How was the genesis of the project? But we came out of the period between 2008 and 2010 with 18 new models. Q: This segment has been one of the few weve seen make a rebound. I was living my dream and paying bills and making ends meet and doing little things when I had time to develop different and bigger models. I think theres a lot of brands that create a glut of late-model used stuff. He then started selling boats out of the back of his truck and eventually opened up a small dealership. @champagne, Join @tomzenner on this Hellcat Experience at Barr. In fact, some of the smallest companies grew share the most. We do a lot of things that are unique. It was something we spent a lot of time on. #era, Cruising through the weekin style. Which one would you choose? I used that same analogy. I know this because they happened to go to the same vendor that I was working with at the time. We shattered a few windshields. 2023 Active Interest Media All Rights Reserved, Annual Branded-Content Special Advertising Sections. I spent the next 30 years driving Scout to new levels, not only self teaching myself business and management along the way, but learning that surrounding yourself with like-minded, driven individuals was crucial to continued success. Everything we put into them has really paid off. Seldn Mast expands range of Roller Bearing Blocks, Ideal for backstays, mainsheet arrangements and sheets for downwind sails. A: What pushed my button was I knew over the past couple years there were some things going on with companies developing the same concept [with tempered glass]. The company has been in business since 1991 and has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship. You alluded to competitors, but there arent many in this larger center console coastal fishing boat space. Required fields are marked *. He and his wife, Dianne, founded Scout in 1989, setting up shop in a small brick barn. But in addition to the building, were expanding our parking lot. If youre in the market for a new boat, you may be wondering about the Scout 42. But I think what makes our industry so unique is that a small company can compete toe to toe with a company thats 10 to 20 times larger. #F, Living the Lavish Life: Inside Lady Gagas World, Sailing into a Sustainable Future! However, Potts picked up the pieces and kept moving. Copyright 2023 Great Lakes Boating | Published by Harris Publishing, Inc. "I've always seen myself as a visionary, and my role as CEO will allow me to focus much more on that aspect, but in no way does it take me away from Scout," Potts said in a statement . Scout Boats are manufactured in South Carolina, USA. Please check your email for the latest full issue link. We may offer you the ability to connect with our websites or use our applications, services, and tools using a mobile device, either through a mobile application or via a mobile optimized website. Potts started Scout Boats in 1989 with his brother, Scott. I have a great deal of respect for - and I want my company to emulate - some of the pioneers that did things that were different, like what Dick Fischer did with Boston Whaler. Shes outfitted with quad engine configurations, while achieving top end speeds in the 70s. We have always been a family owned-and-operated company, and Im proud to say our Scout family is comprised of both blood and non-blood individuals., Ive always seen myself as a visionary, and my role as CEO will allow me to focus much more on that aspect, but in no way does it take me away from Scout, add Potts. Has that approach resonated with people other than anglers? The man behind the company is president and CEO Steve Potts. My father was in the Navy, so I've always lived on the coast. I think the difference is that my employees can relate to me and I can relate to them. He is a member of famous with the age 54 years old group. Contact Steve directly. 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Do you think thats part of a larger trend? Its very personal to a lot of people. The ones that are out there, those customers are proud of them. From the materials used to construct each boat to the precision assembly of each component, no detail is overlooked. Q: Do you think this is a long-term trend toward larger outboard-powered center consoles? The flybridge provides ample seating and excellent visibility.And when it comes to performance, this boat does not disappoint she cruises at 18 knots and has a range of over 350 miles. "You probably could guess who they are," he said with a wink. I'm a boatbuilder and focus all my energies on building boats. I looked at this from a lot of different angles. Q: Did you grow up around the water and boats? We really work hard on this. The first boat by Steve was a 1960's inspired 14-foot called the Scout. Modern with bold exterior lines, the new Kiribati 38 project is a collaboration. Those designs are very versatile. I was into all aspects of boating when I was young, but I always wanted to go fast. They offer an impressive lineup of vessels, from small fishing boats to large yachts, and their customer service is top-notch. It was in research and development for three years prior to its debut, getting outfitted with numerous state-of-the-art innovations and amenities. The first boat that Steve built was a modest 14-foot design that