Scout Boats president and CEO Steve Potts launched the South Carolina company with $50,000 he managed to scrimp and save while working a night job repairing fiberglass bathtubs, and a day job as plant manager at American Sail. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. It was our goal to build the best outboard- powered center console that was available on the market. Scout Boats, Inc. manufactures, markets, and designs fishing and family fun boats. SCOUT BOATS, INC. Scout was originally started as Project Zeus for a Russian owner. Worlds thinnest watch . Scout Boats president and CEO Steve Potts launched the South Carolina company with $50,000 he managed to scrimp and save while working a night job repairing fiberglass bathtubs, and a day job as plant manager at American Sail. The company was founded by Potts and his wife Dianne in 1989. Scout Boats are known for their quality construction and innovative design, and they have won numerous awards over the years.The company offers a wide range of models to suit different budgets and needs, from small skiffs to large offshore fishing boats. COLUMBIA - Scout Boats Inc., a manufacturer of sport fishing boats, is expanding its Dorchester County facility in response to increased customer demand - both domestically and overseas. The longstanding Summerville, SC boatbuilder has been an industry staple since their arrival in 1988, and in recent years have been systematically increasing in size -- both in terms of boat lengths and their production capability -- particularly within their luxury yacht offering. In 2019, CEO Steve Potts says, it will be closer to about 700. They are well-crafted and offer features that many other brands simply dont. 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. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. Potts Sr.: Thats Stevies baby. Share by Email, Copyright 2007 - 2022 Jetset Magazine 15220 North 75th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (877) 538-5738, A few pics from last week's @doshombres x @popcorn, Presented in an assortment of styles, platforms, a, January 15, 2023, the annual @motorcarcavalcade we, Happy New Year to all! 5 Common Problems With Scout Boats: 1. Thats just speculation, but thats what we hear. Voice of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie & Superior He has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Already a subscriber? The salon is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and skylights.The galley is well-equipped, and theres plenty of storage throughout the boat. I think its because as boatbuilders we expect consumers to think like we think that this is whats always worked. Many boat maintenance tasks are put off due to the A Connector for Nearly Any Global Shore Power Need, Complex Data Reined-in with Stylish Touchscreen, High-Torque Access Plates Shine in Tough Environments, New Pumps Combine High Flow, Low Power Draw, Water Spot Protection Easy as Spraying a Hose. The expanded factory in Summerville will build composite parts for six boat models in the newly designed LXF series, as well as component parts for the new 275 and 320 Dorado series. Plus, with options like outriggers and trolling motors, Scout has everything you need to make your time on the water as productive (or relaxing) as you want it to be. A: Were right at 240 employees now, and my five-year plan going forward thats going to take us to 2019 is to be at 500 employees. I worked in the rigging department for a few years, and then I worked in warranty. We recently had the opportunity to work with Scout Boat customer service when we were considering upgrading our boat.We found them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and they made the entire process easy and stress-free. But in the 30 years since theyve been around, theyve made a big splash in the industry.So where are these impressive boats made? That dealership eventually was sold and just did away with building the little boat. Ive been a boatbuilder all my life, starting in my teens, said Steve Potts. Nikki Haley Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not Scout is the right brand for you but we hope that this overview has given you some food for thought! 10/15/2021 12:00:00 AM | General Government Relations. 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. When I graduated high school, I didnt go to college. He and his wife, Dianne, began building 14- and 15-foot boats out of a brick barn in 1989. A: For our brand, Scout still builds from 17 feet to now 42. When was Scout Boats founded? Scouts were a well-known quality fishing boat in the Charleston, South Carolina area, but time and change in direction ended the boats' short run. 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. Other details, such as "My type of design Salary: $1 million. He and his wife, Dianne, began building 14- and 15-foot boats out of a brick barn in 1989. Scout Boats continues to up the ante. Our goal is to provide you with an experience that delivers the information, resources and services that are helpful to you. We review everything with our employees. Certainly more labor-intense and more expensive, but there was better quality control as far as the consistency in the builds, part after part. . Thats where the name Scout came from. What, Engineered to travel off the beaten track in total. We are very conscious of making sure that we maintain quality and efficiency. For the next six months, we were sort of back where we started. 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization . Scout was one of the early companies to build creature comforts into fishing boats. 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. You dont need anything different. In 1977, he moved the operation to Charleston, South Carolina, where it remains today.Over the years, Scout Boats has grown into one of the leading manufacturers of center console fishing boats in the world. Nobody would spend the time and energy and effort doing something that complex in the side of a center console. And it was a big hit. Q: How do Scouts hold up for resale? Steve Potts has been working as a Owner at Scout Boats for 34 years. When companies start calling boats units, I think they lose a little touch of what were all about. Maybe thats where they want to be, rather than a runabout or cruiser or some other type of boat. The 300 LXF was showcased at this year's Fort Lauderdale show. The guy I was renting the brick barn from rebuilt and we moved back in February or March of 1990. reflecting Steve's business interests as presi-dent and CEO of Scout Boats. I had worked and struggled too long not to continue on. LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Stevie Potts was Were very proud of the fact that there are people out there trying to find a used Scout, and there are not many out there. That show was kind of a depressed show, but when we came away we had list of 31 dealers that wanted to sell our little boats. Has that approach resonated with people other than anglers? Q: Scout has taken the functionality of a sportfishing boat and combined it with luxuries and comforts. Early on, we were scrutinized, especially by our competition, that it was too pretty. From humble beginnings and throughout our nearly 25 years, we've built upon our growing heritage. At the end of the day, being a business thats very labor-intensive, its about how well we deal with human behavior. Net Worth in 2023: $10 million. The Connecticut Marine Trades Association will accept nominees for the Jeanne Czel Person of the Year Award until March 15. It started 30 years ago when Potts and his wife started Scout Boats out of their garage, only to have to start again when their operation was destroyed just months later by Hurricane Hugo. 