An Overview of Pursuit Offshore Boats

Meet the Models that Make Up Pursuit’s Purpose-Built Offshore Collection

Van Isle Marina is proud to be the exclusive western Canada dealer for Pursuit Boats. Currently at our sales dock, we have two Pursuit models, the OS325 and the OS355, ready for viewing.

Considering a Pursuit Offshore Boat for your next adventure? You can’t go wrong with any selection from the company’s award-winning Offshore Collection. Pursuit offers three great offshore models to choose from, whether you’re looking for deep water cruising or fishing, a week-long getaway on the water, or day trips with the family.

Choose from the impressive, stylish, and reliable OS325, OS355, or OS385 – any one of which will feel like a luxury yacht with its high-end finishes, creative layouts, numerous amenities, and gorgeous design. Keep reading to learn more about each of the models in Pursuit’s award-winning Offshore Collection.

Key Features of Every Pursuit Offshore Boat Model

Hull

Like every Pursuit boat, each Offshore model features a hand-laminated hull and moulded hull side frameless tempered glass windows, with your choice of hull, helm, boot stripe, and interior colour packages. The boarding ladder is moulded into the hull for a seamless look. Each boat comes with an anchoring system, bow thruster, and dedicated transducer location.

Helm Station

With every Offshore model you’ll also enjoy the year-round climate-controlled comfort of your enclosed, hardtop helm station and custom windshield system with optically clear laminated windshield glass, tempered side glass, and electrically actuated center vent window.

Fishing Features

Each Offshore model is also perfectly suitable for fishing, with several rod holders, fish boxes, live wells, tackle box storage space, and cabin rod storage space. Exact fishing features are specific to each model.

Upholstery

The upholstered seating of every Pursuit model comes with Dri-Fast foam and mesh backing that allows seating and cushions to drain completely.

Cabin

Enjoy your cabin’s JL Audio System, LED TV, LED lighting throughout, and stainless-steel hardware. Each Pursuit Offshore boat also features the amazing space-saving, electrically actuated, custom-designed V-berth seating area with fixed cushions and a pop-up dinette that converts into a double or queen size berth.

Galley

 

Each impressively sized galley in the Offshore collection comes with Corian countertops, a moulded sink, smart storage space, maple cabinets, a stainless-steel refrigerator and microwave, and a glass cooktop. The OS385 comes with a freezer, larger fridge, and additional, L-shaped counter space.

Head

The head on board each Offshore model is equally as luxurious with its glass bowl sink with Corian countertop, vanity mirror, and pullout shower wand. The OS355 and OS385 both have a full-length mirror, and the OS385 has the addition of a moulded fibreglass shower seat, acrylic shower door, and more storage.

Entertainment Centre

In the cockpit of each model there is a perfectly placed entertainment centre that allows you to keep the party going outside with an additional sink, cutting board/prep space, dedicated storage, 120V outlet, and an optional grill top for more cooking options. The OS355 and OS385 have a bonus fridge added to this area.

Safety

The designers and developers of Pursuit Boats have added plenty of key safety features onboard as well, including fire extinguishers, CO monitors, grab rails, and anti-slip cockpit flooring, just to name a few. The OS385 also has a fire suppression system for added peace of mind.

Pursuit OS325

At 34 feet in length with a beam of 10 ft 10 in, the Pursuit OS325 may be the smallest model of the Offshore Collection, sleeping two overnight guests, but she is every bit as stylish and comes with many of the finely engineered features of her bigger sisters, including rich hardwood and stainless steel finishing touches. Comes with a 19” LED TV and 24-gallon recirculating livewell for your daily catch.

The OS325 is powered via twin Yamaha F300 engines that allow for comfortable cruising speeds of around 30 mph. The fuel tank capacity of 370 gallons, while the water tank capacity is 30 gallons.

This model is available now at our sales dock.

Pursuit OS355

The Pursuit OS355 is the mid-size model in the Offshore Collection, at 38 feet in length with a 12 ft beam, and is powered via standard triple Yamaha F300s to give you an extra boost in cruising speeds. Or, like the model available now at our sales dock, you can swap those engines out for twin Yamaha XTO Offshore 425 hp 5.6 L V8 four stroke engines. The fuel tank capacity is 388 gallons, while the water tank capacity is 50 gallons.

The Pursuit OS355 has slightly more seating and storage than the OS325, and a more sizeable galley. The LED TV and live well are also larger, at 24” and 28-gallon respectively. The OS355 sleeps up to 4 guests.

Learn more about the Pursuit Boats, available now at our sales dock.

