Scout Boats 245 XSF User manual

Owner’s Manual
245 XSF
Scout Boats Inc.
2531 Hwy 78 West
Summerville, SC 29483

2
THIS PAGE WAS LEFT BLANK
INTENTIONALLY
Print Date 1-29-2009

3
SAFETY INFORMATION
Your Scout manual has been written to include a number of safety instructions to assure the safe operation and maintenance of
your boat. These instructions are in the form of DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE statements. The follow-
ing denitions apply:
IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH WILL RESULT IN
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH
COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH
COULD RESULT IN MINOR PERSONAL INJURY
OR PRODUCT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
All instructions given in this book are as seen from the stern looking toward the bow, with starboard being to your right, and
port to your left. A glossary of boating terms is included.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your boat uses internal combustion engines and ammable fuel. Every precaution has been taken by
Scout to reduce the risks associated with possible injury and damage from re or explosion, but your own precaution and good
maintenance procedures are necessary in order to enjoy safe operation of your boat.

4
THIS PAGE WAS LEFT BLANK
INTENTIONALLY

5
Please ll out the following information section and leave it in your Scout Owner’s Manual. This information will be important
for you and Scout service personnel to know, if and when you may need to call Scout for technical assistance or service.
BOAT INFORMATION
Scout reserves the right to make changes and improvements in equipment, design and vendored equipment
items, at any time without notification.
PHONE:
REPRESENTATIVE:
OPTIONS
NAME:
PHONE:
ADDRESS:
SERVICE MANAGER:
ADDRESS:
SALESMAN:
DEALER SCOUT
MODEL:
PURCHASE DATE:
IGNITION KEYS #:
DRAFT:
HULL SERIAL #:
DELIVERY DATE:
REGISTRATION #:
WEIGHT:
MAKE:
PORT SERIAL #:
MODEL:
STARBOARD SERIAL #:
PROPELLERS
MAKE:
DIAMETER/PITCH:
ENGINES
NUMBER OF BLADES:
MODEL:
BOAT
BRIDGE CLEARANCE:
MAKE:
SERIAL #:
MODEL:
GVRW:
TRAILER
PORT PART #: STBD PART #:

6
HULL LENGTH OVERALL __________________________________________________ 24’5”
BEAM ___________________________________________________________________ 8’6”
DRY WEIGHT W/O ENGINE (approx)_______________________________________ 2,600 lbs
FUEL CAPACITY_____________________________________________________ 100 gallons
WATER CAPACITY ____________________________________________________ 10 gallons
DEADRISE _______________________________________________________________ 20 o
MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER ________________________________________________ 300 hp
DRAFT____________________________________________________________________ 17”
OUTBOARD SHAFT _________________________________________________________ 25”
MAXIMUM PERSONS / GEAR WEIGHT _________________________ 8 persons or 1,400 lbs
MAXIMUM WEIGHT / PERSONS, MOTOR, GEAR ____________________________ 2,500 lbs
SPECIFICATIONS

7
*** For Export Only ***
To be in compliance with European directives for recreational boats as published by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in effect at the time this boat was manufactured, we are providing the following information.
Manufacturer:
Name:
Address:
Zip Code:
Identification Numbers:
Hull Identification Number:
Port Engine Serial Number:
Starboard Engine Serial Number:
Intended Design Category:
(A) Ocean: (C) Inshore:
(B) Offshore X (D) Sheltered Waters:
Weight and Maximum Capacities:
Unladen Weight: - Kilograms (Pounds)
Maximum Load: - Weight - Kilograms (Pounds)
Number of People:
Maximum Rated Engine Horsepower - Kilowatts (Horsepower)
Certifications:
Certifications & Components Covered:
Scout Boats
2531 Hwy 78 West
Summerville, South Carolina
29483
CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

