The Scout 245 Abaco 2009 is a deep-V design and the Scout 251 XS 2012 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 245 Abaco 2009 at 24,0 ft versus Scout 251 XS 2012 at 24,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Scout 245 Abaco 2009 tips the scales at 2 800 lbs - 500 lbs more than the Scout 251 XS 2012 at 2 300 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 300 hp for the Scout 245 Abaco 2009 and 300 hp for the Scout 251 XS 2012. 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 245 Abaco 2009 carries 126 gallons versus 80 gallons in the Scout 251 XS 2012. 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 245 Abaco 2009 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Scout 251 XS 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Scout 245 Abaco 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Scout 245 Abaco 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Scout 251 XS 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.