Pursuit OS 325

Distinctive voices, especially those with a rich British accent, create quite the impression. To help paint the setting for our review of the Pursuit OS 325, watch a video clip of actor John Gielgud in the movie Arthur, starring Dudley Moore. Here I am, on my hands and knees, in the sole of this boat, inspecting the beefy hardware, when out of nowhere I hear this regally delivered statement, “She is quite the gentlemen’s fishing boat!

Like a prescient butler, Gary Twigg of Quality Boats of Tampa Bay embraced his chance to “alert the media” and quietly slipped aboard this 32-footer to explain the “yacht-caliber” details. Twigg’s career in boating began in the United Kingdom, when he was only 16 years old and worked as a carpenter’s apprentice. He’s been around boats ever since. As one of the top salesmen in the country, he knows who’s likely to consider the Pursuit, the competition models of a Grady-White and Boston Whaler,and is eminently qualified to deliver a most compelling case for purchase. 

“That 316L stainless steel hinge and latch system on the twin cockpit sole fish boxes is precisely the level of quality you’ll find throughout all 34 feet, 6 inches,” Twigg exclaims with exacting precision. Indeed, even before boarding I noticed the gleam from the stainless steel, plow-style anchor that is threaded through the bow and held firmly in place between stem anchor rollers with an 8-inch mooring cleat, chain and 200 feet of half-inch rode. There’s no shortage of stainless fittings, all contributing to a sense of security and well-planned construction.

Power up

Also visible while out of the water was the 3-hp bow thruster — extremely adequate for a boat of this length and far less of a pricey option compared to joystick engine control. Factory rigged with twin F300 Yamaha Outboards that comfortably cruise at 30 mph — or in “outrun the storm mode” 48 mph — these proven power plants take nourishment from EPA-compliant, lined, 300-gallon rotomolded fuel tanks with engine pickups, shutoff valves and digital level indicator. This, by the way, is where Jeeves steps in to point out custom-built fuel lines with mechanically crimped fittings. “It’s the little things, Sir.” 

Outboards, rather than inboards, provide a far less cluttered mechanical space. Access through the molded deck hatch with gasket and stainless steel gas spring leads to a gentlemen’s workshop of fresh and raw water pumps, a livewell cyclone pump with bronze sea strainer and a fish box evacuation pump with dedicated valves. Without saying a word, Twigg simply pushes a rocker switch to illuminate the oceana blue, 24-gallon recirculating livewell. Ah yes, the crease in the pressed trousers.

Added amenities

Four stainless steel rod holders and a pair of rocket launchers welded into the Bausch hardtop complement the under-gunwale rod storage (port and starboard). The cockpit tackle center is a sportsman’s envy, with lure tube, tackle tray and bucket storage. With the promise of a fresh catch, you’ll appreciate one of my favorite options found on our test boat: The Kenyon all seasons outdoor grill. A fixture on nearly every legacy yacht today, this award-winning, smokeless and easy-to-clean electric grill is worthy of many paragraphs. Suffice it to say I’m so impressed that we bought one for the house and ditched the big grill that looked more like a rust bucket. Here’s a tip: Order the griddle component and surprise your crew one morning with blueberry pancakes at sea. The grill is flush mounted into the entertainment center with sink, hot/cold mixing faucet, cutting board, dedicated storage, 120V outlet with GFI protection and hinged fiberglass lids and doors.

Ride in style

Built in Fort Pierce, Florida, the OS 325 has a Great Lakes pedigree as part of the S2 – Tiara Yachts family. Offshore, salt- or freshwater presents uniform challenges. Pursuit understands first and foremost that engineering ruggedness must include a nod toward pleasing design topsides and below deck.

From the premium J.L. stereo speakers (seven total) and Polk audio system, to year-round climate control in the enclosed helm, a gentleman always will be refreshed, regardless of the outdoor temperature. The fiberglass hardtop forms the shell of this finely appointed helm station. The noteworthy custom windshield system features crystal-clear, laminated glass, tempered side glass and a fiberglass frame. The electrically actuated center vent window, along with two overhead vents, lets air flow through without the consequences of a windblown look. 

An L-shaped lounger to port and the captain’s chair starboard are trimmed in handsome, two-tone, UV-protected vinyl. Generous space for flat panel electronics of your choice allow for “customization,” depending on just how much conspicuous consumption you care to put on public display. Seems to me that a pair of MFDs would offer great views of a chartplotter, radar, Chirp sonar, and, if so inclined, a video of the Cubs in post-season play. Hey, a guy can dream, right?

Step inside

“Shall we go below?” Gary gestures with polished politeness. To satisfy the needs of two distinctive customer profiles — those downsizing from spacious battlewagons and new customers exploring their upward mobility “two-footitis” phase — the Pursuit OS 325 offers a nice blend of amenities. The forward berth easily can convert into a dinette, while under the raised helm the aft full-size berth offers room for at least one middle-aged adult, a couple of grandkids, or a convenient storage area for everything else brought on board for a weekend escape. 

The head actually looks imported from a much larger yacht. Sporting a designer glass bowl sink with Corian countertop, vanity mirror and pullout shower wand, one easily can stand, turn and brush teeth without banging elbows into walls. The portside galley has a matching Corian countertop with molded sink, 12V refrigerator, room for an optional microwave, and a single-burner Kenyon glass cook top. 
The OS 325 is positioned in the middle of Pursuit’s offshore model lineup, ranging in size from 25 feet to its flagship 385 Offshore. All combine performance, seaworthiness and fishability and compare nicely to the world’s top inboard convertible and express offerings.

Now, if they just offered a personal valet with each boat…