with the Scout 670 LXS being the world’s largest outboard-powered yacht, Potts is making a bold statement to the world: Expect everything!