Overview
Pursuit’s new S268 Sport delivers 5 gallons from a 4-gallon bucket. The S268 Sport boasts a bigger cockpit, bigger helm, 3 inches of additional beam, and 7 more inches of internal volume fore and aft. Additionally, Pursuit added 8 more inches of deck extension on each side of the twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards, making boarding safer and changing a prop easier while the boat is in the water.
Interior and Accessories
Bow seating with optional pivoting backrests and stowage underneath allows lounging while facing forward. Our test boat came fitted with a standard fiberglass hardtop with powder-coated frame, and a Makrolon polycarbonate windscreen. A tempered-glass windshield with wiper and washer ($2,130) is available.
The foldaway transom seat boasts a raised backrest for more comfortable support than is typical. Most boxes and scuppers drain into a centerline bilge tunnel, exiting through the transom, keeping belowdecks clean and dry. The S268 Sport offers an optional removable ski pylon ($3,045), and the cockpit just feels bigger than other similar-size competitors. Pull-out tackle trays grace the side of the console.
The S268 Sport’s roll moment in a beam sea proved short and smooth. Anglers will particularly appreciate the 28-gallon livewell with a light and acrylic cover that resides in the port quarter. Also, Pursuit plumbed the fish boxes with diaphragm pumps, rather than the more common macerator pumps, which should result in fewer clogs.
Pursuit’s resin-infusion process for both the hull and 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. Underway, we felt truly connected to this boat.
The in-console head provides a porcelain toilet, freshwater sink and dedicated towel stowage. Headroom here taped at 6 feet even.
Robustly built, and with an attention to detail for multi-mission boaters, Pursuit’s S268 Sport will appeal to a wide range of boating styles.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 14 1/4″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 139 gal. Water on Board: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 650 lb.
High Points
- Pivoting bow-lounge backrests and a headrest for the foldaway aft lounge deliver comfortable crew seating.
- Diaphragm pumps should prove superior to macerator pumps.
- Resin infusion, a transom knee and more will please those seeking top-construction traits.
Low Points
- Three grand for a ski pylon? Harrumph!
- Tackle box built into the console side steals access room when entering the head.
Toughest Competitor
Check out Grady-White’s Canyon 271 (starting at $231,020). It’s about 7 inches wider, a hair shorter in length overall, rated up to 600 hp, and carries 47 more gallons of fuel.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $163,655 (base) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 27’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’9″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’10” |
| Displacement: | 6,770 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 21 degrees |
| Console Headroom: | 6’0″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 139 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 400 |
| Standard Power: | Twin 150 hp Yamaha outboards |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-6006; pursuitboats.com
