“The 24 degree deadrise and weight of the boat make it the most seaworthy small boat I have ever been on. I have had her in some snotty seas and she handles great and is a very dry boat.”
Corker, Pursuit S280
Interview with the Captain — Jack Attridge
Why did you choose to buy a Pursuit?
I have always admired the Pursuit center console line. The first boat that caught my eye was Jay Pingree’s C310 – “Competitor”. My neighbor was looking for a boat this summer and started sending me ads for 31’s to check out and he gave me the itch. I gravitated toward the 28 foot model, which is very similar to the 31 in many ways.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this model?
I really wasn’t looking.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing?
I stopped by a friend’s house to see if I could look at his, as I had never stepped on one before. Although it was not listed, he was considering selling her to upgrade himself. He gave me an offer that I could not refuse!
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
My Grandfather, Bowd Osborne, had a summer camp on Chebacco Lake in Hamilton. From my earliest memories, we would pack up at the beginning of the summer and head to the lake where I puttered around in a wooden skiff with an old Johnson 7.5 Sea Horse. In my teens, I started lobstering and then racing sailboats.
What boats have you previously owned?
I owned a 25’ Grady White cuddy – “Jesslyn” (named after my girls) a 22’ Sea Hunt – “Andot” (named after a 65’ B.B. Crowninshield Yawl named for my Mom and her sister Dotty) along with a Laser and a Tech Dinghy.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
The 24 degree deadrise and weight of the boat make it the most seaworthy small boat I have ever been on. I have had her in some snotty seas and she handles great and is a very dry boat. The sport model has an extra large hard top and the boat was recently upgraded with newer motors (Yamaha 250 x2) and electronics. There is plenty of storage and a paneled enclosure with a diesel heater for the colder days at the end of the season.
What features/improvements have you added, or do you plan to add?
Incremental cushion replacement and installing the ultrasonic wind sensor (for the wind freak in me) from my old boat is really all there is to be done.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
The girls don’t even need to leave the hook and enjoy sunbathing with their friends. We harbor cruise with friends, go out to watch races and whales and do short trips up and down the coast from Ipswich and Essex to Boston. We will extend the range next summer.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
No challenges at all. Trevor at Coastline is amazing and the boat came to me in tip-top condition after being in Mark Ryan’s care for many years.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Pursuit?
Just like the home buying process… take the time to find the right fit for your intended use.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
“Corker” is old Marblehead slang with a positive connotation. I grew up with the phrase and use it still so my girls thought it was very fitting. “She’s a Corker!”
Check it Out
Click the gallery below for more photos, or head over to Corker’s boat profile for more information!
