Pursuit S 358 Fishability Test

Overview

Pursuit has a knack for building boats that offer high performance, terrific looks, and a layout that manages to include a wealth of comforts and angling amenities while leaving plenty of room to move about, mingle and fish. Pursuit’s latest model, the S 358, is yet another example.

Fishability

We hopped aboard the S 358 in Fort Pierce, Florida, and right away confirmed this family friendly Sport series model has plenty of seating and space for entertaining and overnighting, in addition to everything serious anglers need for a successful day on the water

Rod storage includes a dozen stainless, flush-mount holders (four on the transom and eight on the covering boards), and padded horizontal racks below both gunwales.

There’s also a tackle center with storage drawers and removable Plano boxes, a 32-gallon lighted recirculating livewell with aquarium-­style window, plus twin 27-gallon fish boxes with discharge pumps. Strategically placed outlets and mounting plates for downriggers, and a transom door further enhance offshore-fishing capabilities. Options include a Seakeeper 2 gyrostabilizer, 5.0 kW Fischer Panda diesel generator, 18- or 20-foot outriggers, hardtop rocket launcher, Mediterranean-style bow shade, aft curtain, three-sided enclosure, spotlight, FLIR Night Vision Thermal Camera Package, underwater lights and more.

Amenities

Seating starts upfront with wraparound seats and table. There’s a forward-console lounger and triple captain’s chairs at the helm. A table complements the mezzanine seating, and a transom bench folds away when it’s time to fish. A vented fiberglass hardtop incorporates overhead mounting, and glass windshield. The dash accommodates dual 16-inch MFDs among other essentials. Portholes and skylights supply ventilation and light to the, air-conditioned cabin, which features a settee that converts to a berth, and a head ­compartment with storage, vanity, pullout shower, and porcelain toilet. The cockpit features a full summer kitchen.

Handling & Running

With the S 358’s variable-deadrise hull with reverse chine, a pair of Yamaha 425 XTOs provide all the push it needs to perform at its best. The 35-footer proved stable and agile during a range of maneuvers, including tight turns at varying speeds. All the while, the smooth ride ensured everyone stayed comfortable and dry, even while taking on sizable wakes from passing vessels.

At the end of the day, the latest addition to Pursuit’s popular Sport series got our thumbs-up in performance, ­fishability and comfort. Back at the marina, the 3 hp bow ­thruster with joystick control, standard on the S 358, made docking in a tight spot quick and easy.

Performance

Lenco trim tabs, platform extensions abaft the transom, boarding ladder, JL audio system, anchor locker with windlass, through-stem anchor roller and stainless plow ­anchor, raw- and freshwater washdowns, hot and cold cockpit shower, and LED lighting are among the many noteworthy features.

The list of options is also extensive, and includes a Seakeeper 2 gyrostabilizer, 5.0 kW Fischer Panda diesel generator, 18- or 20-foot outriggers, hardtop rocket launcher, Mediterranean-style bow shade, aft curtain, three-sided enclosure, spotlight, FLIR Night Vision Thermal Camera Package, underwater lights and more.

With crew of seven, our test boat went from zero to 30 mph in 15.2 seconds, and averaged a maximum sustained speed of 49 mph at full throttle.

Performance

Test Conditions

• Weather: Sunny, 88 degrees
• Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
• Wind: SE 13 mph Sea State: 1- to 2-foot chop Test Load: Seven adults, 257 gallons of fuel

Specifications

Pursuit Boats – pursuitboats.com