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. Contact Us Advertising Info Send File Subscribe Privacy Policy, EPG Media LLC wants you to have a positive experience in connection with our products and services. Id say sometime in the early 70s that little design and that name went away. 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. They offer an impressive lineup of vessels, from small fishing boats to large yachts, and their customer service is top-notch. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The first design was pretty high-end with a good finish. We were able to get some things going again, and then ironically, Dec. 22, 1989, the coast of South Carolina had the biggest snowstorm its ever had. Those designs are very versatile. What else is helping the popularity of these boats? I looked at this from a lot of different angles. They want to enjoy it, they want to use it, and after its three or four years old they dont want it to sit out there and not be used because its all ragged out. My father was in the Navy, so I've always lived on the coast. 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. We shattered a few windshields. 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. Steve Potts Net Worth. Overview. 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. Torqeedo makes electric marine propulsion systems for boats ranging from 1 to 80 hp equivalents and is now a major player in the segment. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. That helps us with the brand image that we have. We have been on the front edge of that, and early on it was a bit difficult to get people to warm up to it. Everything we put into them has really paid off. Q: Are you working on any other new boats? Our goal is to provide you with an experience that delivers the information, resources and services that are helpful to you. "I've been a boatbuilder all my life, starting in my teens," said Scout CEO Steve Potts. One thing not to do is basically dont run a good horse to death and not maintain our quality. 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 are manufactured in South Carolina, USA. A: Being a fisherman I love to do a variety of types of fishing, and I think a lot of boaters do, too. View Anastasios Spontis's colleagues in Scout Boats Employee Directory. County leaders and officials with Scout Boats Inc. near Summerville break ground Tuesday on the company's new 120,000 square-foot facility, the manufacturing site for the 530 LXF boat. Steve Potts moves full time to CEO of the company, Dave Wallace has been named President, William Ferguson has been promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing, Courtney Guice has elevated to Administrative Vice President and . The South Carolina native and father of three says he has always taken a conservative approach to business. We discuss our information collection practices below. 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. 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. I had this as a teenager. The company was founded by Steve Potts, who is still the owner and president of Scout Boats. The 420 LXF is the sixth model in this category to date, headlining the 255, 275, 300, 320 and 350 LXF models. Scout Boats, Inc. Website. 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. It allows me to focus on what the next three, five and 10-year plan is for the company. This vessel is a great option for those who want quality and comfort. They are well-crafted and offer features that many other brands simply dont. 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. / Scout Boats, Inc. Year after year, the Research & Development team create stunning new model after new model. 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. Ive been a boatbuilder all my life, starting in my teens, said Steve Potts. 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. We are very conscious of making sure that we maintain quality and efficiency. We have always been a family owned-and-operated company, and I'm proud to say our Scout family is comprised of both blood and non-blood individuals. Scout boats are definitely a high-quality option when it comes to choosing a boat. Want to know when we have important news, updates or interviews? Q: This segment has been one of the few weve seen make a rebound. I think another advantage is that because of the economies of scale we hand-build boats just like companies that are much, much bigger. Im proud to see our family of employees grow over the years, and proud to see them grow within the company. We really work hard on this. The guy I was renting the brick barn from rebuilt and we moved back in February or March of 1990. Theyve got a 3- by 5-inch smartphone that can do 10 times more than you got on a boat, so the boat seems antiquated and dated because its not condensed and user-friendly. But we want to be different. Not the Steve Potts you were looking for? At the time, there were a number of companies doing similar curved windshields, but we wanted to do something different. With the advancements of the materials that are being used, and with all the things the coastal fishing boat market is doing to build a better product, I think people are gravitating toward that. One of the magazines last summer published a feature on one of the competitor's designs. Seldn Mast expands range of Roller Bearing Blocks, Ideal for backstays, mainsheet arrangements and sheets for downwind sails. We also got details about the expansion Scout is undergoing to begin production of its largest boats ever a 38-footer and a 42-footer. Scout has revolutionized the coastal fish boat market. Underwater deck and bow cameras are available as well as underwater LED lights. Get a D&B Hoovers Free Trial. Soundings Trade Only met up with Dometic Marines Eric Fetchko, president of Dometic Marine Global since April 2020, to discuss consolidation, electrification, technology, market headwinds and more. Dave Wallace, president. Things were going well, and we were very profitable and the next big challenge that hit us was the Great Recession. A: As you start getting in the arena of boats that sell for six figures and above, there are a lot less builders and a lot less competition. Steve Potts was born on 7 May, 1967 in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. For 50 years Ive had my hands on my craft, and on building a successful business. Phone Email. Contact Steve directly. A: It was a relatively simple creek boat - a saltwater fishing boat. I continued in the boat business with a couple of different companies. 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. We ran a number of boats. Since its inception, back in the 1980s, the name Scout has become renowned for its innovation, attention to detail, and exceptional quality. 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. William Ferguson, vice president of manufacturing. ", "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. 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 am not the kind of person who hires lawyers. Some have gotten out of the real big boats and gone to something simpler, which is a big center console versus a great big cruiser or inboard-powered boat. Thunderbird/Formula - which is the Porter family - I have admired what they have done. Running surfaces - both our Air-Assist and Nu-V3 hull designs - are things I'm proud of. Every one of those things I knew we needed to get right. A: We always have a minimum of four new boats going at a time. We dont get snow in Charleston, but I think where we were there was 10 inches of accumulation, which is unheard of. But I think it has its place. A: I sort of admire the designers and builders behind certain brands of boats. 