Scout teases hybrid flybridge concept for cash-strapped fishers

The Scout 281 X Signature Edition has a low helm station mounted on top of the boat’s T-top. To use it, the skipper climbs up on top of a platform at the back of the lower helm, pops up through a hole in the T-top, and then operates the boat from a position that’s at least a couple of metres above the water.

The boat appears to be an advance on the 8.6-metre Scout 281 XSS, a hybrid bay boat made for a mix of inshore and offshore fishing that uses a twin-stepped hull and plenty of horsepower on the transom – 600hp is the maximum rating – to hit more than 50 knots of straight-line speed.

According to Scout, the hybrid flybridge helm is a “one of a kind” second station.

A video of the concept shows the skipper positioned on the trailing edge of the Scout 281 X Signature Edition’s hardtop, with a low wrap-around backrest providing some support and comfort while underway.

Roof rails run down either side, which should be handy as handholds if the boat is pitching around while at rest, or mounting extra electronics. There appears to be no windscreen in front of the skipper, and with all that straight-line potential it’s going to be pretty breezy at wide-open throttle.

The concept isn’t new; we’ve seen plenty of US boat owners who have performed their own hack to install a rooftop helm, but it is the first time we’ve seen a volume boatmaker have a crack at the concept.

The new-look Scout 281 was demonstrated at a dealer meeting this week, which probably means Scout was testing the waters for a wider roll-out of the concept if its dealer network saw it as potentially resonating with customers.

No mention was made on whether the Scout 281 X Signature Edition was being considered for production, or if Scout would look to add the concept to other centre console models in its line-up.