When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Scout 187 Dorado 2012 and the Scout 187 Sportfish 2008 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Scout 187 Dorado 2012 at 18,6 ft versus Scout 187 Sportfish 2008 at 18,0 ft. At 145 lbs and 151 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Scout 187 Dorado 2012 has a 35-hp advantage over the Scout 187 Sportfish 2008's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 44 gal and 45 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Scout 187 Dorado 2012 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Scout 187 Sportfish 2008 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.