Just the correct amount of bow flare and her 22-degree deadrise makes the big water performance on the Pursuit S358 a pleasure to experience.
March 03, 2022
By George LaBonte
The rise in popularity of building boats that combine comfort and fishability has had perhaps the single greatest impact on boat building in recent years. Similarly, the booming economy has created more demand for luxury sport boats that take comfort to greater heights. For some time now, Pursuit Boats has been ahead of the curve in this regard and the S 358 Sport model is a classic example of taking comfort to the next level.
Their ability to add luxury amenities to an actual fishing platform without diminishing the models effectiveness is exceptionally well thought out. Thoughtful engineering is a concept that repeatedly shows itself. Each seat and hatch is located in exactly the right spot while walkways and workspaces are each large enough for user comfort without wasting unnecessary space. All hardware and finish work is impeccable and to top everything else off, the S 358 is just plain sexy to look at.
The challenge of combining live wells, fish boxes and tackle centers with picnic seating, electric grills and stainless refrigerators into the same 35-foot workspace is daunting but Pursuit pulls it off efficiently with this model. Adding creature comforts commonly seen on much larger vessels such as a SeaKeeper 2 gyrostabilizer and diesel generator, independent air conditioning units for the cabin and cockpit/helm, and a cabin with enclosed private head with hot shower is complicated enough on its own. Building these systems into the layout in a manner that doesn’t wedge them altogether in too tight quarters- rather leaves enough room to access and service each of them is impressive.
The ride and performance are equally as impressive and for a boat of her size that weighs in just a shade under 10 tons ready to fish you experience the stability and weather handling you’d expect. The hull’s combination of bow flare and 22-degree deadrise parted the waves effortlessly and a pair of Yamaha 425s pushed her past 50-MPH at WOT while still offering greater than 1-MPG cruising. In every regard the S 358 offers so much more than you ever thought possible for a boat this size.
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Length: 37 feet 4 inches Beam: 11 feet 4 inches Draft: 2 feet 5 inches (hull) Deadrise: 22 degrees Weight: 15,600 (dry) Max HP: 850 Fuel: 343 gallons MSRP: $ 528,760 base with Yamaha Digital 425 XTOs www.pursuitboats.com
Although the Pursuit S358 is dripping with luxury amenities, she’s also equipped to handle serious blue water fishing as well. A pair of long insulated fish holds in the cockpit provide plenty of room for your offshore catch. A roomy cockpit compartment provides both bilge systems access and storage for bulky items such as a spare anchor and the cockpit lounge table. With a few simple adjustments the fishing cockpit easily converts into an aft social setting for pleasure cruising. Fold away cockpit mezzanine seating can be quickly deployed or stowed to add working space. A split design allows you to isolate the rear seat into a single jump seat for your angler while they wait for the bite. Beautifully upholstered triple captain’s and companion seating provide shaded comfort for long rides to your destination. A side entry companionway to the cabin still leaves room for dual MFD units behind this air-conditioned helm’s glass enclosure. In addition to the customary under gunwale rod hangers, Pursuit uses this space to store other accessories such as this shade canopy hardware. A forward lounge mounted audio system controller adds convenience while socializing in the sun. Among the host of added luxury items the S358 offers are a diesel generator and SeaKeeper 2 Gyrostabilizer. By dropping in a removable table, dining and cocktails in the fresh air is an immediate option.