Pursuit OS 385 Offshore

The Pursuit OS385 is the largest of the three models in the Pursuit Offshore fleet. Just shy of 40 feet in length with four single berths, this boat is powered via high-performance, dependable, triple Yamaha F350s – complete with a joystick control bow thruster – for top cruising speeds of 54 mph. It has a fuel tank capacity of 370 gallons, while the water tank capacity is 65 gallons.

Enjoy all the comforts of home, luxury interior appointments, 360-degree water views, and an abundance of storage space. You’ll love your air-conditioned cabin with thicker berth mattress and a 32” LED TV. This model also comes with an impressive 50-gallon recirculating live well for the serious fisherman on board. The more expansive cockpit and roomier interior below with mid-berth settee, are thanks to her 13-foot beam. Choose from two available floor plans for below the deck.

The Pursuit Protection Plan

All Pursuit Boats come with the Pursuit Protection Plan, which give owners peace of mind with a:

  • 5-year hull/deck structural warranty
  • 5-year blister-free warranty
  • 2-year limited warranty

Pursuit Boats are purpose built, and that’s exactly what you get when you’re considering a model from the company’s Offshore Collection. Every Pursuit Boat is designed and manufactured in the United States. Along with the abovementioned Offshore models, Pursuit also has impressive Dual Console, Centre Console, and Sport collections, which are all available in the Pacific Northwest through Van Isle Marina. We have the OS325 and OS355 at our sales dock right now, so come visit us to see them for yourself to try each one on for size.

We are proud to be the region’s exclusive dealer of Pursuit Boats and look forward to introducing you to them in person soon. Contact us today to learn more.

Where & When to Go Fishing In BC for Saltwater Fish

The Best Places to Find Salmon and Halibut in British Columbia

The West Coast of BC is home to some of the world’s most amazing fishing. People come from all over the globe specifically for our pacific salmon and huge halibut. Fishing around here is culturally and commercially significant as well, and can be done year-round in our region, with July to September being the busiest time of year for fishermen.

No matter where you plan on travelling in BC, you won’t have to travel too far in search of a place to go saltwater fishing, as there are thousands of places to explore. To help you narrow it down, we’ve provided a high level list of places to check out around Vancouver Island. These destinations were chosen either for their proximity to the Island’s must-see cities and coastal communities, or their remoteness, which offers an unparalleled opportunity to see the West Coast.

Pair many of these fishing excursions with our list of top recommended Vancouver Island attractions and you should be all set for an unforgettable trip.

Note: fishing regulations throughout BC may vary so please confirm all closures with Fisheries and Oceans Canada before heading out. Also note that certain areas such as Tofino, Gulf Island, etc may have local closures due to COVID-19 so plan ahead!

Fishing Destinations Around Vancouver Island

 

Winter Harbour and Quatsino Sound – Located close to the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, head here for open ocean and the chance to catch salmon or halibut in the summer and fall. Dedicate a few days to this trip, and take advantage of the protected inlets and bays before venturing out further.

Port Hardy – 75 kilometres from Winter Harbour is the small rustic fishing village of Port Hardy. Here is your chance for a great day out on the boat to explore the wild, remote north coast of the Island while catching salmon or halibut in the spring, summer, and fall. You’ll be joined by commercial fishermen, however, so stay alert!

Scott Islands – The 5 Scott Islands can also be found on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Great for salmon and halibut fishing, but also a remarkable opportunity for birdwatching, with more than 2 million seabirds living in the region. The weather conditions can be a bit rougher, so this trip is best suited to experienced boaters.

 

Johnstone Strait & Robson Bight – East of Port Hardy is the Johnstone Strait, between the Vancouver Island and mainland BC. There are plenty of islands in this region to explore, and the opportunity for some great salmon fishing (chinook, coho, and pink) in the summer. There are also resident orcas in this area, meaning you’ll be competing with them for the fish!

Read More: Guide to Whale Watching in BC

Northern Gulf Islands – Salmon and shellfish are plentiful around the 200 Gulf Islands off the coast of mainland BC, in the Johnstone Strait and the Strait of Georgia. The areas south of Denman and Hornby Islands are popular spots for salmon fishing, while Flora Island and Lambert Channel are great areas for prawn traps.

 

Brooks Peninsula – Brooks Peninsula is a remote part of northwest Vancouver Island that takes awhile to get to but will lead you to salmon, halibut, bottom fish, and even tuna if you travel offshore enough. Allow a few days to make this journey. South of the peninsula is Kyuguot Village, another remote area of the island offering the same opportunities as Brooks Peninsula.

Desolation Sound – Just north of Desolation Sound near Campbell River on the east side of Vancouver Island is an excellent spot to catch some resident and migratory salmon throughout the year. Spend plenty of time in the beauty of the region’s large network of tidal channels and inlets.

