", "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," add Potts. Top Scout Boats Inc Employees Dave Wallace President, Scout Boats inc. Summerville, South Carolina . Nautor Swan launched the Swan 108 project in 2021, during the Regate di Primavera in Portofino. I look forward to new models from South Carolina builder Scout Boats. From the very first 14-footer to the now expansive offering of more than 20 class-leading models ranging from 17- 42, one of the many consistent items that sets Scout apart from other manufacturers is product quality. I have done what they do, and I know what its like when they go home. Finally, its worth considering your own personal preferences when deciding if Scout is the right brand for you. Over 400 hours were put into testing the epoxy-infused double stepped hull developed for this model. 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. But the name had faded away. We still incorporate the Air-Assist design in our 15, 16, 17 and 18. A: Today were right at 850 a year. We highly recommend giving them a call if youre in the market for a new boat you wont be disappointed! At an early age I learned what made running surfaces effective. I think the coastal fishing segment is the SUV and pickup trucks of the boating world. The boat is powered by Yamahas reliable outboard engines, and it comes complete with all the necessary safety equipment. Steve Potts Scout Boats Net Worth: $5 Million Scout Boats are actually built in Thailand!Thats right, these top-quality vessels are crafted in Asia. Do you think thats part of a larger trend? And one of the first boats that I had was a Critchfield. I dont know that consumers want to labor over a boat. We do a lot of things that are unique. Steve Potts doesnt reflect a lot on the history of Scout Boats, but the Mount Pleasant, S.C., builders 25th anniversary this year prompted him to take a look back at what has led to Scouts double-digit post-recession annual growth. I want Scout to be successful long after Im gone. Seaworthiness, comfort and efficiency, from Floating Life. Q: Did you continue working in the marine business as a young adult? One was General Recreation, which had headquarters in Albuquerque, N.M. Q: And that plant will cost $2.5 million? Scouts LXF Collection is comprised of luxury sportfish models that showcase a unique blending of high-performance fish boats with high-end cruisers. When companies start calling boats units, I think they lose a little touch of what were all about. 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. 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. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. Photographs are copyright by law. Overview. 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. 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. Phone Email. Scout Boats, Inc. warrants to the Original Purchaser that the hull and deck of the boat will be free from manufacturing defects for a period of FIVE (5) YEARS from the date of purchase by the Original Purchaser.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'boatingbuddy_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingbuddy_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Yamahas Scout Boat is a versatile watercraft thats perfect for both fishing and recreation. Today and since 2009 Scout has had, on average, better than 25 percent annual growth. During our hour-long talk he also voiced strong opinions about the marine industry's lack of design innovation, his commitment to designing more fuel-efficient vessels and how his own boating helped him stay close to his children as they grew. Along with Steves 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+ employees over the next 12 months) across an expanded multi-building campus as their headquarters. In addition, Scout Boats manufactures a full range of sizes . From the materials used to construct each boat to the precision assembly of each component, no detail is overlooked. Scout's 420 LXF, in development for three years, will be introduced in February at the Miami boat show. I know we're in a litigious society. 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. The 420 also provides customizable features for its owner, such as custom painted engines and a SureShade integrated retractable awning. Thunderbird/Formula - which is the Porter family - I have admired what they have done. Our main building is approximately 180,000 square feet. We sold Boston Whaler, Bertram, Thunderbird and Ranger Bass boats, so I kind of learned the characteristics of quality boats. (Three Garmin 8215 15 screens come standard.) 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. Scout Boats is part of the Automobile Dealers industry, and located in South Carolina, United States. That helps us with the brand image that we have. I continued in the boat business with a couple of different companies. And not only are new models continually being developed, they are the most innovative, attractive and highest performing models in their class time after time. Theres no question that today theres as many shapes and colors of fiberglass floating around as ever before. 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. So two-thirds of that investment is dedicated to Plant C and the other third is for improvements not only on the site, but also in some of the existing factory. Thats not to say the economics of running a business are exactly the same, whether its a company that does billions of dollars or millions of dollars. 