Scout president Steve Potts isn't one of those boat company presidents who drop by engineering from time to time to see how a new boat is coming along. Potts is involved with a boat from the first concept sketches to when the final bolt on the real boat is tightened. He's not only an innovator, but also an avid fisherman, so it comes as no surprise that the new 295 Abaco is a direct reflection of his two greatest passions. 


Performance

    Scout's boats are eye-catchers and the 295 Abaco is one of the most attractive walk-arounds being built. It resembles a mini version of a Carolina flair sportfisherman (no surprise since they are built in South Carolina) with a tall bowrail that swoops down where the shearline and windshield drop for dramatic effect. Looks aside, function is what floats Potts' boat, and heading to the bow to set the anchor, we notice that the deck's working area is flat and has a good nonskid surface for user friendliness. The optional windlass has foot pedals with covers so they aren't accidentally deployed.


    The 295 Abaco is the perfect-sized boat for adventures to the Bahamas for a little fishing. It's large enough to handle adverse conditions, but it's more economical and faster than owning a large sportfishing yacht. The upscale cabin features a standard teak and holly sole. It sleeps three in the convertible V-berth and quarterberth. The boat comes ready to cruise with a fully loaded galley and head with a china bowl toilet with a holding tank. It's one of the few boats in its class to have an available diesel generator.  

    Sometimes it's hard to know which engine package to buy, but not this time, because the 295 only comes with twin Yamaha F250s ... period, end of discussion. In this case that's a good thing, because they are a perfect match for this near 31-foot cruiser/angler. Jamming the throttles, the boat busts to plane in 4.3 seconds and reaches 30 mph in just 6 seconds.

    Your best cruise speed nets just a shade less than 2 miles per gallon at around 27 mph. If you are in a hurry to fish, maxing the throttles takes you past 51 mph and at that speed the Abaco is very stable. The happiest fast cruise speed is right around 4500 rpm, which nets you 37 mph. At this speed the engines run quiet (85 dBa) and don't seem to strain.

    The inlet at Charleston Harbor where we tested the boat got pretty ugly with an outgoing tide and a brisk incoming wind, combined with lots of commercial traffic. But with 22 degrees of deadrise at the stern on the NUV3 variable deadrise hull, the 295 Abaco wades right through the slop with wonderful balance. Picking the right speed that's slow enough to allow the bow to recover after cresting a wave, you shush down without banging. Of course it helps that you can noodle along at 20 mph and easily stay on plane, thanks to the standard Lenco trim tabs with indicator lights.



Comfort

    Boarding for the first time, you will notice that there is no transom door to step through. So instead of hopping on the half swim platform covered in Flexiteek, grab the fat vertical T-top support tube, stand on the gunwale and walk onto the deck. While those who fish for big yellowfin tuna or swordfish might like a stern gate, the average angler won't miss it unless he or she likes the rattling sound they usually make.

A 52-square-foot cockpit is loaded with four dedicated tackle storage compartments and rod storage under the gunwales and in the cabin. Instead of having the rocket launcher rod holders high on the hardtop where they are hard to access, they are easily reachable on the side supports. The nonfoldable transom bench seat is unusual and eats up cockpit space, but it can also be used as a mini-casting platform. Rear-facing, padded trolling jump seats are a plus when the bite slows. There's a 30-gallon lighted livewell on the corner of the transom, but the Abaco has only average-sized in-floor fishboxes.


  Features

1.Tall bowrail and flat working surface with nonskid surface make the bow a safe place to be.
2.Lightweight crowned hardtop aids drainage and has built-in stereo speakers, ventilation hatches and adjustable cockpit lights.
3.Large 52-square-foot fishing cockpit has plenty of dedicated tackle storage and a safety locker within easy reach.
4.Cabin sleeps three, has a fully equipped galley with refrigerator and head compartment.
5.Well laid-out centerline helm station features high-end Garelick captain's chair and is close to passenger's settee for easy conversing.  BW