Pursuit DC 246

When writing a Boat Test for Lakeland Boating magazine, I feel there’s an obligation to bring more to the reader than just expounding how the boat rides or spewing a bunch of specs.

I have an obligation to delve deeper, bring the not-so-obvious to the surface, to highlight hidden gems.

It’s also my duty to keep the builder honest, to make sure that what they say is true or sufficiently close, and that they deliver what they promote. Trust me, there are some builders that just don’t measure up. Pursuit Boats is not one of them.

Prior to my time on the Pursuit DC 246 (Dual Console), I scoured the Pursuit website to learn about the features, options, engine options and check out a few photos. This allows me to review certain items and question the whys, hows and whats.

I’ve been on a number of Pursuit models over the years, and I do like them. But that just drives me to find an issue each time I climb aboard a new model. Are they keeping up on the quality, finish, seakeeping ability and overall pleasure quotient? Let’s find out.

Size matters… NOT!

Even though the DC 246 is the smallest in this line (five models range from 246 to 365), it’s built with the same level of craftsmanship, innovation and pure Pursuit grit as the larger models.

On its website, the photo gallery has over 40 images of this model alone, and these are pro shots depicting the DC 246 in action and at rest.

Replacing the DC 235, the DC 246 offers 14 inches of additional length (2 inches at the bow, 7 inches in the cockpit and 5 inches for the transom fishbox), topping out at 25 feet, 8 inches LOA. With a swim platform that wraps around the single 300-hp V6 Yamaha outboard, every inch of usable space is accounted for. The swim platform is deep, has storage compartments for lines, can be utilized for accessing the boat from the water or dock, and makes working on the engine a little easier.

Weighing in at around 6,000 pounds dry (closer to 7,500 pounds with full fuel, water and three persons, as we had on test day), the DC 246 has an impressive cut of speed. Cruise to the fishing grounds and back spinning 4500 RPM, 34.3 mph and 16.4 gph. Or pull back to trolling speed at 8.7 mph, 2000 RPM and 3.9 gph. There’s more vroom under the cowling at wide open. We saw 45.2 mph at 5700 RPM, burning 26.8 gph. Why tell you all of that? Because our speed runs were right in line with the published Pursuit test numbers. Know that its figures are honest, not doctored, and performed in real world conditions.

Decked out

I did have questions when I got onboard. As per the photos, I noticed the aft-facing port seat was a single bench, albeit well padded with diamond stitching (the new upgraded upholstery). Then another photo shows the seat as an extended lounge seat. I was puzzled until Amy Gobel, director of marketing at Pursuit Boats, explained this little innovative setup. The bottom does pull out from beneath the forward-facing port seat, which is a few inches higher, and tucks away when not in use. It’s little ideas like this that continue to keep the Pursuit name at the top of the list.

Although designed for fishing, there are two fold-down seats across the transom with self-adjusting backrests that rise a few inches for added comfort — a nice conversion from fishing platform to cruiser. Midship is the fixed port seat and swiveling captain’s seat with armrests and bolster to starboard.

A nice option is the cockpit wetbar with sink, faucet, two cup/bottle holders, Corian countertop accent and cutting board, and a 45-quart Yeti cooler that has a dedicated space below.

Just because this is a small boat doesn’t mean Pursuit skimped on style and design. Notable is the starboard helm. Captains will find a 12-inch Garmin multifunction display, JL audio tuner and Yamaha CL5 engine monitor. A panel of rocker switches to the left, side-mounted VHF and Edson speed wheel with knob and non-slip grip makes this boat a pleasure to operate. Coupled with the Yamaha Digital Electronic Steering (DES), there’s instant response to wheel commands.

They could have installed an aluminum windshield frame that likely would have cost less but not stand up to the elements over the years, but Pursuit again uses big boat features on the DC 246. The split windshield frame is made of molded fiberglass. Exceptionally strong, the frame firmly houses the curved tempered glass windshields and a center walk-through door to the bow.

At the con

As the name indicates, this is a dual console boat. The port console opens to reveal a well-appointed head compartment. An electric toilet has a 6-gallon holding tank, a sink and faucet with Corian counter, wood accent storage in the door and a mirror. The faucet pulls out to be used as a shower. Too many times those words from the kids, “I have to go to the bathroom,” could spoil the day. This head gives that relief and doubles as a changing station to make the transition from a day on the boat to looking presentable before heading to your favorite dockside restaurant effortless.

Not to miss out, the starboard console opens to reveal ample storage for gear, a bow table, docklines and more. There’s electrical panel access, which is nice for adding components in the dash.

Bow amenities

Up forward is the open bow area, suitable for a number of guests to sit or a few to stretch out on the loungers. The Dri-Fast foam and mesh backing keeps the well-padded seats dry and comfortable. Folding armrests, forward coaming, USB ports, cup holders and grabrails add to the comfort and safety. Hinged cushions reveal insulated storage boxes below. Filler cushions convert this area from just seating into sunpad lounging.

The well-designed forward compartment houses the anchoring system. If you’re serious about anchoring out and enjoying the water, then go for the Lewmar windlass, stainless anchor, bow beach boarding ladder and freshwater connection upgrades. Talk about upping the game — and on a 24-foot boat.

And there’s more. I like the fiberglass hardtop with powder-coated aluminum framing. It’s sturdy, you can add antennas to the hardtop, add rod holders and spreader lights to the frame and it protects from the elements. Front and side curtains offer more protection.

Let’s not forget about the added fishing features, like the four gunwale rod holders, lighted Oceana Blue livewell, insulated 31-gallon transom fishbox, which doubles as cold storage, and underwater lights. Below decks there’s a dry compartment for batteries, pumps and other systems.

There’s so much going on within the Pursuit DC 246 that you must have it on your shortlist to check out if looking for a boat in this size and price range. When I told Gobel that I was impressed with this new model’s features and that Pursuit has again wowed me, she turned to me and shrugged, saying, “A Pursuit is still a Pursuit!” Indeed it is.