The 2025 Scout 261 XSS is a beautiful and breathtaking inshore / offshore crossover boat that is loaded with all of the features that you would expect a great cruising or fishing boat to have. You will find that this crossover brings together the best of both worlds – fishing and family.
The 261 XSS is manufactured by Scout Boats meaning that when you purchase this boat, you will be able to rely on your vessel. Scout Boats’ mission is to “provide the finest boating experiences while exemplifying these values: succeed, compromise, outreach, unify, and trust.” Stepping aboard a Scout means stepping into a tradition of reliability, trust, and exceptional craftsmanship.
From its sleek hull to the finest detailing throughout, the 261 XSS has been meticulously crafted and designed with you (the boater) in mind. Scout is known for their premium gel coat which provides a sleek and shiny finish to your new vessel. Paired with stainless steel accents and premium upholstery, gorgeous does not even begin to explain it.
Below, we will go on a walkthrough of the 2025 Scout 261 XSS to see what it has to offer. We are confident that if you love cruising on the water, pulling up to the sand bar, and fishing, this is the boat for you!
Walkthrough of the 2025 Scout 261 XSS
Transom / Stern
We are starting out at the transom and one of the nice features here is that there is a built-in deck step that allows you to quickly and safely get on and off the boat.
Once you step onto the boat, you will immediately notice just how spacious this area is. Across the back of the stern is a large platform area that is ideal for both fishing and family outings. When fishing, you can use this area as a casting platform. When cruising, simply flip up one or all three of the flip up / fold down seats. The seats all feature high backs to offer support and safety while cruising and each seat has its own cup holder. Even though these seats do fold up and down, they are extremely comfortable making them excellent for long days on the water.
Under the middle seat is a hideaway area for the bilge and pump while under the starboard and portside seats are aerated live wells.
Throughout the back of the boat, you will find plenty of rod holders and JL audio speakers to keep you entertained and the music pumping.
Leaning Post / Helm
Directly across from the stern seating, you will find the leaning post. The standard leaning post comes fitted with an Igloo cooler.
Now, if you are someone who loves fishing or taking the family out on the water, the standard leaning post may not offer you enough. With that said, Scout Boats does offer two variations to the leaning post, and you can upgrade to either one, should you choose.
The first upgrade includes a large fiberglass aerated live well that is situated underneath two helm seats that feature flip up bolsters. The area also comes with tackle storage drawers, a Corian countertop, trash can, rod holders, and bottle opener.
The second upgrade includes a bait prep station, tackle drawers, sink, trash can, and helm seats with folding arm rests and flip up bolsters along with a 45-quart Yeti cooler.
Above the leaning post and helm is a T top that is fitted with rocket launchers and JL audio speakers.
The helm serves as your command center and is thoughtfully designed for comfort and control. While remaining user-friendly, the helm features twin Garmin MFDs, a Garmin VHF radio, cup holders, wireless chargers, a digital throttle, and a Garmin radar.
Seating at the helm is nothing short of comfortable with the wide helm seat that sports a high back for premium relaxation. The seats have movable arm rests and flip up bolsters so that you can stand without worry of feeling cramped. Underneath the helm seat is a subwoofer that pairs perfectly with the speakers in the hard top allowing you to enjoy tunes throughout the day.
Moving up towards the bow, you will find a small console area. Inside here is a marine head. The area is spacious enough that it can also be used for storage too.
Bow
At the bow, you will find a huge sun pad area that spans the entire front of the bow allowing you to soak in the sun. For fishing, the cushions can be removed to create an oversized casting platform. This seating area does have two removable back rests at starboard and port side to create lounging space should you not want a full sun pad.
Featured at the bow is also a double wide sun lounger. Underneath the seat of the sun lounger is a coffin box that is also home to your ladder that hooks up to the door for ease getting on and off of the boat.
The bow is also filled with speakers, cup holders, and rod holders to deliver the best experience possible on the water.
Optional Features
One of the most notable features of the 2025 Scout 261 XSS that we mentioned is the gel coat. Scout is known for providing a premium gel coat that is not only beautiful, but strong and durable. While the 261 XSS comes standard in white, you do have the option to upgrade to a different hull color should you want to personalize your boat a bit more.
Just about every area of the 2025 Scout 261 XSS is customizable and offers upgrades allowing you to really build your dream boat to meet your needs.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Scout 261 XSS comes with a ready and powerful Mercury Verado 400 V10. This engine offers you a total of 400 horsepower and allows you to simply skate across the water.
As you drive this boat, you will feel in complete control at every turn. The hull is designed to react quickly to input whether you are at high or low speed. Sharp turns are never a problem, and you will find yourself welcoming the challenge as you know your 261 XSS can handle them flawlessly.
Scout Boats posted data from performance test runs with the Mercury Verado 400 V10. The performance test results are as follows:
· Top speed: 63.2 miles per hour
· 0 to 20 miles per hour: 5.8 seconds
· 0 to 30 miles per hour: 8.43 seconds
· Cruising speed (at 3,500 RPM): 32.9 miles per hour
· Fuel economy at cruise: 3.10 miles per gallon
If you are someone who is looking for a bit more power behind the throttle, you do have the option to upgrade your engine and choose from one of the other available motors offered by Scout Boats.
Pricing and Specifications
Pricing for the 2025 Scout 261 XSS is around $190,000 MSRP.
It is important to note that pricing may differ based on location, availability, and any optional features or upgrades that you choose. To receive the most accurate pricing, it is recommended that you speak with a local authorized Scout Boats dealer to receive a quote.
Specifications
· Length: 26 feet 0 inches
· Beam: 8 feet 6 inches
· Fuel Capacity: 90 gallons
· Dry Weight: 4,429 pounds
· Freshwater Capacity: 10 gallons
· Maximum Horsepower: 400 HP
Warranty Information
Scout Boats does offer a warranty on their boats, and this means that you will receive a warranty with the purchase of a 2025 Scout 261 XSS.
Specifically, you will receive a limited three-year stern to stern warranty along with a ten-year limited structural hull warranty. The hull warranty is transferable as well.
It is important to make sure that you fully understand what the warranty does and does not cover when you purchase your boat. To ensure you have the most reliable and up-to-date information, it is recommended that you speak directly with a local authorized Scout Boats dealer to learn more about the warranty provided for the 2025 Scout 261 XSS.
Thoughts on the 2025 Scout 261 XSS
The 2025 Scout 261 XSS is a premium crossover boat that is built for both family cruisers and anglers in mind. With its sleek and well-crafted design, spacious layout, and powerful Mercury Verado 400 V10 engine, this boat packs a punch and delivers a lovely combination of utility, performance, and luxury. From ample storage to convertible seating, every detail of the 261 XSS has been well thought out for convenience, control, and comfort.
Whether you are heading to the local sandbar for a family gathering or offshore to compete in a mini fishing tournament, the 2025 Scout 261 XSS offers you the reliability and versatility that Scout Boats is known for. With plenty of customizable options and a modest price point, this is an excellent crossover that truly deserves to be a front runner on your list.
