Pursuit S 248

Many people have made the comment “Size matters!” when it comes to various things in life.

I don’t think it’s so much about the size itself but what you do with the size that matters. Pursuit Boats has figured that out with its new Pursuit S 248.

Sizing up

Even though the S 248 is the “littlest” entry in Pursuit’s Sport Center Console line (there’s also the Dual Console and Offshore boat lines), Pursuit made sure the S 248 could stand up to the expectations of the others in her pedigree. Robust construction, excellent seakeeping ability and smart use of the layout make the S 248 a real contender in the small boat sector.

Pursuit has made it easy for you to choose this boat, as it has sized up the vessel and made some decisions for you. For instance, it comes with only one engine option, a single Yamaha F300 outboard. Don’t let that fool you. This V6, 4.2L powerplant delivers with nimble speed (we hit 45.8 mph wide open, same as Pursuit advertises) and is fuel efficient (we saw slightly faster speeds at the RPM breaks than what Pursuit states). Harnessing all of that power is a deep-V hull with sharp bow entry, dual lifting strakes that run almost all the way aft, and generous chines that keep the lateral motions in check.

I was riding on a brand-new S 248, right before it was to be packed up and shipped to a dealer. The morning breeze kicked up the bay to a short yet stiff chop. No fear, as the S 248 handled it as expected. Even the large wakes from passing boats didn’t toss the crew around, as the design of the hull deftly handled the whitewash.

All hands on deck

On deck, it’s evident the S 248 is constructed with the same level of craftsmanship and care as the other Pursuit offerings. A hand-laminated hull, infused fiberglass structural grid and transom system make this one solid ride. To the eye, clean lines, plenty of grabrails and ample seating are all traits of the Pursuit brand.

Up forward is an open bow layout. Sure, there are port and starboard facing bench seats. There’s also well-padded coaming for the backrests, longitudinal grabrails for security and several cup holders. Well played are the rotating backrests, turning each bench seat into a lounger. Add in the filler cushions and, presto, it’s a large sunpad. There’s plenty of storage on the sides, under the seats and in the deck.

Niceties abound

Pursuit puts a beach ladder in the bow. It’s secured and covered by a hatch that also conceals the anchor gear and windlass (on a 24-foot boat? Wow!). It makes it so easy to access the beach from the bow without having to get too wet. With the anchor centered, the pull-out ladder is just to the starboard side, easily accessible.

Another surprise is the seat in front of the helm that can fit two and has armrests. Unhook the latch and the forward part opens into a small step-down room with a SaniPottie (upgrade to the electric marine head — you’ll thank me later). It’s large enough to stand and change from your beach wear into evening attire. There’s also a dedicated storage spot for the fiberglass bow table and stand.

Command and control

At the center of it all is the helm, nicely sized to fit two Garmin 8612 12-inch displays, along with a Yamaha display and two banks of rocker switches. With the Yamaha Digital Electric Steering and Helm Master, shift/throttle control of the S 248 is exceptional.

Protecting the helm is a three-sided enclosure and fiberglass hardtop. The enclosure has a single-pane forward window with a beefy wiper and a washdown nozzle (great idea!). All three panes are tempered safety glass, which will hold up better than other items.

Comfort is found in the diamond-stitched, premium twin helm seats, with bolsters, armrests and fore/aft adjustments for maximum comfort.

The hardtop is on a rigid frame and houses speakers, LED lights and rocket launchers. It also has mounting hooks for the optional fore/aft sunshades.

Getting down to business

The business end is the cockpit. For one, it’s a great place to relax on a cruise. With the fold-out transom seat, you can have a nice perch to take in the sights or fold it up flush for more cockpit space. When open, the coaming section raises just a few inches to enhance comfort on your back.

Accessing the water or engine is easy thanks to Pursuit’s design of twin transom platform extensions that flank the motor. The platform area is so big there’s an in-deck box for fish or lines installed, as well as room from side to side to fight the big one. A boarding ladder is housed in the starboard platform, suitable for access via water or if the boat is on land or trailer.

There’s storage for a 45-quart Yeti cooler under the helm seat stand. What’s neat is that Pursuit has it on a roller track, so no scuffing the deck or grinding sand when it’s pulled out.

For more enjoyment, there’s an optional recessed pop-up ski/tow pylon solidly mounted, so pull away.

Tight lines

If fishing is your game, the S 248 will satisfy the heartiest of anglers. A tackle drawer is conveniently located in the seat stand over the cooler, 12 rod holders are included, a 24-gallon lighted recirculating livewell is in the port corner, and an aft cockpit door on the starboard side is for boarding people or big fish. By the way, the door has an outward flap that assists in draining water off the decks along with the standard scuppers.

All around is more storage, including side space for rods and twin 11-gallon deck storage for fish. A center deck hatch gives access to the machinery space that houses the batteries, fishbox pumps and pickup connections to the fuel tank. Pursuit does allow you to make some custom choices, from the colors of the hull and bootstripe to the upholstery.

Even though Pursuit considers the S 248 an entry-level ride, once you see and feel it, you’ll know it can compete with others. See, size doesn’t matter.