The 2020 Scout 38 is a high-performance sportfisherman designed for anglers who want speed, stability, and practical offshore capability without moving into a much larger yacht. Powered by four Mercury Verado 350 outboards producing a combined 1,400 horsepower, this 38-foot model delivers approximately 30 knots at cruise and can reach around 54 knots at top speed. The stepped hull is designed to provide efficient performance and a stable ride when running offshore, while the wide beam creates plenty of usable deck space for fishing and entertaining.
Listed at $439,000 and located in Fort Lauderdale, this Scout 38 is particularly appealing to buyers searching for a used sportfisher in South Florida. Its combination of quad outboards, an open center console layout, offshore capability, and basic overnight accommodation makes it suitable for everything from serious fishing trips to weekend cruising toward the Florida Keys or Bahamas.
Is the 2020 Scout 38 for Sale?
Yes, the 2020 Scout 38 is available for sale in Fort Lauderdale. Its location is convenient for buyers who want to inspect the boat in person, arrange a professional survey, or conduct a sea trial in familiar South Florida waters.
The four-engine configuration is one of the boat's major attractions. Four Mercury Verado 350 outboards provide strong acceleration and useful redundancy for offshore operation. The open center console layout also allows anglers to move around the deck easily, which is especially important when fighting large fish.
This Scout 38 is not limited to tournament fishing. The one-cabin, four-berth arrangement gives it enough flexibility for overnight trips, while the spacious exterior areas work well for family outings, diving, sandbar trips, and coastal cruising. For an experienced owner who wants a fast boat that can perform multiple roles, the 2020 Scout 38 is a practical option.
2020 Scout 38 Price
The current asking price is $439,000. For a 38-foot performance center console equipped with four Mercury Verado 350 outboards, the price should be considered alongside the boat's engine hours, service history, electronics package, overall condition, and included fishing equipment.
Buyers should avoid evaluating the asking price based on the hull alone. A quad-outboard setup represents a substantial portion of the boat's value, and the condition of all four engines can have a significant impact on future ownership costs. Maintenance documentation, lower-unit condition, steering systems, and evidence of regular use and servicing should therefore be reviewed carefully.
It is also worth comparing this used Scout 38 with newer Scout models. A well-maintained 2020 boat can provide considerable savings compared with ordering a new high-performance center console with similar horsepower and options. However, the final value should be confirmed through comparable listings, a professional survey, and the results of a sea trial.
Performance and Propulsion
The 2020 Scout 38 is powered by four Mercury Verado 350 outboards, producing a combined 1,400 horsepower. This quad-engine configuration gives the boat impressive acceleration and allows it to reach a reported top speed of approximately 54 knots. At around 30 knots, the boat can maintain a fast cruising pace, making longer runs to offshore fishing grounds considerably more convenient.
The four outboards also provide redundancy, which can be particularly valuable when operating offshore. Individual engine performance should remain consistent, and the owner can monitor each engine separately through the onboard systems. The setup also provides precise control when maneuvering around docks, marinas, and tight channels.
Performance comes with a corresponding fuel requirement. At higher speeds, gasoline consumption can become significant, with full-throttle fuel burn potentially reaching approximately 120–140 gallons per hour. Actual consumption will vary depending on sea conditions, passenger load, fuel level, propeller setup, and throttle position. Buyers should use the sea trial to establish realistic cruise RPM, speed, range, and fuel-burn figures rather than relying solely on advertised specifications.
Exterior Design and Construction
The Scout 38 uses a stepped hull intended to balance speed, efficiency, and offshore handling. The hull form helps the boat maintain a fast cruising pace while reducing some of the drag associated with a conventional deep-V design. When operated correctly, the combination of hull shape and substantial beam provides a confident platform for offshore fishing.
With a beam of approximately 12 feet 2 inches, the boat has considerable usable deck space for a 38-foot center console. The open cockpit allows anglers to move around the boat while fighting fish, while the center console creates a natural separation between the working cockpit and forward seating areas.
For a fishing-focused owner, the exterior layout is one of the boat's strongest advantages. There is space for tackle, coolers, rods, fishing equipment, and other offshore gear without making the deck feel excessively crowded. The open design also makes it easier to wash down the cockpit after a long day offshore.
During inspection, buyers should pay particular attention to the stepped running surfaces, transom, stringer areas, deck hardware, hull sides, and high-stress structural points. Look for stress cracks, previous repairs, impact damage, soft spots, water intrusion, or signs that the hull has experienced unusually heavy use. A professional marine survey can provide a much clearer picture of the boat's structural condition.
Interior and Accommodation
Although the Scout 38 is primarily an offshore fishing platform, it includes one cabin with four berths, adding useful flexibility for owners who occasionally spend a night on board. The accommodation is not designed to compete with the interior of a large cruising yacht, but it provides a practical place to sleep, rest, or escape from poor weather.
The cabin makes the boat more versatile for weekend trips to the Florida Keys, Bahamas, or nearby coastal destinations. A couple can use the space for short overnight adventures without needing to sacrifice the large fishing deck that makes the Scout 38 attractive in the first place.
The overall interior philosophy is focused on practicality rather than excessive luxury. For buyers who spend most of their time outside fishing, cruising, or entertaining, this is a sensible approach. Before purchase, inspect the cabin for moisture, ventilation, upholstery condition, electrical systems, lighting, storage areas, and any signs of water intrusion.
What to Check Before Buying a 2020 Scout 38
Before making an offer, a complete marine survey and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. With four Mercury Verado 350 engines, inspect each engine individually, including hours, ECU reports, maintenance and fault history, oil and gearcase service, cooling systems, batteries, steering and propellers. During the sea trial, test different RPM ranges and safely verify cruising and top-end performance, while checking vibration, steering, temperature, RPM consistency, acceleration, trim response and unusual sounds. The hull should also be inspected for the stepped surfaces, transom, stringers, through-hulls, deck, hardware, windshield, T-top, running surfaces, props and lower units, with a haul-out recommended for boats used extensively offshore.
Test all electrical, navigation, communication, bilge, freshwater, lighting, stereo and cabin systems, including any aftermarket equipment and wiring. Review the complete service and ownership history before negotiating. At $439,000, the 2020 Scout 38 combines 1,400 hp, approximately 54 knots, an offshore fishing layout and four-berth accommodation, making it an attractive option for experienced anglers seeking a high-performance used sportfisher in Fort Lauderdale, provided the survey and sea trial confirm its condition.