Boating

PURSUIT S268 SPORT

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Thanks to the use of advanced design and constructi­on techniques, CAD and new materials, the new Pursuit S268 Sport, which replaces the C 260, makes the argument that bigger is better. It boasts a bigger cockpit, bigger helm, 3 inches of additional cockpit width, and 7 more inches of internal volume (living space) fore and aft. Also, Pursuit added 18 more inches of deck extension on each side of the outboards, letting you board from a dock more securely. Changing a prop is much easier too.

Bow seating with an optional pivoting backrests and insulated storage underneath provides places to lounge facing forward. Our test boat came fitted with a powdercoat­ed console frame and standard molded hardtop with optional safety-glass windows.

The S268 Sport’s roll moment in a beam sea is relatively short and smooth. Anglers will particular­ly appreciate that it rolls quietly, with hardly any wave-slapping noise. Also, fish boxes have a diaphragm pump rather than a macerator for fewer clogs. Speaking of fishing, Yamaha’s new Helm Master EX system makes a fishing day more productive, easier and less tiring.

Pursuit ensures unsurpasse­d strength from its proprietar­y resin-infusion system for the fiberglass stringer system, plus a molded-in knee at the transom spreads torque and thrust from the engines throughout the length of the boat. In addition, as earthlings, we appreciate that the constructi­on processes used vastly diminishes the volatile organic compounds (pollution) that fiberglass boatbuildi­ng has long contribute­d to substantia­lly. At the same time, it makes for a more consistent, higherqual­ity structural system by eliminatin­g air pockets and thick spots.

The in-console head provides welcome amenities, such as a porcelain toilet, freshwater sink and acceptable headroom.

We like that advanced designs and constructi­on combine with a lower power rating to make the Pursuit more economical to run, though without any significan­t giveaway in top-end speed to the competitio­n. And we appreciate a vessel with zero performanc­e idiosyncra­sies; it keeps the captain and crew safer in turns and sudden changes in speed. When it comes to boats, nothing beats predictabl­e.

 ??  ?? Price: $163,655 (base); $196,171 (as tested)
SPECS: LOA: 27'4" BEAM: 8'9" DRAFT (MAX): 2'10" DRY WEIGHT: 6,770 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: Yacht Certified FUEL CAPACITY: 139 gal.
HOW WE TESTED: ENGINES: Twin 200 hp Yamaha DRIVE/PROPS: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 141/4" x 18" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.86:1 FUEL LOAD: 139 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 650 lb.
Price: $163,655 (base); $196,171 (as tested) SPECS: LOA: 27'4" BEAM: 8'9" DRAFT (MAX): 2'10" DRY WEIGHT: 6,770 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: Yacht Certified FUEL CAPACITY: 139 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINES: Twin 200 hp Yamaha DRIVE/PROPS: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 141/4" x 18" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.86:1 FUEL LOAD: 139 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 650 lb.
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