was based on the boats of the 1960's; specifically, a small boat that Steve had worked on called the Scout. Boatbuilding is very passionate. Steve Potts Scout Boats Net Worth: $5 Million Thats who we are. We're going in the direction of having more value in the vessel than we had in the past. Q: Did you continue working in the marine business as a young adult? Copyright 2023 Boating Industry I continued in the boat business with a couple of different companies. This Privacy Policy sets forth the privacy practices with respect to your information when you use our software, mobile applications and services (Services) . Company Description:? As a new boating season gets underway, the top threat to boater access and businesses that depend on the marine industry is the federal governments proposed speed restrictions along much of the Atlantic coast of the United States. If you do not continue to use the EPG websites following a change to our Policy but take no other action with respect to your personal information, our use of that information will remain subject to our Policy as it was in effect prior to the change. And one of the first boats that I had was a Critchfield. It allows me to focus on what the next three, five and 10-year plan is for the company. The Critchfield was a long and skinny pointed-bow boat with a lot of horsepower - 150 hp, which was the biggest anyone made at the time. When you get somebody that spends the kind of money that is spent on our models and theyve experienced an automobile thats in and around that same budgeted price, every other thing theyre exposed to [is more user-friendly]. Advances in battery technology particularly lithium-iron-phosphate and more efficient, higher-output inverters are inching closer to enabling on-board comforts without an internal combustion generator. Im proud to see our family of employees grow over the years, and proud to see them grow within the company. If you prefer gear that looks stylish and modern, then Scout might not be the best choice as their designs are fairly traditional.However, if you value function over form then Scouts products could be exactly what youre looking for. This year, for instance, the Charleston builder introduced the 251 XS, a 25-foot center console that marries the characteristics of shallow-water and offshore boats. All Rights Reserved. They currently produce 23 models ranging from 17'-53'. Timeless styling, sleek aesthetics and technology are three main pillars of this flagship. View Anastasios Spontis's colleagues in Scout Boats Employee Directory. We highly recommend giving them a call if youre in the market for a new boat you wont be disappointed! Want to know when we have important news, updates or interviews? Without advocacy, the marine industry wouldn't have a voice. Theres a lot of big-boat-itis out there. But the name had faded away. Search. In fact, Scout Boats have won numerous awards for their design and performance.So why Thailand? The bottoms of all of our fiberglass lids were polished. Seven or eight years ago, we started paying a lot more attention to the creature comforts. In addition to his role at Scout Boats, Potts is also an active philanthropist. It was a recreational conglomerate like AMF. It was, I guess, from famine to feast. Some of these family-founded and operated builders who have succeeded over generations, like the Slikkers and Tiara/Pursuit, and the St. Clairs with Cobalt. Id say sometime in the early 70s that little design and that name went away. And we did it. Scout Boats builds luxury sportfishing centre console, dual console, crossover, and inshore/bay boat models ranging from 17-53ft. Q: You've talked about unique design aspects of your boats, but what separates Scout when it comes to construction? It can be perceived that we've copied somebody else. It takes a lot of infrastructure for you to be a player in that style of boat. Following the posting of such non-material changes, your continued use of any EPGs websites will constitute your acceptance of these changes and you will be bound by such changes. Because we developed so many new models, we kind of reinvented the company. The 420 LXF is the sixth model in this category to date, headlining the 255, 275, 300, 320 and 350 LXF models. Q: Your T-top/windshield design really opens up sightlines on your center console boats. Read Next: An exclusive interview with Scout Boats President, Steve Potts, describing the 53 LXF, Scout's largest boat to date! Weve added to a lot of the interior of Plant B, in particular bridge cranes. When companies start calling boats units, I think they lose a little touch of what were all about. Onboarding new customers can also be powerful for word-of-mouth marketing, and repeat and referral business. They had several paragraphs saying what a clever design this was, that [the builder had] incorporated tempered glass and the boat has this beautifully shaped T-top. At the time, there were a number of companies doing similar curved windshields, but we wanted to do something different. Q: There seem to be roughly the same number of builders as before the recession, despite so much hardship, but not all have thrived the way Scout has. It's a very clean, stylish look that functions very well. The cross between these two popular recreational marine mainstays allows one to enjoy amenities on this collection normally only found on much larger sportfishers. For 50 years Ive had my hands on my craft, and on building a successful business. