Boat Test: 2024 Pursuit OS 405 Offshore

Overview

The saucy lines of the new OS 405 Offshore from Pursuit beckon a closer look from anyone who appreciates sleek styling. (Who doesn’t?) Once you step aboard this triple-outboard-­powered model and see the design elements and experience the functionality, you realize that this boat is more than just a “looker.” It is a superbly built and exquisitely detailed machine ­created to serve well in ­multiple capacities.

The OS 405 supplants the long-standing and popular OS 385 Offshore in the ­Pursuit lineup. You might call the freshly minted version a luxury express sport-fisher, and it is ­indeed ­engineered for serious offshore fishing. But it’s also designed for cruising and ­entertaining, with posh ­amenities and comfort that offer appeal beyond those seeking bluewater battles. 

What’s more, the OS 405 offers strong performance, able to reach speeds in the mid-50 mph range. This is combined with a wave-taming hull and systems that allow for easy control of the 43-footer whether ­running in steep seas or docking in tight quarters.

Interior and Accessories

Board the OS 405 through the inward-opening heavy-duty side door on the port side of the cockpit, and as you do, keep in mind that this feature can ease the landing of big tuna or swordfish, or facilitate the catch-and-release of a sailfish or marlin. On days when fishing is not a ­priority, a detachable swim ladder lets you take a dip or go diving and easily climb back aboard. 

The cockpit of the OS 405 exemplifies this model’s multiple missions. It includes two mezzanine seats, providing a place to relax on casual cruises or to sit and attentively watch the trolling lures for a marlin intent on crashing the party. A flip-out transom bench seat offers additional seating, but it folds away quickly once the angling action heats up.

A 50-gallon transom livewell holds all of the live bait you will need for a day of fishing, and a 75-gallon fish box with a chiller minimizes the amount of ice you’ll need to keep a catch of mahi cold and ready to fillet. In total, there are 89 gallons of insulated in-sole ­fish-box capacity in the cockpit of the OS 405.

When you’re done fishing, rinse down with either the raw-water or freshwater washdown hose. Use the freshwater sink in the transom to wash up. Then take advantage of the electric grill in the port corner of the cockpit to cook up a meal of fresh mahi and enjoy a drink from the fridge behind the helm seat.

All of the comfort features in the world don’t mean much if the boat is rolling excessively and tossing the crew about in rough seas, be it while trolling, drifting, or trying to take it easy while on anchor. Pursuit quells those concerns with a ­Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, which eliminates roll to keep the crew—and the boat—on an even keel. It is easily accessed for service via a clever entry hatch in the cockpit. To power the Seakeeper, as well as other onboard systems such as the air conditioner, microwave and electric grill, is a Fischer Panda 9 kW diesel generator supplied by a ­31-gallon fuel tank.

Comfort and convenience continue throughout the bridge deck. It is more than just a ­command center for the captain; it is also a social gathering place with a strong sense of feng shui. Covered by a sleek hardtop with a sweeping ­single-piece, optically clear front glass ­windshield and side windows, the helm deck features Stidd captain and companion chairs, as well as wraparound seating with a dining table to port that also converts to a berth. Dual 10,000 Btu helm-deck air-conditioning systems double as ­windshield defoggers. 

Twin 22-inch fully networked Garmin MFDs adorn the helm, providing touchscreen access to marine electronics, as well as monitoring and control of ship’s systems. The Yamaha Helm ­Master EX Full Maneuverability system and a Lewmar bow thruster make for easy docking. 

Engines

Piloting the OS 405 proved fun. The triple XTO 450 outboards vaulted us to plane in 6.5 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 12.8 seconds and posting a top speed of 54.1 mph. Cornering was a breeze thanks to the electric steering of the XTO 450 outboards. The OS 405 sliced through seas with smooth confidence. Maximum cruising range comes in at 274 miles at 34.7 mph based on 90 percent of the 482-gallon fuel capacity.

Want to cruise to the islands and overnight? The Pursuit OS 405 cabin, accessible via a sliding door in the center of the bridge deck, will surround you and your crew in luxury. With 6 feet, 10 inches of headroom, cabin accommodations include a 16,000 Btu air-conditioning system, and an island berth that electrically converts to a lounging position. 

In addition, the cabin area features two ­hanging lockers, a full galley including a microwave, a ­32-inch TV, and a private head with a shower and 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom. You’ll also discover a private and surprisingly roomy midcabin with a queen berth. Tinted hullside windows and a bow hatch usher in plenty of cabin light. 

Read Next: Pursuit OS 445

Looking to comparison shop? Pursuit’s erstwhile sister brand, Tiara, offers the 43 LE ($1,424,900 with twin Mercury 600 hp V-12 outboards and joystick), which definitely skews to the luxury-cruising side of the express equation with features such as an aft seating/lounging/cockpit galley module that rotates to face forward, aft and 45 degrees in between, as well as a motorized foldout hullside terrace. Now you can also order a sport-fishing package for the 43 LE. 

However, if you seek a solid multifunctional express sport-fisher with lines that cry out, “Look at me!” and luxury amenities that everyone will love, you cannot ignore Pursuit’s new OS 405 ­Offshore,

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha XTO 450 Offshore outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha XTO 16 3/8″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless-steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 477 gal. Crew Weight: 1,400 lb.

High Points

• Sleek styling will draw admiring looks ­wherever you cruise or fish.
• Roomy and protected bridge deck will keep crew dry and comfy no matter what the weather brings.
• A storage locker under the starboard ­mezzanine seat has an extra-deep tub that fits a cleaning bucket and fenders.

Low Points

• Pillars on each corner of the windshield tend to create blind spots for the helmsman.
• Triple Yamaha XTO 450 outboards is the only power package available for the OS 405.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-pursuit-os-405-offshore-boat-test/