Pursuit S 288 Sport for Sale

Pursuit S 288 Sport Specifications

The following specifications reflect the current-production Pursuit S 288 Sport. Minor variations exist across model years — particularly in electronics packages, colour options, and hardware finishes — but the core hull dimensions, construction method, and capacity ratings have remained consistent since the 2018 introduction. All performance data is based on professional sea trials with twin Yamaha F300 outboards, 150 gallons of fuel, and three persons aboard.

The defining specification is the 24-degree deadrise at the transom. This is a sharper entry than many competitors in the 28–30 foot class, and it tells you everything about Pursuit’s design priorities for the S 288: ride quality in genuine offshore conditions takes precedence over flat-water stability and straight-line speed. The deep-V hull slices through head seas rather than slamming over them, and the modified chines channel spray downward and outboard, keeping the cockpit dry in conditions that would soak the crew on a flatter-bottomed boat. When you hit a steep four-foot wave at speed, this hull lands with the solidity of granite — spine-compressing impacts that plague lesser-built boats in this size class are simply absent.

The construction method deserves special attention. Pursuit laminates the hull with vinyl ester resin — the more expensive, less water-permeable alternative to standard polyester resin used by many production builders. This choice substantially reduces the risk of osmotic blistering over the life of the hull, a significant consideration for any boat that will spend extended periods in the water. The transom is a five-ply resin-infused all-composite structure — no wood, no moisture absorption, no rot risk. The stringer grid is foam-filled and infused with fibreglass, creating a monocoque-like structure that distributes loads evenly throughout the hull.

The integrated console, windshield, and hardtop assembly is another hallmark of Pursuit’s construction philosophy. Rather than being screwed or bolted together as separate components — the industry-standard approach — these three elements are bonded as a unified structure. This integration eliminates potential leak points, reduces rattles and vibrations at speed, and creates a structurally rigid helm environment that inspires confidence in rough conditions. It also means fewer fasteners to corrode in the marine environment and fewer opportunities for water intrusion over years of service.

Performance & Handling

The Pursuit S 288 Sport is powered exclusively by Yamaha outboards — a deliberate choice that reflects both Pursuit’s engineering preference and a long-standing relationship between the two companies. Where Boston Whaler is committed to Mercury (its Brunswick corporate sibling) and some builders offer multi-brand options, Pursuit has standardised on Yamaha’s proven four-stroke platform, giving buyers access to what many experienced offshore anglers consider the most reliable outboard line in production.

Twin Yamaha F300 (600 hp total) — Standard Configuration

The S 288 comes standard with twin Yamaha F300 4.2-litre V6 outboards, delivering a combined 600 horsepower. In professional sea trials conducted off Fort Pierce, Florida, the S 288 posted a top speed of 55.3 mph (48 knots) at 5,800 RPM with 150 gallons of fuel and three crew aboard. The boat jumped on plane promptly with no significant bow rise and averaged 7.8–7.9 seconds from zero to 30 mph — brisk acceleration that matters when you need to clear an inlet quickly in a building ebb tide. Best cruising efficiency occurs at 3,500 RPM and 30.8 mph, where the engines burn a combined 17.6 gallons per hour for 1.75 miles per gallon. Based on 90 percent fuel capacity, that translates to a cruising range of approximately 346 statute miles — more than enough for a full-day offshore run with a comfortable fuel reserve.

For owners who prefer to push the throttle harder, the S 288 remains efficient at higher cruise speeds. At 4,500 RPM the boat runs at 42.3 mph while maintaining approximately 1.4 MPG — a practical fast-cruise setting for tournament runs or covering distance quickly when weather windows are tight. Even at this pace, the fuel capacity provides a comfortable margin for a 40–50 mile offshore run and return with fuel to spare.

Yamaha Helm Master EX — Recommended Option

The optional Yamaha Helm Master system adds joystick control to the twin-engine setup, transforming close-quarters manoeuvring. The joystick allows the operator to move the boat laterally, rotate in place, and hold position with precise differential thrust inputs — capabilities that make extricating a 30-foot centre console from a tight marina slip or holding position over a reef in a crosscurrent significantly easier. For single-handed operators, the Helm Master is a meaningful upgrade that reduces docking stress and broadens the range of conditions in which the boat can be comfortably operated alone. The system also includes SetPoint station-keeping functionality, which uses GPS to automatically maintain the boat’s heading and position — particularly useful when drift-fishing or waiting for a bridge opening.