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. Boatbuilding is very passionate. Within the marine industry, there are numerous manufacturers producing all types of boats for consumers, but none with as much thought and effort as Scout puts into its models. Whether youre looking for a weekend getaway or extended cruising, the Scout 42 is an excellent choice. It was a pretty aggressive vee-bottom hull that would go fast. 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 . But in that instance I knew I had to do something. I was impressed with the designs of the Moppies and Bertrams. Ive heard you say that Scout is venturing into some larger models. Q: This segment has been one of the few weve seen make a rebound. How many outboards can you strap on a transom? I made up my mind that as soon as I made $50,000, that was going to be at the point where I was going to start my business. It was a recreational conglomerate like AMF. Everything we put into them has really paid off. At the end of the day, being a business thats very labor-intensive, its about how well we deal with human behavior. However, Potts picked up the pieces and kept moving. 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. I don't know if it's going to be the common motor that you'll see every day out on the water. steve potts scout boats net worth Home Q: Scout has been a real success story during some tough times. So much so that Scout has introduced more than 25 new models in the previous six years alone. Dave Wallace was named president. Scout Boats has grown steadily for the last 22 years and now builds fishing and day-cruising boats from 14 to 35 feet. 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. He has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, including the Coastal Conservation Association and Take Stock in Children. It seems like it's going to be very expensive, very specialized. The man behind the company is president and CEO Steve Potts. Copyright 2023 Boating Industry
In fact, some of the smallest companies grew share the most. 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. Q: How do Scouts hold up for resale? @champagne, Join @tomzenner on this Hellcat Experience at Barr. I worked my way up and became a manager. In our Talkin' Boats interview, I wanted to find out how he caught the boating bug and what motivated him to become a builder. They're passionate boatbuilders. Each May, the NMMAs American Boating Congress gathers marine industry stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and includes discussions with members of Congress and administration officials about whats affecting the marine industry and where we need their help. Dave Wallace, president. Scout Boats are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Summerville, South Carolina. Share by Email, Copyright 2007 - 2022 Jetset Magazine 15220 North 75th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (877) 538-5738, Dreaming of a luxurious mountain retreat? Boats are like everything else: you get what you pay for. As an Amazon Associate, We may earn from qualifying purchases. Scout Boats, Inc.has made a number of personnel changes at its South Carolina-based headquarters. The provisions of this Policy apply to all such mobile access and use of mobile devices. But we came out of the period between 2008 and 2010 with 18 new models. When we started, I knew the business model had to be something very simple and conservative. We dont have much information about Hes past relationship and any previous engaged. Dave has been my right hand for 22 years running the day-to-day operations, and its only fitting that he assumes the role of president for the company hes been so crucial in helping grow for more than two decades.. The company was founded in 1989 by Steve Potts, who is still the CEO and owner today. I don't know if there's enough of that type of boatbuilding today. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? So, how much is Steve Potts worth at the age of 54 years old? 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. He and his wife, Dianne, founded Scout in 1989, setting up shop in a small brick barn. This Privacy Policy sets forth the privacy principles we follow, in accordance with our operations. Do you think the smaller companies will emerge most healthy from this lingering downturn? We have one or two that are even longer than that. "It allows me to focus on what the next three, five and ten year plan is for the company. We will not vacate the small boats, just because we have always had the philosophy that we want to keep people in our brand. A: Yes, I did. The company initially operated out of a small garage, but it has since grown into a major operation with over 200 employees and annual sales in excess of $50 million. Not the Steve Potts you were looking for? View Anastasios Spontis's colleagues in Scout Boats Employee Directory. My feeling is that in a lot of those cases its somewhat of a bean-counter mentality. Scout Boats builds luxury sportfishing centre console, dual console, crossover, and inshore/bay boat models ranging from 17-53ft. Scout Boats is one of the few remaining family-owned designers and manufacturers of high-end, luxury fishing