Hot Pursuit

The Pursuit 3400 Express Fisherman is the flagship of this Fort Pierce, Florida, builder's line. It is exemplary of the company's impeccable craftsmanship in producing durable boats to meet the challenge of open water.

The 3400 Express is a rugged boat. This fact is evident throughout in the construction detail. Everything from the 1 1/4-inch welded, one-piece bow rail to the advanced technology, hand lay-up of the hull point to strength, dependability and trouble-free running. It's a boat that gets you there to get the job done, but won't get in the way.

Room to Work

A spacious cockpit, plus all the accessories, provide the 3400 Express with excellent fishability. Begin with the bait prep center that contains a sink, cutting board, insulated well and five-drawer tackle box. In addition there's a 35-gallon insulated live bait circulating system. Four Lee's rod holders keep gear at the ready. Gunwales are padded at just the right height for support and comfort. If you choose, you can secure an optional fighting chair to a 24-inch by 24-inch aluminum plate molded into the deck. Once you've gotten a hook up, you can bring it onboard through the wide transom door and store it in one of two large, insulated fishboxes. At the end of the day, clean up using the fresh or raw water washdowns.

Optional factory installed equipment includes a bait freezer for the prep center well, and Rupp 23' or 26' outriggers. Either a Bimini or a hard top is available with side curtains, as well as an aluminum arch with spreader lights. Towers are not factory installed options, but are done by the individual Pursuit dealers working with local fabricators, so you'll be able to customize an installation to your own particular needs.

Room to Tinker

The helm of the 3400 Express works well, whether you're at cruising speed or backing down on a catch. Controls are all within arms reach and gauges are easy to read when sitting at the centerline captain's chair. A large expanse of open panel allows more than enough space for a complete electronics package. Best of all, anyone who's ever crawled around under a dash to work on the electrical system will appreciate Pursuit's modular helm. The entire console tilts back to expose all the wiring and equipment. There's even a comfortable shelf to sit on while working.

Elsewhere on the bridge there's a large chart table with a substantial acrylic cover and perimeter drains to keep things dry. A pair of L-shaped seats along either side can accommodate up to six people, or two who like to stretch their legs. The 3400 Express, because of it's hull design, is an inherently dry-riding boat, but the high and substantial welded-aluminum windshield will keep even the sloppiest seas from dampening your spirits. Three windshield wipers with washers are standard.

A wide walkway allows easy access to the foredeck and aggressive non-skid provides sure footing. There's a large anchor locker, positioned aft and to starboard of the molded in bow pulpit. A capstan windlass system, along with a bow roller are available as options.

A day hatch provides access to the engine compartment from the middle of the bridge deck for routine checks. For major work, the entire deck can be raised at the touch of a button via dual electric lifts. Below, there's room to move around both inboard and outboard of the engines. The engine compartment is well insulated to trap noise. At anchor, you can hardly hear the generator running, even in the cabin.

Room To Relax

In contrast to its businesslike ruggedness above deck, the cabin of the 3400 Express is a respite of comfort and warmth, especially when fitted with the optional teak and holly cabin flooring. Outward appearances belie the spaciousness below, not only from side to side, but the over 6 1/2 feet of headroom. The standard teak paneling on the bulkheads, accented by lacquered louvered cabinet doors creates an inviting feeling. There's a full galley for meal preparation that includes a sink, microwave oven, single-burner stove and a refrigerator with separate freezer compartment. A dark Corian countertop complements the wood cabin trim.

An L-shaped seating area has a removable table that stows neatly in a large hanging locker, leaving plenty of room for clothes. The bottom of the fore-aft portion of the seat back lifts to expose two web straps. These attach to eyes in the cabin roof and create a pair of upper and lower bunk beds. Opposite the seating area is a full standup head with separate shower.

The forward area is separated by the main cabin by a curtain and has room for a double berth on one side and a wall of storage lockers on the other. The top of the cabinet has mounting blocks to accept custom screw down clips for rod storage. Lift the berth's mattress and you'll find additional storage lockers. Once again, the Pursuit attention to detail is evident. On most boats, you'll find removable filler panels. On this boat, they're secured by a piano hinge along one length and supported in the open position by a pair of gas assisted shocks. An added touch is the addition of a plastic coated wire basket to the underside of one panel. It's hinged at one end and secured by a latch at the other to keep small items in easy reach.

Running Room, Too

The performance of the 3400 Express matches its good looks. Our test boat came on plane with minimal bow rise in about 11 seconds, a respectable number for the twin Cummins 370-horsepower diesels. Top speed for this power option is 39.7 mph. The boat tamed a light chop with ease. When crossing our own wake, the 3400 had a soft reentry. The wide beam made for a smooth and stable ride at cruising speed.

The most impressive handling characteristics of the 3400 Express were evident at slow speed. The boat is quite nimble for its size, both in forward and reverse. I was able to precisely bring the port corner of the transom right up to a channel marker, pull forward, then nearly touch it with the starboard corner, all while a cross wind was blowing.

S2 Yachts, the parent company of both Pursuit Fishing Boats and Tiara Yachts, has long had a reputation for quality. The 3400 Express Fisherman, the newest and largest of the Pursuit line, continues this tradition of outstanding design, excellent performance and long-term dependability. To borrow on the company's slogan, there are fishing boats, but ultimately, there is Pursuit.

Pursuit Fishing Boats
3901 St. Lucie Boulevard
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
(561) 465-6006