Offshore Handling

The S 288’s handling in genuine offshore conditions is where the hull design pays its dividends. Professional reviewers testing off Fort Pierce faced northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph with 4–6 foot seas — conditions that separate serious offshore platforms from boats that look the part at the dock. The sharp entry handily dispatched 2–3 foot swells outside the inlet and sliced through the wakes of large passing vessels comfortably at above-cruising speed. Running in the trough at approximately 30 mph, the deep-V hull delivered a smooth ride free of the bumps and thumps that characterise flatter-bottomed competitors. The boat also performed smoothly while quartering down-sea — a challenging point of sail for any planing hull — maintaining composure without the snap-roll that can make a following sea uncomfortable.

The S 288 earns high marks for manoeuvrability. The helm is responsive, and the boat tracks well through tight curves and S-turns with precision, never leaning or listing excessively. At rest, the hull is impressively stable — the wide beam and chine flats provide lateral support that allows anglers to stand at the gunwale and work a fish without bracing against the roll. This combination of dynamic agility and static stability is difficult to engineer, and it reflects years of hull-form development within the Pursuit design team.

Docking and close quarters: At 30 feet overall with twin outboards, the S 288 handles predictably in marinas and tight waterways. Differential thrust from the twin Yamaha F300s allows the boat to pivot in its own length, and the optional Helm Master joystick makes parallel-parking the boat against a seawall or threading it into a narrow slip a one-person operation. Lines of sight from the helm are excellent, with the integrated windshield providing clear forward visibility and the elevated helm position giving a commanding view of all four quarters.

Fishing Features & Layout

The S 288 Sport delivers the fishing infrastructure that an experienced offshore angler demands, though it makes considered trade-offs to accommodate the comfort features that distinguish it from pure fishing machines. The layout takes full advantage of the boat’s length and 9-foot-8-inch beam, incorporating multiple seating arrangements, generous stowage, and a sizable console with step-down head — all without creating the tight funnel areas that hinder crew movement on many centre consoles in this size range.

Livewells & Bait Management

A 24-gallon livewell is integrated into the transom with a clear acrylic lid that makes it easy to monitor bait condition at a glance. The well is plumbed with a recirculating pump that maintains water quality through a full fishing day. This is adequate capacity for nearshore species — a dozen live shrimp or a handful of pilchards — but it is worth noting that 24 gallons is on the small side for dedicated offshore live-bait fishing. Avid bluewater anglers who run large quantities of goggle-eyes or ballyhoo may find the factory livewell limiting and should consider an aftermarket supplemental well, as a larger factory option is not currently listed in Pursuit’s option catalogue.

Fish Boxes & Catch Storage

Twin 45-gallon insulated in-floor fish boxes are positioned port and starboard in the cockpit sole, providing a combined 90 gallons of catch storage — sufficient to ice down a day’s harvest of dolphin, tuna, snapper, and assorted bottom species. The boxes are evacuated with diaphragm pumps and overboard discharge, a meaningful upgrade over the industry-standard macerator pumps that many competitors use. Diaphragm pumps are significantly better at handling the fish scales, bones, and slurry that accumulate during a productive day, reducing clogging and maintenance. Each box features robust insulation for ice retention and flush-fitting deck lids that maintain the clean cockpit sole.

Rod Holders & Rod Storage

The S 288 comes standard with eight stainless-steel rod holders: four flush-mounted in the gunwales and four shotgun holders in the transom. This configuration supports a full offshore trolling spread — four lines from the transom plus outriggers — while keeping gunwale holders available for bottom fishing and jigging applications. An optional package adds six hardtop-mounted rocket-launcher holders for vertical rod storage of rigged rods. Under each gunwale covering board, racks with reel pads cradle three additional rods per side — a thoughtful detail that keeps expensive gear protected and organised during rough transits. Optional outriggers with Gemlux Deluxe stainless-steel bases and 18-foot collapsible carbon fibre poles are available for anglers who want a wide trolling spread or kite-fishing capability.

