Pursuit Fuel Fumes

[RNSCO]

Looking seriously at a 2008 Pursuit OS285. A friend mentioned a 7/09 thread on The Hull Truth

[Bahamas]

I know this was an issue with a couple of models but I don't remember it being an issue with the OS 285. The fix was to add a vent of some sort and from everything I could see/smell it fixed the problem. If your looking at a 2008 a quick sniff test will tell the tale, but again, I don't "think" the 285 had this issue.

[MarkT]

I delivered a few Pursuits last summer that had that problem. OS 315 and 345s. The tech did say it was from the plastic tanks. I don't know if there was a fix for it. You should get ahold of Pursuit customer service and ask them. Give them the hull id from the boat you are looking at also and see if any issues have popped up.

[bragacbw]

If youre looking at the one from Sturgeon Bay, run like hell!

[RNSCO]

Given that there is likely only one 285 OS for sale in WI, I'm sure this is a boat brought to my attention by a broker who also said he understood it was being shipped to FL. He knew nothing else about the boat.

Since you said run like hell, I'm obviously interested in why. I would really appreciate any information you have that suggests the boat should be avoided. Reply by email if you would prefer.

Used 285s are hard to find and I'm tempted to poke into everyone on the market. On the other hand, I don't want to waste my time. Thanks

[Tom Roesch]

I'm looking at a 285 and it has the problem so I need to know what the fix is

[RNSCO]

Tom Roesch - 12/10/2011 9:25 PM

I'm looking at a 285 and it has the problem so I need to know what the fix is

Here's my understanding based on looking at/for a Pursuit 285 OS for six months. The source of the fumes is supposedly permeation of the plastic fuel tanks. The potential for the problem exists in a 285 that does NOT have the lined tanks that Pursuit started using sometime in 2010, perhaps in all boats designated as 2010 models. The problem tanks cannot be replaced without cutting fiberglass. I have not heard of anyone, including Pursuit, actually doing this. Pursuit has attempted to "fix" the problem by installing a fan on a timer near the tanks, adding additional sealant between the cabin and exterior and perhaps some other mods. It is unclear to me if this eliminates or simply reduces the extent of the problem. I have looked at a Pursuit with the fixes that still had an unacceptable (to me any) fume odor in the cabin.

In my opinion, the safest approach is to avoid any 285 with unlined tanks. If you find a boat with unlined tanks that has no fume problem, you could take a chance but the problem could rear its head later. My approach was to look only at 2010 or later 285s with lined tanks. I would never consider buying a 285 that has the problem no matter what the price. If you are willing to either live with the Pursuit fix or replace the tanks, you may still have a problem getting rid of odor residue in the cabin.

I'm not sure that Pursuit was the only manufacturer with this tank problem, but they are the only ones I know of. It's unfortunate, but stuff happens. The one thing that puzzles me is that I have been unable to find any generally available statement from Pursuit that acknowledges the problem, even though it is seemingly well-known among the dealers.

While there are boats similar to the 285 OS, the combination of construction, performance and quality the 285 offers is hard to beat. I decided to take my time and look for a 2010 or later. Not many in the market, but a few. I'm getting closer.

[Tom Roesch]

Here's my latest scoop. It's a documented warranty fix. There are precut panels installed between the bulkhead and the cabin which seal the cabin from the fuel tanks. Then they also install a fan in the cabin and finally install vents to the outside world where the fuel tanks are. The slip covers are also sent out to be dry cleaned. Pursuit is covering it fully on the boat I'm in the process of buying

[fredtomh]

Had the same issue with my 3070. I found one of the fuel fill up hoses was weeping fuel in the bilge when the tanks were topped off. 5 minutes and a wrench fixed the problem.

[Edgemere]

I have a 2007 OS285 that had this problem.

Pursuit fixed it under warranty without any problem. The fix involved installation of a bulkhead between the fuel tanks and the forward part of the boat where the water and holding tanks are. They also installed a vent fan which vents through the starboard side. Problem solved and my wife has a sensitive nose If a boat you are looking at has this fix I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if everything else checks out.

I know this is late to the thread but perhaps it will help someone else down the road.

Cheers ~ A