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Our History
In 1977 the Pursuit Boats Brand was established. But that is only part of the story. Explore our milestones to follow the company’s evolution. Even now, the brand continues to grow, producing yacht quality fishing and cruising boats that deliver unrelenting performance.
2024
Pursuit Boats promotes Christopher Gratz to role of President.
Pursuit Boats is awarded the prestigious NMMA award for excellence in customer service, an award it has received each year since its inception.
Pursuit Boats wins two MMA Neptune Awards for excellence in marketing.
Pursuit Boats Unveils the All-New DC 306 at the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit Boats displays the All-New OS 405 to consumers at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Pursuit Boats introduces the All-New OS 405 to dealers at its annual dealer conference in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Pursuit Boats holds annual rendezvous at Abaco Beach Resort in Abacos, Bahamas.
2023
Pursuit Boats holds their annual rendezvous at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, FL.
Pursuit Boats introduces the all-new OS 445, the flagship of the Offshore series, and the largest Pursuit built to date, at its annual Dealer Meeting in Tampa, FL. The popular model received much media attention at the event and turned heads at boat shows.
Pursuit Boats launches the S 248 adding a new model to its sport line – debuting at the Ft. Lauderdale Int’l Boat Show.
Pursuit Boats is awarded the prestigious NMMA award for excellence in customer service, an award it has received each year since its inception.
Pursuit Boats wins a MMA Neptune Award for excellence in marketing.
2022
Pursuit Boats holds their annual rendezvous for owners at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key.
Pursuit introduces the all new S 358 Sport at its annual Dealer Meeting in Charleston, SC. The popular model received much media attention and is shown at International Boat Shows.
The S 428 received the NMMA’s Innovation Award in the Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats Category at the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit is awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for excellence in customer service for the twentieth year in a row.
Pursuit develops and arranges private showings of the new Flagship of its Offshore series – the OS 445.
Pursuit unveils its Trifecta of Ownership – Unrelenting Performance that is Built with Integrity and a Refinement Beyond Compare.
2021
Pursuit launches the flagship of the Sport Series – the S 428 – the largest Pursuit ever produced to date. The model includes a tower option.
Pursuit introduces private VIP Celebration events to mirror a boat show atmosphere, offering sea trials and plant tours in a safe environment during the Covid 19 Pandemic.
Pursuit is awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the nineteenth year in a row.
Pursuit develops a mobile app – Pursuit Offshore University - to provide resources and training to dealers.
Pursuit wins two MMA Neptune Awards for excellence is marketing.
Pursuit adds a new dual console to its award winning series – the
DC 246 – and introduces her at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.
2020
Plant 1 – a 182,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility was completed and began producing the quality boats Pursuit is known for.
The S 378 Sport is named one of Boating Industry’s Top Products.
Pursuit launches the Flagship of the Sport Series – the S 428 – the largest Pursuit ever produced.
Pursuit introduces private VIP Celebration events to mirror a boat show atmosphere, offering sea trials and plant tours, in a safe environment.
The all new S 378 Sport is introduced at the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the eighteenth year in a row.
Launch of the all new S 268 Sport.
2019
The all new DC 266 is introduced at the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the seventeenth year in a row.
The annual Rendezvous and Pursuit Owner Appreciation Event is held in Bimini, Bahamas.
Pursuit Boats breaks ground for their new plant expansion.
Pursuit Boats adds to their award-winning Dual Console lineup with the all new DC 326. The new model debuts at the annual Dealer Conference in Tampa, Florida.
2018
The DC 365 was awarded the Innovation Award in the Fishing Boat Walkaround/Center Console Category by the NMMA at the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the sixteenth year in a row.
The South Florida Manufacturing Association recognizes Pursuit Boats as runner up for Manufacturer of the Year.
Pursuit holds Rendezvous and Owner Appreciation Event in Bimini, Bahamas.
The S 288 Sport is debuted to owners at the Pursuit Rendezvous. The latest addition to the popular sport series follows in the footsteps of the well-received S 328, S 368 and S 408.
Pursuit Boats is acquired by Malibu Boats, adding to their portfolio of premium brands.
