Both the Scout 245 Abaco 2013 and the Scout 345 XSF 2011 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Scout 345 XSF 2011 measures 34,9 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 10,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Scout 245 Abaco 2013 at 24,4 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Scout 345 XSF 2011 tips the scales at 10 800 lbs - 8 200 lbs less than the Scout 245 Abaco 2013 at 2 600 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 700 hp, the Scout 345 XSF 2011 has a 400-hp advantage over the Scout 245 Abaco 2013's 300-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Scout 345 XSF 2011 carries 330 gallons versus 125 gallons in the Scout 245 Abaco 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 10 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.