Scout 288 LXF vs Sea Ray SDX 270 Outboard: Fishing or Family Boat in Cabo?
The Scout 288 LXF and Sea Ray SDX 270 Outboard answer different questions for Cabo boat buyers. The Scout listing is a luxury center console with fishing equipment and twin outboards. The Sea Ray is an open bowrider focused on seating and day cruising with one outboard. Start with how you will use the boat, then compare the specific configured offers, delivery timing and cost.
At a glance: two new offers for Los Cabos
| Detail | 2026 Scout 288 LXF | Brand New Sea Ray SDX 270 Outboard |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Luxury center console | Bowrider / day boat |
| Listed power | Twin Mercury 300XL Verado V8; 600 HP total | Single Mercury 300 Verado V8; 300 HP |
| Price basis | $385,932 USD — factory list for the specified build | Starting at $248,332 USD — listed configured package |
| Ordering | New, on order for Los Cabos | New, can be ordered for Cabo |
Neither ordering description confirms a delivery date. Ask for the current build allocation and a written delivery estimate. The Sea Ray is presented without a model year in inventory; its original URL is retained. Manufacturer images illustrate these listings and are not proof that an identical boat is sitting in Cabo.
Scout 288 LXF: look beyond the model name
The Scout article gives a length of 28 ft 9 in and beam of 9 ft 9 in; inventory rounds the length to 29 ft. The specified build includes twin Mercury 300XL Verado V8 outboards with electric steering, a carbon-fiber hardtop and a private step-in head. The Midnight Edition package specifies black hardtop details and fittings. Ask for the actual hull’s build sheet to confirm the finish and options you are buying.
The electronics package lists twin 12-inch Garmin 1243XSV displays, a GT12M transducer, Garmin GMR 18 XHD radar and Garmin VHF 115. For a fishing buyer, check the sonar installation, cockpit working space, rod storage and how guests move around the console. During handover, request a demonstration of the navigation, VHF and switching systems rather than accepting installed equipment as proof that everything is commissioned correctly.
Twin engines mean two engines to inspect and maintain. They do not, by themselves, prove a particular range or eliminate the need for fuel planning. Ask for performance information for the exact engine and hull setup, loaded as you expect to use it. Read the full Scout 288 LXF listing and equipment list.
Sea Ray SDX 270: assess the family-day layout
The Sea Ray offer specifies a single 300 HP Mercury Verado V8, an oversized bow lounge, convertible cockpit seating and an electric-folding watersports tower with Bimini. Its listed navigation package includes twin 9-inch Simrad NSX screens and SmartCraft Connect. A vacuum-flush head, windlass, tables, bow filler cushion, Fusion audio, lighting and water-system bundles are part of the listed configuration.
That layout is worth inspecting if your priority is seating, shade and time with guests. Check the head access, swim-platform arrangement and storage for towels, drinks and safety equipment. Ask which seating positions can be used while underway and confirm the permitted loading and passenger guidance for the exact boat. Yacht certification should not be interpreted as unlimited safe capacity.
The listing includes a galvanized bunk trailer. Before choosing trailer storage instead of a slip, confirm towing weights and dimensions, vehicle capacity, trailer condition and local launch access. Do not assume every ramp will accept the boat or that a trailer removes all storage costs. See the Sea Ray SDX 270 Outboard configured offer.
What the prices include—and why they are not identical quotes
The Scout is advertised at a factory list price of $385,932 USD for its specified build. The Sea Ray starts at $248,332 USD; its listing says the package includes the listed factory options, preparation, freight, customs fees and destination charges, while local taxes, title and registration are excluded. Ask for written confirmation of the current package and exclusions for each boat.
The numerical difference is $137,600 between the Scout’s factory list and the Sea Ray’s starting figure. Because the price bases differ, that is not a final delivered-price comparison. Request itemized, dated quotes with matching assumptions: options, delivery destination, tax treatment, registration, commissioning and trailer. Confirm currency and payment terms before comparing totals.
Choosing a boat for Cabo San Lucas or La Paz
If your normal day starts with tackle preparation and fishing, evaluate the Scout’s center-console circulation and listed fishing equipment first. If your normal day starts with guests choosing seats and packing for a coastal outing, examine the Sea Ray’s bow and cockpit layout first. A comfortable showroom seat and a pleasing photograph are not substitutes for a sea trial with a realistic load.
For either boat, decide whether Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo or La Paz will be the home base. Plan dockage or dry storage, launching, servicing and delivery to that base. Coastal trips still require appropriate weather, route planning, safety equipment and fuel reserves. We do not publish a guaranteed Cabo–La Paz range or endorse a beach approach based only on the model name.
New-boat ordering checklist
- Identify the exact build and get a signed equipment schedule.
- Confirm whether the boat is allocated, in transit or still to be ordered.
- Put deposit, cancellation, delay and delivery conditions in writing.
- Check warranty start date, coverage and local servicing arrangements.
- Arrange acceptance checks and a demonstration of engines and systems.
- Have ownership, import, registration and insurance requirements reviewed for your intended use.
An on-order boat may not be available for a local trial before delivery. Ask how inspection and acceptance will work in that case, and distinguish a demonstration of a similar model from inspection of the hull you are buying.
Our buying recommendation
Shortlist the Scout if a fishing-led center console with its listed twin-engine and Garmin package fits your plans. Shortlist the Sea Ray if guest seating, day cruising and its configured starting-price package fit better. Neither is universally the better Cabo boat. The right choice is the one whose confirmed layout, total cost, delivery schedule and ownership requirements match your use.
Buyer’s guide and next step
Read our Cabo and La Paz boat buyer’s guide for inspection, documents, budgeting and handover steps. Also compare Boston Whaler 330 vs Sailfish 312CC.
For budget and use questions, send an enquiry through the listing’s enquiry form. Contact Arturo Chacón at +52 624 168 9544 or boatsforsaleincabo@gmail.com.