Scout 11 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Scout 11 made its debut at the 1989 Providence Boat Show, marking its entry into the recreational sailing market. Quickstep Sailboats, founded and owned by Gary Lannigan, began operations around 1985 in Bristol, Rhode Island, and quickly established a reputation for producing fiberglass vessels focused on ease of ownership. While Quickstep also produced larger cruising models like the Quickstep 19, 21, and 24, the Scout 11 represented a foray into even smaller, more agile designs. Designed by Stuart Windley, who also designed the Quickstep 19, the Scout 11 benefits from professional naval architecture, ensuring sound design principles for its small stature. Its hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, and it features a practical centerboard for variable draft, allowing for easy beaching and shallow-water sailing. At least 10 units of the Scout 11 were built following its introduction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Scout 11 is noted for its engaging sailing characteristics. With a length overall of just over 11 feet and a waterline length of 10.25 feet, the boat is engineered for agility. Its fractional sloop rig provides an efficient sail plan, with a reported total sail area of 88 square feet, contributing to its responsive nature. Owners and reviewers often describe the Scout 11 as "zippy" and "fast for its size," indicating a lively performance that belies its dimensions. The centerboard design is a key feature, offering both excellent upwind performance when deployed and a minimal draft of just 0.25 feet when retracted, facilitating easy launch and retrieval from a beach or ramp. This combination of a responsive rig and a versatile keel system allows the Scout 11 to be easily managed and enjoyed in a variety of wind conditions, particularly by those looking for an exciting short sail. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 4.29 knots, suggesting it can achieve respectable speeds for its length.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated daysailer, the Scout 11 prioritizes an open and functional cockpit over traditional enclosed accommodations. Given its modest length and design as a beach boat, the concept of an "interior layout" as found on larger cruisers does not apply. Instead, the focus is on maximizing open deck space for crew and gear. The design likely includes built-in seating within the cockpit, offering comfortable positions for sailing. Storage would be minimal, perhaps consisting of small compartments for safety gear or personal items. The open nature of the boat ensures excellent ventilation and an unencumbered connection to the marine environment, consistent with its purpose as a fun, accessible small sailboat for short excursions.