Scout 242 Dorado 2008 boat specs
Scout
Scout 242 Dorado 2008
2008
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VS
Scout 251 XS 2013 boat specs
Scout
Scout 251 XS 2013
2013
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Scout 242 Dorado 2008 vs Scout 251 XS 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Scout 242 Dorado 2008 against a modified vee Scout 251 XS 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Scout 242 Dorado 2008 at 24,0 ft versus Scout 251 XS 2013 at 24,8 ft. At 26 lbs and 23 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 300 hp for the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 and 300 hp for the Scout 251 XS 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Scout 251 XS 2013 carries 8 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Scout 242 Dorado 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Scout 242 Dorado 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Scout 251 XS 2013 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Scout 251 XS 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeScout
MakeScout
Model242 Dorado
Model251 XS
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail15 in
Draft [max] - Detail13 in. (0.3 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.38
Draft [max] - Meters0.33
Draft [max] - Inches15
Draft [max] - Inches13
Weight - Detail2,600 lbs. (without engines)
Weight - Detail2,300 lbs. (1,043 kg) without engines
Weight - kg1179.34
Weight - kg1043.26
Weight - lbs.26
Weight - lbs.23
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet24.83
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 10 in. (7.5 m)
Length overall - Meters7.37
Length overall - Meters7.57
Length overall - Inches29
Length overall - Inches298
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal
Water capacitynot available
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people1

Scout 242 Dorado 2008 vs Scout 251 XS 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 or the Scout 251 XS 2013?
The Scout 251 XS 2013 is the longer of the two at 24,8 feet overall. The Scout 242 Dorado 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 0,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 or the Scout 251 XS 2013?
For trailering, the Scout 251 XS 2013 has the edge at 23 lbs dry weight versus 26 lbs for the Scout 242 Dorado 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Scout 242 Dorado 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Scout 251 XS 2013 is certified for 1. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 and Scout 251 XS 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 or the Scout 251 XS 2013?
The Scout 251 XS 2013 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Scout 242 Dorado 2008. That 7-gallon difference translates to roughly 21–35 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 and Scout 251 XS 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Scout 242 Dorado 2008 and the Scout 251 XS 2013 are built by Scout. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.