Unique hull designs are a rarity. Most of today’s boats employ some permutation of the deep vee. Scout, however, has built its reputation on its “Air-Assist” tunnel hull, created by company founder Steve Potts. Combining a sharp V down the keel with oversize, sponson-like chines, the shape is reminiscent of the bat-wing tri-hulls that were popular back in the 1970s.

Expressed in Scout’s 14- and 16- foot boats, the design is noteworthy for its dock-like stability at rest and for its right-out-of-the-water, surface-skimming high-speed behaviour. The flying sensation, however, comes with none of the twitchiness or chine-walking that can characterize other fliers like bass or flats boats.

In recent years, Scout has aggressively increased its complement of models, introducing a broad range of sizes and styles, but the company has always remained true to its bluewater fishing boat heritage. For us, one question remained. Would the Air-Assist continue to perform on a much larger, heavier hull?

We got the perfect chance to find out with the 222 Abaco, a burly walkaround cuddy that scales in at 2,400 pounds unrigged and dry. The Abaco is rated for 250 hp, but Scout suggests a 150 to 225 range, with the 200 being the preferred power. Our test boat came equipped with Yamaha’s four-cylinder F150, which was slightly under-propped with an aluminum wheel standing in for the more desirable stainless. That was OK. One of the V6s would have provided more sprightly performance, but we knew that the four would demand the most of the Air-Assist hull.

Dockside, the trademark stability remains remarkable, the Abaco felt like a pontoon. For an open water walkaround fishing boat, the measure of convenience and safety is more than welcome.

Under acceleration and at speed, we discovered a new Scout experience. The Air-Assist makes its contribution, but it’s noticeable only if you are looking for it. Acceleration with the 150 was leisurely and the hull came on plane with minimal bow lift. We topped out at approximately 44 mph and the boat still skims, untouched and unaffected by the chop passing underneath. Turn the wheel and the boat banks slightly, leaning until the outer hull engages the water and then carves like good skier.

The original bluewater centre consoles and walkaround cuddys were originally work boats, created by watermen along the Eastern Seaboard. Anglers adapted the concept and today’s bluewaters, typically robust, high quality and seaworthy, bridge the gap between utility and recreational convenience and comfort.  

On the majority of walkarounds, the cuddy is secondary to the wide sidewalk surrounding it. The result is a narrow, often confined interior. In contrast, Scout has reduced the walkway to the bow. Small steps lead up from the rear of the cockpit on the port side and with the windshield frame and the all-welded bow rail, there are safe handholds along the way.  

Scout has also raised the foredeck and the result is a notably spacious cuddy. Although rarely used for sleeping, the wide vee berth is 74 inches long and there’s plenty of room for the marine head tucked underneath. The door system is equally wide and tall. Close it up and the interior is lit and well ventilated by a large ceiling vent and two side-mounted portholes. Leave the door system open and there’s a sense of easy interaction with the cockpit.

Passengers are well served in the cockpit. A back-to-back seat on the port side is built on a stainless tube frame allowing space underneath the seats for a monster cooler. Two fixed jump seats bracket the transom and flipping up the casting platform reveals a well-padded full-width stern bench.

The 222 Abaco is first and foremost a dedicated fish hunter. There is a console unit behind the helm seat that houses a bait preparation area or rigging station. Beneath the sink is a cupboard filled with multiple lure drawers plus a hose and sprayer to wash the area down. Back at the transom there are aerated bait wells plus two stainless rod sockets. Our test boat came with downriggers ready for freshwater salmon or lakers. They looked right at home.

Scout enthusiastically honours the bluewater tradition of quality. All of the fittings and construction details are top notch, engineered for durability. For example, two of the main stringers extend through the transom to support the engine mount, effectively distributing load and stress to the rest of the hull. The boat also presents its own take on the classic bluewater appearance - high prow, low transom and gentle swoop in between. The Scout we tested was a soft yellow, not a colour for a runabout, but lovely on the Abaco.

A final comment on Scout’s quest for safe, high-performance hull designs. As good as the Air-Assist is on a 22-footer, Scout’s designers have recognized the bottom shape’s limitations for more substantial craft. For their new generation of much bigger boats, they’ve come up with a fuel-efficient variation labeled NUV3. NUV3 incorporates computer-created variable angles down the length of the hull. Already introduced on its 26- and 28-foot hulls, it’s the defining feature on 2008’s 295 Abaco and there’s a 35-footer in the design stages.

– Cam and Diana McRae



2008 Scout 222 Abaco

LOA: 22’2”
BEAM: 8’6”
WEIGHT: 2,400 lbs.
DEADRISE: 20
HULL: Fibreglass
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 8
FUEL CAPACITY: 90 gal
MAXIMUM POWER: 250 hp
POWER (As reviewed): Yamaha F150 TXR
RETAIL PRICE (Base): $54,624
RETAIL PRICE (As reviewed): $60,384

REVIEW BOAT PROVIDED BY:

Buckeye Marine
3396 County Rd. 36 South,
Bobcaygeon, ON, K0M 1A0
Tel.: 705-738-8066
buckeyemarine.com