I Think I Have Settled on Pursuit

[bvickers]

Well after a lot of deliberation I think I have settled on a 2870 Offshore. I was between a 31 Contender Fisharound and a 27 GW. Any input on the 2870 would be greatly appreciated. I have done a bunch of homework but tribal knowledge is invaluable. I'm considering a 1999 to 2003 model depending what I can get the best deal on. Most of these have the Ox66 engines with mid life time. How do these year boats do with the heavier four strokes? I'm not really worried about the 2 strokes since I don't fish for a living and at 120 hours per year it is hard to justify the cost of a new four stroke on gas/oil savings alone. Currently I fish out of a 86 Aquasport 25 CCP with Honda 225. Great fishing boat but getting older and would like some creature comforts. Going to hate to see her go but cant wait to fish out of the 2870. Thanks in advance for any input and I look forward to posting on PBO.

[MarkT]

I used to teach boaters haw to operate their boats. I have done many brands including GW and Pursuit. I have to say that I feel Pursuit is a much better boat and easier to dock. To me, the Grady has a very high bow and superstructure which allows the boat to be affected by wind more. It may be lighter in the bow also. Docking my friends 27 Grady in a crosswind was horrible. I docked many 28 Pursuits and feel they handle better. No experience on the Contender.

[YOLO]

Part of that, at least on newer Pursuit Boats, is that the engines are a bit farther apart than most other brands.

[Hawkshaw]

Having owned a 1997 Pursuit 2870 since new, with 2-stroke Yamahas I can say you'd be making a mistake if you bought anything else in that size range. It has been nearly trouble free all that time. And the engines have been flawless. Say what you want about 2-stroke vrs. 4-stroke....you will never get the out of the hole performance and just overall power like you do with the 2-strokes.
I can't say enough about how Pursuit overbuilds their boats...that is why I'm buying another larger one. Look for a well kept one, you won't go wrong.

[bvickers]

Great input guys I greatly appreciate it. I did notice that the motors where off set from center more than most boats. I can remember fishing on my buddies 25 Hydra Sport with the engines on a bracket they where really space out wide. He stated that the spacing of the engines assisted in countering roll when sitting still as well as he stated that maneuverability was much better around the docks. After countless hours of researching I cant see any reason why the OX66's with 300 or so hours wont work perfectly. It is really hard to justify the 4 strokes new. I just don't burn enough fuel a year to justify the extra cost. However I will not rule out 4 strokes especially if someone else paid the new cost and I can take advantage of the depreciation. Thanks again to all and I will keep you posted on my progress. If anyone out there is interested in a Cherokee Six let me know. I have spent the last 2 years rebuilding it. New paint, engine, interior, and avionics! Worth 120k! Boating and airplanes a bad mix of habits!!!!!!!!

[Fishin-n-Wishin]

Just to add my 2 cents...I'm on my second Pursuit, not quite the size you're looking at, but the 2550 with twin OX66 200hp yami's make me happy and feeling secure. It's difficult to say anything negative about those motors! You're making a wise choice.