Overview

There was a moment early in my test that perfectly illustrates why the new Pursuit DC 306 is so great. Just as I boarded, Mark Taiclet, Director of Brand Management for Pursuit, was ­wiping off the dew and put his hand in a recent bird deposit. He flipped up the lid of the cockpit wet bar, turned on the faucet, and rinsed off his hands. No problem. “We made this sink much ­bigger because our customers asked for it, so it’s perfect for just this moment,” Taiclet said.

Pursuit takes customer reviews and dealer comments seriously, and the DC 306 is the result of all that input: a delightful boat for both families and anglers.  

Interior and Accessories

The DC 306 replaces the popular DC 295, adding just 1 inch to the length and beam. But this allowed Pursuit to juggle everything, starting with a row of rod holders across the stern (anglers) and adding a centerline towing post (­families) that is anchored to the very core of the boat for strength. When popped up, ski tow lines easily clear the twin Yamaha outboards.

But that was the case everywhere I looked. A cardinal law of boating is there is never enough storage, but this 31-footer had every, and I mean every, nook and cranny turned into a drawer, a locker, a bin. No fewer than four spacious lockers dot the one-piece cockpit floor, including two insulated fish boxes with independent overboard pumps. Seat bottoms and seatbacks open to reveal more stash—or tackle—space, and I’ll get to the two console compartments in a moment. 

This is a classic walk-through dual-console design covered by a ­fiberglass hardtop with twin hatches for fresh air, as well as reinforced points for radar, antennas and outriggers. Nice touch: The lower wind door under the windshield opens flush—no snagged clothing.

The cockpit is flexible, from the foldaway transom seat (Dri-fast foam) to the fold-down portside seat with a ­removable table for dining. To ­starboard, the massive dive door makes boarding easy from the dock or water. Standard tackle storage lives in the aft-facing-seat backrest. Under Taiclet’s sink are a removable trash can and shelves. Huge tackle storage lives under the companion seat, unless you order the optional refrigerator.

The double-wide companion seat with ­bolster, like the helm, enjoys the panoramic windshield that reaches the hardtop. The ­skipper has a larger dash with twin 12-inch Garmin monitors and two rows of backlit rocker switches. Standard are a Garmin GPS and chart plotter, a sounder with 20-degree-beam angle transducer, and a VHF. Also ­fitted were Lenco trim tabs and an optional bow thruster. Another nice touch: Both skipper and companion have glove boxes overhead in the hardtop for loose gear, such as glasses and sun lotion, that are hard to corral.

In the bow, the expected ­forward-facing lounges create U-shaped seating with a ­removable table. A Lewmar windlass under a hatch has both wired and helm controls, with an anchor, 200 feet of rode, and both freshwater and raw-water washdowns. The standard beach boarding ladder is sure to be a hit. 

The console under the helm holds a ­surprisingly civilized head with a clever dual-action door and over 5 feet of headroom, so you can get out of a wet swimsuit without bruises. The electric toilet is standard, as is the molded sink with mirror and stowage.

The lockable port console has a pair of smallish bunks (kids’ naps), plus storage for the bow and cockpit tables, eight long rod racks, and ample stowage for safety or other gear.  

A word about construction: outstanding! Hand-laminated using vinylester resins (no blisters), the hull is braced by a massive foam-filled grid (no wood means no rot), plus a patented and resin-infused composite transom to carry the engines. Pursuit creates easy access to all systems, such as lift-out floor locker liners for access to the three batteries (two engine, one house) or to the bilge and washdown pumps, through-hulls, and engine plumbing.  

Pursuit earns points for using tinned, color-coded copper wiring with ­custom ­heat-sealed, mechanically crimped ­connections. A bonding system protects through-hull fittings, and both fuel tanks (116 and 108 gallons). Roto-molded, these are corrosion-free and have digital level indicators. A 36-gallon water tank serves the head, cockpit sink, and cockpit washdowns. Pursuit provides five-year hull and deck ­structural and blister warranties.

Engines

Underway, the twin Yamaha F300 V-6 ­Offshore outboards are controlled by the satin-smooth Helm Master EX featuring a digital throttle-and-shift system. Spin the brodie knob on the Edson wheel and the 306 banks as tight as you want, but the Yammies never suck air or cavitate. Flat out, I saw a bit over 51 mph, but I know that I could have upped that with some tinkering with trim and tabs.

Read Next: Pursuit DC 365

More important, however, is that the DC 306 gobbled up the miles at a 28 mph (3,500 rpm) real-life cruise speed, while sipping fuel at just 17.4 gph, giving us a nearly 350-mile range with a 10 percent safety margin.  

Pursuit has been legendary for hulls that are comfortable and dry offshore, and the DC 306 is no exception. The deep 21-degree deadrise meant that we could run flat out in mild chop and, at the cruise speed above, the lumpy Gulf Stream was no match. This is not only appealing to anglers, who go far offshore, but also to families who want that feeling of safety which comes from a well-designed hull. 

Both anglers and family boaters in the ­market for a new ride should consider ­Pursuit’s DC 306.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F300 300 hp Offshore
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 ¼” x 18″ SWS II HP 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 180 gal. Water on Board: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 650 lb.

