Leon Slikkers set a high bar when he began building boats in his Holland, Michigan, garage nearly 70 years ago, insisting on comfort, grace and refinement in every boat, and honorable and satisfying dealings with every customer.
He kept that bar high 40 years ago when he named his new fishing-boat series Pursuit, after the focused fishing for which it was clearly aimed.
The company he founded now builds center console, dual console, offshore, sport and sport coupe models from 24 to 40 feet, and it still attains those goals, our survey respondents said, citing Value as the brand’s strongest category. Respondents also ranked its stellar brand reputation and construction as the top attributes.
Pursuit, those responses make clear, builds hard-charging fishing boats that give up nothing in style and creature comforts: infused-fiberglass windshield frames cradling seamless, curved tempered-glass windshields; opulent seating; roomy head compartments; and elegant as well as practical fishing features.
An example of how deliberately Pursuit boats are designed? Through-hulls are prescribed, not just installed: bronze below the waterline, chrome over bronze below the 7-degree heel line and stainless-clad above it.
That kind of attention to detail helps nurture massive angler loyalty to these boats.
PURSUIT S 368 SPORT
The Pursuit S 368 Sport was designed with distinct bow, helm and cockpit “social zones,” each fishing-friendly and luxurious. Thoughtful design makes it easy to move from one to another.
The bow anchor locker’s windlass is controlled either at the helm or by remote. Fresh- and raw-water washdowns there keep everything tidy, and electrically actuated backrests adjust to match the seating to the scene. Forward of the console, a cushioned sun pad provides room for two, with massive storage space beneath.
Three seats serve the helm, the captain’s electrically adjusted on a slide. A fold-down step expands the view and provides easier settling-in.
The console contains an enclosed head, convertible sofa berth, storage areas and a bit of kitchen gear. From its exterior, meanwhile, one accesses a refrigerator and pull-out electric grill. Mezzanine seating in the cockpit tops storage, from which a teak table can be extracted and installed for snacks or drinks. A stern set folds out too.
The S 368 hasn’t forgotten it’s for fishing. Gunwale-mounted rod holders, stern to bow, provide angling flexibility. The transom bears a livewell, sink, tackle and other storage. Insulated in-deck fish boxes drain overboard, and the standard hardtop welcomes fishing options.
MORE INFO pursuitboats.com
