Pursuit vs. Scout Boats: Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to premium outboard-powered boats, few names draw as much attention as Pursuit and Scout. Both brands have built loyal followings for their craftsmanship, performance, and sleek designs. If you’re researching your next boat, chances are you’ve seen both names come up—and you’re wondering: What’s the real difference?

At Strong’s Marine, we’ve helped thousands of boaters find their perfect match on the waters of Long Island and beyond. As an authorized Pursuit Boats dealer, we’re proud to represent a brand that consistently delivers exceptional value, offshore reliability, and refined luxury—all backed by Yamaha power and a reputation for lasting quality.

In this article, we’ll take an honest, side-by-side look at Pursuit and Scout. Our goal isn’t to “bash” one or the other, but to help you make an informed decision based on what matters most: your boating lifestyle.

A Quick Overview of Both Brands

Pursuit Boats

Founded in the late 1970s and headquartered in Fort Pierce, Florida, Pursuit Boats is part of the Marlow Marine Group—a company renowned for building seaworthy, luxury vessels that balance performance and comfort. Pursuit focuses on premium offshore fishing and cruising boats ranging from 24 to 46 feet, built with Yamaha outboards and an emphasis on reliability, safety, and timeless design.

Their lineup includes:

• Center Consoles (Offshore & Sport models)

• Dual Consoles

• Express and Offshore Series

• Luxury Sport Boats like the DC 365 and OS 445

Every Pursuit is designed for versatility—built to handle offshore adventures, family cruising, and days anchored in your favorite cove with equal ease.

Scout Boats

Scout Boats, founded in 1989 in Summerville, South Carolina, is known for its innovative styling and lightweight composite construction. Scout builds a range of center consoles, dual consoles, and luxury tenders between 17 and 53 feet. Their boats stand out for sleek, automotive-inspired design and features that appeal to style-focused buyers.

Their lineup includes:

• Bay Boats (for shallow-water fishing)

• Center Consoles (175 Sportfish up to the 530 LXF flagship)

• Dual Consoles

• Luxury Crossover models

Scout’s boats often draw admiration at the dock thanks to their aggressive lines and contemporary finishes.

Build Quality and Construction

When you step aboard a Pursuit or a Scout, the attention to detail is clear—but the approach to construction differs in subtle yet important ways.

Pursuit: Strength You Can Feel

Pursuit boats are built using hand-laid fiberglass hulls, foam-filled stringers, and resin infusion techniques that create a strong, quiet, and solid ride. The company takes great pride in over-engineering structural components for offshore confidence. Every Pursuit model undergoes rigorous quality checks—from lamination to electrical to final sea trial—ensuring that each boat performs as intended before leaving the factory.

Their one-piece stringer grid system and molded liners provide exceptional rigidity and reduce vibration, resulting in a smoother, more stable ride. Combined with premium gelcoats, stainless hardware, and robust through-bolted fittings, Pursuit boats are known to hold up beautifully for decades.

Scout: Lightweight and Sleek

Scout utilizes vacuum-infused epoxy construction in many of its models, which results in lighter-weight boats with impressive fuel efficiency and speed. Their approach focuses on performance through lightweight design, though some offshore boaters find the ride slightly firmer in heavier seas compared to Pursuit’s deep-V hulls.

Scout’s fit and finish are among the best in its class, featuring custom upholstery, LED lighting, and refined details. Their carbon-epoxy build methods deliver a luxury feel—but long-term owners often note that Pursuit’s heavier hulls provide more comfort and confidence in rough conditions.

Ride and Performance

Performance is where both brands shine—but in slightly different ways, depending on how and where you boat.

Pursuit: Offshore Confidence

Pursuit is engineered with deep-V hulls and Yamaha outboard power, tuned for quiet performance, balanced handling, and superior stability offshore. Owners consistently praise Pursuit’s predictable tracking and dry ride, even when the water turns choppy.

If your boating involves runs across the Sound, offshore fishing trips, or weekend cruises where conditions can change quickly, Pursuit’s hulls inspire confidence. You’ll also appreciate the quietness of the ride—less rattle, more refinement, and that unmistakable feeling of strength underfoot.

Scout: Speed and Style

Scout boats are typically lighter and faster, which makes them a thrill for nearshore cruising and sandbar hopping. Their stepped hull designs help improve efficiency and speed while reducing drag. For boaters who prioritize acceleration and eye-catching design, Scout delivers an energetic experience.

However, that lighter weight can translate to more motion in larger swells—something Pursuit’s heavier, deeper hulls manage more smoothly.

Design and Layout

Pursuit: Practical Luxury

Step aboard a Pursuit, and you’ll immediately notice thoughtful details everywhere—ergonomic seating, intelligently placed grab handles, and a sense of craftsmanship that balances form and function. Pursuit’s layouts are designed by boaters, for boaters—offering smart storage, convertible seating, and open deck plans that maximize usable space without sacrificing comfort.

From the DC 266’s family-friendly cockpit to the OS 445’s yacht-like cabin, Pursuit strikes a balance between fishability and luxury cruising. It’s the perfect blend for families who want both adventure and relaxation.

Pictured: Pursuit OS 445 Yacht Like Cabin

Scout: Trend-Setting Style

Scout is known for its sleek, automotive-inspired interiors and luxury aesthetics. The brand has introduced stylish elements like curved windshields, polished upholstery, and integrated lighting that give their boats a “wow factor.”