High Points

• Innovative companionway offers easy access to the enclosed head in the starboard console.
• Full windshield with a walk-through door protects the captain and crew from the elements.
• Yamaha instrumentation, twin Garmin MFDs and a VHF are standard. The only option is radar.
• Captain’s chair rotates 90 degrees to face port for socializing.
• Twin Yamaha F300 outboards provide plenty of fuel-efficient power.

Low Points

• The absence of a grill (or microwave) was bothersome. Pursuit believes owners will add a barbecue somewhere, but I’d like to see a grill in the wet bar behind the helm.
• With these berths, this isn’t going to be an overnighter, even in a pinch. Make hotel reservations.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Pursuit DC 306 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The saucy lines of the new OS 405 Offshore from Pursuit beckon a closer look from anyone who appreciates sleek styling. (Who doesn’t?) Once you step aboard this triple-outboard-­powered model and see the design elements and experience the functionality, you realize that this boat is more than just a “looker.” It is a superbly built and exquisitely detailed machine ­created to serve well in ­multiple capacities.

The OS 405 supplants the long-standing and popular OS 385 Offshore in the ­Pursuit lineup. You might call the freshly minted version a luxury express sport-fisher, and it is ­indeed ­engineered for serious offshore fishing. But it’s also designed for cruising and ­entertaining, with posh ­amenities and comfort that offer appeal beyond those seeking bluewater battles. 

What’s more, the OS 405 offers strong performance, able to reach speeds in the mid-50 mph range. This is combined with a wave-taming hull and systems that allow for easy control of the 43-footer whether ­running in steep seas or docking in tight quarters.

Interior and Accessories

Board the OS 405 through the inward-opening heavy-duty side door on the port side of the cockpit, and as you do, keep in mind that this feature can ease the landing of big tuna or swordfish, or facilitate the catch-and-release of a sailfish or marlin. On days when fishing is not a ­priority, a detachable swim ladder lets you take a dip or go diving and easily climb back aboard. 

The cockpit of the OS 405 exemplifies this model’s multiple missions. It includes two mezzanine seats, providing a place to relax on casual cruises or to sit and attentively watch the trolling lures for a marlin intent on crashing the party. A flip-out transom bench seat offers additional seating, but it folds away quickly once the angling action heats up.

A 50-gallon transom livewell holds all of the live bait you will need for a day of fishing, and a 75-gallon fish box with a chiller minimizes the amount of ice you’ll need to keep a catch of mahi cold and ready to fillet. In total, there are 89 gallons of insulated in-sole ­fish-box capacity in the cockpit of the OS 405.

When you’re done fishing, rinse down with either the raw-water or freshwater washdown hose. Use the freshwater sink in the transom to wash up. Then take advantage of the electric grill in the port corner of the cockpit to cook up a meal of fresh mahi and enjoy a drink from the fridge behind the helm seat.

All of the comfort features in the world don’t mean much if the boat is rolling excessively and tossing the crew about in rough seas, be it while trolling, drifting, or trying to take it easy while on anchor. Pursuit quells those concerns with a ­Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, which eliminates roll to keep the crew—and the boat—on an even keel. It is easily accessed for service via a clever entry hatch in the cockpit. To power the Seakeeper, as well as other onboard systems such as the air conditioner, microwave and electric grill, is a Fischer Panda 9 kW diesel generator supplied by a ­31-gallon fuel tank.

Comfort and convenience continue throughout the bridge deck. It is more than just a ­command center for the captain; it is also a social gathering place with a strong sense of feng shui. Covered by a sleek hardtop with a sweeping ­single-piece, optically clear front glass ­windshield and side windows, the helm deck features Stidd captain and companion chairs, as well as wraparound seating with a dining table to port that also converts to a berth. Dual 10,000 Btu helm-deck air-conditioning systems double as ­windshield defoggers. 

Twin 22-inch fully networked Garmin MFDs adorn the helm, providing touchscreen access to marine electronics, as well as monitoring and control of ship’s systems. The Yamaha Helm ­Master EX Full Maneuverability system and a Lewmar bow thruster make for easy docking. 

Engines

Piloting the OS 405 proved fun. The triple XTO 450 outboards vaulted us to plane in 6.5 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 12.8 seconds and posting a top speed of 54.1 mph. Cornering was a breeze thanks to the electric steering of the XTO 450 outboards. The OS 405 sliced through seas with smooth confidence. Maximum cruising range comes in at 274 miles at 34.7 mph based on 90 percent of the 482-gallon fuel capacity.

Want to cruise to the islands and overnight? The Pursuit OS 405 cabin, accessible via a sliding door in the center of the bridge deck, will surround you and your crew in luxury. With 6 feet, 10 inches of headroom, cabin accommodations include a 16,000 Btu air-conditioning system, and an island berth that electrically converts to a lounging position. 

In addition, the cabin area features two ­hanging lockers, a full galley including a microwave, a ­32-inch TV, and a private head with a shower and 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom. You’ll also discover a private and surprisingly roomy midcabin with a queen berth. Tinted hullside windows and a bow hatch usher in plenty of cabin light. 