2017
Pursuit Boats debuts the S 328 at the Miami International Boat Show, expanding on their successful sport model line up.
Pursuit Boats launches the S 368 in spring, carrying on the state-of-the-art luxury center console line preceded by the popular S 408 and S 328.
Pursuit Boats debuts the all new DC 365 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, becoming the largest in the award-winning dual console family.
A 14,000 foot plant expansion at Pursuit Boats completed in late fall, enabling a production increase of up to 50%.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the fifteenth year in a row.
2016
Pursuit Boats debuts the S 408 and DC 295 at the Miami International Boat Show. The S 408 is the flagship of a new luxury center console model category for the brand. The DC 295 expands the award-winning dual console line.
The DC 235 is introduced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, becoming the entry level member of Pursuit’s dual console lineup.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the fourteenth year in a row.
2015
Pursuit announces the addition of an OS 325 to the Offshore lineup, destined to perform as well as the OS 315, an all-time Offshore favorite. The boat is scheduled to debut at the 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Boating Industry recognizes the SC 365i as a Top Product for 2014, view online
Pursuit will introduce an all new C238 Center Console and a new OS355 Offshore at its worldwide dealer conference in Sarasota, Florida October 7th – 9th, 2015.
Pursuit commits to introducing two additional new models during the second quarter of the 2015 calendar year.
Pursuit receives final patents on the design aspects of the Integrated Outboard Technology, which contributes to the unique design of the SC365 Sport Yacht.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the thirteenth year in a row.
2014
Pursuit officially introduces the DC 325 in May 2014 and immediately
receives accolades form dealers and industry professionals. The DC 325
quickly becomes a retail hit requiring an additional production numbers to
meet market demands.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the twelfth
year in a row.
2013
Pursuit introduces the SC 365i with patent pending Integrated Outboard
Technology to their Domestic and International Dealer Organization
during a world premiere event in Stuart, Florida. Following the successful
introduction, the SC 365i was available for the marine media to sea trial
and photograph. The world premiere was highlighted by a weekend long
retail sales event available to all Pursuit dealers.
Pursuit was awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the eleventh
year in a row.
Pursuit announced the addition of the DC 325 to the Dual Console
category of boats. Sure to be an award winning design in the Pursuit
lineup for 2014.
2012
Pursuit introduces the C 260 during the 2012 Miami International Boat Show. A very stylish center console with a unique head entry and fishing features throughout. The infused hardtop and windshield designs setting new standards for construction in her category.
Pursuit is awarded Boating Magazines Boat of the Year to the ST 310. This is two years in a row the company has received the prestigious award.
Pursuit displays a pink-mermaid wrapped OS 315 in a joint effort to raise awareness for breast cancer research. Proceeds from the sale of any boat during the 2012 Miami International Boat Show are donated to specific research done by Dr. Ben Park, leading Doctor and Scientist, with the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Center Johns Hopkins.
Pursuit announces its’ entry into the Sport Yacht market with a mid-thirty foot vessel powered exclusively by Yamaha Outboards. The first hull will be delivered in the early fall of 2012.
2011
Pursuit is awarded a BOATING Magazine’s Best of Class for its DC 265 during the 2011 Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit introduces ST 310 at the Miami International Boat Show. The sport tender model is the first in a new series of boats built specifically for use as a tender as well as everyday boating.
Pursuit unveils the C 200 at the Miami International Boat Show, the first model in the new Inshore Series line. Pursuit markets the product as affordable, dependable, quality alternatives and will ultimately offer a C 180 and DC 235, delivering as 2012 models and debuting at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Pursuit receives NMMA’s 2011 Marine Industry CSI Award for the ninth year in a row. The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year.
Pursuit Introduces two new Inshore Series models a DC 235 and C180 in the early fall of 2011. The complete Inshore Series is displayed during the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Pursuit perfects the flagship OS 385 and re-introduces the luxurious express during the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. She features a new hardtop design, interior appointments with a fully enclosed stand-alone shower and construction enhancements.
2010
Pursuit introduces a brand new 26 Dual Console to its full line of luxury product. This is the first boat in a new series of dual console models raising the bar for this category in the marine marketplace.
