Excellent starter boat has yacht-like fit-and-finish and everything you need to chase fish with the crew or chill out with the family

Scout Boats may be known for big, luxury center consoles, but it began as a small boat company, launching its first hull – a 14-footer – in the 1960s. For the 2026 model year the company has revisited those humble beginnings by introducing a new 18-foot, 11-inch center-console – but this little boat is anything but humble. The 188 Sportfish is the most compact design you’ll find that offers seating for everyone aboard and then some, including a forward console lounger of the sort we commonly see only on much larger models. It also sports a full package of fishing features including four flush-mount rodholders, a vertical rack for three rods, under-gunwale rodracks for four more rigs, a portside livewell, and (when you remove the cushion) a forward casting deck. Added bonus: It can be rigged with a slew of angling options like a bow-mount trolling motor, powered pole anchors, and a Garmin 943xs plus a GT21 transducer.

STANDOUT FEATURES

• Air Assist Hull improves speed, stability, performance
• Lots of comfortable seating for a small boat
• Standard aft livewell

With a single Yamaha 90-hp outboard, the Scout 188 Sportfish can reach 40 mph but burns only about 2.7 gallons per hour running at a 22-mph cruising speed. That performance offers room to roam with a 34-gallon fuel tank. Twin swim platforms flank the outboard, with a recessed fold out ladder portside.

Underneath the wide front console lounge seat is a large, insulated, lockable fish box/storage compartment. When you check this boat, the fit and finish stands out. Scout delivers the same quality level as on its larger center-console yachts. Notice the hatches are fully finished on both sides with recessed fasteners and hinges. Even the stowage compartments and bilge are fully finished inside.