Read Next: Pursuit OS 445

Looking to comparison shop? Pursuit’s erstwhile sister brand, Tiara, offers the 43 LE ($1,424,900 with twin Mercury 600 hp V-12 outboards and joystick), which definitely skews to the luxury-cruising side of the express equation with features such as an aft seating/lounging/cockpit galley module that rotates to face forward, aft and 45 degrees in between, as well as a motorized foldout hullside terrace. Now you can also order a sport-fishing package for the 43 LE. 

However, if you seek a solid multifunctional express sport-fisher with lines that cry out, “Look at me!” and luxury amenities that everyone will love, you cannot ignore Pursuit’s new OS 405 ­Offshore,

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha XTO 450 Offshore outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha XTO 16 3/8″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless-steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 477 gal. Crew Weight: 1,400 lb.

High Points

• Sleek styling will draw admiring looks ­wherever you cruise or fish.
• Roomy and protected bridge deck will keep crew dry and comfy no matter what the weather brings.
• A storage locker under the starboard ­mezzanine seat has an extra-deep tub that fits a cleaning bucket and fenders.

Low Points

• Pillars on each corner of the windshield tend to create blind spots for the helmsman.
• Triple Yamaha XTO 450 outboards is the only power package available for the OS 405.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Pursuit OS 405 Offshore appeared first on Boating Mag.

The new OS 405 Offshore replaces Pursuit’s popular, long-standing model, the OS 385 Offshore. The freshly minted OS 405 boasts triple ­Yamaha XTO 450 Offshore outboards that propel this luxury express sport-­fisher to top speeds in the mid-50 mph range. The deep-V hull slices smoothly through choppy seas, and advanced control systems result in fun and easy handling. The Yamaha Helm Master EX system with a joystick control and a Lewmar bow thruster makes docking a cinch.

Built for serious fishing as well as entertaining, the OS 405 cockpit includes two mezzanine seats, a 50-gallon transom livewell, a freshwater sink, a ­75-gallon fish box with a chiller, an electric grill, 89 total gallons of insulated in-sole fish-box capacity, a flip-up transom bench seat, and access to the Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer as well as a Fischer Panda 9 kW diesel generator.

An inward-opening side door on the port side simplifies boarding and landing big tuna and swordfish. A detachable swim ladder lets you take a dip or go ­diving and easily climb back aboard. 

Covered by a sleek hardtop with a sweeping single-piece optically clear front windshield and side windows, the air-conditioned bridge deck features Stidd captain and companion chairs, and wraparound seating with a dining table to port. Twin 22-inch fully networked Garmin multifunction displays adorn the helm, providing touchscreen access to all marine electronics as well as monitoring and control of ship systems.

Want to cruise to the islands and overnight? The Pursuit OS 405 surrounds you and your crew in luxury in the air-conditioned cabin, accessible via a sliding door on the port side of the bridge deck. With 6 feet, 10 inches of headroom, posh accommodations include an island berth that electrically converts to a lounging position, a full galley, a 32-inch TV, two hanging lockers, a surprisingly roomy and private midcabin with a queen berth, and a private head with a shower and 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom.

High Points

• Sleek and seductive styling will draw admiring looks no matter where you cruise or fish.
• Roomy and protected bridge deck will keep crew dry and comfy no matter what the weather brings.
• Posh cabin accommodations, a full galley and other amenities grant extended cruising opportunities.
• Pressurized 50-gallon livewell carries live chum and hook baits, and a refrigerated fish box will keep your catch fresh.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha XTO 450 Offshore outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha XTO 16 3/8″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless-steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 477 gal. Crew Weight: 1,400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Pursuit OS 405 Offshore appeared first on Boating Mag.

Pursuit’s new DC 306 represents the latest addition to the boatbuilder’s versatile outboard-powered dual-console boats. It incorporates a hardtop with a tempered-glass windshield and a walk-through door for protection from the elements. A horizontal anchor windlass eases anchor deployment and ­retrieval—bring on those secluded coves.

Comfy bow seating includes fold-down armrests, handrails, and coaming trays with cup holders and charging stations. An optional table lets you enjoy meals. Options such as a filler cushion and a sunshade expand entertainment possibilities.

A door in the starboard console opens inboard over the main walkway at the same time a sliding panel recesses into the forward dash for access to the sink, vanity and head. A door on the port console reveals a massive storage area. The companion seat offers foldable armrests, a flip-up bolster and a built-in footrest. The adjustable helm chair can rotate 90 degrees to face port, and a footrest can flip down for extra height while standing at the wheel.

The cockpit boasts a 26-gallon livewell, large in-floor fish boxes and plenty of storage. The aft-facing seat provides tackle storage in a designated area behind the backrest. Lifting the seat cushion reveals an insulated cooler. Four additional rod holders adorn the transom behind the foldaway seat. You can also add a pop-up ski-tow pylon.

A standard side door makes it easy to slide aboard a large fish or take a dip, thanks to a dedicated ladder that can also be used at the bow. The transom and optional portside seats can fold down to create a lounge area with the aft-facing seat. There’s also an optional table.