2009
Pursuit introduces S 280 Sport at the Miami International Boat Show. This boat is the second in the Sport series of cruising / fishing center consoles.
Pursuit offers factory refurbishing and upgrading program to all Pursuit owners. This program provides owners of older Pursuits to upgrade fabrics, cabinetry, wiring, electronics and more.
2008
Pursuit introduces the S 310 Sport, a center console cruiser/tender at the Annual Dealer Conference.
Pursuit also unveils the C 340 Center Console and OS 335 Offshore powered with the new Yamaha twin 350 outboard engines at the Annual Dealer Conference.
Team Pursuit, a competitive fishing team comprised of Pursuit captains and staff, is formed. They will fish out of the beefed up C 340 Center Console in two divisions of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) during the spring and summer in and around Florida.
Pursuit introduces the OS 375 Offshore at the Palm Beach Boat Show. This new flagship of the fleet represents the largest outboard powered boat Pursuit has ever built and is powered with triple 350 hp Yamaha outboards.
Pursuit announces five dealers achieving Flagship Dealer status. The Flagship Dealer Program builds on the Marine Industry Dealer Certification program instituted by the NMMA to help marine dealers achieve and maintain certain standards and practices for their dealerships in several different areas. The Pursuit program adds operational enhancements that help the dealers excel in overall customer satisfaction and profitability, and recognizes and rewards exceptional performance in the areas of dealership sales, marketing and service.
Pursuit unveils OS 375 Offshore, redesigned C 280 Center Console and updated C 230 and C 310 Center Consoles during Annual Dealer Meeting in August.
Pursuit holds first International Dealer Conference to coincide with the Genoa Boat Show in Santa Margherita, Italy and the international launch of the OS 375 Offshore, in October.
Pursuit unveils new OS 345 Offshore during Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. This model replaces best selling model OS 335 Offshore and offers many of the features found on the OS 375 Offshore.
2007
Pursuit introduces the LS 235 Denali
and the C 310 Center Console during the Annual Dealer Conference.
Introduction of the C 230 Center Console during the Miami International
Boat Show.
Pursuit receives the Boating Magazine 2006 Boat Of The Year Award
for the LS 345 Drummond Runner during the Miami International Boat
Show.
Pursuit announces record sales at the 2007 Miami International Boat
Show, declaring it one of the best boat shows ever.
Pursuit announces the launch of the OS 315 Offshore for the summer
of 2007. This model will incorporate new features such as a molded
hardtop and windshield, updated upholstery and fabrics, bow thrusters
and infused fiberglass stringer system.
Leon and Dolores Slikkers are awarded honorary Doctors of Law titles
from Andrews University for their dedication and commitment to improving
the quality of life of those around them, their generous philanthropy
and encouragement of others to serve their fellow man.
2006
Pursuit wins NMMA Innovation Award for the Drummond
Sportfish “Anglers EdgeTM” bait prep center during the
Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit wins two gold Addys and one silver Addy award for print advertising
and it’s 2006 catalog for design and printing processes with
design team FC Edge.
Construction is completed at the Pursuit factory, the culmination
begin the launch of the automated production and lamination lines.
Leon Slikkers pushes the button on each line on April 4 and begins
the automation process. All new areas are up and running, including
the Design Center, new lamination areas and coating booths.
Pursuit introduces the OS 285 Offshore, which replaces the 2870 Walkaround.
This model was presold for months prior to going into production.
Pursuit recognized by NMMA for CSI Excellence for 2006.
2005
Pursuit introduces 2570 Offshore model, which replaces
2470 Walkaround, during Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit begins expansion of their Fort Pierce, Florida facility,
which will have additions totaling 60,000 square feet and include
additions to the lamination building, engineering building, a test
pool and new mill shop.
Pursuit introduces the 3480 Drummond Island Runner at the Annual
Dealer Conference, wowing dealers, vendors and press in attendance.
Pursuit introduces the 3480 Drummond Island Sportfish during the
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, receiving critical acclaim.
Pursuit recognized by NMMA for CSI Excellence for 2005.
2004
Pursuit introduces the 2670 Center Console during
the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit is recognized by the NMMA for CSI Excellence for the model
year 2003.