3 YEAR STEM TO STERN WARRANTY
+
10 YEAR TRANSFERABLE STRUCTURAL HULL
WARRANTY
Scout Boats Inc. has a limited transferable warranty that insures to the purchaser that each hull is free from structural defects
in materials and workmanship, (under normal care and use), for a period of ten (10) years from the original date of purchase.
Scout Boats, Inc. agrees to repair or replace, (at our discretion, based on review and/or observation of the hull in question), to
the purchaser, any boats(s) that is found to be defective during the applied warranty period. Scout Boats, Inc. also warrants for a
period of three (3) years to the original purchaser, that each new hull is free from non-structural defects, (i.e. defective materials
and/or workmanship). During this three year period Scout Boats, Inc. will cover the cost of replacing the part (both part(s) and
labor), excluding engines, which will only be covered by their respective warranties.
In order to receive warranty service, the selling dealer must register the boat on www.dealerscircle.com, and the purchaser must
take his/her boat to an authorized Scout Boats, Inc. dealer. Depending on the nature of the claim, Scout Boats, Inc. may require
the boat to be returned to our factory at 2531 Highway 78 West, Summerville, SC 29483, in which case all transportation, haul-
out, and/or loading charges shall be prepaid and the sole responsibility of the original purchaser. Scout Boats, Inc. will reimburse
up to one half of such transportation charges to the original purchaser upon the discover of a valid and applicable warranty claim
that is a direct result of improper manufacturing processes on the part of Scout Boats, Inc. or one of our suppliers. The original
purchaser must remove and reinstall, at his/her own expense, all outboard engines, (if directly related to damage in question),
as well as any and all personal effects and electronics equipment. The decision to repair, replace or make reimbursement for a
particular boat or part shall be at the discretion of Scout Boats, Inc.
Online registration, a bill of sale, or proof-of-purchase demonstrating individual in question as the purchaser, along with a proof
of customer’s identity, is required before warranty service can be rendered.
Scout Boats, Inc. does not warrant: (1) any Scout Boat which has been powered or loaded in excess of the manufacturer’s
maximum horsepower or capacity recommendations. The maximum horsepower and capacity recommendations are shown on
the certication plate afxed to every boat. (2) Any Scout Boat used in or for racing (of any type, organized or not), commercial
shing, chartering or other commercial use. (3) Any Scout Boat which has been subject to misuse, neglect, or structural
alterations. (4) Gelcoat cracking, crazing, bubbling, or blistering. (5) Excessive wear due to unprotected and/or over exposure to
the elements. (6) Any boat that has been deemed to have been misused neglected or re-powered by anyone other than the original
purchaser. (7) Any Scout Boat sold to a customer, (who happens to be the original owner), by anyone other than an authorized
Scout Boats, Inc. dealer. (8) Any Scout Boat that has been used on a trailer that does not adequately support the hull or any trailer
that may be considered undersized, including any and all roller type trailers. (9) Any Scout Boat with a jack plate installed by
anyone other than Scout boats, Inc., or an authorized dealer, or on any hull other than the 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 220, or 240
models. Any Scout Boat with a jack plate of 8” or greater. (10) Any part or component not manufactured directly by Scout
Boats, Inc. after the rst three years of this warranty policy, (three years from date of purchase), will only have that particular
manufacturer’s warranty available.
Scout Boats, Inc. reserves the right to improve its product through changes in design or material without obligation to incorporate
such changes on boats built prior to the implementation of respected change(s).

9
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranty implied or expressed. Scout Boats, Inc. accepts no responsibility for any
representations, acts, or omissions of its dealer relating to the preparation and/or sale of Scout Boats, Inc. products to original
consumer. This warranty is transferable, and to do so the original owner or purchaser must download a copy of the warranty
transfer form from www.scoutboats.com from the warranty section of the website and mail it to Scout Boats, Inc. within 10
days of sale of his/her boat to the new owner. A notarized bill of sale and a $100 administration fee payable to Scout Boats,
Inc. must also be included with the notication of customer’s intent to re-sell his/her boat.
Please mail to 2531 Hwy. 78 West, Summerville, SC 29483
By signing below I do hereby agree that I have read this Warranty Policy and do fully understand the terms and procedures listed♦
within. I also attest and agree that my dealer, (listed below), has gone over this policy in full detail and has answered all of my
questions regarding this policy and how it applies and has registered my boat online at www.dealerscircle.com.
Customer Date
By signing below the dealership representative hereby agrees that the status of this boat has been changed to “delivered” on♦
Dealer’s Circle, in order for warranty to go into effect.
Dealership Representative Date
Log on to www.dealerscircle.com to complete the warranty registration process. Paper copies are for the dealer and
customer records only. Please do not send Scout Boats, Inc. a copy of this agreement
WARRANTY WILL BE NULL AND VOID UNLESS THE BOAT IS REGISTERED ON LINE AT♦
WWW.DEALERSCIRCLE.COM AT THE POINT OF SALE!!!
Hull Identication Number: SLP ______________________________
(located on the top right side of transom, under the rub rail)
Owner’s Name: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________ State: _________________________ Zip: _________________
Date of Purchase: ____________________________
Dealership: ____________________________________________________________
Salesman’s Name: ______________________________________________________
Dealership Address: __________________________________________________________________________
Brand of Engine: ____________________________ Horsepower: ___________________________________