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. A: Thats right. A: I can only speak about the coastal fishing boat market. Weve built a team here that will continue to take us into the future, said Potts. Thats just speculation, but thats what we hear. It was a brick building with a galvanized roof. How was the genesis of the project? Q: I've seen the Scout 251 XS. Theres a lot of big-boat-itis out there. 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. We have one or two that are even longer than that. He is a member of famous with the age 54 years old group. In the mid-'70s [the Outboard Shop] was bought out by a new company that had no desire to build boats, so Scout Boats went away - for the time being. A: For our brand, Scout still builds from 17 feet to now 42. Ive heard you say that Scout is venturing into some larger models. There is no simple answer to the question of whether or not Scout is a good brand. Are Scout Boats Worth The Money? It seems like it's going to be very expensive, very specialized. As a boatbuilder, theres a difference. A: Having a conservative philosophy about growing the business, the facility that we have now is all under one roof and it was built in five phases. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This Policy will be referenced by all such mobile applications or mobile optimized websites. 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. Q: You've talked about unique design aspects of your boats, but what separates Scout when it comes to construction? We put the pieces back together. A: Yes. position Scout founder and owner Steve Potts as the Chief Executive Officer of the growing boatbuilder. Copyright 2023 Boating Industry Scout started with him, his wife Dianne and a few workers. See who you know in common. "For 50 years I've had my hands on my craft, and on building a successful business. Courtney Guice, administrative vice president. 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. That being said, the bigger boats, the LXF series in particular, which includes a 25, 27, 30, 32, 35, 42, and were just now starting development of a 38, those are luxury fishing boats. The hull designs were very distinctive. We have a new 17, two new 22s, two 27s and a 31 and a 38 - that's what we're developing. What Is The Difference Between A Kayak And A Canoe. If youre in the market for a new boat, you may be wondering about the Scout 42. Q: What features or styles do today's Scout boats have that were present on those first boats? 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. Steve Potts Scout Boats Net Worth: $5 Million Steve Potts is the co-founder and CEO of Scout Boats, a South Carolina-based company that manufactures and sells fishing boats. Its part of their character and their designs, and I think once you lose that and you get a big group of people that is just going through the motions, I dont think its the same. Customer Service Representative. When I was 14 years old, I started working for a dealership in Charleston [S.C.] called the Outboard Shop. They were in direct competition with AMF. 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. This privacy policy (this Policy) describes the personal information we may collect from you, the purposes for which we collect it, how we use it and when we may share it with third parties. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly. Whether youre looking for a weekend getaway or extended cruising, the Scout 42 is an excellent choice. 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. We sold Boston Whaler, Bertram, Thunderbird and Ranger Bass boats, so I kind of learned the characteristics of quality boats. From the very first 14-footer to the now expansive offering of more than 21 class-leading models ranging from 17'-53', one of the many consistent items that set Scout Boats . Now available with 120% more relief shading coverage to deliver intricate and clear bottom structure. 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.. When we started, I knew the business model had to be something very simple and conservative. I personally studied the art of boatbuilding and taught myself how to do it better for 20 years. They're passionate boatbuilders. ezDrive Thruster, designed specifically for active wake surfing, wakeboarding and watersports and other small boat enthusiasts, is again sponsoring the World Wake Association's (WWA) women's division at Nautique USA National Wakesurf Championships. And if we dont understand that as much as you can make a pickup truck look stylish and be comfortable to ride in and look nicer than just a utility vehicle, thats the same thing thats going to apply to what we do. 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. The first plant was opened in 1989 with three employees. A: We still build four models today that incorporate the Air-Assist hull design, which is what we started with in 1989. 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. 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. In order to achieve this goal, we may collect information from you. Were probably conservative as it relates to most other builders in that we dont work outrageous hours, we just dont do some of the things. Phone Email. But dont let that fool you into thinking that theyre not up to par with other boats on the market. Founded in 1989, Scout is a relative newcomer to the world of boating. But in the 30 years since theyve been around, theyve made a big splash in the industry.So where are these impressive boats made? 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 . "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 . His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. A: Having distinctive features and styling that differentiates us is extremely important. 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. 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. A younger Potts races an early-model Scout back in the day. It was, I guess, from famine to feast. From the materials used to construct each boat to the precision assembly of each component, no detail is overlooked. At the end of the day, being a business thats very labor-intensive, its about how well we deal with human behavior. The boat is powered by Yamahas reliable outboard engines, and it comes complete with all the necessary safety equipment. He has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, including the Coastal Conservation Association and Take Stock in Children. Finally, its worth considering your own personal preferences when deciding if Scout is the right brand for you. The ones that are out there, those customers are proud of them. We need to create designs that don't exist. The building we were in was pretty much leveled. Zane Henderson. Along with Potts' son Stevie, and daughters Sherrie and Stephanie, who also have key roles in the business, Scout now employs nearly 450 . The purpose of the media campaign was an effort to get the media to understand that if you're going to write features, understand the history - and be accurate - before you publish such powerful statements. 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. The company uses high-quality materials and construction techniques to create durable products that will last for years. It features a spacious deck with plenty of room for gear, plus a comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to four people. Boats ranging from 1 to 80 hp equivalents and is now a major player in the market for weekend... Is a member of famous with the age 54 years old, started... 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