1979 Fairchild Scout 30 - SCOUT

Posted by Parker Griffo

Image of 1979 Fairchild Scout 30 - SCOUT

The Fairchild 30ft SCOUT is a classic yacht in every sense of the word.

Inspired by the elegant motor yachts of the 1920s and 1930s, the Scout 30 model was designed to capture the grace, proportion, and craftsmanship of an earlier era while incorporating the practicality and durability of fiberglass construction. Designed by noted powerboat designer Ben Ostlund and originally owned by Kenneth Wenman, co-founder of Fairchild Yachts, this vessel was praised by Nautical Quarterly in 1980 for its exceptional beauty. In combination, Fairchild Yachts and Express Yachting built around 60 Scouts in total, making SCOUT a distinctive presence on the water today.

Even more unique, this particular vessel is one of only a handful originally built as a motorsailer, with her original chainplates and king post still in place, despite the sailing mast having been removed by a previous owner.

Her traditional lines are complemented by an exceptionally simple and economical cruising platform. Powered by a modern Nanni Kubota 1.5L 37.5 hp direct drive diesel engine, SCOUT retains her classic character while benefiting from dependable and economical contemporary propulsion. She comfortably cruises at 6kn and will push to 8kn when desired. Her efficient displacement hull provides excellent range while burning well under a gallon of diesel fuel per hour.

SCOUT’s appeal extends far beyond her graceful lines, rich heritage, and remarkable fuel economy. Classic brass and bronze hardware, warm wood accents, a protected wheelhouse, and a solid fiberglass hull combine to create a relaxed and unhurried cruising experience that has largely been lost to time.

Classic in appearance, practical in operation, and beautifully uncommon by any measure, SCOUT is the kind of yacht that becomes part of the family for generations.

Key Features:

• Modern Nanni Kubota 1.5L 37.5 hp direct-drive diesel engine (980 hours)
• Extensive electrical system upgrades completed since 2023
• Exceptional fuel economy, ½ GPH at 6 knots with approximately 1,000 NM range
• Solid fiberglass hull with classic bronze and mahogany details
• 2022 Defender Achilles Lex-77 tender included

Additional information
Galley
•L-shaped galley down
•Formica laminate counter tops
•Brushed nickel sink
•Hot/cold faucet
•1-burner Tillreda portable induction cooktop (2024)
•2-burner portable alcohol stove
•Dometic CFX3 35 portable single zone electric cooler (2025)
•Seaward 6 gal hot water heater
•Insulated drop-in countertop ice box/storage with drain
•Locker and cabinet storage built-in

Electronics and Navigation
•Garmin GPSmap 1042xsv multifunctional display (2024)
•Garmin Echomap UHD at nav station (2024)
•Raymarine autopilot (2025)
•Garmin VHF 315 radio with GHS 11 handset (2024)
•Raymarine depth sounder (2025)
•Ritchie floating compass
•NMEA 2000 Backbone
•Shakespeare Antenna VHF/AIS Galaxy SSF 4ft with Mount-Ant Ratchet HD SS (2024)

Electrical
•120VAC / 12VDC Ship’s power
•30A Shore power with cord
•4 x 12V AGM Telcom house batteries, 460 Amp Hours (2024)
•1 x Group 27 AGM start battery, 92 Amp Hours (2024)
•Victron Energy 12V 3000VA 120-50A inverter/charger
•Blue Sea Systems DC 13-position circuit breaker panel (2024)
•Blue Sea Systems 5-circuit 120V AC/60 Hz distribution (2024)
•Blue Sea Systems 3-position AC sub panel (2024)
•GFCI updated outlets (2024)
•3 x USB Outlets (2024)
•Marinco adapter, 30A M15A Triple GFI (2025)
•Marinco adapter, EEL 15A M-30A F (2025)
•Marinco 25ft cord extension, 15A 14/3 AWG (2025)

Deck and Hull Equipment
•Vulcan 20, 44 lbs anchor (2024)
•230 ft HT 5/16 anchor chain (2024)
•Fortress spare anchor, 15’ chain, 135’ line rode
•Mantus 5/8 x 28 universal anchor snubber mooring bridle (2024)
•Anchor washdown (2024)
•Imtra Lofrans 1000 vertical electric windlass with remote (2024)
•Mahogany pulpit with anchor roller
•Mahogany toe rail
•Sitka spruce mast (removable)
•Fiberglass nonskid decks
•Teak accents
•Wheelhouse
•Hard covered cockpit
•3 x Wheelhouse window covers (2024)
•Handrail covers
•Hatch covers
•Running light covers
•Hand hold covers
•Bench cover (2024)
•5-panel enclosure
•Raw water washdown fwd (2024)
•3-panel, center opening windshield
•Adjustable helm seat with cushion (2024)
•2 x IPE decking fender boards (2024)
•2 x White fenders (2024)
•Signal kit with flag (2024)
•First aid kit (2024)
•HIT auto inflatable PFD with harness (2024)
•Tether-harness (2024)
•HIT auto inflatable life-jacket with harness (2025)
•2 x Inflatable Inshore Advent adult guest life vest (2025)
•Ship’s bell
•Bronze wheel
•Chain plate
•King post
•Boarding ladder
•Folding teak table
•Bronze tipped boat hook
•Mahogany storage bench with cushion
•2 x Tracy Deluxe cockpit removable steps with storage (2025)
•Settee upholstery (2024)
•Honduras Mahogany hull ceilings
•3 x Mahogany bilge covers (2024)
•Removable oriental style carpet
•Stern locker with hinged floor to provide easy rudder access (2024)
•Ballast pocket refit (2024)
•Ablative bottom paint (August 2026)
•4 x 5/8” 15’ braided lines (2024)
•4 x 5/8” 25’ braided lines (2024)
•1 x 5/8” 35’ braided line (2024)
•2 x 5/8” 35’ braided line (2026)

Mechanical Equipment
•Nanni Kubota 1.5L V1505-ES01 37.5 hp @ 3000 rpm diesel engine S/N 222786 (980 hours Oct 2, 2026)
•Morse cable controls
•Hydraulic steering
•Racor 500MA 2-micron fuel filter with heat shield (2024)
•Manual oil change pump built into motor
•2 x Bilge pumps (2024)
•MarineAir 12,000 BTU reverse cycle heat and air-conditioning (inverter)
•Groco raw water intake (2024)
•Manual davit (2025)
•5.28HE Mixing Elbow with exhaust hose (2024)
•Cantek muffler (2024)
•Nanni engine thru hull (2024)
•Groco ARG raw water strainer (2024)
•New fuel lines engine and manifold (2026)
•Fuel tanks crossover balance valves (2026)
•Fuel polished (2026)
•Bronze 4-bladed 17” x 14” propeller, with spare
•Maintenance records and manuals

Tender
•2022 Defender Achilles Lex-77
•LOA: 7ft 7in
•Beam: 4ft 9in
•Weight: 62 lbs
•Capacity: 2 persons or 730 lbs
•Fabric: Achilles CSM Gray Hypalon
•2.3 hp Honda Outboard, gasoline
•Factory warranty, exp 2027

Broker Comments
There is something wonderfully different about SCOUT. Built during an era when a yacht was expected to have as much personality as capability, her classic lines and warm interior invite you to slow down and enjoy the journey. The current owner regularly solos her through the lock and has been seen throughout the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and crossing the Albemarle Sound. SCOUT is a great platform for the discerning yacht enthusiast that’s ready to turn heads wherever they go.
Pricing notes
New to market
Condition
Good