Pursuit S 288 Sport

Reaching a golden anniversary of any kind is a major feat.

Being a premier boat builder that is not only celebrating its 50th anniversary but is well into planning for the next 50 is, well, prudent. And that is just what Pursuit Boats is doing.

At the end of July, Pursuit gathered not only national dealers in St. Petersburg, Florida, for heads-down planning sessions that ran late into the days, but also paused for a little celebration of its impressive milestone. On one evening, guests who included dealers, Pursuit owners and several journalists, along with current Pursuit President Chris Gratz, raised a glass in celebration while a drone show displayed the company’s highlights, a few new offerings, as well as some cool in-motion graphics.

One new entry for 2027 is the S 288 Sport center console that was on display and ready for walk-throughs and sea trials. With Tampa Bay getting kicked up to a 2-plus-foot chop from a fresh breeze, it was perfect for checking out the boat’s handling and performance.

Powered by twin Yamaha 300 V6 4.2L outboards, this 10,000-pound craft showed how spry yet secure the handling is. With a proven hull form that is found throughout all models, Pursuit did not change anything below the waterline. The S 288 is a dry ride that runs exceptionally well, with its 24-degree deadrise at the transom and sharp entry at the bow, supported by twin lifting strakes on each side. We went wide open with this newbie, seeing 53 mph at 5900 rpm, consuming approximately 53 gph total. Dial back to a respectable cruise at 3500 rpm for 28.2 mph and 17.8 gph. At WOT, the boat was stable, responsive and felt like she was glued to a track. Close in, the boat responded well to joystick commands with no lag in propulsion or direction.

DECKED OUT

As a true center console, it features a full walk-around and unobstructed, molded one-piece deck, affixed to an infused fiberglass structural grid for added rigidity, atop a hand-laminated vinylester-resin hull.The transom is beefed up with a 5-ply infused patented reinforced grid, adding strength to the outboard mounts and integrated swim platform extensions.

In the bow, there’s a flush-mounted anchor locker compartment with windlass, remote, through-stem roller, 14-pound plow anchor and standard bow beach boarding ladder with removable grab bar.

Pursuit doesn’t skimp on the seating, either. In the open bow, there’s plush port and starboard bench seating with stitched backrests and storage below the seats. Adjustable modular backrests convert these benches into forward-facing lounge seats. Two optional fiberglass tables have dedicated storage in the coaming walls and four floor sockets (two in the bow and two in the aft cockpit), allowing you to create a custom dining area in the bow or cockpit. Across the front of the console is a generously sized forward-facing bench with armrests and a full-height backrest — a comfortable spot when cutting through the seas.

The console houses a small head compartment with access from the front. Wood flooring, an electric freshwater toilet with a 9-gallon holding tank, a macerator discharge, a vanity with Corian counter, a mirror and a sink add a little style to your business.

Fold-away cockpit bench seats fore and aft feature self-adjusting backrests that flank the drop-in table for dining. The fore seat allows anglers to watch trolling lines. Tucking both seats away offers additional cockpit space while fighting fish.

IN CONTROL

There’s a lot going on at the helm. Seating includes twin bolstered seats with armrests, great for having a second set of eyes. Two standard flush-mounted 12-inch Garmin MFDs and VHF are great for monitoring systems and navigation as well as other items on the split screens. You can opt for 16-inch screens if desired. Below the screens is a bank of rocker switches, and the console has throttles, a joystick, trim tabs and other controls. Wood accent trim adds a splash of class.

An integrated footrest, tilt/electric steering (the programmable steering friction is neat), wireless phone charger and side grabrails add comfort.

An integrated fiberglass hardtop, complete with a large single-pane tempered windshield and side windows, provides protection from the elements. Add in the side curtains for extra protection. A vent hatch is above, along with PFD storage and mounting areas for additional electronics. The pantographic windshield wiper has a freshwater rinse.

WET THE LINES

Anglers will be happy to know that Pursuit includes 10 rod holders (six gunwale, four transom mounted), a 25-gallon livewell (recirculating and lighted), a tackle center, twin 30-gallon fishboxes with overboard discharge and rod storage all as standard equipment. This is rigged right out of the box, and it’s pre-rigged for downriggers and electric reel outlets. Opt for the outriggers, additional rod holders on the hardtop and Force Kraken trolling motor, depending on your style of fishing. A port boarding door allows for easy access with the four-step ladder or hustling in your big catch.

ADD THE ADD-ONS

For a 28-foot boat (30 feet LOA), there’s a generous list of standard features and a plethora of options to add. The transom door for access, Dri-Fast upholstery foam and removable transom cooler are all included. Beneath the cooler is access to the machinery space, with batteries, bilge pumps, water pumps and filters.

Add on a bow thruster, a bow filler pad to create a sunpad lounge or casting platform, a pop-up ski tow, weather group shades/curtains or a full Garmin electronics package.

For performance, capability, integrity, confidence and reliability, Pursuit Boats has built premium boats for the last 50 years. Let’s see them continue for the next 50. The Pursuit never ends. Happy Anniversary, Pursuit!

TIDBIT

One key announcement made during Pursuit’s 50th Anniversary drone show: Pursuit is rebranding its Dual Console lineup with the resurrected Denali name, so keep an eye out for that in the future!