Scout Boats 275 XSF User manual

1
Owner’s Manual
275 XSF
Scout Boats Inc.
2531 Hwy 78 West
Summerville, SC 29483

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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 fol-
lowing 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.

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Please ll out the following information section and leave it in your Scout Owner’s Manual. This information will be impor-
tant 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 notication.
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 #:

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CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS *** 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:
Identication Numbers:
Hull Identication Number:
Port Engine Serial Number:
Starboard Engine Serial Number:
Intended Design Category:
Ocean: Inshore:
Offshore: X Sheltered Waters:
Weight and Maximum Capacities:
Unladen Weight: - Kilograms (Pounds)
Maximum Load: - Weight - Kilograms (Pounds)
Number of People:
Maximum Rated Engine Horsepower - Kilowatts (Horsepower)
Certications:
Certications & Components Covered:
Scout Boats
2531 Hwy 78 West
Summerville, South Carolina
29483

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B O A T S
3 YEAR STEM TO STERN WARRANTY
+
10 YEAR TRANSFERRABLE 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.

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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).
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 REGISTEREDONLINE 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: ___________________________________

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OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION
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
understood. 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cation
Number “HIN” which is located on the starboard side of
the transom, just below the rubrail. The engine warranty
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 warranty 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
equipment, 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 workmanship 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, Scout will extend
warranty 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
Hull ID Number on Starboard Transom

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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
warranty 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 contact Yamaha Directly. Refer to your
engine owner’s manual for the address and phone
number to contact Yamaha directly.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 ..................................................................................................................................... 18
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........................................................................................................................................................... 21
2.4 Engine Power Tilt and Trim................................................................................................................................................. 22
2.5 Engine Stop Switch .............................................................................................................................................................. 22
2.6 Steering System.................................................................................................................................................................... 23
2.7 Trim Tabs ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
2.8 Control Systems Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Chapter 3:
FUEL SYSTEM
3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
3.2 Outboard Fuel System ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
3.3 Fueling Instructions............................................................................................................................................................. 26
3.4 Fuel System Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 4:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
4.2 12-Volt System...................................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.3 AC System ........................................................................................................................................................................... 32
4.4 Electrical System Maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 33
Chapter 5:
FRESH WATER SYSTEM
5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
5.2 Fresh Water System Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 35
5.3 Fresh Water System Maintenance........................................................................................................................................ 36

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Chapter 6:
RAW WATER SYSTEM
6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
6.2 Raw Water System Operation .............................................................................................................................................. 37
6.3 Livewell ............................................................................................................................................................................... 38
6.4 Raw Water System Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
Chapter 7:
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
7.2 Cockpit Drains..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
7.3 T-Top and Hardtop Drains................................................................................................................................................... 41
7.4 Bilge Drainage..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
7.5 Fishboxes, Cooler and Storage Compartment Drains ........................................................................................................ 42
7.6 Water System Drains............................................................................................................................................................ 42
7.7 Rope Locker Drains............................................................................................................................................................. 42
7.8 Drainage System Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................ 42
Chapter 8:
VENTILATION SYSTEM
8.1 Head Compartment Ventilation ........................................................................................................................................... 43
8.2 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Chapter 9:
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
9.1 Deck .................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
9.2 Hull ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
9.3 Cockpit Features ................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Chapter 10:
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
10.1 Head Compartment............................................................................................................................................................. 51
10.2 Marine Head System........................................................................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 11:
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
11.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................... 55
11.2 Engine Alarms..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
11.3 Neutral Safety Switch.......................................................................................................................................................... 55
11.4 Engine Stop Switch ............................................................................................................................................................. 55
11.5 Required Safety Equipment................................................................................................................................................. 56
11.6 First Aid............................................................................................................................................................................... 57
11.7 Additional Safety Equipment............................................................................................................................................... 57
11.8 Caution and Warning Labels .............................................................................................................................................. 58
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Chapter 12:
OPERATION
12.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................... 59
12.2 Rules of the Road ................................................................................................................................................................ 59
12.3 Pre-Cruise Check................................................................................................................................................................ 61
12.4 Operating Your Boat........................................................................................................................................................... 62
12.5 Docking, Anchoring and Mooring ..................................................................................................................................... 63
12.6 Controls, Steering, or Propulsion System Failure:............................................................................................................. 65
12.7 Collision.............................................................................................................................................................................. 65
12.8 Grounding, Towing and Rendering Assistance................................................................................................................... 65
12.9 Flooding or Capsizing ........................................................................................................................................................ 65
12.10 Fishing .............................................................................................................................................................................. 65
12.11 Man Overboard ................................................................................................................................................................. 66
12.12 Trash Disposal .................................................................................................................................................................. 66
12.13 Trailering Your Boat ......................................................................................................................................................... 66
Chapter 13:
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
13.1 Exterior Hull and Deck....................................................................................................................................................... 69
13.2 Upholstery, Canvas and Enclosures ................................................................................................................................... 71
13.3 Interior ............................................................................................................................................................................... 73
13.4 Bilge.................................................................................................................................................................................... 73
13.5 Drainage System................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Chapter 14:
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
14.1 Storage and Lay-up............................................................................................................................................................. 75
14.2 Winterizing .......................................................................................................................................................................... 76
14.3 Recommissioning ................................................................................................................................................................ 78
Appendix A:
SCHEMATICS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Appendix B:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS .................................................................................................................................................... 92
Appendix C:
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND LOG .................................................................................................................. 96
Appendix D:
BOATING ACCIDENT REPORT ................................................................................................................................. 102
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Appendix E:
FLOAT PLAN ...................................................................................................................................................... 104
Appendix F:
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ....................................................................................................................... 106
TABLE OF CONTENTS