These designs are stunning and modern—perfect for those who value visual appeal and contemporary finishes. However, some layouts lean more toward leisure and entertaining than hardcore fishing or long-range cruising.

Power and Performance Systems

Both brands rely heavily on Yamaha outboards, known for reliability and serviceability. Pursuit exclusively partners with Yamaha, ensuring every boat is designed, tested, and optimized around their engines for ideal performance and weight distribution.

Scout offers flexibility—many models are available with Yamaha, Mercury, or other engine options. While this gives buyers choice, Pursuit’s exclusive Yamaha partnership often results in tighter system integration, simplified maintenance, and more consistent performance data.

Technology and Innovation

Pursuit: Refined and Proven

Pursuit integrates technology where it enhances the experience—without overcomplicating things. Expect Garmin electronics, digital switching, joystick controls, and premium sound systems—all factory-installed and seamlessly wired.

You’ll also find smart helm layouts and mechanical access points that make maintenance simpler. Pursuit doesn’t chase every trend—it focuses on tech that adds genuine value for owners who want reliability first.

Scout: Bold Innovation

Scout often takes a more experimental approach, introducing features like custom-molded windshields, retractable hardtops, and high-end sound systems. These innovations create a “wow” factor and help Scout stand out in marinas and boat shows.

While this forward-thinking design is exciting, Pursuit’s more traditional engineering often proves more consistent long-term, especially for serious offshore boaters who prioritize reliability over novelty.

Price and Value

Both Pursuit and Scout occupy the premium price segment, but their cost structures differ slightly.

• Pursuit boats tend to have a higher initial price compared to similar-sized competitors—but that’s balanced by exceptional resale value, Yamaha reliability, and low warranty claims. Their reputation for quality translates into long-term savings and owner satisfaction.

• Scout boats can be slightly more affordable in certain sizes, though their pricing increases quickly in the luxury LXF series. Scout’s focus on design appeal and innovation commands a premium, but resale value can vary more depending on condition and local market demand.

At Strong’s Marine, we often remind customers: a Pursuit isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in a better boating experience for years to come.

Warranty and Support

Pursuit offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry:

• 5-year hull and structural warranty

• 2-year limited warranty on components

• Backed by Yamaha’s factory coverage

What sets Pursuit apart is their customer service—direct access to factory representatives, transparent communication, and genuine care for their owners.

Scout’s warranty is also strong, offering limited lifetime structural coverage, but Pursuit’s reputation for post-sale support and consistency through its dealer network gives it an edge in real-world satisfaction.

Ownership Experience

This is where the two brands truly part ways.

Pursuit ownership tends to attract serious boaters—those who enjoy exploring offshore, entertaining family, and maintaining a long-term relationship with their vessel. It’s not uncommon to meet Pursuit owners who have stayed with the brand for decades. The boats hold up incredibly well over time, both structurally and cosmetically.

Scout ownership often appeals to style-focused buyers who prioritize innovation, aesthetics, and social boating. They’re great for entertaining, sandbar hopping, and enjoying calm-water cruising in style.

Both offer luxury—but Pursuit’s durability, quiet ride, and confidence in open water make it the preferred choice for Long Island boaters who face a mix of conditions on the Sound, Peconic Bay, and Atlantic waters.

Why Strong’s Marine Recommends Pursuit Boats

At Strong’s Marine, we represent a select group of brands that align with our values of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Pursuit fits that philosophy perfectly.

When you choose a Pursuit from Strong’s, you’re not just getting a boat—you’re gaining a partnership with a fourth-generation, family-owned dealership that stands behind every vessel we sell. Our factory-trained technicians, in-house marina network, and award-winning service team ensure your Pursuit is ready when you are—season after season.

We’ve seen Pursuit owners cruise confidently across the Sound, chase tuna offshore, and enjoy quiet sunsets with their families—all in the same weekend. That’s what makes Pursuit so special—it adapts to your life on the water.

Final Thoughts: Pursuit vs. Scout—Which Should You Choose?

If you love sleek design, cutting-edge features, and nearshore cruising, Scout offers a fun and stylish ride.

But if you want true versatility, enduring craftsmanship, and offshore confidence backed by a proven dealer network, Pursuit is the boat built for you.

At Strong’s Marine, we’ve seen firsthand how Pursuit owners stay on the water longer, encounter fewer service issues, and enjoy higher satisfaction over time. Pursuit isn’t just built for this season—it’s built for the next generation of boating memories.

Experience Pursuit at Strong’s Marine

Visit us at one of our Strong’s Marine locations across Long Island, including Mattituck, Southampton, and beyond, to experience Pursuit quality firsthand. Step aboard, feel the craftsmanship, and see why Pursuit continues to set the standard for performance and luxury on the water.

About Strong's Marine

Long Island’s Authorized Pursuit Dealer

Strong's Marine has been a family owned business since 1945. In 2013, Strong's Marine acquired the marina in Mattituck, now known as Strong's Water Club & Resort. Strong's Marine has four locations in Mattituck including the flagship location at Mattituck Bay, Strong's Yacht Center, Strong's Main Road and of course the Strong's Water Club & Resort. You can find Strong's Marine across Long Island at our numerous locations including Port Washington, Freeport, Southampton, Mattituck, and Cutchogue