Pursuit S 268

The Pursuit S 268 Sport merges center console fishing style and amenities with an abundance of comfort features for family cruising and entertainment.

Smooth hustler

Pursuit has a long relationship with Yamaha, and the S 268 is offered with twin Yamaha Digital F150s with Helm Master EX DEC controls and SeaStar hydraulic steering as the standard package. Our test boat included an upgrade to twin Yamaha Digital F200 outboards. Both engine models weigh about the same and produce identical 50 amps of alternator output, but the F200s are a better choice for the length and weight of the boat.

On the north fork of the St. Lucie River, our test boat hustled to a top speed of 50 mph with full fuel and light cruising gear. Throttled back to 3500 RPM, the boat hit 26 mph consuming around 11 gph, delivering a range of 300 statute miles and 2.42 mpg from the 139 gallon rotomolded fuel cell. Bump the throttles to 4000 RPM and the boat saw nearly 33 mph, drinking 14.4 gph for a range of 283 statute miles. Smooth is the only word you need to describe the acceleration and handling of the boat at any throttle setting.

The running surface of the hand-laminated hull features a sharp entry and a transom deadrise of 21 degrees. Although there were no waves on the river when we ran our sea trial, several large yachts motoring along produced some tall wakes that the S 268 handled nicely, especially when I added trim from the auto retract Lenco tabs. Center consoles tend to ride lightly when there is little weight up forward and keeping the bow in the water cuts down on pounding, as does matching boat speed to the ambient sea conditions. The hard chines and two lift strakes per side did an excellent job shepherding spray away from the boat. Equipped with the molded fiberglass hardtop and its optional tempered glass windshield (including a wiper) will also combat spray in sloppy conditions.

Below the surface, the S 268 features a resin-infused foam filled fiberglass grid that contributes strength and rigidity to the hull, as well as diverts bilge water for unimpeded and rapid evacuation. The grid also includes a fiberglass gusset at the inner transom wall to absorb and distribute torque from the outboards. Integrated 8-inch extensions provide safe and easy access to the engines, as well as a home for a flush-mounted three-step pullout boarding swim ladder. A molded one-piece cockpit liner and deck boasts some of the best molded non-slip in the industry — grippy and sticky when wet, but easy on bare feet and a snap to clean.

Very Pursuit

The salty look of the S 268 is the result of its ideally proportioned topsides while utilizing the 8-foot, 9-inch beam. Cruising or fishing, the self-draining cockpit is inviting and purpose-built with a 26½-inch freeboard. A transom door with a magnet catch to keep it open is complemented with a heavy-duty stainless steel slide to keep it secure when closed. Dri-Fast coaming bolsters and upholstery highlight attention to detail as well as practicality in the marine environment.

Fresh and raw water washdowns, drink holders, LED lighting, stainless steel grabrails, rod holders, rod racks beneath the gunwales and a 28-gallon livewell are among standard features. A folding and self-adjusting transom seat is an option and an ideal companion to a removable table. Two 28-gallon fishboxes flank a large centerline hatch that provides access to fuel filters with hard fittings, batteries, through-hulls, pumps and other equipment. Every item is clearly labeled and just as easy to reach. A nearby panel lifts to expose fuel tank fittings.

Built into the midship fiberglass molded helm seat console is a five-tray tackle drawer, a pair of flush rod holders, drink holders, a cutting board and a compartment to stow a small soft-sided cooler. On the starboard side is a 12V power distribution panel. I liked this feature because every onboard system is powered up from this single location. Smart, simple and very Pursuit. Note, too, that Pursuit does all of its wiring in house and the drill is to fabricate all harnesses as a single unit with color-coded, waterproof connections and chafe protection throughout each run. At the helm, the raised dash unbolts and tilts aft to expose wiring for the rocker switches and the electronics. No need to go underneath to look for anything.

A complete package

Pursuit also has a special relationship with Garmin, and this helps on several counts to have top-notch equipment for safe navigation and accessibility. Pursuit offers a complete package that includes the GPSMAP 8612XSV, an Airmar 875 M 20-degree 600 watt CHIRP transducer, an NMEA 2000 starter kit, a VHF radio and antenna, and a precise factory installation. A second 8612 display was aboard the test boat and the presentation looked like what you might see on a custom sportfishing yacht. Helm seating features an adjustable split bolster arrangement with armrests and a molded footrest so whether seated or standing it’s a comfortable ride.

A double forward-facing seat with armrests is forward of the helm. Behind the seat is the console door that opens to a surprisingly large enclosed head with a vanity, a stainless steel sink, even a mirror. But with its front access door design, you can walk in and down one step without knocking your hat off and take advantage of the 6-foot headroom. The other nice feature is that there is room inside the compartment to stow the cockpit table and its support stanchion, as well as the optional bow and stern sunshade supports in side racks without compromising any of the foot space. A large hatch in the sole forward of the entry door accesses the plumbing fixtures and discharges for the porcelain head. The hatch also serves as a base for the cockpit table when you want to take the party to the bow with port and starboard seating including folding backrests and dry stowage below.

As we have come to expect from the team at Pursuit, this gang really sweats all the details to get the job done right. We can’t wait to see what they will wring out next.