Pursuit introduces a 5/2/5 Warranty program for all 2005 model Pursuits.
Pursuit introduces the 3480 Center Console in September 2004.
Pursuit’s Annual Dealer Meeting is cancelled due to twin hurricanes
Frances and Jeanne in September, 2004.
Pursuit introduces 2570 Center Console at the Fort Lauderdale Boat
Show.
Pursuit recognized by NMMA for CSI Excellence for model year 2004.
2003
Pursuit unveils exciting new circle “P” logo
with platinum finish.
Pursuit introduces the 3100 Offshore as a new model for 2004.
Pursuit introduces the 3370 Offshore with a dramatic entrance at
the Annual Dealer Meeting.
2002
S2 Yachts implements a change in family leadership.
Pursuit and Tiara both announce a dramatic, new zero-interest retail
financing program in the fall of 2001 in response to the 9/11 terrorist
attacks.
Pursuit introduces the 2670 Denali LS at the Miami International
Boat Show.
Pursuit introduces the 2665 Denali LS at its annual Dealer Meeting.
2001
Pursuit purchases 32 acres of additional
land, adjacent to the existing Fort Pierce facility, for future expansion.
Pursuit introduces the 3070 Center Console at its annual Dealer Meeting
in August.
Pursuit introduces the 2670 Cuddy Console at the Fort Lauderdale
Boat Show.
Pursuit introduces the new 3800 Express during its annual Chairman’s
Council meeting in May 2001.
Pursuit introduces the brand new 3070 Express in July.
2000
New sales records achieved by Pursuit and Tiara.
Pursuit was again presented Yamaha Motor Company’s Sales and
Marketing Achievement Award in May, for the fourth straight year.
Pursuit continues to expand with the addition of 7,000 square feet
in lamination, engineering, customer service and administration space.
1999
Pursuit introduces the 3070 Offshore Center Console
at the Miami International Boat Show in February.
Pursuit presented with Yamaha Motor Company’s Sales and Marketing
Achievement Award in May.
Continuous Improvement Program is implemented at Pursuit.
S2 Yachts celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a reception for all
employees.
Total employment in all plants exceeds 1,000 persons.
1998
Pursuit introduces the 3000 Express at the Miami International
Boat Show.
Tiara opens a new yacht manufacturing facility in Swansboro, North
Carolina, as announced during the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit presented with Yamaha Motor Company’s Sales and Marketing
Achievement Award in May.
Pursuit introduces green hull color option for the 2270, 2470 and
2870 Center Console models, as well as the 3000 Offshore and 3400
Express in June.
Redesigned decks for the Pursuit 2870 Walkaround and 2470 Walkaround
are introduced in August.
New sales records are achieved by both Pursuit and Tiara.
1997
Leon Slikkers is inducted into the Michigan Boating
Hall of Fame.
Pursuit 2870 Center Console is introduced in February.
Pursuit completes a plant expansion of 50,000 square feet and moves
into new offices – 7,500 square feet.
Pursuit presented Yamaha Motor Company’s Sales and Marketing
Achievement Award.
Pursuit 2270 Kodiak and 2260 Denali are introduced in July.
Pursuit and Tiara both achieve sales records during the 1997 model
year.
1996
Leon Slikkers is named Entrepeneur of the Year in
the manufacturing category for the state of Michigan.
Pursuit introduces the 2800 Walkaround (I/B), 2870 (O/B) and 2800
(I/B) Offshore Center Console.
During the Annual Dealer Meeting, new models are introduced: Pursuit
3400 Express, 2860 Denali and 2270 Center Console.
Pursuit achieves another sales record.
A major expansion of the Pursuit facility begins – 50,000 square
feet in the plant and 7,500 square feet in the office.
1995
Pursuit 2470 Center Console and 2470 Walkaround are
introduced at Annual Dealer Meeting.
New Denali series is introduced at the New York Boat Show, featuring
the Denali 2460 model.
Pursuit 2870 Walkaround is introduced at the Miami International
Boat Show.
New sales records are established for both Tiara Yachts and Pursuit.
