“While you have seen other 32-foot center console boats, I assure you you’ve never seen one as loaded with features as this Pursuit,” said industry veteran Mark Taiclet, the director of brand management at Pursuit Boats. These were the words he used at the most recent Miami International Boat Show to lure us toward the S 328 Sport from Pursuit. After a thorough walk-through at the dock, along with an exhilarating ride out on the water, Mark made believers out of us.
The multi-purpose boat is designed for entertaining, cruising as well as fishing and you’ll be extremely comfortable in every aspect. These are great qualities in a boat at a time when Social Distancing is way too common of a term in our society. While your family's daily routine during the Coronavirus self-quarantine COVID-19 outbreak may have varied, boating and “Nautical Distancing” will always be a good method of distancing yourself from your every day stress.
Social Zone
In order to find all the amenities you desire when looking for your next boat, you may have to search for much larger vessels to find all that this S 328 Sport model has to offer, since it’s the versatility that makes it so appealing.
“We’re the only builder of this size to offer the ability to have a wet bar and opposing seating in the stern,” stated Mark. “We call it our social zone and those seats are hands-down the most comfortable and easy-to-use folding seats in the market.”
Overview
The Sport series includes the oversized fiberglass integrated hardtop and windshield system, updated classic sheerline, throughstem anchor system and integrated transom extensions. The exterior styling complements the interior with a forward wrap-around lounge at the bow just opposite of the forward-facing seating in the console.
The aft cockpit accommodates serious fishing and with the fold-away fore and aft seats quickly converts to a social area at the dock. All your fishing necessities are built in and the new Pursuit optional side dive door adds to the overall use.
Perfect Getaway
A large helm seat with a fold-down footrest faces the generous console that has plenty of room for dual Garmin touchscreens, plus the Yamaha digital control screen. To gain access to the console getaway below, simply slide the locking door. A two-person berth converts to an aft-facing seat with large open storage areas port and starboard. A head and sink with vanity could let you overnight or freshen up for dinner shore side.
Added Touches
Being versatile wasn’t the only goal the engineers had in mind when they designed the S 328 Sport. Being practical was also a top priority and this is evident in the adjustable helm chair, family-friendly bow seating where the seat heights are all the same level, and the unique placement of the removable tables.
“The idea was to make our tables as easy as possible to get to so you don’t have to crawl down in hatches to pull them out,” said Mark. “You easily pop them out of the side of the boat and we have two sockets in the stern and two in the bow, which adds to the versatility. You can put a table on each end of the boat or put the two tables together and we have some customers who order extra tables because the like double tables at both ends.”
Throttle Down
Paired with twin Yamaha 300hp outboards, we just missed the 50 mph mark at full throttle after recording a zero to 30 mph time of just over 11 seconds. Mark credits the relationship with Yamaha as a big reason for the continued success at Pursuit Boats.
“We’ve been an exclusive Yamaha builder for a long, long time and they’re a great partner with us and help through the engine process,” explained Mark. “From performance, engine height, propping, the first thing we do when we splash a prototype is have the Yamaha team with us to performance test the boat and get it fine-tuned. Their engines are bulletproof and Yamaha is known for its great customer support.”
Moving Forward
“Quality, timeless style, durability and performance are all evident in this new model,” said Pursuit Boats President Bruce Thompson when the S 328 first was released. “It will deliver superior performance and fishability combined with amenities that provide comfortable cruising.”
The Pursuit S 328 broadens the range of its popular Sport Series line and delivers in the quality craftsmanship that the manufacturer is known for. While built in Florida, Pursuit Boats are found all throughout the Great Lakes area where durability is constantly being tested on the large bodies of water in our region.
For those looking to do a little Nautical Distancing this summer, there is a lot packed into this S 328 Sport from Pursuit Boats that is worthy of a closer look.
Pursuit Boats
Pursuit Boats are manufactured in Fort Pierce, Fla., in lengths of 23 to 40 feet. They come in center console, dual console, offshore, Sport and Sport Coupe configurations. For more information, please visit www.pursuitboats.com or www.yamahaoutboards.com.
Great Lakes Dealers
Centerpointe Yacht Services, LLC
Milwaukee, Wis.
414-273-0711
www.centerpointeservice.com
Erickson Marine
Hastings, Minn.
651-437-6159
www.ericksonmarine.com
Lands' End Marina, Inc.
Harrison Township, Mich.
586-465-5558
www.landsendyachtsales.com
South Shore Marine
Huron, Ohio
419-595-5892
www.southshoremarine.com
Walstrom Marine
Harbor Springs, Mich.
Cheboygan, Mich.
Traverse City, Mich.
Bay Harbor, Mich.
Charlevoix, Mich.
231-526-2141
www.walstrom.com
Specifications S328
L.O.A.: 34' 6" (10.52 m)
Beam: 10' 10" (3.30 m)
Hull Draft:
Motors Up 1' 11" (0.58 m)
Motors Down 2' 9" (0.84 m)
Clearance w/Hardtop from Waterline: 8' 2" (2.49 m)
Approx. Dry Weight w/ Twin F300 Engines: 12,160 lbs. (5,516 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 300 gals. (1,136 L)
Diesel Generator Tank: 16 gals. (61 L)
Fresh Water Capacity: 30 gals. (114 L)
Holding Tank Capacity: 10 gals. (38 L)
Max. Horsepower: 600 hp (447 kw)
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Cruise Speed: 32.2 MPH at 4000 RPM
Fuel Consumption: 24.5 GPH (1.31 MPG)
Range: 354 Miles (Based on 90 percent of total fuel capacity)
Top Speed: 49.6 MPH
0 to 30 MPH: 11.3 secs.