Cockpit & Deck Layout

The aft cockpit is where the S 288’s dual personality is most apparent. Two fold-out bench seats — one behind the helm-seating module and another in the transom — convert the cockpit from a fishing platform into a comfortable social zone for cruising and entertaining. When folded away, the benches free up cockpit space for fishing, though reviewers note that anglers do lose a modest amount of usable deck area to the seat hardware even in the stowed position. Coaming pads line both sides of the cockpit, giving anglers padded support when leaning into a surging fish. A beefy inward-opening tuna door on the port side serves double duty: it makes hauling aboard a large fish significantly easier, and it simplifies boarding from floating docks and swim platforms.

Forward of the console, the bow area features above-deck compartments to port and starboard that serve as both substantial dry storage and seating, with cushions on the hatches and coaming bolsters for backrests. Removable forward-facing backrests swing out from each gunwale, converting the bow seats into a pair of forward-facing loungers — a popular feature for cruising days when fishing gear is stowed below. A large in-floor compartment forward of the console stows fenders, dock lines, or other oversize gear. The console’s double forward seat includes flip-down armrests and a cooler underneath, providing both a comfortable perch and cold-drink access at the helm.

Hardtop & Helm Station

The integrated hardtop is one of the S 288’s most distinctive design elements. A molded, bonded safety-glass windshield extends from the dash-top to the hardtop and wraps around the console, creating a seamless enclosed helm environment that provides wind and spray protection without sacrificing the open-air feel of a centre console. This is not a bolt-on canvas-and-isinglass enclosure that flaps in the wind — it is a structural element integrated into the console and hardtop assembly, engineered for durability and clarity over years of service.

The helm station features dual adjustable seats with fold-down bolsters and armrests, accented with teak — a premium touch that reflects Pursuit’s attention to finish quality. The helm-seating module incorporates dedicated drawers, tackle storage, a 12-volt main distribution panel, and drink holders. The dash is pre-wired for multifunction displays, GPS, chart plotter, fishfinder, and VHF radio, with ample panel space for the electronics suite an offshore angler requires.

Console Head & Amenities

The S 288’s console encloses a roomy step-down head compartment — surprisingly spacious for a 30-foot centre console. The head comes well-appointed with a vacuum-flush toilet, a sink with freshwater faucet, a Corian countertop, and a vanity mirror. A 24-gallon holding tank connects to a deck pump-out fitting for responsible waste management. Additional standard amenities include a pull-out freshwater shower, raw-water washdown in the cockpit, an anchor storage compartment with power windlass controlled from the helm, and three all-colour spectrum underwater LED lights for evening cruises and night fishing.

Ownership & Running Costs

The S 288 Sport sits in the premium tier of the 28–30 foot centre console market, and ownership costs reflect both the quality of the platform and the twin-outboard power package. A US-based owner should budget approximately USD 12,000–36,000 per year in total operating costs, depending on usage frequency, storage arrangement, geographic location, and whether maintenance is performed at a yard or DIY.