1994
S2 Yachts celebrates its 20th Anniversary with an
Open House for all employees and their families.
S2 Yachts selected as the winner of the manufacturing division of
the MCI/Inc. Magazine’s National Award for Positive Customer
Service.
Pursuit 2600 Inboard Center Console is introduced at the Miami Boat
Show.
New sales record achieved for Pursuit division.
Pursuit 3000 Offshore is unveiled to dealers during the annual Dealer
Meeting held in July.
Pursuit Offshore University holds its first annual dealer training
session.
1993
S2 discontinues the Tiara Sportboat (Slickcraft) production,
with the focus on the Tiara Yachts and Pursuit Fishing Boats product
lines.
New Pursuit models introduced are the 1950 Dual Console, 2150 Dual
Console, 2150 Walkaround, 2355 Center Console, 2555 Center Console,
2555 Walkaround, 2855 Express and the 3100 Express.
Pursuit starts Total Quality Management Program and Total Company
Education Program based upon “Vision” statement.
1992
Pursuit 2650 Center Console introduced at annual Dealer
Meeting.
Pursuit 2665 Center Console named Boating Magazine’s 1992 Boat
of the Year.
Pursuit introduces the 1950 and 2150 Dual Console models.
Early summer brings introduction of 2855 Express Fisherman to the
Pursuit brand.
1991
Pursuit 1850 Center Console introduced at IMTEC.
1990
Pursuit introduces transom-bracket option
for all models.
1989
S2 7.9 meter sailboat is re-introduced on a limited
edition basis to be made available in 1990.
Pursuit 3250 Open nears completion, with an introduction set for
the January 1990 New York Boat Show.
New sales records established in all three brand names. Employment
totals reach 780 people.
1988
Expansion is made of corporate facilities, including
doubling the engineering area, sportswear store, entrance and lobby
area of the Holland, Michigan facility.
New sales records established in all three brand names. Total employment
reaches 650.
1987
Slickcraft product line is expanded to include five
new models.
S2 Sailboat production is ended. New sales records established in
all three brand names and total employment exceeds 500 people.
1986
Key management team assembled for second generation
of growth. Brand names reorganized to include separate dealer franchises
for each product line – Tiara Yachts, Pursuit Fishing Boats,
Slickcraft Sportboats and S2 Sailboats.
1984
Leon Slikkers becomes Chief Executive Officer of S2
Yachts. David Slikkers is named President.
Construction is completed on a 200,000 square foot, two-level facility
in Holland, Michigan; this brings the total square feet to nearly
500,000.
1983
S2 Yachts, Inc. purchases the Slickcraft brand name
from AMF. A new plant is built in Fort Pierce, Florida with approximately
75,000 square feet to begin building Pursuit models.
1980
AMF produced last Slickcraft.
1978
Slikkers doubles the plant capacity and
expands on all product lines – S2 Sailboats, Tiara power boats
and adds Grand Slam performance sailboats.
1977
Pursuit series of fishing boats is introduced.
1974
Slikkers forms S2 Yachts, Inc. and begins manufacturing
sailboats in a 72,000 square foot factory with 53 employees.
1973
Slikkers resigns as President of Slickcraft.
1969
Slickcraft is sold to AMF; Leon Slikkers is retained
as President.
1966
Construction begins on a new Slickcraft plant on Brooks
Avenue in Holland, Michigan.
1964
SS235, Slickcraft’s most successful boat becomes
a forerunner in the trend toward trailerable, cuddy-cabin boats,
as well as deep v-bottom boats.
1962
Slickcraft expands into an old skating rink on Washington
Avenue.
1961
Slickcraft line expands to include 17’ boats;
all wooden models are discontinued.
1956
Slikkers begins experimental work in fiberglass hull
construction.
1955
In a bold move, Leon Slikkers leaves Chris Craft,
sells his home and starts a small factory called Slickcraft on Washington
Avenue in Holland, Michigan.
1954
Leon Slikkers registers the “Slickcraft” name.
1950
Leon Slikkers begins building 14’ runabouts
in his garage after work.
1946
Leon Slikkers starts work at Chris Craft
in the joiner department making cabin tops.
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