10
THIS PAGE WAS LEFT BLANK
INTENTIONALLY

11
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION
Registration and Numbering
Federal law requires that all undocumented vessels equipped
with propulsion machinery be registered in the state of principal
use. A certicate of number will be issued upon registering
the boat. These numbers must be displayed on your boat. The
owner/operator of a boat must carry a valid certicate of num-
ber whenever the boat is in use. When moved to a new state
of principal use, the certicate is valid for 60 days.
In order to be valid, the numbers must be installed to the
proper specications. Check with your dealer or state boat-
ing authority for numbering requirements. The Coast Guard
issues the certicate of number in Alaska; all others are issued
by the state.
Insurance
In most states the boat owner is legally responsible for dam-
ages or injuries he or someone else operating the boat causes.
Responsible boaters carry adequate liability and property
damage insurance for their boat. You should also protect the
boat against physical damage and theft. Some states have laws
requiring minimum insurance coverage. Contact your dealer
or state boating authority for information on the insurance
requirements in your boating area.
Reporting Boating Accidents
All boating accidents must be reported by the operator or owner
of the boat to the proper marine law enforcement authority for
the state in which the accident occurred. Immediate notica-
tion is required if a person dies or disappears as a result of a
recreational boating accident.
If a person dies or there are injuries requiring more than rst
aid, a formal report must be led within 48 hours.
A formal report must be made within 10 days for accidents
involving more than $500.00 damage or the complete loss of
a boat.
A “Boating Accident Report” form is located near the back of
this manual to assist you in reporting an accident. If you need
additional information regarding accident reporting, please call
the Boating Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647.
Education
If you are not an experienced boater, we recommend that the
boat operator and other people that normally accompanies the
operator, enroll in a boating safety course. Organizations such
as the U.S. Power Squadrons, United States Coast Guard Aux-
iliary, State Boating Authorities and the American Red Cross
offer excellent boating educational programs. These courses
are worthwhile even for experienced boaters to sharpen your
skills or bring you up to date on current rules and regulations.
They can also help in providing local navigational information
when moving to a new boating area. Contact your dealer, State
BoatingAuthority or the Boating Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647
for further information on boating safety courses.
Required Equipment
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain equipment on each
boat. The Coast Guard also sets minimum safety standards for
vessels and associated equipment. To meet these standards
some of the equipment must be Coast Guard approved. “Coast
Guard Approved Equipment” has been determined to be in
compliance with USCG specications and regulations relating
to performance, construction, or materials. The equipment
requirements vary according to the length, type of boat, and
the propulsion system. Some of the Coast Guard equipment
is described in the Safety Equipment chapter of this manual.
For a more detailed description, obtain “Federal Requirements
And Safety Tips For Recreational Boats” by contacting the
Boating Safety Hotline [phone] or your local marine
dealer or retailer.
Some state and local agencies impose similar equipment re-
quirements on waters that do not fall under Coast Guard juris-
diction. These agencies may also require additional equipment
that is not required by the Coast Guard. Your dealer or local
boating authority can provide you with additional information
for the equipment requirements for your boating area.
Warranty and Warranty Registration Cards
The Scout Limited Warranty Statement is included with your
boat. It has been written to be clearly stated and easily under-
stood. If you have any questions after reading the warranty,
please contact Scout Customer Service.
Scout, Yamaha Motor Corporation, engine manufacturers,
and the suppliers of major components maintain their own
manufacturer’s warranty and service facilities. It is important
that you properly complete the warranty registration cards
included with your boat and engine(s) and mail them back to
the manufacturers to register your ownership. This should be
done within 15 days of the date of purchase and before the
boat is put into service. A form for recording this information
is provided at the beginning of this manual. This information
will be important for you and service personnel to know, if and
when you may need service or technical information.
The boat warranty registration requires the Hull Identica-
tion Number “HIN” which is located on the starboard side
of the transom, just below the rubrail. The engine warranty

