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Random Quote: To err is Human said the rooster as he climbed off the duck.
I've got a 2002 Pursuit 2470 WA and want to move up to the 3070 Offshore (a walkaround):
1. Has anyone found they have a strong preference for the new '04 cabin layout versus the '03 that had the dinette table? I've not been in the '04. Difference may also be the galley layout - I probably would't care but the ADMIRAL might and it's funny how much easier it is for me to buy a boat if she's happy with it...........
2. While I'm at it (and before I write the check), what boat make in the 30' to 31' range do you like better than the 3070?
I'm looking at the '03 to '04 3070 Offshore and don't want to go past $100,000 to $120,000. That seems to dictate '03 now but I'd wait another year of $ decline on the '04 if its cabin layout makes a big positive difference. But unless I'm missing something, I prefer the '03 with the dinette instead of the '04 with the table in a V-berth.
In comparing alternatives to the Pursuit 3070 Offshore - I neglected to mention in my post below that I prefer outboard instead of in-board for shallow water flexibility, steering response, ease and cost of maintenance, etc.
Otherwise, I'd look more seriously at, and try to justify the much bigger $ for, say a 5 year old Tiara 31 Open with its 12' beam, etc.
Can you guys with both hands-on outboard and inboard experience set me strait on my preference for inboard. I've been in inboards and have run a couple of my friend's inboards but have never owned one.
I'm familiar with both layouts of the Pursuit 3070 Offshore you are refering to. At first I liked the older sytle dinette/bow bed arrangement as they seemed to fit alot into a 30' boat. But when I looked closer I discovered that the dinette is really only large enough for two people to comfortably sit at. And the bed barely looks wide enough for one person to sleep in let alone two. So if you need to seat more than two people inside get the newer V-Berth version as it can comfortably seat four people.
They also made that layout available with inboards and called it an express. Its alot slower than the outboard version because you can't trim the inboards to get better efficiency. I'd also read that some earlier inboard models had problems with water ingestion into the engines. Inboards can be more unforgiving in shallow water, bottom out and it may cost you dearly with damaged running gear. And a boat that size with inboards looks more difficult to trailer than one with outboards.
I liked the 3070 Offshore for its quality but personally I didn't care for how the helm fit me. For me its uncomfortable to drive standing up as I'd prefer some additional foot clearance under the helm, check to see how it fits you.
As for alternatives you might want to look at the Pro-Line 32 Express. Its got a nice layout and not too much more money than what you're looking to spend for a new one. It seems PL has improved their quality but I'd still investigate their construction further.
There's always GW and their Marlin is the equivalent to the 3070. But even the used ones are overpriced in my opinion though they do have nice layouts also.
The Pursuit website shows the combo V-Berth/dinette on the 3070 and the separate berth and dinette on the 3370. The 3370 has a more spacious layout, but it is, of course, a bigger boat. FWIW, I prefer outboards for this style of boat.
I looked at both the 3070 and 3370 when I was shopping last year. I couldn't stand up in most of the cabin and felt the helm area was also too small. Those were my only real gripes about what otherwise I would consider great, top-tier boats, but they were enough for me to go with a Grady Marlin, where I felt more comfortable and got the same kind of quality, ride, and fit-finish.
Florida Dan and Fishie, you thought the helm and/or cabin on the Pursuit 3070 Offshore was too small. For context,I'm 5'11" - are either of you much over 6'?
I agree on your inboard thoughts too.
FD, Fishie, & CaptWill - good point about the GW 30' Marlin - thanks. I like my Pursuit 2470 WA better than the samerange in the GW's but if the Marlin's a better layout in the 30'/31' range itmayshift my interest to GW.Both great brands & ridebut if I'm paying $$ tomove up I'd like to avoidstill feeling cramped if possible.
Also - if I recall correctly, I thinkthere's also a little sleepingberth under the helm & behind the cabin steps on the 3070 Offshore.Might be fine & fun for the kids but I'd appreciateanybody's thoughts on itsuse &if it's a hasslein the cabin space pulling upthe cabin steps to get in, let alone if the kids can get themselves out when the steps are down.....?? My kids are8 3/4(boy) and 6 1/2 (girl) - can they both fit in there??