The starboard-side entertainment center with a fiberglass lid features a sink, faucet and working area, as well as stowage and a trash can. An optional 12-volt DC stainless-steel refrigerator/freezer keeps provisions cold. Fresh- and raw-water washdowns are just aft. Expect the DC 306 to deliver great cruising range thanks to its twin Yamaha F300s and 224-gallon fuel capacity.

High Points

• Innovative companionway offers easy access to the enclosed head in the starboard console.
• Full windshield with a walk-through door protects the captain and crew from the elements.
• Yamaha instrumentation, twin Garmin MFDs and a VHF are standard. The only option is radar.
• Captain’s chair rotates 90 degrees to face port for socializing.
• Twin Yamaha F300 outboards provide plenty of fuel-efficient power.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Pursuit DC 306 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

There’s little entry-level about the Pursuit S 248 Sport. Think of it as a more easily trailerable, single-engine version of the S 268. And it even one-ups its larger sibling with a few functional and innovative refinements.

The S 248 gains 14 inches in length compared to the C 238 it replaces. This provides extra fishing space in the cockpit, plus more room to stand and sit at the helm and in the bow. It also weighs 1,470 pounds more than its predecessor. This extra heft subtracts a few miles per hour from its top speed, according to a previous Boating certified test (46 mph versus 48.4 mph), while the effect on fuel economy at 4,500 rpm showed 2.25 mpg versus 2.45 mpg.

The trade-off, besides the extra room aboard, is a better ride when seas kick up thanks to the additional weight and slightly greater length-to-beam ratio. We tested its seakeeping ability in a medium-angry Fort Pierce Inlet, not far from the Pursuit Boats plant. The S 248’s 21-degree deadrise cleaved the steep 3-footers. Also, credit for a solid feel is due to Pursuit’s vacuum-infused, one-piece structural-grid backbone that negates hull flexing. The three-sided tempered-glass windshield protected the helm from spray, which we quickly cleared with a swipe of the ­optional wiper ($470) and a spritz from its freshwater system.

Interior and Accessories

The S 248 Sport’s seating stands out. Aft, a fold-down bench is cleverly engineered to simultaneously raise the backrest when deployed. At the helm were optional twin independently adjustable seats, each with armrests and flip-up bolsters. These made it easy to view our test boat’s twin 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays. The upgraded seats are bundled with an Edson stainless-steel wheel for $3,510. In front of the center console, there’s a double-wide seat with a tall backrest ­perfectly angled for comfort, and there’s still room for two adults even with the armrests deployed.

The two forward bench seats on our test boat sported the optional bowrider backrests ($1,630) that do double duty as coaming pads when swiveled away. Another benefit to the bow seats is an available bow table ($1,610) that can drop to transform the bow into a casting platform when the cushions are stowed away, or it turns into a sunning area with the pads in place.

Usually, the addition of a windlass negates the ability to add a bow ladder. Pursuit found room for both features by setting the optional ladder ($1,200) sidesaddle to the windlass ($1,475). When the optional freshwater system ($2,100) is added, it includes a bow shower for beach-sand rinse-offs, a windshield washer and a transom shower. The system also feeds the optional electric marine head ($3,050) with its deck pump-out. The head compartment’s front-opening door makes entry easier.

Pursuit upped the S 248 Sport’s fishing acumen with in-sole 11-gallon fish boxes. Behind the helm seats you’ll find a roomy tackle storage drawer and, below, a 45-quart Yeti cooler that slides out and offers a padded seat for watching a trolling spread. The deployed cooler does double duty as a step to help reach the four rocket launchers in the standard hardtop, which has supports integrated into the console.

A 24-gallon recirculating livewell resides at the transom and has a clear lid for bait monitoring. Four more rod holders are located on the transom, and there are four set into the gunwale along with four beverage holders that can hold 30-ounce Yeti cooler cups (10 in total). Under the gunwales are rod racks for a 7.5-foot spinning rod and a 9.5-foot fly rod. There’s also dedicated storage for the carbon-fiber pole supports for the optional fore and aft sunshades.

To up the entertainment quotient, select the optional six-speaker JL Audio marine system with its twin 8-inch subwoofers ($5,915), and add the integrated ski tow pylon ($1,200) that pops up out of the transom.

Engine

Pursuit takes the confusion out of selecting the best power option by equipping all S 248 models with Yamaha’s F300 DES V-6 outboard in white only. This boasts digital electric steering, which makes possible a wholly usable, full-beam swim platform—a rarity on outboard-powered boats. With no hydraulic hoses, Pursuit designers routed the single rigging tube underneath a hinged panel covering the splashwell, a feature even bigger Pursuit center-consoles don’t have. The swim platform extends 45 inches on each side of the engine, creating unparalleled space for a boat this size. There’s even a wet storage compartment for ski ropes or beverages. For ease of boarding, the transom door is held open by magnets, and there’s a one-way flap for letting water drain out.

