Pursuit Sport Tender 310 Main

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I remember when center-console designs began to catch on in the early 1970s. Our family’s first was a 20-footer — about average for the time. It was a Swiss Army knife of boats — perfect for fishing, diving or simply sunset cruising. By the 1990s, towed center consoles were replacing traditional tenders as yachts grew larger and owners longed to remain close to the water. Now it’s common to see boats like Pursuit’s new ST 310 on a leash following the lead of a large motoryacht. This is the market Pursuit had in mind when it penned the ST (Sport Tender) 310.

As center consoles go, the 310 falls into what I consider a sweet spot for the breed, since it needs no more than two stout outboards to deliver first-rate performance. When it comes to outboards, size really does matter. Powering a planing boat with just enough horsepower can result in false economy, since smaller motors must work harder at higher rpm and may burn more fuel. Numbers matter as well. Two of anything mechanical usually lends to redundancy — a plan B. Three of anything mechanical leads to more expense and complication. What’s more, transmitting horsepower through a third lower unit adds drag and reduces efficiency. Ergo, the 310’s size is perfect for a twin-engine application.



Pursuit’s choice of Yamaha F300s is also right on target. These 4.2-liter four-stroke V-6s have the muscle to power the 310 at performance-boat speeds; however, at wiser throttle settings they are relatively efficient. I measured a top speed of 47.4 knots at full throttle, and the Yamaha electronics indicated a burn of 52.4 gallons per hour. I recorded 26.8 knots at 3500 rpm and a fuel burn of 16 gallons per hour — not bad for an 8,890-pound (dry) ride. According to Pursuit’s data, cruising at about this speed is optimum for the 310 and should yield 1.71 miles per gallon or a range of 400 miles from its 260-gallon fuel capacity. This is more than enough to wander the Bahamas without visiting every fuel depot.

I collected our data on the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida. While the conditions were not challenging, there was enough wind and chop to gain a feel for the 310’s ride. When easing it ahead it begins to transition to a plane at about 2500 rpm, exhibiting a modest degree of bow rise — Pursuit’s numbers suggest a maximum of six degrees. If you put the throttles down hard it gets up and goes with dispatch. I noted maximum rpm in less than 15 seconds. At speed, it runs cleanly, and its trim angle of 1.5 degrees is perfect. The 310 has a steady track, and helm input is precise. I would opt to mount the Yamaha instrument display on the dash, instead of the overhead; it’s easier on the neck.

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While the term deep-V is a popular marketing tool, the 310’s 24-degree transom deadrise is the real deal. Marketing director David Glenn recently delivered a 310 to a new owner in the Bahamas. The trip included a single day’s run of 185 miles from Fort Pierce, Florida, to Chub Cay, Bahamas. On the first 83-mile leg, Glenn crossed the Gulf Stream to West End, averaging about 28 knots in seas of two to four feet and 15-knot winds — typical crossing weather. After clearing customs he pushed on to Chub, holding his speed in beam seas of four to six feet. Including the break in West End for paperwork, the trip took nine hours.