Scout Boats Inc., a renowned name in the world of luxury sportfishing boat manufacturing, is gearing up for a massive $10 million expansion at its Summerville campus. The groundbreaking ceremony for this exciting endeavor is scheduled for November 1, and it promises to reshape the future of this industry leader.
The expansion initiative encompasses two major projects, with a fifth production building covering a substantial 37,500 square feet and renovations to the front office and dining area at the existing Summerville location. The office renovations are slated for completion by spring, while the new production facility, known as Plant E, is expected to be ready by next summer.
One of the highlights of this expansion is the introduction of Plant E, a cutting-edge facility designed to craft component parts for Scout Boats’ yacht division. This additional space will play a pivotal role in supporting the production of their latest flagship model, the 67 LX Series. This magnificent 67-foot vessel, powered by outboard engines, is set to become one of the largest sportfishing yachts of its kind globally. The 67 LX Series project, comprised of three unique models, was officially unveiled to the marine industry at the Miami International Boat Show in February.
These ambitious expansion projects represent a combined investment of $10 million by Scout Boats. They follow closely on the heels of a $3 million plant expansion completed in 2021, which gave rise to a dedicated 21,000-square-foot product development and engineering building. These expansions are expected to add 125 new jobs to Scout Boats’ workforce, raising the total number of employees from 475 to 600 over the next 18 months.
Scout Boats’ CEO, Steve Potts, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant development, stating, “The quality of the product we design and produce here with our skilled labor force has continued to set us apart in the industry, and the demand for our product has grown exponentially. To keep up with the demand, we felt it’s the appropriate time for this expansion, which will also allow us to expand our labor force from 475 to 600 employees over the next 18 months. We’ve always been a debt-free company with an eye on the future, and we feel we set the example for other manufacturers to follow. These are exciting times for our brand — and though not without challenges — overcoming, persevering and excelling is in our blood.”
Scout Boats, with a legacy spanning over three decades, is renowned for its luxury sportfishing center console, dual console, and inshore/bay boat models, ranging from 17 feet to 67 feet. The company’s mission has always been to craft the finest-built boats in their unique sportfishing niches, a commitment that continues to drive their success in the industry.
In essence, Scout Boats’ latest expansion projects mark a significant leap forward for this already prominent name in the world of boating. With new facilities, additional workforce, and groundbreaking models on the horizon, Scout Boats is poised for an exciting future that promises to raise the bar in the sportfishing boat industry. Stay tuned for more updates as Scout Boats continues to navigate these exciting times of growth and innovation.