The F300 delivered strong performance, pushing the S 248 on plane in 4 seconds and to 30 mph in 11.1 seconds. As mentioned, it topped out at 46 mph, and it felt great running at 35 mph with the engine humming at 4,500 rpm.

Those looking for a similar boat with twin engines should check EdgeWater’s 245CC. A foot shorter, it’s offered with up to twin Yamaha F200 outboards, making it potentially about 8 mph faster. With a single Yamaha F300 DES, the price is $284,790, about $20,000 more than a stock S 248.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Yamaha F300 DES
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 1/2″ x 17″ Yamaha Saltwater Series II
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 36 gal. Water Onboard: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 535 lb.

High Points

• Huge swim platform is the largest in its class.
• Head compartment opens from the front, making it usable even by large crewmembers.
• Excellent access to all boat systems, including fuel-tank fittings.   

Low Points

• Glass windshield is way more protective  than that aboard other boats, but it needs a vent for added airflow at slow speeds.
• Could use grab rails behind helm seats.
• Helm-seat adjustment levers can poke the back of your thigh when standing.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Pursuit Boats – pursuitboats.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Pursuit S 248 Sport appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

For those anglers who believe offshore fishing should be a Hemingway-esque struggle between man and the wind, waves and sun, Pursuit’s Offshore 445 is probably not your cup of Earl Grey. While this vessel takes its fishing duties seriously, what it does best is elevate each activity—including cruising and entertaining—to a new level of luxury and comfort.

In fact, it’s hard not to view this 46-plus-foot flagship as anything but a yacht, as evidenced by its abundance of amenities. The OS 445’s bridge deck might give pause for some who prefer the open air, but this space is anything but claustrophobic. Instead, it’s an airy enclosure with a panoramic view, thanks to the 9-foot-wide-by-5-foot-high two-ply windshield—nearly an inch thick—and tall side windows that open. In addition, dual overhead sunroof vents fill the cabin with fresh air when cracked. But the real Pursuit magic for letting the outside in is its aft glass door and adjacent flip-up picture window. With air conditioning or reverse-cycle heat powered by its standard Fischer Panda 12 kW diesel generator, you can perfectly control the environment.

On the bridge deck, one is remarkably isolated from outside noise, which can add to fatigue on long hauls. During our sea trial in Tampa, I measured the sound levels with the aft barriers closed and open, and the difference at cruise speed was significant. At 27 mph, with all the windows, vents and the rear door open, the needle on the decibel meter reached 84 dB(A), which is about as loud as a noisy restaurant. With everything battened up, it read just 72 dB(A), more than twice as quiet.

Engines

At the helm, the driver sits on a wide-body Stidd helm seat that has electrically actuated up-down and fore-aft adjustability. The companion seat is also fully adjustable and has a flippable backrest. The Pursuit OS 445 is an easy boat to drive thanks to standard assists, like Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick control and bow thruster. Instead of traditional trim tabs, Zipwake interceptors keep things level. With no assist, bow rise was minimal, and no loss of horizon occurred as the Pursuit got on plane in 6 seconds. While it took 14.1 seconds for the speed to climb to 30 mph, it reached 20 mph in just 6.7 seconds. This vessel (I still can’t call it a boat) comes with triple Yamaha XTO Offshore 425 hp V-8s, the only engine package offered. Fully loaded, it reached a top speed of 48.1 mph.

Interior and Accessories

The OS 445’s fishing credentials are legit, with features like the spacious cockpit, which gives anglers unfettered room to move about. At the transom workstation, there’s a 50-gallon lighted, recirculating livewell, and next door is a 75-gallon fish box that has a refrigerator-freezer function with an adjustable thermostat to reduce the amount of ice needed to keep the catch fresh. It also serves as a handy place for beverages when entertaining. Two more in-floor fish boxes hold 82 gallons each. Tackle storage at the transom and port coaming is designed to keep often-needed gear handy. At the helm, twin 22-inch Garmin 8622 fish finders/chart plotters come standard, along with a dedicated location for the Airmar B175M 1 kW transducer. An additional Garmin GPSMap 8616 can be added for viewing from the bridge’s companion seat for $13,565.

A 600-gallon fuel tank gives this Pursuit an optimal range of 332 miles. There’s a queen-size island bed in the master, and the starboard stateroom offers more headroom than most. Adding the optional electronically adjustable-height cockpit table ($21,200) creates sleeping accommodations for a third couple. Go for a long weekend, leave in the afternoon instead of at 0400 to be at the fishing grounds at dawn, fish the sunset bite, or spend the night offshore and wake refreshed at the fishing grounds just as things start to heat up. 

For entertaining and recreation, its standard yachtlike accoutrements add some wow factor, like its killer JL Audio stereo system and a electrically lowerable starboard-side boarding platform that also adds cockpit space and functions as a watersports staging area. The foredeck cabana area has a huge chaise-style lounge with adjustable backrests for sunning, and there’s a recessed bow bench with a tall seatback for comfort and safety. 

Probably the closest competition for the Pursuit OS 445 in the luxury outboard-powered cruising/fishing/entertainment niche is Boston Whaler’s 405 Conquest, which can be powered with up to triple Mercury Verado 600 hp V-12 engines, giving it an edge in performance. 

