Pursuit Yachts is a well-known American boat manufacturer specializing in the production of high-quality offshore fishing boats and cruising yachts. The company was founded in 1977 and is based in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Pursuit Yachts – In Pursuit of Quality
The legacy of Pursuit Boats began more than 50 years ago. Today, the company has grown into a respected line of high-quality, luxury offshore fishing boats in the 23- to 43-foot range. Now a division of S2 Yachts of Holland, Michigan, Pursuit Boats is proud of its American-made heritage.
The legacy continues with the family’s third generation of marine design and manufacturing. These include models in the sport, center console, dual console, and offshore series.
Pursuits are currently built under the umbrella of Malibu Boats, based in Loudon, Tennessee. They design and manufacture performance sport, sterndrive, and outboard boats in the 20 to 40-foot range.
Pursuit Yachts The History Behind The Brand
The legacy began in the 1940s when Leon Slikkers created Slickcraft boats, 14-foot runabouts, in his home garage. By 1955 he had built a small factory in Holland, Michigan where he manufactured S2 Yachts and sailboats. Over the next decade, the company added fishing boats, S2 Sailboats, Tiara power boats, and Grand Slam performance sailboats.
The Pursuit model was introduced from a new manufacturing plant in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1983. Ten years later, the fishing boat models had expanded into a diverse line. Models include the 1950 Dual Console, 2150 Dual Console, 2150 Walkaround, 2355 Center Console, 2555 Center Console, 2555 Walkaround, 2855 Express, and the 3100 Express.
A focus on Tiara Yachts continues with the Tiara Series, flybridge, convertible, coupe, and Q models. The models range from 30 to 58 feet and are built in Holland, Michigan.
Pursuit Yachts Continue To Grow
The company’s growth continued in 2005 with a 250,000-square-foot facility in Fort Pierce, Florida. They later added a lamination building, an engineering building, a test pool, and a mill shop. Soon automated production, lamination lines, coating booths, and a design center were added. The expansion didn’t stop there, a second 182,000-square-foot plant was also built in Ft. Pierce. In late 2020, Pursuit introduced the company’s largest sport boat. The S 428 outboard center console debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Powered by four Yamaha 425 XTO engines, the model carries 547 gallons with the ability to cruise up to 31mph at 3500 rpm. The space has been optimized with a second row of powered seats housed under a large hardtop and hull-side doors.
The S 428 fishing boat is considered a ride for the serious angler. It includes rod holders, ample storage, three fish boxes, a large fridge and freezer boxes, tackle storage, and bait preparation areas. A custom option includes a second station tower inside the cockpit.
Pursuit Yachts Recognized For Excellence
The Pursuit brand, as well as the Slikkers family, continue to receive accolades in the maritime industry. Here are a few of the honors:
Some of the Top Pursuit Yacht Models
Pursuit Center Consoles
Pursuit Dual Consoles
Pursuit Offshores
Pursuit Sports