Pursuit’s S 288 Sport debuts as the latest member of the builder’s luxury center-console family. It incorporates generous stowage and a sizable console with a step-down head compartment.
Boat buyers who place a premium on refinement will appreciate the elegant accents and upholstery. The entire family will love the conveniences. The dedicated anchor locker up front, for example, has a raw-water washdown and a windlass controlled at the helm and via remote — to effortlessly deploy and retrieve the through-stem anchor with the touch of a button.
At the bow, above-deck compartments to port and starboard provide substantial dry storage and serve as seats, with comfy cushions on the hatches and coaming bolsters for backrests. A large in-floor compartment just forward of the console stows fenders or other oversize gear, and the console’s double forward seat includes flip-down armrests and a cooler underneath. The larger section of the console’s split facade swings open to allow entry to the head compartment inside, which comes well-appointed with sink and freshwater faucet, Corian countertop, vanity mirror, and a vacuum-flush toilet that has a macerator discharge pump.
The console’s clever aft-tilting helm with instrumentation visor minimizes glare and improves the viewing angle on the expansive electronics mounting surface. The visor accommodates two 16-inch MFDs, Yamaha Command Link Plus display, waterproof stereo, Lenco trim-tab switches with indicator, a phalanx of 20 illuminated rocker switches and more.
Dual adjustable teak-accented seats with fold-down bolsters and armrests make for comfortable seating or leaning at the helm. They’re nestled in a fiberglass module that incorporates stowage drawers and tackle trays, along with a 12-volt main distribution panel, drink holders, and an aft-facing bench identical to another facing forward on the transom.
Propelled by twin Yamaha F300s, the S 288 jumped onto plane, averaged 7.9 seconds from zero to 30 mph and flirted with 55 mph at wide-open throttle. Range? On a full tank, it will trek nearly 350 miles at 30 mph while turning 3,500 rpm.
High Points
- Ample seating fore and aft enables crew to cruise in comfort or gather to interact while at anchor or at the dock.
- Cockpit seating folds out of the way for fishing.
- Transom and portside doors simplify boarding and loading, and help boat larger fish.
- Acrylic hatch on the hardtop provides added ventilation and access to optional second helm station.
Price: $230,400 (base with twin Yamaha F300s)
How We Tested
Engines: Twin Yamaha F300s
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15.25″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 160 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-6006; pursuitboats.com