The standard equipment list includes features like a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer. The bridge deck has a galley with twin refrigerator-freezer drawers, a microwave, a wine rack and plenty of prep space.

Not counting paint choices, there are only 14 other potential options to select. Serious anglers will likely choose carbon-fiber outriggers ($12,080) and hardtop-mounted rod holders ($3,465), though the latter should include a footstool to help reach the rods located there. Another worthy option is the retractable cockpit sunshade ($20,030).

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha XTO Offshore V-8 425 hp
• Drive/Props: Outboard/16 ⁵/₈” x 19″ Yamaha XTO
• Fuel Load: 600 gal. Crew Weight: 1,050 lb.

High Points

• Step down to the roomy lazarette makes it easy to access plumbing and batteries.
• Stern bench’s high backrest offers extra support. 
• Interior woodwork creates a yachtlike ambience.  

Low Points

• Hardtop rod holders are too high to reach easily without stepping on the gunwales. 
• Toe rails would help stabilize anglers during a fight.  

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-6006; pursuitboats.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Pursuit OS 445 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Pursuit’s new Offshore Series flagship takes fishing, cruising and entertaining to new levels of luxury and comfort. The OS 445’s enclosed cockpit features a panoramic view thanks to the 60-inch windshield and tall side windows. An aft glass door and flip-up picture window bring the outside in. Enjoy air conditioning and heat thanks to a standard Fischer Panda 12 kW diesel generator.

Fishing features include a 50-gallon lighted, recirculating transom livewell plus a 75-gallon fish box that has a refrigerator/freezer function and can double as a cooler when entertaining. Two more insulated in-floor fish boxes hold 82 gallons each. Serious anglers can choose carbon-fiber outriggers ($12,080) and hardtop-mounted rod holders ($3,465).

At the helm, twin 22-inch Garmin 8622 fish finders/chart plotters come standard, with the option of adding a portside Garmin GPSMap 8616 for the co-pilot. The extra-wide Stidd helm seat electrically moves up, down, fore or aft. Also included is Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick control, a bow thruster, and an automatic Zipwake interceptor system.

Below, find a private, queen-size-plus island bed forward and an amidships berth with plenty of headroom. Adding the optional electronically adjustable-height cockpit table ($21,200) creates sleeping accommodations for a third couple.

Entertainment features include three standard smart TVs, including a 43-incher on the bridge deck that drops down from overhead. When at rest, an electronically lowerable starboard-side boarding platform adds cockpit space and functions as a watersports staging area complete with a boarding ladder. The foredeck cabana area has a huge chaise-style lounge with adjustable backrests for sunning, and there’s a recessed bow bench. Access to the bow area is easy thanks to the 12-inch-wide port and starboard walkways.

To help channel your inner chef, the galley comes complete with twin refrigerator/freezer drawers, a microwave, a chillable wine rack and plenty of food-prep space. An electric grill is positioned just aft of the bridge deck for creating freshly cooked meals.

High Points

• Notable standard features include a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, Fischer Panda 12 kW generator, and twin Garmin 22-inch MFDs.
• Nearly 14-foot-wide beam creates a huge amount of interior space.
• Electronically actuated flip-down side boarding platform also makes a great watersports staging area.
• Twin overhead vents and opening side windows on the bridge deck help bring in fresh air. 

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 425 hp Yamaha XTO Offshore V-8s
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Yamaha XTO 16 ⁵/₈” x 19″
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 600 gal. Crew Weight: 1,050 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-6006; pursuitboats.com

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Overview

Pursuit’s DC 246 performed well in a washboard chop. Its sharp strakes and broad chines damped spray, and this deep-V boat’s motion proved easy on the drift thanks to those steadying chines. In all, the DC 246 proved able for safe, comfortable family and angling adventures. Its shallow draft and bow ladder ($1,080) make it ideal for beaching. While brawny and roomy, the DC 246 isn’t too big to tow on a trailer.

Interior and Accessories

Bow lounges, comfortable helm and companion seats, an innovative aft-facing seat with pullout lounge to port, and folding seats for three at the transom serve for pure boat rides and exploring. A curved, five-panel safety-glass windshield rides in a sturdy fiberglass frame, with the central panel hinged for closure in nasty conditions. A door below closes off the cockpit. For tow sports, opt for the removable tow pylon ($3,215). A 5-foot-long locker under the sole stores tow toys, boards and other gear.

The starboard console holds the helm, along with a large storage locker with racks for a bow table ($1,100) and the tow-sports pylon. We found the flip-up bolster helm seat comfortable while seated and standing. The optional Garmin Electronics Package ($10,390) includes a 12-inch GPSMap multifunction display, an Airmar chirp transducer, and a VHF radio with antenna. A JL Audio system is also available ($3,069), with Bluetooth, four JL speakers and an external antenna. The nicely finished port console offers an electric marine toilet with a 6-gallon holding tank ($2,880), along with a freshwater sink and counter. The door extends over the top of the space, easing access.

