Pursuit S 328 Sport

Before you discount this story about another Pursuit boat by that guy who has written numerous pieces on the brand and must be in cahoots with them, let me tell you a few things.

In my job, I need to be unbiased: Good is good, and bad is bad, regardless of the brand. I get nothing from the Pursuit team that would sway my opinion of its craft.

Conversely, I hold a builder like Pursuit Boats to a higher standard. Each time I get on one of its watercraft, I not only want to see what’s new and innovative but also if it’s keeping up with the fit, finish and functionality that
I expect out of this brand.

With the new S 328 Sport, Pursuit again has raised the bar. A remake of a former model of the same size, this “resurrected” S 328 Sport delivers more thanks to input from current and previous owners and also the Pursuit team members themselves, most of whom are boaters.

Looking good

The S 328 maintains her rugged good looks. The integrated hardtop is fixed to the forward windshield structure that includes a single-pane windshield (no obstructions forward), and side windows to add protection from the elements. It’s mounted aft by twin columns on each side — powder-coated aluminum angled channels that create an aesthetically pleasing solid fixture. They’re beefy and beautiful! This boat has polished and powder-coated hand holds and grabrails everywhere, and Pursuit gets an A+ for that safety aspect.

Ergonomically pleasing thanks to the twin bolstered helm seats (60/40 split), angled footrests and a large dash, the helm has it all. Twin 16-inch Garmin GPSMAP 8616 multifunction displays are for nav, camera, radar and even engine monitoring, so there’s no need for extra display panels. A row of rocker switches are beneath the screens, while throttles, a joystick, a 3-hp bow thruster and an Edson solid teak tilt wheel are in the dash.
Pursuit has added touches of style including a padded dash, wood trim on the console and seat backs, and faux teak strips on the footrests, to name a few.

No cabin fever

The S 328 offers a stand-up (6-foot, 2-inch headroom) cabin below, and it’s pretty roomy for a center console. Entry is via a slider next to the helm, and down a few steps you’ll find a bench seat, toilet and sink. Pursuit has created a bench settee that converts into a berth; it pulls out and folds back to create a twin bunk. There’s storage underneath for four rods, and an additional two-rod storage rack is on the starboard wall.

Concealed in a box fixture is the Vacu- Flush porcelain toilet. With a padded flip-up seat over it, Pursuit disguises it well so it’s not right in your face when below. A basin sink, mirror, storage cabinets and windows are included. Solid wood flooring and cabinets give the space a comfortable feel. All these creature comforts make it a great dayboat or weekender.

Main feature

On the main deck, there are features from stem to stern. Thick, padded, diamond-stitched bow seats with backrests ring the area. There’s a drop-in seat cushion at the peak. For lounging comfort, a flick of a switch extends port/starboard flush-mounted backrests 90 degrees to create forward-facing seating.

Under-seat storage, JL Audio speakers, USB outlets, two fiberglass tables and filler sunpad cushions are all great features. Anchor gear is recessed so there are no busted toes with the through-stem anchor.

Along the forward console is a cushioned double seat with armrests and cupholders. I like the fact that Pursuit makes its seating plush and comfortable. Side cabinets along the gunwale store the fiberglass tables mentioned above, as well as lines and fenders. Having a place for everything reduces clutter and banging around.

With a center console layout, fishing can be performed from any spot onboard. There’s room for nine rods in the four gunwale holders, four bow rod holders and five holders across the transom. Add in the hardtop corner-mounted holders that include two kingfish holders and your storage/trolling needs are covered. I like the under-gunwale rod storage with the custom protector pad. Pursuit designed this for fishing and pre-rigged downrigger plates and electric reel wiring. Outfit the boat with plenty of tackle storage, a bait-prep area, a 24-gallon recirculating well and insulated fishboxes, and it’s time for tight lines.

Power on

Getting there is half the fun on the S 328. First off, know the speed, RPM, gph and other specs are true to what Pursuit prints. Outfitted with twin Yamaha F350 outboards, we ran this vessel in 15-knot winds, reciprocal courses with four persons in a 1- to 2-foot chop, and my numbers validate what Pursuit is marketing.

Cruise at a spry 27.5 mph at 3500 RPM, 20.2 gph, with a 348-mile range. Wide open gets up to 50 mph, depending on trim, fuel load, etc., but you will burn approximately 60 gph. We know you’ll likely not run for extended times at that speed, but knowing it’s there gives some comfort with the ability to beat it to port if needed.

The cockpit on the S 328 is what dreams are made of, either for fishing or cruising. There’s a hidden bench seat tucked into the transom with a Dri-Fast foam seat base. When retracted, the cushions are protected from salt and fish guts. Forward, the entertainment center has a few tricks of its own. Again a fold-out bench seat offers plush seating. Close it up and there’s access to two large tackle/storage drawers. Above that and under two flip-up cabinet tops are an electric grill and sink. I like this for informal dining or cooking up the recent catch. On the side is a fridge drawer.

In-deck boxes, access hatches to below machinery space (for hoses, pumps, wiring, dive ladder, etc.) and an insulated transom cooler are additional features.

Too much sun? Activate the integrated hardtop retractable sunshade. Board the boat from the dock or water via the portside hull or transom doors. Add a 5kW Fischer Panda generator, AC system or Seakeeper 2 gyro stabilizer to the list.

Pursuit made a bold move by taking a proven, best-selling product and making it better. By all looks, they have raised the bar and set a higher standard for the brand. Raise your standard with the new S 328 Sport.