• Insurance: 1.0–2.0% of hull value annually. For an S 288 insured at USD 200,000–400,000, expect approximately USD 2,000–6,000 per year. Florida and Gulf Coast policies may carry hurricane surcharges. Offshore fishing endorsements, high-speed ratings, and navigational limits beyond coastal waters can increase premiums further.
• Slip or storage: Wet slip fees range from USD 3,000–10,000+ annually depending on location. Southeast Florida, the Florida Keys, and Northeast harbours command the highest rates. Dry-stack storage is a practical and popular alternative at USD 1,500–4,000 per year, with the significant benefit of keeping the hull out of the water — eliminating bottom paint requirements, reducing marine growth, and preserving the running surface. At 30 feet and 8,220 lbs with power, the S 288 fits comfortably in most dry-stack facilities.
• Engine service: Yamaha F300 outboards require annual service including oil and filter changes, gear lube replacement, anode inspection, water pump impeller replacement at manufacturer intervals, and periodic fuel filter service. Budget USD 600–2,000 for twin engines annually at an authorised Yamaha dealer. Yamaha’s dealer network is extensive throughout the US, Caribbean, and internationally, and parts availability is excellent. The F300 is a well-proven powerplant with a strong reliability record, and maintenance costs are predictable over the engine’s useful life of 1,500–2,000+ hours.
• Fuel: The largest variable cost. At the optimal cruise of 30.8 mph and 3,500 RPM, the twin F300s consume 17.6 gallons per hour. At a more aggressive 42 mph cruise (4,500 RPM), consumption rises to approximately 30 GPH. At current US marina fuel prices (approximately USD 4.50–5.50 per gallon), a typical 80–120 hour fishing season costs roughly USD 6,300–19,800 depending on cruising habits and how aggressively the throttle is pushed. Owners who fish heavily — 150+ hours per year with regular offshore runs — should budget toward the higher end of this range.
• Bottom maintenance: For wet-slipped boats, annual haul-out and bottom paint costs approximately USD 1,500–3,000 for a 30-foot hull. The vinyl ester resin layup provides better osmotic blister resistance than standard polyester, but regular bottom maintenance remains essential for saltwater boats. Dry-stacked boats avoid this cost entirely.
• Winterisation: For owners in northern climates, seasonal winterisation of the twin outboards, freshwater system, and head costs approximately USD 300–600 at a yard, or less if performed DIY.
• Miscellaneous: Registration, fishing licences, tackle, safety equipment, cleaning supplies, and periodic electronics updates add USD 500–2,000 per year. Budget for periodic gelcoat maintenance, stainless hardware polishing, and upholstery care as part of long-term ownership.

New pricing: The Pursuit S 288 Sport entered the market in 2018 with a base MSRP of approximately USD 223,000. Pricing has escalated steadily — the 2022 model year listed at approximately USD 258,000, and current 2025–2026 models are advertised at USD 330,000–414,000 depending on options and dealer. A typical retail transaction with twin Yamaha F300s, Yamaha Helm Master, electronics package, hardtop-mounted rod holders, outriggers, and dealer preparation falls in the USD 350,000–420,000 range. The S 288 is priced competitively within its peer group — slightly below a comparably equipped Boston Whaler 280 Outrage and roughly in line with a Grady-White Freedom 285 at similar specification levels.

Resale strength: Pursuit boats have historically held their value well in the centre console brokerage market, supported by strong brand recognition, build quality, and a loyal owner base. Used S 288 models from 2019–2020 are currently trading at approximately USD 190,000–250,000 on the brokerage market, depending on engine hours, equipment, and condition. Newer 2022–2024 models trade at USD 250,000–330,000. The Yamaha F300 powerplant is a resale asset — Yamaha outboards command strong used-market premiums due to their reputation for reliability and longevity, and buyers actively seek Yamaha-powered boats. Pursuit’s five-year hull and deck structural warranty, five-year blister-free warranty, and two-year limited warranty provide additional buyer confidence. The brand does not match the extraordinary resale strength of Boston Whaler, but it outperforms the broader market average for production centre consoles in this size range.

Buying Guide: How to Buy a Pursuit S 288 Sport

Buying New

New S 288 Sport models are available through Pursuit’s authorised dealer network, which covers all major US coastal markets and select international locations. Expect dealer preparation and destination charges of USD 3,000–8,000 on top of MSRP. Popular configurations with Yamaha Helm Master and premium electronics may involve 8–16 week lead times depending on factory scheduling and dealer allocation. Pursuit builds to order as well as for dealer stock, so factory customisation of colour schemes and option packages is available for buyers willing to wait.

Buying Pre-Owned

Pre-owned S 288 Sport models from 2019–2025 trade between approximately USD 190,000–380,000, with model year, engine hours, electronics package, and overall condition driving the spread. The sweet spot for value-oriented buyers is a 2020–2022 model with 200–400 engine hours and a documented Yamaha service history from an authorised dealer. These boats offer the proven hull with 3–5 years of initial depreciation already absorbed, while the Yamaha F300 engines are still well within their useful service life. The S 288 has been in production since 2018, so the used inventory is steadily growing — there are currently approximately 30 pre-owned examples available on major brokerage platforms, providing reasonable selection for buyers who are flexible on colour, options, and location.