Florida Dan and Fishie, you thought the helm and/or cabin on the Pursuit 3070 Offshore was too small.* For context,*I'm 5'11" - are either of you much over 6'?
Nope. And the issue on the helm for me is that molded in footrest, it makes me stand too upright and not be able to lean back enough for my tastes. I really like Pursuits quality but can't bring myself to buy one because of poor ergonomic issues like this.
As for the "midberth" on the 3070 its so small its a joke. I think it might be big enough for only one of your kids its that narrow, it reminds me of a casket ( yuk ). The Marlins mid berth is much wider and it looks to me that you and one child could probably sleep in their and be fairly comfortable.
The Marlin has a nice layout but in MY opinion there isn't alot of value for what they ask for used ones a couple of years old. There are some new Pro-Line 32 Expresses for sale for around $ 120-135K that look to be a much better value. Now is a good time to shop for an '05 too, just check out PL's quality thoroughly.
I agree with Floroda Dan on the Marlin being a better layout, better ergonomics. And you can find '02 Marlin's in that price range you are looking at. The Proline, while it may be a decent boat, does not compare in quality with either the Grady or the Pursuit. That's usually evident at re-sale.
__________________ Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
The Marlin is very comfortable at helm, standing, sitting or leaning, I never felt cramped. I'm a little over 6 foot but I'm undertall for my weight and the ergonomics and layout allow me to fit easily.
The midberth on the Marlin is okay in size- two kids can easily sleep there. My 16 and 10 year olds spent many nights in there and the older boy is pretty big. There is no ladder to move out of the way like on the 3070 and the entrance to the space is larger on the 300 than the 3070. The size of the head is pretty good for a 30' fishing boat and again I can stand upright in it, use the shower, etc. the 3070 was a little tighter if I recall. The cockpit on both is large and very functional. There have been layout changes to both over the last couple of years so if one set of features is important make sure you're looking at the right years.
I think the bottom line is either boat is outstanding in most ways you just have to figure out which is most important to you. No disrespect to Proline, at the last winter show I went to (4 times) I walked off the Pursuits and right onto the Prolines each time and I thought the differences were noticeable as did the folks I was with who were there to help me decide. Were they worth the difference in price? Again that is a personal matter that only you can decide what value to place on each. For me, it was the Grady.
That's really great help again guys. Puts it in good perspective for me.
Fishie1 - great way to put it and I read you on the "verticle & horizontal"space you want. Even if the 3070turned out to be an OK fit for me, as I think about theusual suspects we bring onboard, I want it to be as good a fit as possible for them too.
Midberth - somehow the GW is getting more out of its space than the 3070 and especially so given the comments on the 3070's more cramped helm.
Proline vs. Pursuit vs. GW - - Unless I got an astonishing deal on a Proline,I'd always feel I had more $ at risk at resale on the Proline relative to the great acceptance of GW and Pursuit in the secondary market.
Stamas 310 or 320 Express. I cross-shopped against the Pursuit and bought the Stamas. I found they're equivalent in build quality, amenities, performance, etc. but the Stamas is less expensive. Also, the Pursuit doesn't have a midcabin while Stamas does. That makes it a lot easier to fit more people in the cabin. As an aside, Boating Magazine has a write up on the Stamas 340 Express in the October issue.
Thanks - I've always reallyliked the look of the Stamas & have read good things on it on THT,but I haven't been on one & I've only seen a couple on the Fairfield County (Connecticut) coastline. I'll check to see where the closest dealers are, local support, etc. Good point & thanks for reminding me to check Stamas out. Not sure I have the time to try tomake a long distance acquisition on a pre-owned but could make the effort if its compelling.There are lot's of GW 30 Marlins for sale, a few Pursuit 3070 Offshores,& I'll hop off now to lookonline for pre-ownedStamas.
i think you owe it to yourself to run a pursuit 3000 offshore (not express), the older model (circa 2000) w/the twin inboards. bigger beam, much better setup for offshore fishing (if that's what you're doing w/it). outboards are ok for CCs, but take up too much fishing room otherwise. two huge outboards hanging off the back of a boat like the 3070 just leaves too little room for the poles imho. of course, i must be in the minority because pursuit has gone away from inboards and i'm sure that's the result of the customer speaking. BUT, you need to at least get on a 3000 offshore and check it out, you can get a late '90s w/diesels in your price range.
