Pursuit DC 306

While I was perusing the photos of the Pursuit DC 306 dual console prior to my sea trial, my first impression of the boat is just how much this boat can offer and do.

It’s not just about the main features like the open bow, dual consoles, cockpit space and seating, but the deck space, several hull features and some elegant touches also caught my eye.

Hull yeah!

From the dock, you see the DC 306 has a clean profile with a high sheerline that accentuates the bow flare and wave-beating abilities. Ground tackle is tucked away in its own compartment in the bow with the anchor protruding from the hull and not mounted on deck, maintaining a clean look. This will save a few busted toes, while making deployment and retrieval an easy process.

Another feature is the starboard hullside door with ladder, perfect for boarding without having to step on/over the gunwale. It adds a level of safety when transiting to/from the dock or water. It also can assist when hauling in the big catch.

Speaking of the catch, the DC 306 sports rod holders in the gunwales, across the transom, as well as hardtop-support rod holders. Count ’em up and that’s 12 rod carriers. Pursuit can also add more if needed. With a 26-gallon recirculating livewell, Corian cutting board, rod storage, insulated fishboxes, several tackle storage compartments and 18-foot outriggers, this boat is ready to hit the inshore marshes or offshore ledges.

A true convertible

The DC 306 can easily convert from a fishing machine into a cruiser with minimal effort. The open cockpit has a recessed transom seat that flips out, with a self-adjusting backrest that makes this a comfortable spot. There’s more, as an optional portside seat also flips out, adding capacity. Include the fixed aft-facing portside bench, and you have seats for all. Diamond stitching in the cushions is a nice touch, with Dri-Fast foam and mesh backing that helps to eliminate moisture. Drop in the rectangular fiberglass table and enjoy meals alfresco!

More seating (yup, that’s right) is found in the open bow. There are port and starboard forward-facing loungers with flip-down armrests. Relax by using these seats as benches for face-to-face interaction; generous padding works as a backrest. Underneath the forward center seat is insulated storage space, while the starboard seat has deep, molded storage underneath. Recessed coaming boxes have drink holders, storage space and USB ports. The area is ringed by grabrails for safety. A forward cushion makes this a true U-shape sitting area, and there’s a mounting bracket for a fiberglass table.

Let’s not forget about the helm seat to starboard with armrests and fore/aft adjustments. To port is a bolstered companion seat.

Gotcha’ covered

Standard on the DC 306 is the molded fiberglass hardtop with large-diameter, powder-coated aluminum supports aft, which add style and act as integrated handrails. Adding to the rigidity is the integrated windshield framing, with Pursuit’s signature tempered side glass design with beefy support and a center vent that is a great idea for ventilation (two hardtop hatches enhance airflow). The windshield has a center framed pane and lower door that folds back for access to the bow. The left and right windshield panes gently curve aft, with essentially no distortion in the glass. Impressive!

With protection from the elements, the DC 306 can be operated in most any conditions. The starboard helm has standard twin flush-mounted Garmin GPSMAP 12-inch multifunction displays, rocker switches with backlit text above, an optional Yamaha joystick and throttle controls, a trim tab controller and a JL Audio single-knob controller. Molded in fiberglass, the helm station tilts aft for easy access to wiring or if adding components.

Here’s where the “DC” (dual console) part of the name comes in. On the side of the helm is a single-motion two-piece entry door to an enclosed cabin head. There’s a 9-gallon holding tank, a macerator pump and a deck pump-out. You can clean up at the molded sink with Corian counter and vanity mirror — just another example of how the DC 306 lets you play on the water during the day and change for dockside dining at night.

To port is another cabin inside that console, suitable for storage of rods, fiberglass tables, safety gear or other items.

Not to muddy the waters, Pursuit currently offers the DC 306 with one engine package, which is very suitable for this boat. Twin Yamaha Digital F300 V6 Offshore outboards are bolted on, and coupled with the Digital Electric Steering and Helm Master electronic controls, make this one powerful and true tracking platform. Blasting wide open, we charged into other boat wakes, and the DC 306 just ate them up. Wide open we averaged 52.1 mph in a comfortable manner. The boat didn’t porpoise or chine wake, and you could feel the hull “grip” the water. To keep the folks at Pursuit honest, we ran some speed numbers on reciprocal courses. At 3500 RPM, we both saw 28.5 mph at 17.8 gph, resulting in a 346 nm range. Trolling at 8.4 mph at 1500 RPM saw 4.4 gph and a range of 392 nm. Feel confident that the numbers Pursuit advertises are spot on.

Utilizing an infused fiberglass structural grid system into the hand-laminated hull with a five-plyresin infused transom system adds more than enough strength to carry the outboards. Pursuit knows how to build a hull. Complete with five-year hull, deck and blister warranties, it stands behind what it makes.

To enhance this boat, there are choices such as hull color, upholstery colors, bow thruster, ski tow pylon, stereo options, covers and curtains, Garmin radar and more.

Look at Pursuit’s DC 306. It may leave you speechless.

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Confidence on the Water

In its own pursuit of promoting safer boating, Pursuit Boats has teamed up with the Chapman School of Seamanship for an incredibly unique offer to buyers of new Pursuit boats. The Confidence on the Water program allows up to four crewmembers, which can be family or friends, to be included in Chapman’s education and safety on the water program, compliments of Pursuit Boats. Through its sponsorship, Pursuit is the first boat manufacturer to offer such a program that benefits its owners as well as others on the water.

Designed as a two-day training course, there’s six hours of classroom instruction that includes waterway rules, safety, operation, docking and handling instructions. Additionally, there’s six hours of on-water, hands-on practical training. Boat handling is on a Pursuit twin outboard S 288 boat.

The Chapman School of Seamanship is located a short distance from the Pursuit Boats factory in Fort Pierce, Florida. In existence for over 50 years, Chapman offers both recreational and commercial courses.

Learn more at chapman.org.