Key Inspection Points

• Yamaha outboards: Check engine hours on the Yamaha Command Link gauge system, review service records (authorised dealer stamps preferred), verify compression readings across all cylinders, and inspect lower unit condition for fishing-line wrap damage and gear oil contamination. The Yamaha F300 is an exceptionally reliable engine, but hours and maintenance history remain the most important value determinants. Look for evidence of consistent 100-hour service intervals and annual gear lube replacement.
• Hull and running surface: Inspect the hull bottom for impact damage from groundings, dock strikes, or debris. The vinyl ester resin layup is more blister-resistant than polyester, but examine the bottom carefully for osmotic blistering on boats that have been wet-slipped for extended periods. Check the twin platform extensions at the transom for stress cracking or damage, as these areas can be subjected to heavy loads during boarding and fish fighting. Tap-test the hull for delamination, particularly around hardware attachment points.
• Composite transom: The five-ply all-composite transom is one of the S 288’s structural advantages — no wood means no rot risk. However, inspect the engine mounting area for stress cracking around bolt holes, and verify that the transom shows no signs of flexing or deformation under engine load. A moisture meter reading at the transom can confirm the composite is dry.
• Integrated windshield and hardtop: Inspect the bonded safety-glass windshield for chips, cracks, or delamination at the bonding edges. Check the hardtop mounting points for stress cracking, and verify that all hardware attached to the hardtop (rod holders, spreader lights, antennas) is properly sealed. The integrated construction means individual component replacement is more involved than on a bolt-together assembly — a cracked windshield panel is a more significant repair on this boat than on a conventional setup.
• Livewells and fish boxes: Run the livewell pump and check flow rate, drain function, and interior condition. Test both diaphragm fish box pumps for proper operation — these pumps are superior to macerators but still require periodic impeller and diaphragm replacement. Inspect fish box insulation integrity and gasket condition.
• Electrical and electronics: Test all systems including MFDs, sonar, VHF, stereo, navigation lights, bilge pumps, livewell pumps, anchor windlass, and underwater lights. Check battery condition and charging output. Marine electronics depreciate rapidly — budget for MFD and transducer upgrades on boats older than 5–7 years. Verify that aftermarket electronics installations are properly wired, fused, and sealed.

A professional marine survey is strongly recommended for any pre-owned purchase at this price level. Budget USD 1,000–2,000 for a comprehensive survey including an out-of-water hull inspection, engine diagnostic scan, sea trial, and full systems check. The sea trial is non-negotiable — the S 288’s handling characteristics and engine performance can only be properly evaluated underway.

Warranty: Pursuit offers a Protection Plan that includes a five-year hull/deck structural warranty, a five-year blister-free warranty, and a two-year limited warranty on components and systems. Yamaha outboards carry a separate three-year manufacturer’s warranty (extendable to five years through Yamaha’s YES programme). Verify warranty transfer eligibility on pre-owned purchases — Pursuit’s structural warranty transfers to subsequent owners, which is a meaningful value proposition in the brokerage market.

Competitors & Alternatives

The 28–30 foot centre console segment is one of the most fiercely contested markets in recreational boating. The S 288 Sport competes on build quality, ride comfort, and the balance between fishing capability and family amenities — it is never the cheapest option in any comparison, but it consistently earns praise from owners and reviewers for its construction standards and offshore composure. The following four models represent the most common cross-shops for S 288 buyers.