Nanaimo – Get plenty of salmon fishing done year-round off the coast of Nanaimo and nearby Gabriola Island, Protection Island, and New Castle Island. Nanaimo is Vancouver Island’s second largest city, so while it is a bit quieter than Victoria, there is still lots to do there on land as well as at sea, and quite a few amenities for boaters as well. Be sure to stay clear of kayakers and the BC Ferries!

 

Strait of Georgia – The Straight of Georgia that flows between Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC provides excellent pacific salmon fishing opportunities, around the Gulf Islands (already mentioned) and also nearby Parksville and Qualicum on Vancouver Island. You’ll have the biggest chance of making a catch between May and November, but with less lines in the water from December to April, you might just score a big one in the wintertime in this region.

Bamfield – Allow the small coastal town of Bamfield to be your starting off point for a multi-day fishing trip along the Island’s west coast. Just south of Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni,  Bamfield is a quieter location with less boating traffic. Salmon and halibut can both be found here, mainly in the summertime.

Port Alberni – On the west coast of Vancouver Island, just north of Bamfield and en route to Tofino and Ucluelet, you’ll reach Port Alberni, where chinook, coho, and chum salmon are in abundance, as they make there way back into the ocean from the Somass River. Port Alberni celebrates the Salmon Festival and Derby every September, so you know the fishing here has got to be good.

 

Tofino & Ucluelet – If you only have time for one fishing trip as you head to Vancouver Island, consider the Tofino-Ucluelet region on the West Coast of the Island for summertime salmon fishing. The backdrops are stunning, offering a range of island hopping, coastal exploration, and open ocean adventures. After a long day on the water, moor your boat as you explore the lands. The beaches of Long Beach will be bustling, as will the villages of Tofino and Ucluelet.

Victoria Harbour – Salmon fishing just outside of Victoria Harbour and in Ogden Point is a popular activity on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It can be done from summer right into winter. BC’s capital city comes alive with tourists in summertime, making this a lively destination for more than just fishing, with many boutique and larger hotels and restaurants nearby.

Oak Bay – At the southern tip of the Island near Victoria, you’ll find spectacular Oak Bay with an English-inspired village as a backdrop on one side, and a distant view of Mt. Baker on the other. Stay awhile at Oak Bay Marina before spending the afternoon salmon and halibut fishing in the mildest region of all of Canada. Prepare for a lot of other boaters at the height of the fishing season (July-September).

For more information on any of these suggested locations, and some suggestions for shore fishing as well, check out Anglr, an initiative of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC.

Tips & Resources

Before setting out on your self-guided fishing trip in BC, note that there are specific fishing licence requirements, catch limits, and regional safety tips and seasonal closures you’ll need to know about. All of this information is provided by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

And, if you’ll have your smartphone on board with you, we highly recommend loading it up with the Fishing BC app. This free sport fishing app for tidal waters features a GPS locator, pinch-and-zoom map, and information on up-to-date official regulations including information about species, boundary maps, conservation areas, closures, contamination alerts, and more.

Also included in the app are a catch log, the opportunity to take photos of your catch and share with your social network, and a species ID guide specific to what can be found in BC’s tidal waters.

Read More:

If you’re on the market for a new fishing boat, check out our selection of fishing boats for sale, including Pursuit Boats. We invite you to learn more about our yacht sales process or come and see us in Sidney, BC.

Yachting with Your Dog

Want to Bring Your Pets with You on Your Boat?
Here’s What You Need to Know

Because dogs are such a big part of many of our clients’ lives, we thought it was time to cover the topic of yachting with pets, especially if you’ll be spending longer periods of time on your boat to practice social distancing and no longer want to kennel your best friends while you’re away.

 

So, whether you have welcomed a new pet into your life since owning a boat, or you have welcomed a new boat into your life and already have a dog (or two!), learning the ins and outs of boating with pets is essential before setting sail.

To accompany our article on Boating with Family, here are the Van Isle Marina team’s top tips for boating with animals, including a list of things to bring, and tricks for helping your dog adjust to life on the water.

Best Dog Breeds for Boating

First off, if you don’t yet have a dog and are looking to get one, compare dog breeds that are best for boating, versus dog breeds that don’t like water. Of course, every dog will be different, but a dog’s breed is often a good indicator of how much your future best friend will love going boating.