Going fishing? The 246 is a Pursuit! Add the fiberglass hardtop ($13,035), with its powder-coated frame and cockpit spreader lights. A quad rocket launcher ($1,850) supplements the gunwale-mounted rod holders. There’s a 15-gallon insulated livewell with a blue interior and a 31-gallon insulated fish box. Opt for a wet bar behind the helm seat to add a cutting board, freshwater sink, and a 45-quart Yeti cooler beneath ($1,080). The DC 246 will adapt to as many fisheries as it will family boating activities.

How We Tested 

• Engine: Single 300 hp Yamaha F300
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.25″ x 18″ Turbo I 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb. 

High Points

• Pursuit’s craftsmanship shows in many places, most obviously the neat engine rigging. The company builds its small boats with the same attention it gives its largest boat, which is over 40 feet in length overall, and it shows.
• Deep-V running bottom, broad chines and solid construction provided a smooth, dry ride and stability at rest.
• Comfortable, secure accommodations for a wide variety of boating fun.

Low Points

• Headroom in the port console is 47 inches overall, but only 27 inches when sitting on the toilet with a high base, forcing adults to lean forward.
• Extra rod holders are options, not standard.

Toughest Competitors

Grady-White’s Freedom 235 ($136,980 with a Yamaha F300) comes with a stereo, six rod racks and a portable head (versus portable head with pump-out on the Pursuit); the options list is similar. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-6006; pursuitboats.com

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The new S 358 represents the latest addition to Pursuit’s popular Sport family, and it is the company’s first-ever center-console in its size class. A row of three deluxe helm seats with fold-down armrests—plus the protection of an oversize hardtop and tempered safety-glass wraparound windshield—ensures comfort. 

Abaft resides a covered summer galley with an electric grill, refrigerator and sink, plus foldout trays that quickly convert to two aft-facing mezzanine seats, complemented by a fold-down transom bench to create a great social center in the aft cockpit. Or take the festivities forward to the wraparound bow seating with actuated backrests that create a pair of lounges. Raise the motorized table half-way and add a cushion for a big sun pad; later on, elevate the table when it’s time to dine with the forward console seat, providing a place for guests at the table. 

A pocket door on the helm deck slides open to a wide companionway and leads to a step-down cabin, with rich wood accents and tinted side windows that usher in natural light, and port windows for fresh air. An enclosed head compartment features a vanity, sink, VacuFlush toilet and shower. A settee converts to a cozy berth, and there’s a microwave too—all great amenities for overnight adventures.

When it’s time to fish, the S 358 delivers with a 32-gallon transom livewell, 12 rod holders, a tackle center, and in-sole insulated fish boxes on the port and starboard sides, with diaphragm pump-outs. Long 18-foot Taco outriggers are optional for boating anglers who like to troll. A standard inward-opening starboard-side door makes it easy to slide aboard a big tuna or swordfish, but it also doubles as a dive door (thanks to a removable boarding ladder) or an easy way to step aboard from a marina’s floating dock.  

Powered by a pair of Yamaha 425 hp XTO V-8 outboards, and carrying a crew of six and 260 gallons of fuel, our test boat achieved an average top speed of nearly 50 mph, with a smooth ride and easy handling at speed as well as in tight quarters thanks to the Helm Master EX joystick feature and forward bow thruster.

High Points

• Aft swim platforms extend well aft on each side of the outboards for safe and easy boarding after a swim.
• Extra-large aft machinery space eases inspections and service of key systems and components.
• Twin Garmin 16-inch multifunction displays/chart plotters network with radar, sonar and other onboard systems. 
• JL Audio system features Bluetooth, amplifier, six 7.7-inch coaxial speakers, and up to two 10-inch subwoofers.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 425 hp Yamaha XTO
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha XTO 16 5/8″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 260 gal. Crew Weight: 1,050 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-6006; pursuitboats.com

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Overview

Pursuit’s S 428 is a top-notch, top-dollar center console that harnesses the latest boatbuilding technology to provide luxury, amenities, performance and fishability.

Engines

Yamaha’s quad 425 XTOs proved show-stopping. They boast the biggest displacement (5.6 liters) production blocks on a transom. And Pursuit built the S 428 especially with them in mind. They feature electronic steering and digital throttle and shift, plus Helm Master EX with full maneuverability joy stick control that includes an integrated autopilot.

With EX, the 43-foot-9-inch ship handles like a sport boat, arcing through turns with the ideal amount of heeling and with minimal effort on the electronic helm. Feeding a little throttle sharpens the turn and the job is made easy by the ergonomic positioning and shape of the throttle handles. The electronic steering’s owner-customizable settings offer variable lock-to-lock turns from a quick-turning four revolutions at idle to other rpm stops of five, seven, nine or any combination helm revolutions. With the full maneuverability joystick, the boat crabs sideways easily, taking the stress out of narrow marina moorings. Need to wait in line for the fuel dock? Tap “Stay Point” on the joystick and the boat holds its position and heading while you prep fenders and lines.

