Pursuit S288 Centre Console 2026 Review

Pursuit Boats is a high-end US manufacturer specialising in fibreglass centre consoles, dual-console all-rounders and cruising/fishing cabin cruisers.

The range spans around 20 models, each built with expertise and finesse using the best quality materials, fixtures and fittings.

All models are powered exclusively by Yamaha outboards, with the long-standing partnership helping optimise handling, ride and performance.

This review focuses on one of the brand’s most popular models — the S288 Centre Console — fitted with twin Yamaha V6 300hp extra-longshaft (635mm) four-stroke outboards.

Gold Coast dealer, Lifetime Boats, lists the Pursuit S288 from $699,000. It’s a significant investment, but the boat comes as a true drive-away package with more standard features than many rivals.

That price includes the only engine option available — twin Yamaha 4.2L V6 300hp digital electric control (DEC) outboards integrated with the Helm Master EX system (without joystick).

The 2025 test boat is offered at the same $699,000, but with desirable options included — representing strong value given a similarly optioned new order would push closer to $800,000.

Options on our test boat include:

The S288 is a genuine multi-purpose platform, equally suited to fishing and family use.

I was particularly impressed with the bow layout, with moulded bench seating on either side balanced by a clear forepeak space that allows anglers to stand forward and fight a fish over the bow near the anchorwell.

When not fishing, a square infill board slots into the bow to connect the two bench seats, which lift on gas struts to reveal storage lockers.

Optional infill cushions can be retrieved from the head compartment and fitted between the side seats to create a large sunpad. Headrests unfold on each side to create forward-facing chaise lounges.

Forward of the helm console is a double-wide split seat with backrest, with the starboard side forming the head compartment door, opening outward on a heavy-duty gas strut for easy access.

There’s plenty of room to move in the step-down head compartment, with a covered electric head that doubles as a seat for changing out of swimmers.

Other bow features include a sub-floor storage space/mechanical room, padded side coamings and backrests, pop-up cleats, recessed coaming rails, cup holders and stereo speakers.

The Pursuit S288 features a sturdy helm and hardtop, with the console, three-piece glass windscreen and hardtop integrated for strength and rigidity — there’s no movement from the structure underway.

The double-wide helm has the steering wheel and controls offset to port side, beneath a pair of large Garmin displays set into a broad fascia panel above the rocker switches.

There’s a dedicated mounting platform for the Yamaha throttle box, along with space to port for the optional joystick control.

Other features include a glovebox, cup holders and JL stereo head unit to starboard, along with an anti-glare brow overhead and built-in compass.

Overhead, the hardtop includes an opening sunroof, courtesy lighting, spreader lights, stereo speakers and optional outrigger mounts.

Fronting the helm is a full-width moulded leaning post and double-wide helm/crew seat with teak-accented armrests, fore-and-aft slider and flip-up bolsters to suit seated or standing driving positions.

Integrated into the leaning post are front storage drawers, a port-side cupboard with removable Plano tackle boxes, and a starboard-side switch/battery control panel.

The cockpit is cleverly designed, with double-wide bench seats that fold out from the leaning post and transom to create a four-person dinette with the optional table mounted between them.

Pack these family-friendly features away and there’s a massive, uncluttered cockpit space for anglers to move about freely.

Fishing features include twin sub-floor 170L insulated fish boxes, a 91L port-side transom livewell and a centre transom cooler box.

Additional features include optional hardtop rod holders, four in-deck rod holders, a transom vertical rod rack, wide side coamings with bolster padding, raw and freshwater deck wash, and a starboard-side horizontal rod rack with reel protection.

General features include recessed cockpit drains, a port-side opening dock/dive door (with optional ladder), starboard-side inward-opening transom door, extended rear boarding platforms and starboard-side ladder, and a large cockpit floor mechanical/bilge.

The Pursuit S288 is a large centre console with a 24-degree deep-vee hull, reinforced by Pursuit’s renowned resin-infused fibreglass grid system to deliver a smooth, quiet and vibration-free ride.

Off the Gold Coast Seaway in rough conditions, the test boat impressed. It took very little water onboard in 1.5–1.8m high seas and cleaved cleanly through the chop.

With 600hp on tap, the Pursuit has the grunt to charge between waves and troughs when crossing a bar, before its smooth ride and offshore composure allow the skipper to settle into a fast, effortless cruise.

Underway, the S288 feels solid, safe and responsive to trim and throttle inputs.

At rest, it is impressively stable, with the hull’s wide chine flats providing lift and support.

There’s also more than enough power for sports boating, slalom manoeuvres and tow sports, with the test boat accelerating strongly to a top speed of 48 knots (88.8km/h).

Range on 95% of the 871L fuel supply at 3,500rpm: 333nm

The Pursuit S288 is a superb, multi-purpose sport day boat and offshore sportfisher, equally at home heading wide to marlin grounds or enjoying a relaxed cruise around the bay with family and friends.

Built to a very high standard and loaded with practical features and amenities, it strikes an impressive balance between hardcore fishing capability and everyday usability.

Model: Pursuit S288 Centre Console
Length overall: 9.14m
Beam: 2.95m
Draft: 610mm (motors up)
Bridge clearance: 2.36m (with hardtop)
Deadrise: 24 degrees
Dry weight: 3,729kg
Wet weight: 4,490kg (approx)
Maximum power: 600hp
Transom height: 635mm (25") extra-longshaft
Engines as tested: Dual Yamaha 300hp 4.2L V6 four-stroke outboards
Fuel: 871L
Freshwater: 98L
Waste holding tank: 34L
Passengers: N/A (Yacht Certified)

Price from: $699,000 (for new turn-key orders) with dual Yamaha F300XCB Pearlescent White extra-longshaft (25”) outboard engines with digital electric steering (DES) and the Helm Master EX digital electronic boat control system (no joystick) and multi-function display interface. 

Test boat price: $699.000 (for actual test/display boat). As above but with the full Helm Master EX control system (including joystick and autopilot), Neptune grey hull side colour with matching hardtop underside, aft cockpit stowable sunshade, factory bow towing eye, bow/cockpit stowable table, bow stowable sunshade, six hardtop mounted rod holders, mid-level cockpit LED blue accent lights, outriggers with 18’ poles and rigging, stainless side-door boarding ladder, underwater lighting, Garmin VHF radio, 230 volt/50Hz dockside shore power with battery charger, CE/Australian certification, full fuel, safety gear, fenders and registration.

Supplied by: Lifetime Boats