The Pursuit S 358 this fall joins five other models in the Fort Pierce, Florida, builder’s Sport series, which comprises center consoles from 26 to 42 feet. These boats share a similar purpose: providing a platform that’s fine-tuned for fishing but also is comfortable when the rods are stowed. That equates to fun and relaxation for family and guests at sandbars, anchorages and dock-and-dine stops when the boat isn’t patrolling the fishing grounds. The S 358 covers those bases.

The boat has an overall length of 37 feet, 4 inches, including the extended engine platform, which makes stepping aboard easier while also providing access around the twin 425-hp Yamaha XTO outboards. The 11-foot, 4-inch beam carries well forward, which expands deck space and gives the S 358 a big-boat feel.

The boat weighs around 19,000 pounds fully loaded, with 343 gallons of fuel and 36 gallons of water. She rides a variable-deadrise hull with 22 degrees of transom deadrise, and tops 50 mph at wide-open throttle. The best fuel efficiency is achieved at around 4,000 rpm, where the engines burn a combined 30 gph at 31.6 mph, according to Pursuit. Estimated range at cruising speed is 327 nautical miles.

A fiberglass hardtop with a three-sided, tempered-glass windshield covers the helm area, providing shelter for the triple seats and an ergonomically designed dash that puts the electronics and control switches within easy reach. Access to the cabin is through a door on the port side of the console. The air-conditioned area includes an enclosed wet head, wooden cabinetry, a galley, a V-berth, a settee and a flat-screen television. Two skylights and opening portholes provide natural light and ventilation. Pursuit says the cabin is the largest of any boat in its class.

With the DNA of a serious fishboat, the S 358 has lots of rod stowage, a rigging station, twin 27-gallon fishboxes and a 32-gallon live well. However, there also are two areas that Pursuit calls “social zones.” A nicely appointed bow area has wraparound seating with electrically actuated backrests and a lounge on the forward part of the console. A table retracts into the deck with the push of a button. The bow area can be sheltered by a canvas shade with drop-in support poles.

The second social zone is in the cockpit and features a fold-down, 60/40-split mezzanine lounge and a forward-facing transom seat that folds out of the way when fishing or diving. Abaft the helm seats is an entertainment center that includes a sink, fridge, freezer and grill. A starboard dive door makes landing large catches, or getting swimmers back on board, easier.

The S 358 is a looker. The rake of the windshield, the hardtop and its supports blend into a handsome profile. The sheer is unbroken from the stem to the transom, where it dips to the engine platform. The bow flare not only looks sharp, but will also push spray out and away for a dry ride.

For a closer look, visit pursuitboats.com.