Scout

I designed Scout and drafted the plans during 2007-2008. Once my 20-foot design was complete, Helen and I approached Sam Devlin to build the boat of our dreams. Sam and his crew crafted a beautiful boat. We were completely pleased with the result and enjoyed cruising for seven years in lower Puget Sound’s Island parks, the north sound and San Juan islands.

I felt Scout was a bit too short at 20 feet. Sam and I discussed this and possible changes that might improve handling: the added length, a jack plate to adjust the outboard height and changing the prop. In the fall of 2016, I seriously considered adding 3 feet to the stern. Sam encouraged me to do it and by this time I had several stitch and glue boat building projects behind me. I had the outboard motor professionally removed and stored, ordered about $2,000 worth of plywood, epoxy and related stuff. I was committed. When I cut off the transom, there was no turning back.

From February to August 2017, I worked on the project, about 650 hours and delivered the completed boat to Sam’s shop for repainting, just prior to the 2017 WBF. Later, Sam confided to me that he worried the remodel might have gone wrong but, fortunately it all worked out and with a new paint job the addition is undetectable.

We’re pleased with the appearance of the SCOUT 22 version. The added length gives more grace to Scout’s lines. The cockpit is longer. We now have trim tabs, a jack plate and new, elevated swim steps. The steering and tracking are improved for speeds up to 22 mph.

Remodeling of a boat of this quality and size was a great experience for me, an amateur boat builder. We continue to cruise our home waters in this charming, raised deck cruiser.