At the Palm Beach International Boat Show last March, much attention was given to the debut of Scout Boats’ 670 LXS, the largest outboard-powered boat in production. In its shadow, it would have been easy to overlook the builder’s continued focus on its core midrange models. Yet Scout also introduced the 288 Dorado—a design that quietly advances what a dual-console boat can be, bringing features and capabilities to the segment that are uncommon in this size range.
The 288 Dorado serves as the new flagship of Scout’s high-quality, dayboat line designed for coastal work. It also marks a fresh design direction for the series. Measuring 28 feet, 9 inches in length with a 9-foot, 9-inch beam, the 288 is noticeably roomier than the 277, which remains in the builder’s lineup. You feel that extra space the moment you step aboard. The wide-open deck makes an excellent gathering spot for a large group. It’s an ideal boat for families who want to fish, cruise and enjoy time on the water without sacrificing comfort or quality.
I toured the 288 in Palm Beach and immediately appreciated the generous shade provided by the oversized hardtop. It features built-in lighting that gives the boat a polished, upscale feel after sunset. It also has a central handrail that offers passengers a secure grip when conditions turn choppy. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful touch that sets Scout apart from other production dual-console builders.
The boat comfortably seats up to eight passengers, yet even with a full crew, the 288 is spacious enough for everyone to stretch out and relax. When anglers are aboard, the layout adapts easily for fishing. For instance, the cockpit features a transom bench with a 13.5-gallon baitwell underneath and a fold-out gunwale bench that’s great for socializing but stows away quickly to maximize deck space for those casting lines…