Since 1977, Pursuit has built a reputation for solid and seaworthy offshore fishing boats. But when it first offered a dual-console model, let’s just say that a few eyebrows were raised among serious anglers. A dual-console boat could never be a genuine offshore fishing machine. That requires a center console—wrong.
The DC 306 joins the Pursuit line of five other dual consoles, and each provides the perfect compromise between a hardcore war wagon and family fun. From the 26-gallon lighted livewell (with an Oceana Blue interior) in the transom to the insulated in-sole fish lockers, this is an angler’s dream—especially one with a family.
Starting with the well-proven 21-degree transom deadrise Pursuit hull that tames the ocean with a pair of fat running strakes capped by the hard chine that offers stability at trolling speeds and at rest (such as when anchored in rough conditions to fish a wreck), this is no calm-water ’fraidy cat. The starting point for the 306 was the popular Pursuit DC 295, but company designers added an inch to the length, an inch to the beam, and 2 inches in running surface on the bottom. Let’s just say they made the most of that extra space.
Certainly, the most obvious addition is modifying the transom facing the outboards with a row of rod holders for anglers, plus a tip of the design hat to families with a centerline towing post for family water fun. That pop-up post is rock-solid, anchored to the very foundation of the boat, and when popped up, it allows towlines for skiers or towed toys to easily clear the outboards.
Other giveaways that this is not just a mom-and-the-kids bowrider are the foldaway bench seats that allow anglers to scooch right up to the padded coamings on all sides of the cockpit. Flipped down, those seats combine with a removable table for alfresco munchies. The result is a lot of usable footroom for several anglers to move around without fistfights. A bonus is the starboard side door—hung on vault-size hinges—that makes hauling aboard a big tuna a tad less labor-intensive. It also eases boarding from a dock or the water (especially with the removable ladder).
Another bonus is that the sophisticated Pursuit moldwork recesses all the hinges in the deck hatches, so if your preference is fishing barefooted, you have no fear of stubbed toes. Those lockers also have deep gutters that drain directly overboard in the event of torrential rains or exuberant washdowns.
A console to starboard behind the helm seat can be set up as a wet bar with a fridge or as a fishing center with tackle drawers. Speaking of stowage, Pursuit gets a gold star because it made every space available to stash stuff in drawers, lockers, bins, whatever. Under the seats, behind the seats, next to the seats—it even put glove boxes in the hardtop over the helm and companion seat for those glasses and sunscreens that never have a place. Pursuit truly understands there is never enough stowage on a boat, regardless of size.
The skipper has an impressive dash fitted with twin 12-inch Garmin 8612 multifunction displays and two rows of backlit rocker switches. Standard is a Garmin VHF radio, as well as a transducer for the Garmin MFD’s fish-finder function. Also fitted to our test boat were Lenco trim tabs and an optional bow thruster for docking.
An infinitely adjustable and bolstered helm seat swivels so the skipper can keep an eye on the fishing. This upper deck is shaded by a husky molded-fiberglass hardtop with twin hatches for fresh air, as well as reinforcement points for radar, antennas and outriggers with up to 20-foot carbon-fiber poles.
A hinged windshield and flush-mounted door protect the cockpit from wind or spray. When open, this passageway leads to the bow area and comfy wraparound seating with two lounge backs. A Lewmar anchor windlass resides under a flush hatch in the forepeak, with both wired bow and helm controls for the 14-pound plow anchor with 200 feet of rode.
The starboard console under the helm is pure family, with an electric toilet, a vanity with sink and storage, and 5 feet of headroom to get out of wet swimsuits easily. The lockable port console is a free zone, with eight rod racks stretching to the bow, a pair of bunks suitable for napping kids, and stowage for the tables. Overnight here? Nah, better book a hotel.
Underway, the 306 was just plain fun. The twin Yamaha F300 V-6 outboards have more than enough oomph to yank skiers or inflatable toys from a dead stop, and we topped out at just over 51 mph (at 4,500 rpm), which could have gone higher if I’d tinkered with tabs and trim. Everyone will appreciate the cruising speed of about 28 mph (at 3,500 rpm), which is managed easily in most sea conditions, yet we sipped fuel at just 17.4 gph. That translates to a 330-mile range (with a 10 percent reserve margin) to reach the offshore waters to fish.
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Construction is high-tech, with a hand-laminated hull and deck of vinylester resin (no blisters) and a husky foam-filled structural grid (no wood and no rot), all with a five-year warranty. I liked being able to reach every system easily, from the batteries to the through-hulls and the outboard plumbing.
Whether you’re a purely serious fisherman or an angler with a family, the Pursuit DC 306 will check all your boxes.
Specifications
| Length: | 31’11” |
| Beam: | 9’11” |
| Draft: | 2’8″ (motors down) |
| Weight: | 10,563 lb. |
| Fuel: | 224 gal. |
| Max HP: | 600 |
| MSRP: | $418,156 |
Pursuit Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; pursuitboats.com