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Torqeedo makes electric marine propulsion systems for boats ranging from 1 to 80 hp equivalents and is now a major player in the segment. Naturally, we were curious, but Lang wasn't about to kiss and tell. This is more than just a big bay boat. Soundings Trade Only caught up with Potts to ask him about starting his boatbuilding business with the $50,000 he was able to squirrel away in the 1980s, and working a night job repairing fiberglass bathtubs and during the day as plant manager at American Sail. Sta-Lok to rig 11-strong Clipper Race fleet, This will be the Essex-based company's 3rd edition of partnership. Scouts built a reputation for being first-to-market with innovations throughout its history, and the 420 carries the company philosophy forward with perks like the optional hydraulic port side beach platform with stowable pocket ladder ideal for boarding/de-boarding safely away from the transom and engines and the optional three Garmin 17 or 19 touch screens at the helm. When we started, I knew the business model had to be something very simple and conservative. That really helped me. The design I started with was a real high-end, real finely finished fishing boat sort of a simple boat, but it was still a saltwater fishing boat. Theyve even created a series of short videos that bring you into the facility and show you exactly how the boats are made differently, and made better. There are very few disadvantages that you see with the big stay-in-the-water-type boats. For instance, our reverse-angle transom is aesthetically pleasing. A: Today were right at 850 a year. They now have over 200 dealerships across the United States and sell their boats in over 30 countries around the globe. Steve Potts Height, Weight & Measurements. And then Hurricane Hugo hit, on the 22nd of September 1989. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. For more information on Scout and any of its innovative model lineup; to request a brochure, quote or test drive; or to build your own Scout model, visit www.scoutboats.com today. By using the any of our websites and/or making online requests of products, you agree to the terms and conditions of EPGs Policy. @ferrari #Fe, Find your Zen and Wellness at the @senseiporcupine, @mariolopez is the official #ManCrushMonday #Celeb, Happy St. Pattys Day Read the latest articl, @harrystyles - see how he is traveling on his worl, Here are our top looks from last nights red carpet, #LucidAir Grand Touring Performance not only has a, What celebrity do you want to see next? Q: With all Scouts growth, how has production changed? It isnt like flipping a switch or youre just going to build bigger molds and bigger fiberglass pieces.Thats probably going to limit the number of people getting into it. I think 60 percent of the brands are homogenous - a blend of what a handful of companies do in creating trends and looks and design and function. So much so that Scout has introduced more than 25 new models in the previous six years alone. Scout Founder Steve Potts Takes Over as CEO. It allows me to focus on what the next three-, five-, and 10-year plan is for the company.. Q: Many companies that actually grew during the tough years say they were conservatively run, which enabled them to step up model rollouts in those lean times. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and self-taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. Scout Boats, Inc.has made a number of personnel changes at its South Carolina-based headquarters. The 420 rivals even some of the larger luxury sportfishing machines with its appointments, technology and attention to detail. It was a pretty bold move for us. Ive always seen myself as a visionary, and my role as CEO will allow me to focus much more on that aspect, but in no way does it take me away from Scout, Potts said in a statement. The new 50m luxury yacht is a unique project fully realised by Enrico Gobbi - Team for Design. But I think it has its place. I am not the kind of person who hires lawyers. Share on Linked In Seaworthiness, comfort and efficiency, from Floating Life. He is from United States. This vessel is a great option for those who want quality and comfort. We had the business going from February 1989 and had a handful of dealers seven or eight in the Carolinas. The Swan 108 is the fruit of an amazing research of talents. Without advocacy, the marine industry wouldn't have a voice. teams under one roof here on campus," Scout CEO Steve Potts said in a written statement Along with Steve's son Stevie, and daughters Sherrie and Stephanie, who also have key roles in the business, Scout employs nearly 450 dedicated employees today (with plans to hire an additional 100 . Theres also an optional SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer, flybridge, articulating rocket launchers that work in conjunction with the retractable SureShade, and a 5-N-1 second row seating configuration that won a marine industry innovation award. We sold Boston Whaler, Bertram, Thunderbird and Ranger Bass boats, so I kind of learned the characteristics of quality boats. The new