16
Chapter 1:
PROPULSION SYSTEM
1.1 General
Your Scout is designed to be powered with 2-cycle or 4-cycle
outboard motors. 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 DANGEROUS TO
SOMEONE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE 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 wa-
ter 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 properly 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 motors 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 DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.
CONTACT YOUR SCOUT DEALER OR ENGINE
MANUFACTURER FOR INFORMATION ON THE
PROPER PAINTING PROCEDURES.
Outboard Engine

17
1.3 Engine Lubrication
2-cycle outboard motors are lubricated by a variable ratio oil
injection system. The oil tanks are 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 manu-
facturer. 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
cowling. This allows the operator to visually check the opera-
tion 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 FLOWING TO THE WATER PUMP. SERIOUS
DAMAGE TO THE WATER IMPELLER OR ENGINE
COULD RESULT.
Note: If the boat is used in salt or badly polluted water,
the engines 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. A damaged 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.
1.6 Performance Issues and
Propellers
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 recommend range, the
propellers must be changed to prevent loss of performance
and possible engine damage.
Your boat is equipped from the factory with counter rotating
Typical Engine Oil Tank

18
engines that are mounted to achieve quicker planing and
optimum performance. Therefore, the left rotation engine is
mounted on the port side of the transom and the right rotation
engine is mounted on the starboard side. You should make
sure that each propeller matches the rotation of the engine.
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 propellers that typically provide
optimum performance for your boat. However there are
factors that can affect performance and propeller requirements.
Some are as follows:
• You should be sure the load conditions are those nor-
mally experienced. If the boat ran in the required RPM
range when it was new and you have not added any ad-
ditional gear or heavy equipment and have not damaged
the propellers, there is a good chance the propellers are
not the problem.
• The addition of heavy equipment like life rafts, additional
coolers, etc., will cause additional load on the engines.
Consequently, different propellers may be required.
• Outboard engines can be damaged and the warranty
void if the boat is not propped correctly. Always consult
your Scout dealer or authorized engine service dealer
when making changes to the propellers or if the boat
does not run near the top recommended RPM.
• 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. Consequently, different propellers 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 engines. Close observation of
these instruments allows the operator to operate the engines
at the most efcient level and could save them from serious
costly damage. The instrumentation is unique to the type of
outboard motors 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
Yamaha Saltwater Series Propeller
Command Link Engine Instrumentation

19
level indicator and the overheat warning indicator.
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
each tachometer and will start to blink if the engine tempera-
ture 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 Gauges
The fuel gauge indicates the amount of fuel in the fuel tanks.
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 engines off, and 13 to 14.5 volts with the engines 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.

20
Chapter 2:
HELM CONTROL SYSTEMS
2.1 General
The helm controls consist of three systems: the engine throttle
and shift controls, the steering system, and the trim tab control
switches. These systems provide the operator with the ability
to control the direction and attitude of the boat from the helm
station.
Each manufacturer of the control components provides an
owner’s manual with its product. It is important that you
read the manuals and become familiar with the proper care
and operation of the control systems.
2.2 Engine Throttle and Shift
Control
The shift and throttle controls on your boat may vary
depending on the engines used. The following control
description is typical of most outboard remote controls. Refer
to the engine or control manuals for specic information on
the controls installed on your boat.
The engine throttle and shift control systems consist of
three major components: the control handles, the throttle
cable and the shift cable. The cables are all the push-pull
type. Two cables are required for each engine. One cable
connects the remote throttle control to the carburetor
or fuel injectors and the other connects the remote shift
control to the engine shift rod linkage.
The helm on your Scout is designed for a binnacle style
control with a single lever for each engine that operates as
a gear shift and a throttle. General operation will include
a position for neutral (straight up and down), a forward
position (the 1st detent forward of neutral), and a reverse
position (the 1st detent aft of neutral). Advancing the
control lever beyond the shift range advances the throttle
in forward or reverse. Each control is equipped with a
means of permitting the engine to be operated at a higher
than idle RPM while in neutral for cold starting and warm-
up purposes.
The handles of dual lever controls may not always align with
each other at all RPM settings due to variations in control
cable routing, cable length and adjustments at the engine.
Usually the alignment of the handles can be optimized at a
chosen RPM, but may vary at other settings.
2.3 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety switch incorporated
into it. This device prohibits the engine from being started
while the shift lever is in any position other than the neutral
position. If the engine will not start, slight movement of the
shift lever may be necessary to locate the neutral position and
disengage the safety cutout switch. Control or cable adjust-
ments may be required to correct this condition should it
persist. See your Scout dealer for necessary control and cable
adjustments.
The neutral safety switches should be tested periodically to
ensure that they are operating properly. To test the neutral
safety switches, make sure the engines are tilted down and
move the shift levers to the forward position.
Make sure the throttle control levers are not advanced past
the idle position. Turn the ignition key to the start position
just long enough to briey engage the starter for the engine.
Yamaha Engine Controls