12
registration requires the engine serial number(s). Please refer
to the engine owner’s manual for the location of the serial
number(s).
IMPORTANT:
All boat manufacturers are required by the Federal Boat Safety
Act of 1971 to notify rst time owners in the event any defect
is discovered “which creates a substantial risk of personal
injury to the public.” It is essential that we have your war-
ranty registration card complete with your name and mailing
address in our les so that we can comply with the law if it
should become necessary.
Product Changes
Scout is committed to the continuous improvement of our
boats. As a result, some of the equipment described in this
manual or pictured in the catalog may change or no longer be
available. Scout reserves the right to change standard equip-
ment, optional equipment and specications without notice
or obligation. If you have questions about the equipment on
your Scout, please contact Scout Customer Service.
Service
All warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized Scout
Dealer. Should a problem develop that is related to faulty work-
manship or materials, as stated in the Limited Warranty, you
should contact your Scout dealer to arrange for the necessary
repair. If you are not near your dealer or another authorized
Scout dealer or the dealer fails to remedy the cause of the
problem, then contact the Scout Customer Service Department
within 15 days. It is the boat owner’s responsibility to deliver
the boat to the dealer for warranty service.
Transferring The Warranty
For an administration fee of $100.00, Scout will extend war-
ranty coverage to subsequent owners of Scout models for the
duration of the original warranty period. The Limited Warranty
may be transferred to any subsequent purchaser of the vessel
within seven years from the date of delivery to the original
purchaser. Please refer to the Limited Warranty Statement for
the procedure to transfer the warranty.
To take advantage of this program, notication of the change
of ownership, including the new owner’s name, address and
telephone number together with the appropriate fee, must be
sent to Scout within 10 days of the date of resale. Scout will
conrm, in writing, that the transfer of the warranty has taken
place. After which, the transferee will be treated as the original
purchaser as outlined in the Scout Boats Limited Warranty
Statement.
Yamaha Engine Warranty
Yamaha is ready to stand behind your purchase with strong
warranty coverage. To be sure you receive all the benets of
warranty for your engines, please take the following steps:
• Be sure your new Yamaha is registered for warranty. Your
boat dealer should do this at the time of sale. Make sure
your dealer gives you a copy of the completed Yamaha
registration card for your records.
• Read the Yamaha Limited Warranty statement. This war-
ranty applies to Yamaha outboard motors sold in the United
States, whether purchased separately or when supplied as
original equipment by a boat builder.
• If you need warranty repairs, you must take your Yamaha
outboard to an authorized Yamaha outboard dealer.
• If you are away from home, or your selling dealer is not
an authorized Yamaha dealer, use the following toll-free
numbers to nd the nearest Yamaha dealer.
United States Dealer Locations: 1-800-692-6242
Canada Dealer Locations: 1-800-267-8577
• Your warranty applies specically to repairs made in the
country of purchase.
• If you need any additional information about your Yamaha
or warranty coverage which your dealer cannot provide,
please refer to your engine owner’s manual for the address
and phone number to contact Yamaha directly.
Hull ID Number on Starboard Transom
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION

13
SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
BOAT INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 7
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................. 11
Chapter 1:
PROPULSION SYSTEM
1.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
1.2 Drive System Corrosion....................................................................................................................................................... 17
1.3 Engine Lubrication .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
1.4 Engine Cooling System ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
1.5 Propellers............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
1.6 Performance Issues and Propellers ..................................................................................................................................... 19
1.7 Engine Instrumentation........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Chapter 2:
HELM CONTROL SYSTEMS
2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
2.2 Engine Throttle and Shift Control........................................................................................................................................................... 21
2.3 Neutral Safety Switch........................................................................................................................................................... 22
2.4 Engine Power Tilt and Trim................................................................................................................................................. 22
2.5 Engine Stop Switch .............................................................................................................................................................. 23
2.6 Steering System.................................................................................................................................................................... 23
2.7 Trim Tabs ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
2.8 Control Systems Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Chapter 3:
FUEL SYSTEM
3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
3.2 Outboard Fuel System ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.3 Fueling Instructions............................................................................................................................................................. 29
3.4 Fuel System Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 4:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
4.2 12-Volt System...................................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.3 AC System ........................................................................................................................................................................... 34
4.4 Electrical System Maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 35
Chapter 5:
FRESH WATER SYSTEM
5.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2 Fresh Water System Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 37
5.3 Fresh Water System Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 38
TABLE OF CONTENTS

14
Chapter 6:
RAW WATER SYSTEM
6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
6.2 Raw Water System Operation .............................................................................................................................................. 39
6.3 Livewell................................................................................................................................................................................ 40
6.4 Raw Water System Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................ 41
Chapter 7:
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
7.2 Cockpit Drains..................................................................................................................................................................... 43
7.3 T-Top Drains ........................................................................................................................................................................ 43
7.4 Bilge Drainage..................................................................................................................................................................... 43
7.5 Livewells, Fishboxes, Coolers and Storage Compartment Drains...................................................................................... 44
7.6 Rope Locker Drain .............................................................................................................................................................. 44
7.7 Drainage System Maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 44
Chapter 8:
VENTILATION SYSTEM
8.1 Head Compartment Ventilation ........................................................................................................................................... 45
8.2 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................................ 45
Chapter 9:
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
9.1 Deck .................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
9.2 Hull ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
9.3 Cockpit Features ................................................................................................................................................................. 49
Chapter 10:
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
10.1 Head Compartment............................................................................................................................................................ 55
10.2 Marine Head System (Optional) ........................................................................................................................................ 55
Chapter 11:
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
11.1 General............................................................................................................................................................................... 57
11.2 Engine Alarms .................................................................................................................................................................... 57
11.3 Neutral Safety Switch ......................................................................................................................................................... 57
11.4 Engine Stop Switch............................................................................................................................................................. 57
11.5 Required Safety Equipment ................................................................................................................................................ 58
11.6 First Aid.............................................................................................................................................................................. 59
11.7 Additional Safety Equipment.............................................................................................................................................. 59
11.8 Caution and Warning Labels.............................................................................................................................................. 60
TABLE OF CONTENTS

15
Chapter 12:
OPERATION
12.1 General .............................................................................................................................................................................. 61
12.2 Rules of the Road ............................................................................................................................................................... 61
12.3 Pre-Cruise Check............................................................................................................................................................... 64
12.4 Operating Your Boat .......................................................................................................................................................... 65
12.5 Docking, Anchoring and Mooring .................................................................................................................................... 66
12.6 Controls, Steering or Propulsion System Failure .............................................................................................................. 68
12.7 Collision.............................................................................................................................................................................. 68
12.8 Grounding, Towing and Rendering Assistance .................................................................................................................. 68
12.9 Flooding or Capsizing ....................................................................................................................................................... 68
12.10 Fishing ............................................................................................................................................................................. 68
12.11 Water Skiing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 69
12.12 Man Overboard................................................................................................................................................................ 69
12.13 Trash Disposal ................................................................................................................................................................. 70
12.14 Trailering Your Boat ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
Chapter 13:
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
13.1 Exterior Hull and Deck...................................................................................................................................................... 73
13.2 Upholstery, Canvas and Enclosures .................................................................................................................................. 75
13.3 Interior .............................................................................................................................................................................. 77
13.4 Bilge ................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
13.5 Drainage System ................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Chapter 14:
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
14.1 Storage and Lay-up............................................................................................................................................................ 79
14.2 Winterizing ......................................................................................................................................................................... 80
14.3 Recommissioning ............................................................................................................................................................... 82
Appendix A:
SCHEMATICS
Electrical System......................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Main Wiring Harness.................................................................................................................................................................. 84
Battery Select Panel.................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Hydraulic Steering System.......................................................................................................................................................... 86
Fuel System ................................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Water System ............................................................................................................................................................................... 88
Drainage System ......................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Appendix B:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.............................................................................................................................................................. 91
TABLE OF CONTENTS

16
Appendix C:
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND LOG.................................................................................................................................. 95
Appendix D:
BOATING ACCIDENT REPORT.............................................................................................................................................. 101
Appendix E:
FLOAT PLAN............................................................................................................................................................................ 105
Appendix F:
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE................................................................................................................................................ 107
TABLE OF CONTENTS

17
PROPULSION SYSTEM
1.1 General
Your Scout is designed to be powered with a 2-cycle or 4-cycle
outboard motor. 4-cycle outboard engines do not use an oil
injection system and are not equipped with remote oil tanks.
They have an oil sump in the crankcase that must be kept full of
the type of oil recommended by the engine manufacturer. The
oil must be checked before each use and changed regularly.
Each manufacturer of the various outboard motors provides an
owner’s information manual with its product. It is important
that you read the manual(s) very carefully and become familiar
with the proper care and operation of the engines and drive
systems. A warranty registration card has been furnished with
each new engine and can be located in the engine owner’s
manual. All information requested on this card should be lled
out completely by the dealer and purchaser and then returned
to the respective engine manufacturer as soon as possible.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE ANY ENGINE OR
DRIVE COMPONENT WITHOUT BEING TOTALLY
FAMILIAR WITH THE SAFE AND PROPER SERVICE
PROCEDURES. CERTAIN MOVING PARTS ARE
EXPOSED AND CAN BE DANGEROUSTO SOMEONE
UNFAMILIARWITHTHE OPERATION AND FUNCTION
OF THE EQUIPMENT.
DO NOT INHALE EXHAUST FUMES! EXHAUST
CONTAINS CARBON MONOXIDE THAT
IS COLORLESS AND ODORLESS. CARBON
MONOXIDE IS A DANGEROUS GAS THAT IS
POTENTIALLY LETHAL.
1.2 Drive System Corrosion
Each outboard motor is a complete drive system with the gear
case being just forward of the propeller and connected to the
power head with a vertical drive shaft. All engines require
some maintenance. Routine maintenance recommended for
your engine is outlined in the engine owner’s manual. Routine
maintenance is normally the primary concern unless the boat is
to be kept in saltwater for extended periods of time. Then the
main concerns are marine growth and galvanic corrosion.
Marine growth occurs when components are left in the water for
extended periods and can cause poor performance or permanent
damage to the exposed components. The type of growth and
how quickly it occurs is relative to the water conditions in your
boating area. Water temperature, pollution, current, etc. can
have an effect on marine growth.
Galvanic corrosion is the corrosion process occurring when
different metals are submerged in an electrolyte. Seawater is
an electrolyte and submerged engine components must be prop-
erly protected. Outboard motors are equipped with sacricial
anodes to prevent galvanic corrosion problems. The anodes
must be monitored and replaced as necessary. For locations and
maintenance, please refer to the engine owner’s manual.
When leaving the boat in the water, tilt the motor as high as
possible. This will decrease the risk of marine growth around
the cooling inlets, propeller and exhaust ports and damage from
galvanic corrosion.
DO NOT PAINT THE OUTBOARD MOTOR WITH
ANTIFOULING PAINTS DESIGNED FOR BOAT
HULLS. MANY OF THESE PAINTS CAN CAUSE
SEVERE DAMAGETOTHE ENGINE. CONTACTYOUR
SCOUT DEALER OR ENGINE MANUFACTURER
FOR INFORMATION ON THE PROPER PAINTING
PROCEDURES.
Outboard Engine
Chapter 1:

18
1.3 Engine Lubrication
2-cycle outboard motors are lubricated by a variable ratio oil
injection system. The oil tank is mounted below the cockpit
oor near the transom.
Always monitor the oil level before each cruise by checking
the gauge or indicator lights in the helm (not available on all
engine installations) or visually checking the oil level using
the reference marks on the tank.
When additional oil is needed, use only the type of oil speci-
ed by the engine manufacturer. Refer to the engine owner’s
manual for oil specications and additional information on the
oil injection system.
Note: Always monitor the oil level in the tank and only
use the type of oil specied by the engine manufac-
turer. Yamaha engines specify Yamalube engine
oil.
4-cycle outboard engines have an oil sump in the crankcase
that must be kept full of the type and grade of oil recommended
by the engine manufacturer. It is normal for 4-cycle engines
to consume a small amount of oil. Therefore, the oil must be
checked before each use and changed at regular intervals as
instructed by the engine owner’s manual. As with 2-cycle
engines, use only the type of oil specied by the engine
manufacturer.
1.4 Engine Cooling System
Outboard engines are raw water (seawater) cooled. Water is
pumped through the water inlets, circulated through the engine
block, and relinquished with the exhaust gases through the
propeller hub. The water pump uses a small impeller made of
synthetic rubber. The impeller and water pump cannot run dry
for more than a few seconds. In most outboard motors, some
cooling water is diverted through ports below the engine cowl-
ing. This allows the operator to visually check the operation of
the cooling system. When the engine is started, always check
for a steady stream of water coming out of those ports.
NEVER RUN AN OUTBOARD MOTOR WITHOUT
WATER FLOWINGTOTHEWATER PUMP. SERIOUS
DAMAGE TO THE WATER IMPELLER OR ENGINE
COULD RESULT.
Note: If the boat is used in salt or badly polluted water,
the engine should be ushed after each use. Refer
to the engine owner’s manual for the proper engine
ushing procedure.
1.5 Propellers
The propellers convert the engine’s power into thrust. They
come in a variety of styles, diameters and pitches. All boats
powered by Yamaha engines are equipped with Yamaha “Salt-
water Series” propellers. The one that will best suit the needs
of your boat will depend somewhat on your application and
expected average load. Propeller sizes are identied by two
numbers stamped on the prop in sequence. The 1st number in
the sequence (example 14” x 21”) is the diameter of the propel-
ler, and the 2nd number is the pitch. Pitch is the theoretical
distance traveled by the propeller in each revolution.
Always repair or replace a propeller immediately if it has been
damaged. Adamaged and therefore out of balance propeller can
cause vibration that can be felt in the boat and could damage
the engine gear assembly. Refer to the engine owner’s manual
for information on propeller removal and installation.
Typical 2 Cycle Engine Oil Tank

19
1.6 Performance Issues and Propellers
Note: Before changing propellers to correct boat per-
formance problems, be sure other factors such as
engine tuning, bottom and running gear growth,
etc. are not the source of performance changes.
Always be sure the load conditions are those nor-
mally experienced, before changing propellers.
Your boat was shipped with a propeller that typically provides
optimum performance for your boat. However there are fac-
tors that can affect performance and propeller requirements.
Some are as follows:
• It is extremely important that the boat is propped to run at
or very near the recommended top RPM with an average
load. If the top RPM is above or below the recommended
range, the propeller must be changed to prevent loss of
performance and possible engine damage.
• Outboard engines can be damaged and the warranty void
if the boat is not propped correctly. Always consult your
Scout or authorized engine service dealer when making
changes to the propeller or if the boat does not run near
the top recommended RPM.
• The addition of a tower, heavy equipment like life rafts,
additional coolers, etc., will cause additional load on
the engine. Consequently, a different propeller may be
required.
• Before changing the propeller to correct boat performance
problems, be sure other factors such as engine tuning, bot-
tom and running gear growth, etc., are not the source of
performance changes. You also should be sure the load
conditions are those normally experienced. If the boat
ran in the required RPM range when it was new and you
have not added any additional gear or heavy equipment and
have not damaged the propellers, there is a good chance
the propeller is not the problem.
• Boats operated at high altitudes (above 2000 feet). Engines
operated at high altitudes will not be able to develop as
much horsepower as they do at or near sea level. Conse-
quently, a different propeller may be required.
1.7 Engine Instrumentation
The helm station is equipped with a set of engine instruments
and/or alarms. These instruments allow the operator to monitor
the operational condition of the engine. Close observation of
these instruments allows the operator to operate the engine at
the most efcient level and could save it from serious costly
damage. The instrumentation is unique to the type of outboard
motor installed on your Scout. Some or all of the following
gauges may be present.
Note: Most Scout boats are equipped with Yamaha
engines and multifunction instruments. A brief
description of those instruments and their function
is listed in this section. Please refer to the Yamaha
engine owner’s manual for detailed information on
the operation of the instruments.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the speed of the engine in revolu-
tions per minute (RPM). This speed is not the boat speed or
necessarily the speed of the propeller. The tachometer may not
register zero with the key in the “OFF” position.
Yamaha tachometers also contain the engine trim meter, oil
level indicator and the overheat warning indicator.
Yamaha Saltwater Series Propeller
Yamaha Command Link Engine Instrumentation