Pursuit S 288 Sport vs Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is the benchmark centre console in this size class and the most frequent cross-shop for S 288 buyers. Boston Whaler’s proprietary Unibond foam-core construction produces a genuinely unsinkable hull — a structural advantage that no other builder, including Pursuit, can replicate. The 280 Outrage also benefits from the strongest brand recognition and resale value in the centre console market, backed by the enormous Brunswick Corporation dealer and service infrastructure. The Whaler’s Mercury-exclusive power package (twin 250, 300, or 400 hp options) offers a broader range than the S 288’s single twin-F300 configuration. Where the Pursuit counters is in standard equipment level — the integrated glass windshield, enclosed head with vacuum-flush toilet, teak helm accents, and JL Audio entertainment system come standard rather than requiring option packages. The Yamaha F300 powerplant is preferred by many experienced offshore anglers for its reliability track record and lower long-term service costs compared to Mercury Verado. Pursuit’s vinyl ester resin construction and all-composite transom are premium touches that the Whaler matches in concept but executes differently. Both are outstanding platforms; the choice often comes down to engine brand preference, the value placed on Whaler’s unsinkable construction, and whether the buyer prefers the S 288’s more comfort-oriented standard equipment or the Outrage’s purer fishing focus.

Pursuit S 288 Sport vs Grady-White Freedom 285

The Grady-White Freedom 285 is a dual-console design that competes for the same “fish and family” buyer. The Freedom 285’s dual-console layout gives it a significant advantage in family comfort — the port-side companion console with windshield and forward seating creates a more protected ride for passengers and a better social layout. Grady-White’s proprietary SeaV² hull design delivers an exceptionally smooth and dry ride, and the brand has won more customer satisfaction awards than any other boat builder. The Freedom 285 comes standard with twin Yamaha 250 hp outboards (upgradeable to twin 300s), giving it a slightly lower entry point than the S 288’s standard twin F300 package. At its optimum cruise of 30 mph at 3,500 RPM, the Freedom 285 achieves 1.83 MPG — slightly better than the S 288’s 1.75 MPG, though the Pursuit carries more fuel for a longer range. Where the S 288 counters is with its centre console layout, which provides more unobstructed cockpit space for serious fishing, and its higher top-end speed. Grady-White’s resale values are among the strongest in the industry — comparable to Boston Whaler — and consistently outperform Pursuit in long-term value retention. Both brands are premium manufacturers with loyal followings; the fundamental choice is between the dual-console family layout (Grady-White) and the centre console fishing focus (Pursuit).

Pursuit S 288 Sport vs Cobia 280 DC

The Cobia 280 DC is a Florida-built dual-console that competes aggressively on value and features per dollar. Cobia uses its proprietary VARIS (Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion System) construction, which produces a lighter, more uniform fibreglass layup than traditional hand-laid methods. The Cobia typically prices USD 30,000–60,000 below a comparably equipped S 288, making it an attractive option for buyers who want a premium Florida-built boat at a lower entry point. Cobia is now a Malibu Boats stablemate — both Pursuit and Cobia (via the Maverick Boat Group acquisition) sit under the same corporate umbrella. The Cobia offers both Yamaha and Mercury power options, giving buyers more engine flexibility. Where Pursuit separates itself is in standard equipment level, finish quality, and the sharper 24-degree deadrise hull that delivers a notably smoother ride in steep seas. The Cobia is an outstanding choice for the buyer who wants a capable dual-console at a lower price point and is comfortable trading some finish polish and offshore ride quality for a significant cost saving.

Pursuit S 288 Sport vs Sailfish 275 DC

The Sailfish 275 DC is a value-oriented dual-console from the Sportsman-Sailfish family of brands that targets budget-conscious buyers who still want genuine offshore capability. The Sailfish typically prices USD 50,000–80,000 below the S 288, making it the most affordable competitor in this group. Available with twin Yamaha outboards up to 600 hp total, the Sailfish offers strong performance for the dollar. Construction quality is good but does not match the S 288’s vinyl ester resin layup, all-composite transom, or integrated bonded windshield/hardtop assembly. Standard equipment is less comprehensive, and interior finish — upholstery, hardware, and detail work — reflects the lower price point. The Sailfish depreciates more quickly than the Pursuit, which narrows the total cost-of-ownership gap over a five-year hold. For the buyer whose primary criteria is initial purchase price and who is willing to accept compromises in build quality and finish, the Sailfish offers a capable alternative. For the buyer who values premium construction and long-term value, the S 288 justifies the premium.

For a full interactive comparison between the Pursuit S 288 Sport and any of these competitors — including pricing trends, value retention curves, and market analytics — visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.