Honda Marine has announced a partnership with Scout Boats while also revealing their own brand of center console and dual console dayboats. In a press release, Honda announced a brand partnership with Scout that would see them supply outboard engines to the well-respected South Carolina manufacturer. According to company, the partnership is "designed to deliver an additional form of boat and motor packaging that maximizes the pleasure of the boating experience while underscoring the Honda Marine mission to become the marine mobility leader."
As part of the engine announcement, Honda also revealed the launch of a new brand of boats, known as Seabrook Boats, which will be manufactured by Scout.
The new brand will feature center console and dual console models, with the initial offering consisting of one 19.5 foot (6 m) of each type. Both models will feature 5 different available trim levels and will be powered by Honda BF150 iST outboards. Seabrook Boats will be manufactured exclusively by Scout and will be available to participating Honda Marine dealers in 2024.
“Honda Marine has earned a reputation for serving the core of the boating market with the highest-quality outboards derived from legendary Honda automotive platforms. Today, our company is positioned to offer integrated solutions for the global marketplace that maximize the pleasure of the boating experience through our business strategy rooted in the Honda Vision for 2030: serving people worldwide with products that bring even greater joy and improve daily lives,” said Daniel Sherlock, Director, Honda Marine Division.
“This new strategic brand partnership with Scout Boats is designed to offer an innovative, feature-rich form of marine industry boat-and-engine packaging that integrates with a simplified, consumer-friendly shopping experience—all to eliminate the stress and second-guessing from the boat buying process, ensure that consumers are clear and confident in their choices, and exceed expectations with delivery of product that makes for remarkable boating experiences.”
Dave Wallace, President of Scout Boats, added: “At Scout Boats, we take great pride in offering the finest craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovations that produce the very best coastal sportfishing boats in their class—technologically advanced, fully crafted vessels that bridge modernity and unconventional style. A brand partnership with Honda Marine extends the value of our product offerings to discerning boaters, and we look forward to working with the Honda team who shares our passion and vision for advancing new innovations, cutting-edge technologies, and premium product solutions that define the future of the marine industry.”
The news comes as Scout Boats recently expanded their Summerville, SC manufacturing facility to accommodate a new flagship 67-foot luxury yacht. The move was announced in April 2023. Honda, meanwhile, has been steadily increasing their engine horsepower, most recently launching their first-ever 350 horsepower V8 outboard. The BF350 was announced in September 2023 and will be available to dealers in Q1 2024. Honda's outboard lineup is now exclusively made with four-stroke technology and ranges from 2.3 to 350 horsepower.
The new BF150 iST outboards for Seabrook will feature Honda's latest technology including Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), the Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) System, Lean Burn Control, Dual Stage Induction, and their new Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) drive-by-wire system for improved control and power, fine-tuned throttle control, variable speed trolling, enhanced docking, and slow speed control.
The Seabrook 19.5 center console will come in three versions: Base, Sport, and Fishing. The floorplan and layout will be specifically tailored to fishing enthusiasts.
The Seabrook 19.5 dual console will feature the same power and will be offered with both Base and Sport versions. The floorplan and layout will focus on a family-friendly design for recreational boating.
Both models will feature a dashboard-style helm that integrates Honda's digital controls with BayStar by Dometic hydraulic steering for automotive-style driving and a Garmin 9” SONAR/GPS display. They will also include an illuminated 2.75” Ritchie compass; Fusion 25-watt RMS/50 peak stereo with four 6” speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, a 12V socket and USB port, a Lewmar stainless-steel tilt steering wheel, and SeaStar by Dometic Standard Trim Tabs.
Other standout features include UV-protected, high-quality upholstered seats and cushions in exclusive Honda packages and colors. Both models will have room for up to seven passengers and will include a rear swim platform with ladder, cup holders, fishing rod holders, and illuminated gunnel rod storage. Seabrook boats will be 100% hand-laid fiberglass construction with corrosion-tolerant components, finished lids, hatches, and bilges. A three-year, limited stem-to-stern warranty, a 10-year transferable limited structural hull warranty and a standard 5-year, non-declining engine warranty with up to three additional years optional are also available.
Additional options include a ski tow bar and collapsible Bimini tops (standard on Sport packages), an Igloo Marine Ultra cooler and aerated baitwell (standard on Seabrook Series Center Console Models), and Scanstrut Flip Pro USB A & C port for ultra-fast charging. Other options include a boat cover and engine cover, battery charger, trolling motor (Fishing package only), anchor, and head. You can watch the Honda Marine 2024 press event discussing the company's future plans in the video below:
