Pursuit 0S 315

Pursuit1 Superb weather in mid-October is a bonus when testing boats in the United Kingdom and the south of England was enjoying an Indian Summer when I stepped aboard the American built Pursuit OS 315 prior to putting it through its paces. The craft is, without doubt built like a barn door and the makers are confident enough in their product to offer a 5 year warranty. The craft is constructed with three main moulding, the hull, inner liner and superstructure. Prior to completion, the hull and liner are fitted out with all the essential skin fittings, wiring, furniture etc and like wise the superstructure. The two are then ‘glued’ together before the final fit-out is performed. Everything about the 315 is substantial and this is illustrated in the weight of the finished craft… The profile of the Pursuit 315 is all American, a look that is almost impossible to disguise from the protruding nose through to the hard-top installed above the driving position on an alloy frame that is a work of art and the twin big Yamaha 250 outboards provide the oomph. While the US would describe the outfit as an awesome fast offshore fisher, the European market will call it a fast offshore express cruiser capable of extended sea passages in all weathers. While the standard product might initially appear a little too plastic in the vast comfortable cockpit, Pursuit UK have had teak decking fitted on their test model and the produces a kind, warm appearance. Being outboard powered, the entire boat is for crew and guests with more than enough space for eight in the cockpit although for weekends away, the OS 315 can sleep four in a vee berth forward and a double under the cockpit sole which is ideal for two kids but a bit tight for two adults. With it’s fishing pedigree, there are numerous lockers and fish storage tanks and the latter are all self draining. Under a large wide seat across the rear of the cockpit is a very roomy locker for fenders etc and this unit lifts out to reveal the systems and equipment that looks after the well being of the mechanical and electrics and I must say the installation was very well thought out, neat and tidy. While the skipper has a comfortable seat with all essential controls within easy reach an L shape settee is on the port side which seat four. This boat that has to be driven to really appreciate the well designed hull. The steering wheel has one of those rotating knobs that make directing the craft, particularly in confined spaces so easy with one hand. The Yamaha twin lever control box was smooth and precise which made our testing session even more enjoyable. As we left the marina berth to see how the craft performed it was obvious the 315’s sea-keeping qualities would not be put to the test as despite being the start of autumn, the sky was blue, the sun was shining and the waters were flat calm. However once clear of the harbour, the craft’s dynamic performance soon shone through as the throttles were pushed forward. The six ton hull was quickly on the plane and 40 knots were recorded on the speedo in less than 15 seconds. This is a great boat for getting to those offshore fishing grounds in the shortest possible time. Few would argue, outboards are not the most economical form of power but the two Yamaha’s were quiet and packed a healthy punch and of course you have all that extra space that twin inboards would usual occupy. Being a product from the US, a land of cheap petrol, large outboards are a popular choice but since the banning of red diesel in the UK, 4 stroke outboards become a viable option. For reason that are not particularly clear, there was a small gap at the bottom of the centre section of the screen that allowed wind to rush through although this section is opened electronically for ventilation purposes. Pursuit2 Not such a good idea is leaving the section without a windscreen wiper. The outside screens have a wiper each but when heavy spray is flying, it would be nice to have full vision across the entire screen. In terms of handling, the hull is superb, turning with ease without the slightest hint a cavitation and a new owner would have more than enough time to play with throttle and trim to discover the ideal cruising speed for ultimate economy probably between 25 and 30 knots. The dashboard is ideally situated for perfect viewing with chart plotters etc and engine instrumentation and again I mention the swivel knob on the wheel that makes steering child’s play. When at anchor bathers gain access to the swim platform through a door in the aft end of the cockpit and a shower head is stowed in the coaming for rinsing off after a swim. sun-worshippers have acres of space to top up the tan, and although the rod holders are evident throughout, this 32 footer is equally at home for Mr Family man who has no interest in angling. Although the only waves we could conjure on test day was passing over our own wash, the 315 and its smaller brother the 285 proved their worth in offshore conditions when both were driven to the Channel Islands for the Guernsey Boat Show during the summer. Despite some lumpy conditions as the two approached the islands they handled the unpredictable waters with ease. The OS 315 is a great all-rounder and although I would have liked to have thrashed through a few big waves at speed it was not to be. However my two hours aboard were most enjoyable and I could not find any negatives that would make me shy away from this well built product from Florida. Pursuit3