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Pursuit OS 285

Born on the right side of the tracks.

I tested Pursuit’s OS 285 in short, breaking 3′ seas, with some 4-footers thrown in for good measure. Running at 30 mph, the boat didn’t come down hard, but the landing was abrupt. So I throttled back to 3500 rpm and 26 mph and dropped the recessed trim tabs a notch — the ride smoothed out noticeably. The heavy spray tested the hardtop and canvas: Not a drop came inside. Dual windshield wipers gave great visibility. While drifting, the OS 285 lay slightly downsea, remained stable, and obeyed steering input with a simple turn of the twin 250-hp Yamahas. Running with the seas was a breeze, with tabs full up and engines trimmed out. There was nary a rattle, bang, or shudder.

Aboard the OS 285, plumbing and wiring is not only compact, well-organized, and supported but also readily accessible, especially around helm and transom. Seats for skipper and companion are comfortable, set on tackle and general stowage compartments that include lower aft-facing seats with cushioned backs. Beneath are a livewell (port) and a cooler (starboard). The hardtop’s overhead stowage holds life jackets. The sidedecks are wide enough for large boat shoes, with plenty of handholds for going forward.

The compact cabin is adequate for weekending. The V-berth converts to a dinette with teak table, with a teak and maple sole below. The galley to port includes a counter, sink, refrigerator, single-burner stove, microwave, and coffeemaker. There’s also a 3kW gas generator for power when you’re away from the dock. Under that deck is a single athwartship bunk.

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The cockpit is laid out for fishing, swimming, and diving, with a transom door to port for the integrated swim platform and the hose for the raw-water washdown. To starboard, under a cutting board for bait preparation, is a sink with hot and cold water. Beneath the hinged stern seat is an insulated, macerated fishbox. The gunwales cover horizontal rodracks and hold four vertical rod tubes. Meanwhile, the legs of the hardtop boast four rodholders, with four more optional on the aft edge of the top.

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