Boat Design Considerations for Pets

If you are building a new boat or are renovating an older one, consider adding accommodations for your four-legged family members from the get-go. These can include things like:

  • Real or artificial grass patches where your dog can do their business
  • Custom-cut dog doors where needed, such as from the cabin to the cockpit
  • Light and door sensors positioned at your dog’s height
  • Extra guard rails or specialized guard rails where the space between the railings is protected by glass or grilles
  • Installation of extra-small staircase gates
  • Specialized boarding ramps if your dog is too large to carry on board
  • Dedicated dog wash stations for use after the beach
  • Protective covers for your upholstery
  • Added décor that pays homage to your pet(s)

Identification and Paperwork for your Pet

If you plan to leave the country with your pets on board your boat, you’ll need to think ahead for any required international travel documents and limitations. There will be paperwork involved, which vary from country to country, but at the very least you’ll need proof from a vet that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Your regular vet might not know all the pet travel restrictions to some of your more exotic locations, so be sure to do your own research well before departure.

Be sure to include your phone number on your pet’s ID tag that clips onto his or her collar. Some owners also go for the extra coverage of having a microchip imbedded beneath the dog’s skin, or else a waterproof GPS device also attached to the collar.

Acclimatizing Your Pets

Depending on your pet’s age and temperament, they might not love boating right off the bat. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your first boating trip with your pets extremely brief. If things are fine, keep going, but be prepared to keep things short as your dog gets more and more comfortable being on the docks and boats.

As you venture out further and further, you’ll also find out quickly if your pet is prone to seasickness. If this is the case, try and plan feeding time so they aren’t setting sail on a full stomach. This will reduce cleanup efforts on your part. Check with your vet for suitable seasickness medicine that is available for your dog’s breed and size.

Training your dog to be comfortable on the boat may involve teaching them how to swim or training them how to love the water they were once afraid of. There are many pet blogs that cover the topic of how to help your dog enjoy the water.

Dog Overboard Plan

There is a chance your dog could end up overboard. There’s no true way to plan for such an occurrence but making sure they can swim before you’ve even set foot on the boat will help ease everyone’s anxieties.

There are also life jackets specific to dogs, which are recommended when passing through strong currents or choppy water. Most lifejackets suited for dogs have a handle at the top so their owners can easily grip and lift them back up onto the boat. Don’t leave shore without life jackets for ALL those on board.

Likewise, when it comes to the right leash and collar, it’s best to replace the collar with a harness, which also provides a handle or other means of lifting a dog back on board. This could even be done with a boat hook if thing’s ever got to that point!

Bathroom Breaks

You’ll need to provide and then train your dog on their new place for doing their business. Housebroken pets will be reluctant to soil your boat and will have to get used to pee pads all over again.

Spend time and be patient as you coax them into using their new dedicated area, whether it is a patch of grass, carpet scraps, pee pads, or a litter box in the cockpit. Bring supplies to clean up messes as your pet adjusts, and pack plenty of treats for training.

Another alternative is to stay close enough to shore to accommodate your pet’s schedule. But this strategy will only take you so far.

Staying Cool and Hydrated

Be sure there are multiple bowls of fresh water around for your pet. Keeping your pets hydrated on board is so important, as it will prevent them from attempting to drink seawater, which could cause serious health problems.

Depending on the season, you’ll also want to ensure a cool, shaded area for your pets to hang out on board, as constant sunshine is not recommended. If bringing a kennel on board, keep it inside somewhere cool with good air circulation.

Sunscreen for your Dog

You might be surprised to learn that there are entire lines of sunscreens available for your pets. At a minimum, these should be applied to your dog’s belly, as well as the insides of the hind legs. Look for a spray-on variety for easiest application, and a formula free of zinc oxide – an ingredient you don’t want your pets to be licking or ingesting.

Pet First Aid Kits

There are first aid kits designed especially for pets on the market that are small, affordable, and perfect for travelling. They include many of the same elements of a first aid kit for humans, including tweezers, gauze, gloves, and antiseptic wipes. If you’ll be doing some hiking on shore, look for a tick remover as well.

Grooming

If you’ll be going for an extended boating trip, consider making a trip to your dog’s groomer first. The shorter their hair, the easier it will be to clean your furry friend who just might be constantly wet and sandy from the beach. A good toenail clipping will also help prevent any scratches or scuffs on your upholstery or special deck surfaces and coatings.

Boating with your pet can be such a great experience for everyone involved. We are extremely dog friendly here at Van Isle Marina, and love meeting your pets! So much so, in fact, that the marina will be adding a new service that’s specifically for our furry friends.  Sometime in May, we’ll be adding a DIY dog wash station so that you can clean your pets after coming back from enjoying time on your boat.  Our new fureverclean DIY dog wash station will provide an easy way for dog owners to quickly wash, dry and condition their pets.

For more boating tips from Van Isle Marina, be sure to check out the rest of our blog.