FIBRECRAFT/CHASE MARINE
SCOUT
Specifications | Boat report | Results
Specifications
Length                                                        3.96m
Width                                                          1.70m
Weight - Boat                                             230 kg

Recommended Horsepower                     25 - 60 hp

Standard Equipment

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Boat Report
(by kind permission of the African Fisherman  August 1994)
The Scout is a fairly new hull (introduced in 1993) manufactured by Chase Marine in Bulawayo. Based on an American design, the Scout is a 13' deep vee hull designed for fishermen. Ideal for the river or many of our inland dams, the Scout is comfortable on relatively rough water because of the deep vee. Our test boat was made available by Paul Clark of Clark Marine, the Harare agent for these boats. Paul also fitted the 40 hp Mariner for the test, a new four cylinder motor from Mariner that was most impressive.
Construction
Chase Marine pride themselves in the strength and quality of construction, and this shows in the technical lay-up of the Scout. Built with the same approach as their bigger Volvo hull, the Scout would withstand immense punishment, outliving many other boats in its class. The double laminated transom ( 2x 19mm Marine Ply) is designed to carry outboards in excess of actual rating, and the extra stringers and cross beams incorporated into the hull would ensure the boat survived the stress of mistreatment. All hatches are designed dry and moulded so that they sit flush, giving the boat a neat overall appearance.
Trailer
Here again Chase Marine ensure the customer starts off with an above average product. The trailer is sold standard with imported mag rims (three including the spare tyre) and is well balanced and easy to tow and "manhandle".
Finish
Generally speaking finish is simple with no frills. The gel coat work is neat and attractive with a deep gloss I would be proud of on my car. Customising of the interior with carpeting, rod holders, aeration systems and the like is left to the owner, or one of several companies that offer this service, like Clark Marine.
Fittings
There are no special fittings as such. Items like the grab rails, swivel seats, hatch locking clips and drink holders are are all standard. Although some fittings were obviously weather resistant, others (locally plated hatch clips) probably would not last.
Fishability
As a general fishing boat, the scout is one of the better boats available in its class. It is standard with decks, although they are not so big that they dominate the interior, and the inclusion of a live well, and underfloor stowage for electric motor batteries etc., should make it attractive to the more specialised tournament fisherman. The hull sits low in the water facilitating easy landing of fish and its relatively wide beam makes it stable when moving around. Although ideally suited to smaller waters, one of the other configurations (centre console, tiller control, or the standard Scout without the back deck) would make a good houseboat tender on Kariba.
Stability
A nice boat to drive with no bad habits. The absence of strykes on the hull, makes it very gentle and forgiving. The deep vee does slow the hull down slightly but its ability to cut through rough water is a compromise I would gladly make. Older, heavier motors in the 60 hp range may prove too heavy  for the short length. As already stated, the wide beam and negative chine offer maximum stability at rest, for the overall size.
Launching and Retrieving
Easily launched on any small water. The use of the average family sedan would be possible in most places.

I could find no significant faults with the overall design of the Scout. I know it has undergone trials with a 90 hp motor in the early days, but would hesitate to use even the maximum rated 60hp. performance is adequate with a 40hp , and I would probably be happy with the smaller 25 or 30's. Fisherman being what they are, may be tempted to overload the spacious interior and storage, and this coupled with a big, powerful motor would likely be beyond the average pilots ability.
For the small water or river fisherman that does not need one of the larger boats available, the Scout is ideal. It is slightly more expensive than other similar boats (due to the stronger construction), but if this is balanced against a smaller, more economical motor, the whole rig is affordable and would probably outlive the buyers grandchildren.
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Test Results
Performance
Load               -  Two adults, 2 children, 25 litres petrol, 1 x T15 Battery
Propeller        - Aluminium 13 inch pitch
Engine           - 40 hp 4 cyl. Mariner Magnum

Minimum Planing Time         - 4 Seconds
 

1
Poor
2
Poor
3
Ave
4
Ave
5
Ave
6
Good
7
Good
8
Good
9
Excel
10
Excel
Trailer Construction  . . . . . . . . .
Launching . . . . . . . . .
Retrieving . . . . . . . . .
Hull moulding . . . . . . . . .
Deck moulding . . . . . . . . .
Hatches and Stowage . . . . . . . . .
Gel coat . . . . . . . . .
Upholstery (Not Applicable) . . . . . . . . . .
Steering , Accessory and wiring installation  . . . . . . . . .
Motor Installation . . . . . . . . .
Overall presentation . . . . . . . . .
Fittings installation  . . . . . . . . .
Fishability - Kariba . . . . . . . . .
                  - Inland Dam . . . . . . . . .
Stowage . . . . . . . . .
Stability - Maximum speed . . . . . . . . .
               - at rest . . . . . . . . .
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