The History of Pursuit
In 1977 the Pursuit Boats Brand was established. But that is only part of the story. Explore the 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.
Pursuit is awarded the prestigious NMMA CSI award for the eighteenth year in a row.
Pursuit wins two NMMA Neptune Awards for excellence in marketing.
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.
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.
The DC 365 was awarded the Innovation Award in the Fishing Boat Walkaround/Centre 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 recognises 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.
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 centre 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.
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 centre 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.
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 favourite. The boat is scheduled to debut at the 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Boating Industry recognises the SC 365i as a Top Product for 2014.
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.
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.
Pursuit introduces the SC 365i with patent pending Integrated Outboard Technology to their Domestic and International Dealer Organisation 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.
Pursuit introduces the C 260 during the 2012 Miami International Boat Show. A very stylish centre 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 Centre 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.
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 honours 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.
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.
Pursuit introduces S 280 Sport at the Miami International Boat Show. This boat is the second in the Sport series of cruising / fishing centre 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.
Pursuit introduces the S 310 Sport, a centre 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 recognises 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.
Pursuit wins NMMA Innovation Award for the Drummond Sportfish “Anglers EdgeTM” bait prep centre 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 recognised by NMMA for CSI Excellence for 2006.
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 totalling 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 recognised by NMMA for CSI Excellence for 2005.
Pursuit introduces the 2670 Center Console during the Miami International Boat Show.
Pursuit is recognised 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 recognised by NMMA for CSI Excellence for model year 2004.
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.
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.
Pursuit purchases 32 acres of additional land, adjacent to the existing Fort Pierce facility, for future expansion.
Pursuit introduces the 3070 Centre 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.
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.
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.
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 colour option for the 2270, 2470 and 2870 Centre 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.
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.
Leon Slikkers is named Entrepreneur 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 Centre Console.
During the Annual Dealer Meeting, new models are introduced: Pursuit 3400 Express, 2860 Denali and 2270 Centre 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.
Pursuit 2470 Centre 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.
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 Centre 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.
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 Centre Console, 2555 Centre Console, 2555 Walkaround, 2855 Express and the 3100 Express.
Pursuit starts Total Quality Management Program and Total Company Education Program based upon “Vision” statement.
Pursuit 1850 Centre Console introduced at IMTEC.
Pursuit introduces transom-bracket option for all models.
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.
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.
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.
Key management team assembled for second generation of growth. Brand names reorganised to include separate dealer franchises for each product line – Tiara Yachts, Pursuit Fishing Boats, Slickcraft Sportboats and S2 Sailboats.
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.
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.
AMF produced last Slickcraft.
Slikkers doubles the plant capacity and expands on all product lines – S2 Sailboats, Tiara power boats and adds Grand Slam performance sailboats.
Pursuit series of fishing boats is introduced.
Slikkers forms S2 Yachts, Inc. and begins manufacturing sailboats in a 72,000 square foot factory with 53 employees.
Slikkers resigns as President of Slickcraft.
Slickcraft is sold to AMF; Leon Slikkers is retained as President.
Construction begins on a new Slickcraft plant on Brooks Avenue in Holland, Michigan.
SS235, Slickcraft’s most successful boat becomes a forerunner in the trend toward trailerable, cuddy-cabin boats, as well as deep v-bottom boats.
Slickcraft line expands to include 17’ boats; all wooden models are discontinued.
Slikkers begins experimental work in fibreglass hull construction.
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.
Leon Slikkers registers the “Slickcraft” name.
Leon Slikkers begins building 14’ runabouts in his garage after work.
Leon Slikkers starts work at Chris Craft in the joiner department making cabin tops.