boats in the 17 - 53 range. The boat also comes standard with a Garmin helm Wi-Fi router, Fusion stereo with eight seven inch speakers, amp, forward deck remote control and Bluetooth compatibility, a JBL Sound Bar in the cabin, AGM glass-pack batteries with two chargers, and dimming courtesy under bolster and hardtop lights. Epoxy-infusion provides more stability in the hull while reducing the overall weight in the boat, countering the long term industry belief that a larger boat has to be heavy to perform. Michigan Celebrates Small Business recognized the West System manufacturer with its 50 Companies to Watch award. Ashley Richardson. Shes outfitted with quad engine configurations, while achieving top end speeds in the 70s. Now available with 120% more relief shading coverage to deliver intricate and clear bottom structure. "You probably could guess who they are," he said with a wink. If its a young couple out of school just starting their careers and their budget means theyre going to be able to get a 17-foot boat, as long as were doing our job we want to be there for them. Are you expanding your current footprint or adding buildings? His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. A: We always have a minimum of four new boats going at a time. 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. Underwater deck and bow cameras are available as well as underwater LED lights. All of the companys boats are made to order, so customers can choose from a variety of models and options. Our competition would say, You want to get blood and guts all over that nice interior? But if you look at it today, its more the norm and not the exception. Ive been a boatbuilder all my life, starting in my teens, said Steve Potts. 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. 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. 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. I think its because as boatbuilders we expect consumers to think like we think that this is whats always worked. Potts lives on the water in Charleston with his wife. It's a very clean, stylish look that functions very well. A: It was a very humble beginning just myself, my wife [Dianne] and a helper, literally in a brick barn or a garage. The low resistance, high dynamic load block range will now include larger single and single/stand ups in 100mm and 130mm diameter blocks, ideal for backstays, main sheet arrangements and sheets for downwind sails on yachts of various sizes. We want you to know that we respect the privacy and security of our users. It's one thing to go out and emulate something that you like and looks good, but it's another thing to promote it like it was your clever design. Courtney Guice, administrative vice president. This article originally appeared in the June 2011 issue. The hull designs were very distinctive. For more information on Scout, visit www.scoutboats.com. I repaired a lot of boats and I learned what not to do. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This vessel is a great option for those who want quality and comfort. Contact your local Scout dealer today to learn more about this amazing vessel!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'boatingbuddy_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-boatingbuddy_com-banner-1-0'); If youre in the market for a new boat, Scout Boats should definitely be on your radar. The 300 LXF was showcased at this year's Fort Lauderdale show. Scout Boats, Inc.has made a number of personnel changes at its South Carolina-based headquarters. Every one of those things I knew we needed to get right. From that point forward, even to this day, our challenge has really been to manage [the growth of] a business with people and training and hiring, the facility and new designs, so it was a different kind of challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. Stevie Potts, vice president of product development and engineering. Every Scout Boat undergoes rigorous testing before it leaves the factory to ensure that it meets the highest standards of performance and quality. 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. We really work hard on this. His son, Stevie, is Scout's vice president of research and development, and one of his two daughters, Sherrie, is the human resources manager and his assistant. 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. Did something stoke your fire? But I think it has its place. Timeless styling, sleek aesthetics and technology are three main pillars of this flagship. In order to achieve this goal, we may collect information from you. The building we were in was pretty much leveled. Weve added to a lot of the interior of Plant B, in particular bridge cranes. But we want to be different. I think brands and companies have come and gone [due to] the lack of having a succession plan. Read Next: An exclusive interview with Scout Boats President, Steve Potts, describing the 53 LXF, Scout's largest boat to date! Required fields are marked *. Steve Potts, CEO and Founder of Scout Boats. 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. And we did it. That is a great design and easier to build than the way we do it. The 420 LXF is the sixth model in this category to date, headlining the 255, 275, 300, 320 and 350 LXF models. Get a D&B Hoovers Free Trial. 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