facility were building, which is going to be Plant C, is 25,000 square feet and it will build only the 42 and the 38. Advances in battery technology particularly lithium-iron-phosphate and more efficient, higher-output inverters are inching closer to enabling on-board comforts without an internal combustion generator. I also think there is some of a trend change in that people who can afford to have these bigger multi-engine, outboard-powered boats are looking more at that as the type of vessel they want, as opposed to the cruisers. This article originally appeared in the June 2011 issue. Youll find a two burner glass stove cooktop, microwave, flush mount 32 flat screen TV, DVD player, galley sink, drawer refrigerator, enclosed shower area with sump and an enclosed head area with a full size toilet and sink with hot and cold water. That was really important to me - I wanted people to know it was a Scout, even without seeing the name on the side. What is this new boat is all about? And with its large workforce and favorable trade agreements, its an ideal place to build boats for the global market.Of course, some people may be concerned about buying a boat thats made so far away from home. From project to reality. How much are you growing? The company was founded by Potts and his wife Dianne in 1989. How did this develop? But in the 30 years since theyve been around, theyve made a big splash in the industry.So where are these impressive boats made? Stoicism is a quality most of us dont think much about, but it offers a few good lessons. Meaning, once the founder has moved on and is in their twilight years, they step away from it and theres not the youth behind them. In addition, Scout Boats manufactures a full range of sizes . Steve Pottsmoves full time toCEOof the company, Dave Wallacehas been namedPresident, William Fergusonhas been promoted toVice President of Manufacturing,Courtney Guicehas elevated toAdministrative Vice President andStevie PottsisVice President of Product Development & Engineering. When our first building initially got wiped out, we found one of the very few buildings that survived Hurricane Hugo not far away. A: For our brand, Scout still builds from 17 feet to now 42. / Scout Boats, Inc. BoatingBuddy.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Our bilges were polished. Were very driven as a group. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the services. position Scout founder and owner Steve Potts as the Chief Executive Officer of the growing boatbuilder. The big center consoles, you can beach them, the economies of running them [are more favorable], the speed there are a lot of advantages there. 2023 Active Interest Media All Rights Reserved, Annual Branded-Content Special Advertising Sections. Supporting women's division at Nautique USA National Wakesurf Championship. Were conservative about the ramp-up on something. Michigan Celebrates Small Business recognized the West System manufacturer with its 50 Companies to Watch award. One of the things thats unique about Scouts is the fit and finish. Steve Potts's income source is mostly from being a successful . Scout Boats, Inc. has made a number of personnel changes at its South Carolina-based headquarters. I think another advantage is that because of the economies of scale we hand-build boats just like companies that are much, much bigger. It was a pretty aggressive vee-bottom hull that would go fast. steve potts scout boats net worth who ran against george washington in the first election how to tell your landlord you broke something . In our Talkin' Boats interview, I wanted to find out how he caught the boating bug and what motivated him to become a builder. It was an inner-liner boat and foam-filled. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? When we got to it a couple of days after and saw what was left of what Id worked for for so long, my emotions were really anger and determination. Again, Ive learned what not to do. The first design was pretty high-end with a good finish. Access for service to the main systems on the 420 is made easy with the help of a midship systems room and a stern accessible room. What else is helping the popularity of these boats? Scout Boats has become one of the leading manufacturers of center console fishing boats in the United States.Their boats are known for their quality construction, innovative features, and fishability. We have our own R&D facility and we do just about everything as far as design and tooling. Scout Boats was founded by South Carolina-resident Steve Potts - a man that continues to this day to be on the shop floor daily working on the models - back in 1989. Scout Boats are actually built in Thailand!Thats right, these top-quality vessels are crafted in Asia. Heres what you need to know about the Scout 42:The Scout 42 is a luxurious cruising yacht that was designed with comfort in mind. "For 50 years I've had my hands on my craft, and on building a successful business. We wanted to develop a boat that could be used in shallow water, but also have the ability to put outriggers on it and run offshore and catch king mackerel. Phone Email. I had worked and struggled too long not to continue on. At an early age I learned what made running surfaces effective.

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