Pursuit's pocket rocket

Being able to fight a fish all the way around a small sportsfishing boat is a luxury that few anglers have experienced but, without an expert hand on the helm, snagged lines and lost fish are more commonplace.

A new entry to the growing number of smaller sportfishing boats on the market, the Pursuit Boats C200, shows just what can be done when a serious fishing boat is designed from scratch.

Measuring 6.45m overall and with a 2.51m beam, the C200 gives the serious angler all the room and facilities needed to land big fish while still coming in a package that is small enough to be trailered up and down the coast.

The walk-around vessel has a raised casting platform forward, diamond non-skid all-weather decks, generous freeboard, a full bow railing and cleverly placed handrails for safety. With the centre console helm, an angler can fight a fish all around the boat in absolute confidence.

The helm area has enough space to mount a large screen multi-function display for GPS, sonar and radar as well as room for the engine controls and gauges. The interior of the console can not only take all the gear you need for a day offshore but is also large enough for a portable marine toilet.

The skipper and companion bench seats offer a comfortable ride out to your favourite fishing spot and stainless steel rod holders, under-gunwale rod storage, a 70-litre live-bait well and insulated fish boxes are all standard fittings.

Factory options include an aluminium T-top with rocket launchers, trim tabs and marine stereo systems.

The C200 is rated to carry a 150hp four-stroke outboard. This engine will give a top speed of around 65km/h and a comfortable cruise around 40km/h.

Pursuit have been building specialist fishing boats for more than 60 years and its range now includes Offshore, Centre Console, Dual Console and Sport models ranging in size from 20 to 37 feet.