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. Steve Potts, CEO and founder of Scout Boats, is a man with a vision. We put in these plug-in backrests. The reason we have segregated those two boats we have separate stockrooms, separate management, separate offices, separate everything is because the methodology in building the small boats versus the large boats is different. Scout Boats: The Story Behind the Marine Industry Leader Contributing Partner October 18, 2016 Yachts 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. Standard features throughout include a full transom walk-thru platform (with optional dive ladder); a side boarding door; gas shock-assisted hatches; flush mount cleats and rod holders; port and starboard floor fish boxes with overboard diaphragm discharge; a patented powder coated hardtop with curved glass enclosure; under hardtop/under gunnel LED lighting; a three-person aft facing cockpit seat; two retractable fresh water hoses; a retractable raw water hose; and Eco-Teak swim platform, transom door, bow table and helm footrest, just to name a few. Scout Boats has grown steadily for the last 22 years and now builds fishing and day-cruising boats from 14 to 35 feet. 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. Scout Boats Scout boats are world-renowned for their design and range of luxury models from 17' to 53', each packed with timeless innovations, technology and trendsetting features. I was really trying to earn money to buy a car. Q: With all Scouts growth, how has production changed? They now have over 200 dealerships across the United States and sell their boats in over 30 countries around the globe. Founded in 1989, Scout is a relative newcomer to the world of boating. Q: And what about the shift into larger boats? Bill Springer September 4, 2018. A younger Potts races an early-model Scout back in the day. Weve built a team here that will continue to take us into the future, said Potts. Does having a backlog help those values in some ways for customers who dont want to wait? Its a much cleaner process. Hurricane Hugo leveled the barn, and son Stevie, only 12 at the time, helped his parents salvage what they could. Early Scout models were built of hand-laid fiberglass. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2023: Consign. Bid. We know you have a choice. Steve Potts Height, Weight & Measurements At 54 years old, Steve Potts height is 170 cm . The couple, along with a helper, started building 14- to 15-foot boats out of an old brick building in Summerville. He has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, including the Coastal Conservation Association and Take Stock in Children. "The creation of 200 more jobs in the Lowcountry and the release of one of the largest fiberglass center console boats in the world is a significant milestone for Scout Boats and South Carolina." Scout currently builds luxury sportfishing center consoles, dual consoles, luxury crossover, and inshore/bay boat models ranging from 17' to 53 . A native of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Representative Mace is currently in her first . However, we can take a look at some of the key factors that might influence your decision.Firstly, Scout is known for its quality products. Paul Potts, the winner of Britain's Got Talent is an opera singer & performer. Get introduced. Scout Boats 251 XS. The Volvo Penta parent posted FY22 sales of $45.2 billion, with the marine segment delivering 17,924 engine units. 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. The company has been in business since 1991 and has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship. Scout was founded with a handful of employees and a couple of molds in a small brick building back in 1989 by Steve and his wife Dianne Potts. Highest Scout Rank: Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Buffalo . Scout has revolutionized the coastal fish boat market. scout boats inc. Jan 1990 - Present33 years 1 month. Mud Runner: 04-01-2004 06:54 PM: . 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. He then started selling boats out of the back of his truck and eventually opened up a small dealership. Potts Jr.: The convertible leaning post in the 38 has gone really well, and in the not too distant future were going to put that on some other models. So I did. Q: And that plant will cost $2.5 million? In fact, some of the smallest companies grew share the most. Potts Sr.: That goes along with what I call the wow factor. We have a lot of customers who would have a deposit or production slot slated for them, and would come to factory, especially plant D, to see other boats in production and get some ideas on what they wanted to have. It had to be built lighter and stronger, and thats where we started using a hefty amount of carbon fiber and epoxy with the superstructure and the hull. It features a spacious deck with plenty of room for gear, plus a comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to four people. Hes actually better at design and design cues than I am, which, not too long ago, I wouldnt have admitted. The bottoms of all of our fiberglass lids were polished. 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. We had the scale model being 3-D-printed. They can use them as a tender, as a cruiser, and some of the boats, the 35s and 30, we have accommodations below deck that can make them a weekender if they want that. Digital switching, we were one of the first companies to build digital from analog as far as wiring. Boatbuilding is very passionate. This Policy will be referenced by all such mobile applications or mobile optimized websites. The sold-out NMMA boat show will feature more than 400 boats on display, an increase of 40% over last years event. "There seems to be two center console worlds - the hardcore fishing world and the cruising world," says Scout Boats president Steve Potts. Timeless styling, sleek aesthetics and technology are three main pillars of this flagship. I went through pretty much every department learning the ropes and earning the respect from the few employees we had at the time. As an industry, one of the things weve really tackled is doing some different things with the features, having the electrical and electronic systems be more integrated so its more like other consumer products. It was a brick building with a galvanized roof. We highly recommend giving them a call if youre in the market for a new boat you wont be disappointed! We had the console mostly built. This site has features that require javascript. Length 7.77 m. Scout 275. 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