Like the newer 3070 better. The old layout has a very small galley which is not very useable. As far as the aft birth the 30 Marlin does not offer any spacious accomodations either. The 3070 newer model just has nicer workmanship below. Pursuit also spaces their outboards further apart. This allows for much better slow speed and docking handling. The helm on the 30 marlin to me does not offer the layout I like.
I also recommend you look at the wiring and the ease to get behind the helm.
I picked the 03 pursuit 3070 with the F225s. bought it last month and am happy with my decision.I liked the Gradys too but really wanted a boat that could seat 3 under the hardtop ( it gets hot here in Florida) there is a bench option for the port seat for the Grady but I couldn't find one. my wife and I liked the cabin of the 03 pursuits better than the Grady or the newer pursuits. personal preference here. I was interested in the hydrasports 2900vx that just came out but every time I get on my pursuit I know Imade the right choice. the pursuit is bigger and used is cheaper. It is a nice, well made boat. I really liked the 3370 but decided for my first boat that was too much money. got mine for 107K. get the four strokes good luck Mark
Take a good look at the Boston Whaler 305 Conquest. After looking at Pursuit, Grady, and Hydrasport, I chose the Conquest for a few reasons; 1. The mechanical area is very accessable and well thought out. 2. Cockpit is really large. 3. The passenger lounge is the best of the bunch as is the fold-down transom seat. 4. I thought the cabin was the best layout of the bunch as well, especially the mid-birth. 5. Diesel Genset. 6. Verado's are awesome with the electronic controls. You have to try them to really appreciate them. 7. Very nice performing hull in various sea conditions. Planes at 15 mph and will plane on one engine. It can put some spray on the bow in choppy seas, but with the full enclosure, not a big deal.
Thanks everybody. Really tremendous feedback and I've got a lot of checking out to do.
Chainsaw - Correct, I've been on the 3000 and as I recall its beam approaches or matches the Tiara 3100 Open's 12' beam.The 3070's only 10' 6".I was checking out the 3000 priceson pre-owned, dealer, and brokerwebsites and will keep looking for onenear me.By the way, dealer tells me the deal is that Pursuit's going all outboard so Tiara will the soleinboard boat in that family. I was told they thought the Pursuit inboard models were cannibalizing Tiara's sales.
KevinM, Doeboy, and Thomasfxlt - great details for me to look into. I like the helm bench option too on the Pursuit. Interesting thought onthe Whaler 305 Conquest - I'd not looked at Whaler in a long time but it sounds like they've really gotten a lot out of the cockpit, helm, and cabin layouts.
It'll be fun checking all these leads -- I luv lookin' at boats......
I believe you have good choices from the response here. The GW, Pursuit, and BW are all fine 30ish boats. I prefer the GW Marlin. The next guy may prefer the Pursuit. If you can get to a boat show you may have an opportunity to compare all of your choices at the same time. The differences in the features of these boats becomes less every year as they tend to all follow each other. The GW Marlin for example went to a diesel genset in 2003 and offers a bench seat option. The 2004 redesign added Corian and teak to the cabin as well as a freshwater Vacuflush head. I haven't seen the BW up close but have friends with the 3070 Pursuit. The features of the Marlin which swayed me were:
o overhead radio boxes
o heavy transom door
o cabin layout and space
o adjustable helm seat
o storage
Thanks Troll - good detail on practical features to add to the wish list. And it looks like you avoided getting yet another all-to-common flimsy transom door....
2003 Pursuit 3070 Offshore vs. ??? 
and the ergonomics and layout allow me to fit easily.