Garmin Marine makes the CL7 display, that displays Yamaha engine diagnostics. But there is no CL7 here. Instead Pursuit integrated the CL7 display into the 22-inch displays via the network bus. This allows foregoing the CL7 and saves dash space. But, the autopilot integration through Helm Master EX is Yamaha’s masterpiece and works at the touch of a small panel on the dash. Adjust course with the panel buttons or use the joystick to jog left or right. While most autopilots indicate that your approach to a destination, only this autopilot slows to a stop over the waypoint and engages Stay Point to hold station. It will stay there as long as the 547-gallon fuel capacity lasts.

The helm station is large enough for three. I liked the custom bucket seats served by footrests integral to a fold down panel, plus a third fold-down footrest for crewmembers seated to port. Notably, the helm seat is adjustable vertically, one of the only helm seats to have this feature that we’ve seen aboard similar boats. Sightlines through the optically clear, laminated glass windshield proved great during testing—you won’t see spots in it when wearing your Maui’s.

The hardtop is large enough to shade the helm deck, mezzanine and offers ample protection from the weather. Add an optional electrically extended sun shade and the mezzanine pod is under shade even in the extended position. The hardtop itself is more than just shade. It is shaped as much to complement the 428′s lines as it is to protect the occupants. It is integrated into the windshield (the front pane of which is safety glass; the side wings are made from tempered glass) and supported by powder coated columns with integrated steps easing access to topside radar and antennae via convenient hatches. We expect–though it wasn’t promised-to see an upper station offered any day.

Interior and Accessories

Pursuit made the S 428 a luxury and fishing masterpiece. Four highly polished rod holders spread across the transom, a pair on each gunwale and two pair forward provide a delightful dozen, well positioned for trolling, kite fishing and bottom fishing. In-gunwale rod storage and a spot for tuna sticks in the salon complete the arsenal storage. There are three fish boxes: a transom fish box that is enormous and an in-sole box port and starboard. Coil-wrapped refrigeration chills or freezes contents of the transom box and one of the in-sole boxes (refrigeration for the third box is optional) allows you to set chill levels at refrigerate or freeze. This can mean less wasteful hauling of ice offshore. Two 36-gallon livewells are LED illuminated and set in the transom for easy access. Tackle rigging is provided in the mezzanine seating pod—and we call it pod for a reason.

The pod slides forward electrically on rails to snug up against the first-row leaning post seats. This opens the cockpit while maintaining mezzanine seating. A fold-out transom seat adds comfort for another pair of anglers. Rigging for tackle is in the sliding pod with a sink, utility tackle box cabinets and drawer stowage. There is a coil-style tub refrigerator/ freezer here and a built-in electric grill, all standard. A cocktail table is stowed behind the mezzanine seat and mounts nicely between the fold away transom seat and the mezzanine. The transom seat’s design is patented and is the only one we’ve spotted in the big CC crowd that offers a back rest high enough to qualify it as a couch, not a bench.

Slide the pod back and a second row of dual helm seats folds out along with foot rests for added comfort. Forward, a dual recliner can morph into two dinette seats facing the bow seating (divided at the forepeak offering access to the windlass). Coaming bolsters actuate out and forward, converting the bow benches to reclining seats too.

At the helm there is a center walkway to the salon below. Instead of teak, there is rich, cocoa-colored African Wenge.

We also noted these features aboard the Pursuit S 428:

• Hull side windows (ability to see all the way through the cabin to the outside world, and a wow factor when viewing from the cockpit)
• Huge amount of natural lighting in the cabin via large cabin house side windows, skylights, and translucent cabin door
• LED lighting in the cabin proved bright and just where you’d want it.
• Class-leading cabin headroom in both standing position and seated positions at the opposing seating
• Large fold-out beach platform
• Separate enclosed head compartment with full stand-up headroom, shower fixtures, and elongated household-style toilet

How We Tested

• Engines: Quad Yamaha 425 XTO
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/XTO 16 3/8″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 500 gal. Water on Board: 63 gal. Crew Weight: 1,000 lb.

High Points

• Dual boarding doors replace the ordinary tuna door with easier boarding access.
• All plumbing and wiring access is generous.
• Anchor roller articulates to bring delta anchor snug to stem.
• All refrigerated stowage spaces are coil-wrapped boxes (rather than plates) for optimal surface cooling and easier cleanup.

Low Points

• Starboard deck fish locker is unusually shallow, due to the coil-wrapped design of the refrigeration system.
• Fold-out helm seat footrests are too high—adjustments are promised.

Toughest Competitor

While the S 428 stands toe-to-toe with the Grady-White 456 in spite of this model’s longer length and 14-foot beam, the Grady salon steps ahead in styling. Certainly, the Pursuit salon is luxurious, and the fabrics are sumptuous and the décor impeccable. It may be that Grady took the best advantage of its wider beam.

All that said, if I had a million bucks to plunk on my next center-console, I’d be flipping coins. Repeatedly. Or plucking daisies. I love you, I love you more.

Pursuit has been building top-shelf seaworthy fishing and day cruisers for decades and it has succeeded by staying close to the fishermen who buy its boats—as well as those who are sometimes more interested comfort.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Pursuit Boats – Ft. Pierce, Florida; 800-947-8778; pursuitboats.com

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