Pursuit Boats will make its Australian debut at the 2011 Sydney Boat Show

Pursuit Boats will make its Australian debut at the 2011 Sydney International Boat Show later this month.

The Pursuit C280 centre console, rigged with twin Honda BF225 outboards, will be displayed by importer Graaf Marine on the d’Albora Marinas exhibit on the marina. Supporting the launch will be Pursuit Boats vice president Paul Perry, who is flying over from the factory at Fort Pierce, Florida (USA).

Graaf Marine director Rob de Graaf said the support of the factory for Pursuit’s launch at Australia’s largest boat show was testament to the commitment to brand in this country.

“Pursuit is the number one selling, outboard-powered fishing boat brand in the USA – the boats are built incredibly strong, are impeccably finished and are very capable offshore, which makes them ideal for Australian conditions,” Mr de Graaf said.

“All Pursuit boats are purpose-built for serious inshore and offshore fishing, yet there’s no compromise on luxury… many of the sports and cuddy cabin models also double as comfortable family cruisers.”

The Pursuit C280, on show in Sydney, combines the ultimate in offshore fishability with creature comforts not typically found in hardcore centre console fishing machines.

The expansive helm area offers ample space to mount multiple large-screen GPS/sonar/radar displays and other control panels and switches, while the skipper and companion flip-up bolster-style seats ensure comfortable operation whether sitting or standing.

In the helm seat base is a 200L recirculating livewell for keeping livebaits healthy during a long day chasing billfish or other pelagic species, and incorporated in the transom is a fully-functional rigging station with removable tackle drawers, cutting surface and moulded tool holders. A hinged transom door in the portside corner provides easy access to and from the vessel – and is wide enough to haul a good-size tuna onboard.

Two 110L in-deck fishboxes are insulated to ensure ice lasts longer and are plumbed for easy drainage, while beneath the deck a 75L freshwater tank will provide enough water for an action-packed trip. There’s an additional 170L insulated fishbox built into the transom for even more cool storage.

All onboard will appreciate the comfortable and convenient folding stern seat that quickly folds flush to the transom on arrival at the fishing grounds to create a large and uncluttered cockpit. Padded coamings around the boat contribute to the C280’s capability as a serious offshore fishing machine.

The Pursuit C280’s fully-moulded split bow configuration offers additional seating, with even more cavernous storage beneath the seat cushions and via a hatch in the deck, as well as unobstructed bow access for docking or moving around the boat while fighting big fish.

Rated to carry twin 250hp outboards (500hp), the C280’s wave-slicing 24° deadrise hull and massive 830L fuel tank combine to deliver serious long-range offshore performance.

Building functional inshore and offshore fishing boats for 60 years, Pursuit is the top selling fishing boat brand in the USA, renowned for its superior construction, fit and finish, durability and uncompromising quality. Pursuit currently builds four ranges: Offshore (23′-37′), Centre Console (18′-31′), Dual Console (26′) and Sport (28′-31′).