Styles change, so to keep the line fresh and contemporary, builders often have to make those tough decisions and let the fiberglass strands fall where they may. Such is the case for Pursuit Boats, based in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
“When you replace the leading model in your line, you need to make certain that the new boat is right on,” says Paul Perry, Pursuit’s vice president of sales and marketing. “The 2570 Center Console, which takes the place of our best-selling 24, exceeds our expectations in every way.” After running the 2570 myself recently, I agree. This is one sweet ride.
Appropriately, our test was based in Destin, Florida. Once a sleepy little fishing village, the city has evolved into a bustling resort community. And growing along with it is Legendary Marine, the top Pursuit dealership in the country. As we idled away from its state-of-the-art facility on Choctawhatchee Bay, I admired the sleek and clean 2570. The low-profile wraparound bow rail and recessed cleats are unobtrusive and functional. Sporting an aggressive 45-degree bow entry, our test boat didn’t come with the optional bow pulpit, but the large anchor locker still has enough room to install a windlass if needed. The contoured center console is balanced amidships, while the continuous sheer line melds nicely into the integrated transom. And like all Pursuits, the fit and finish of the components and the raised diamond non-skid were immaculate.
| |A 32-gallon live well holds plenty of bait.| A pair of optional 150-hp Yamaha four-stroke outboards powered our test boat. In addition to their whisper-quiet operation and miserly fuel consumption, they packed plenty of wallop for the all-new variable-deadrise hull. With three people, 55 gallons of gas and five gallons of water aboard, we reached a top speed of 51.3 mph while using 29.2 gph of gas (with a 99 dB-A sound level at the helm). At a normal cruising range of 3,500 rpm, speed was 27.2 mph with a 10.2 gph fuel burn. At that rate, the 2570 has a range of 312 nautical miles with a ten-percent fuel safety cushion.
Rolling swells greeted us as we ran into the Gulf of Mexico, but the solid center console responded without effort. The ride was soft, yet the boat remained nimble and responsive in tight turns. Hydraulic steering and recessed trim tabs are standard equipment. The boat leaves a clean wake at trolling speeds, plus it will also plane out on only one engine, which is certainly reassuring when you’re 50 miles offshore. Besides the twin 150s, the 2570 can be ordered with single 225- or 250-hp four-strokes or a single two-stroke Yamaha 300 HPDI power package.
| |This transon was built with anglers in mind.| The lengthy list of standard amenities on the 2570 includes thick wraparound cockpit bolsters at a perfect height – just above the knees – and an enhanced leaning post that is a comfortable perch for both operator and passengers. The post has four rod holders, tackle storage and ten more gallons of bait capacity than its predecessor. The cockpit features a round 32-gallon circulating live well that is finished with Oceana blue gelcoat and an acrylic lid to keep baits frisky and happy. The transom rigging station includes a removable cutting board, a sink, fresh water washdown, a 40-gallon fish box and tool and lure storage. In the bow, the forward insulated fish box will hold 92 quarts, while the companion compartment comes without a liner to handle odd-shaped items like fenders and tackle boxes.
|| |—| |SPECIFICATIONS| |Length 24′ 9″ Beam 8′ 6″ Draft 1′ 6″ Weight 3,675 lbs. Deadrise 21 ¿ Fuel 150 gals. Water 20 gals. Max HP 300 Price $82,515 With optional twin 150-hp Yamaha four-stroke outboards| Standard equipment on the 2570 also includes a raw-water washdown, a 40-quart drink cooler, a transom door, a 20-gallon fresh water tank and a manual head enclosed in the console. While the head compartment was a little cramped for my six-foot, three-inch frame, it is functional for family members who desire privacy. A beefy T-top with or without outriggers, an aft fold-down cushioned seat and three different hull colors highlight the option list.
Based on an excellent overall performance and backed by a comprehensive warranty plan and family-friendly angling capabilities, the decision-makers at Pursuit can sleep well because their new best-seller has just hit the water.
Pursuit Boats, Ft. Pierce, FL; (772) 465-6006; www.pursuitboats.com.
