Pursuit S 248 Sport

The newest model in Pursuit’s lineup serves as a refreshing change of pace from the trend toward super­size, high-dollar, multi-­outboard center-consoles. The moderate price tag of the S 248 means it is relatively affordable for many anglers. But this doesn’t subtract from the center-­console’s superb seakeeping, spirited performance, fishing range, and abundant fishing features.

The S 248 has an LOA of 25 feet, 8 inches—16 inches longer than it predecessor, the C 238, increasing room in the cockpit and at the helm. A thoughtfully designed stern bench seat converts from a combing pad to a comfortable perch for taking a load off ­between fishing spots.

Pursuit has transformed the swim platform into a wholly usable area, thanks to a few innovations. Pursuit rigs this model with only Yamaha F300 DES engines, which have electric steering that eliminates hydraulic hoses. A single rigging tube routes underneath a hinged hatch cover that sits atop the splashwell, eliminating any tripping hazard so crewmembers can traverse its width with ease. Other touches simplify the boarding process, like a transom door that stays open with magnets.

Some anglers disdain bow seating because it leaves less room for fighting a fish at the bow. Pursuit left the center open so an angler can walk all the way forward. Usually, when companies have a windlass option, as with the S 248 ($1,475), it precludes the ­ability to add a bow boarding ladder. However, Pursuit designers found a way to make room for both features by setting the ladder off to the side.  

A 24-gallon recirculating livewell resides in the transom’s port quarter. A clear lid lets you keep track of the baits. A large drawer sits beneath the helm seats for easy tackle access, and just beneath this lies a 45-quart Yeti cooler that slides out on tracks to ease access to cold beverages. Overhead are four rocket-launcher rod holders at the rear of the standard hardtop. And there are four more rod holders ­located at the transom, in addition to four set into the gunwales alongside four ­jumbo cup holders.

One fishing feature missing on the S 248 is a place to cut and rig bait, which could be alleviated by adding an aftermarket rod-holder-anchored cutting board. 

I put the S 248 Sport through its paces by running out of the Fort Pierce Inlet in ­3-footers. Thanks to its 21 degrees of deadrise and hefty 6,050-pound displacement, it handled the seas easily without pounding. The three-sided tempered glass windshield reaches to the top of the standard hardtop, protecting crew at the helm from wind blast or spray, which it can clear with a quick wipe of the optional windshield wiper ($470). 

The helm on our test boat had an optional dual-seat configuration, with flip-up bolsters and two sets of armrests. The dash offers room for dual Garmin 12-inch displays. For rigging, you can access the wiring harnesses by releasing and tilting the entire dash panel rearward. 

A doublewide throne with armrests sits on the forward console, and the tall backrest features the perfect amount of recline. On center-­console boats of this size, entering the head compartment from the side can be downright comical for large folks. But the S 248 features a wide companionway at the front to make access easy. The interior can be equipped with an electric VacuFlush toilet ($3,050) with a 6-gallon holding tank, or leave it bare to maximize storage. 

We set up a drift as I cast a paddle-tail jig toward the rock jetty, hoping to tie into a snook. I moved freely from the stern to the bow thanks to the wide walkway past the center console. I appreciated the tall gunwales that allowed me to lock my thighs under the combing pads by taking a wide stance. After several passes, I declared the area a snook-free zone, so we headed inland to work the mangrove shorelines. With the engine down, the S 248 drafts 3 feet. But with the engine up, that number reduces to 1 foot, 10 inches, so it can fish in fairly skinny inshore ­waters by adding an aftermarket trolling motor.

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Remove the cushions from the bow seats, and you can install a pedestal table that transforms the foredeck into a casting platform with enough height to throw a cast net, sight-fish, skip casts under branches, or cast a fly rod. (The port and starboard undergunwale rod racks each provide storage for fly rods up to 9 ½ feet long, with concealed tip tubes for protection.) When you’re not fishing, the combing pads pivot inward to form bowrider seatbacks.

The S 248 Sport is the ­only Pursuit in the ­company’s sportboat lineup with an 8-foot-6-inch beam, making it ideal for those who like to hook up their boats and trailer them to the hottest action without having to abide by wide-load restrictions. 

Specifications

Pursuit Boats – pursuitboats.com