Pursuit Boats have been very busy the past few years and have added a plant expansion in Ft. Pierce, Florida, and the introduction of several new models.
One of the models that caught our attention is the S 268, which replaced the C 260 in Pursuit’s lineup that spans from 23 to 46 feet.
“Our Sport Series center consoles are designed for how people use their boat, they don’t just want to do one activity and have to compromise on all the others,” said Christopher Gratz, vice president of engineering for Pursuit. “Time with family, friends, nature or just with oneself is very important, especially these days, and you want something that lets you capitalize on that time regardless of what activity suits that particular day on the water.”
The S 268 offers a spacious deck that feels much larger than the typical 27-foot center-console boat. Maybe it’s the aft step to port and starboard that line up with the twin engines or the rear bench that tucks away that adds to the spaciousness.
Pursuit designed the console and leaning post to maximize space, providing plenty of room to move around when pulling in a big fish. The helm comes standard with a Yamaha 6YC display, compass and trim tab controls but has plenty of room for electronics. Buyers will likely opt for Garmin electronics package that includes a custom panel with a GPSMAP 8612 and a VHF radio. The dash is large enough for two 12” Garmin screens.
Access to the head compartment was simple thanks to a door that swings open. The console has a molded fiberglass interior and comes with a manual porcelain head with a 6-gallon holding tank. Pursuit also included a stainless-steel sink with a faucet.
The leaning post can comfortably seat two people with bolsters that slide into place. Below the bolsters, Pursuit provided a large locker for a cooler and tackle storage that is easily accessible.
Protecting it all is a molded fiberglass hardtop and a sturdy powder-coated frame keeps it from rattling. Pursuit provides a removable three-piece windscreen, though buyers will likely upgrade to the windshield with tempered glass. The hardtop includes an overhead storage box, fore and aft facing LED spreader lights and four rod holders.
The U-shaped bow seating includes backrests that swing out so passengers can sit forward to watch the water when underway. (There are two seats on the front of the console.) Owners can install a table to have a meal or convert the bow to a giant sun pad.
Fishing accommodations on the S 268 include a live well with an acrylic lid on the transom, two 28-gallon fish boxes aft in the sole, six rod holders and room under the gunwales to stow four rods.
The twin-engine model is available with either Yamaha F150 or Yamaha F200 outboards. In a factory test with the Yamaha F200 outboards, the S 268 had a range of 300 miles when cruising at 27 mph. Top speed is a strong 52 mph at 5,975 rpm.
Gratz said the goal of the Sport Series to offer center-console models that provide functionality and versatility.
“The overall size and feel of the boat really resonate when you step aboard,” Gratz said. “The engineering team did a fantastic job utilizing the space efficiently, making her feel really large for her size.”
More recently, Pursuit launched their S 428, DC 246 and the S 358. Their all new flagship model, the OS 445, is slated to debut soon.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 27’4”
Beam: 8’9”
Dry Weight: 6,770 pounds
Max Power: 400 hp
Price w/twin Yamaha F150 outboards: $163,200
For more information:
www.pursuitboats.com