20
NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED
OPERATION RPM OF THE ENGINE. MAINTAINING
MAXIMUM, OR CLOSE TO MAXIMUM RPM FOR
EXTENDED PERIODS CAN REDUCE THE LIFE OF
THE ENGINE.
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of the boat in miles per
hour. Most speedometers measure the water pressure against a
small hole in a pickup tube located in the engine lower unit or
mounted on the bottom of the transom. Yamaha speedometers
also contain the fuel meter and low fuel warning light, a trip
meter, a clock, and a voltmeter.
Overheat Warning Indicator
The temperature warning indicates that the temperature of the
engine is too high. A sudden increase in the temperature could
indicate an obstructed water inlet or an impeller failure. On
Yamaha engines the overheat warning indicator is built into
the tachometer and will start to blink if the engine temperature
is too high.
CONTINUED OPERATION OF AN OVERHEATED
ENGINE CAN RESULT IN ENGINE SEIZURE. IF
AN UNUSUALLY HIGH TEMPERATURE READING
OCCURS, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IMMEDIATELY.
THEN INVESTIGATE AND CORRECT THE
PROBLEM.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates the amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
On boats equipped with Yamaha engines, the fuel gauge is built
into the Yamaha speedometer multi-gauge. The fuel indica-
tor on the Yamaha gauge will begin to blink if the fuel in the
monitored tank drops too low.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter displays the voltage for the battery and the
charging system. The normal voltage is 11 to 12-volts with the
engine off, and 13 to 14.5 volts with the engine running. The
Yamaha engine voltmeter is built into the speedometer. It will
begin to blink if the voltage in the battery drops too low.
Hour Meter
The hour meter keeps a record of the operating time for the
engine.
Engine Tilt/Trim Gauge
The tilt/trim gauge monitors the position of the outboard engine.
The upper range of the gauge indicates the tilt, which is used
for trailering and shallow water operation. The lower range
indicates the trim position. This is the range used to adjust the
hull angle while operating your boat on plane. The Yamaha
engine trim indicator is built into the tachometer. Please refer
the engine owner’s manual for more information on the opera-
tion of the outboard power tilt and trim.
Engine Alarms
All outboards are equipped with an audible alarm system
mounted in the helm area that monitors selected critical engine
systems. The alarm will sound if one of these systems begins
to fail. Refer to the engine owner’s manual for information on
the alarms installed with your engines.
IF THE ENGINE ALARM SOUNDS, IMMEDIATELY
SHUT OFF THE ENGINE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS
FOUND AND CORRECTED.
Fuel Management
Fuel management systems are standard equipment with some
outboard engines. On Yamaha®engines, the fuel management
gauge is a multifunction gauge used to monitor the gallons
per hour, miles per gallon, total gallons used and engine syn-
chronization.
If you have a fuel management system installed on your boat,
please refer to the engine or fuel management manual for
detailed information on that system.
Depth Gauge (Optional)
The depth gauge indicates the depth of the water below the
bottom of the boat.
Compass
All boats are equipped with a compass on the top of the in-
strument panel. The compass cannot be adjusted accurately
at the factory as it must be compensated for the inuence of
the electrical equipment and electronics unique to your boat.
Therefore, the compass should be adjusted by a professional
after the electronics and additional electrical accessories are
installed and before operating the boat. To adjust the compass
for your area, read the instructions on “Compass Compensa-
tion” given to you in the literature packet.
Instrument Maintenance
Electrical protection for instruments and ignition circuitry is
provided by a set of fuses or circuit breakers located on each
engine. The ignition switches should be sprayed periodically
with a contact cleaner/lubricant. The ignition switches and all
instruments, controls, etc. should be protected from the weather
when not in use. Excessive exposure can lead to gauge and
ignition switch difculties.