Pursuit DC 326

So much effort is made to create multifunctional boats for families today that the notion of single-handed boating gets lost for fear of crossing the dreaded “politically incorrect” meridian.

I know the wife would never grant me permission to buy a boat without, say, 12 months of advance consultation, including side trips to the Magnificent Mile that always seem to end with a skillet of Bandera cornbread and a Hendricks gin martini. Now, mention that you want said boat for the occasional solo Saturday trip and that skillet becomes an unwelcome explanation point. Upon returning from a test ride on the inspired Pursuit Dual Console (DC) 326, I realize this is indeed the perfect boat for social distancing, yet is also ideal for couples with small kids who savor an escape from traffic. And, yes, it also has a functional layout for the skipper to easily handle all seakeeping tasks by himself should the opportunity ever arise. Just saying.

Cruise comfortably

Pursuit took some risks by replacing its immensely popular 325 model with this modernized version that features a fully integrated fiberglass hardtop with a walkthrough tempered-glass windshield. This creates a clear path for the skipper to quickly go forward to retrieve the anchor or dash to the stern when they sense fish on the hook.

In all, there are five vertical rod holders in the transom and four more in the gunwale that complement the lighted Oceana Blue 28-gallon recirculating livewell and insulated fish boxes in the cockpit sole, complete with independent pumps with overboard discharge. The cockpit tackle center includes three Plano box storage compartments behind the aft-facing seat backrest. Below deck is dedicated storage for four rods and a padded fishing reel protector.

But, as I said, this is a family boat that just happens to be fish-friendly. And, with a range of 297 miles, it’s also a summer cruiser that tops out at 48 mph thanks to twin Yamaha F300 outboards. From Chicago to Milwaukee in under three hours at cruise speed, or a one-tank trip to Door County. The possibilities are endless.

To make any ride comfortable, Pursuit dedicated a team of seamstresses to match the right amount of cushion in just the right places. The foldaway cockpit seating has a flip-up backrest that extends to cushion your shoulders, not just the lower back. They crafted cockpit upholstery with Dri-Fast foam and mesh backing. Up front, the molded forward bow seating includes flip-down armrests with insulated storage below. Even the double-wide captain’s bench seat is equipped with foldable armrests, fore and aft adjustments, and a swivel base that allows everyone to be part of the social zone (when at rest, of course).

Construction innovations

Time and technology bring about new construction materials and techniques. The DC 326 sports a new anchor roller that brings the anchor flush to the bow and a self-righting anchor shackle to simplify retrieval. The locker is flush-mounted and has a fiberglass lid to conceal the horizontal windlass and fresh or raw water washdown. Inside, an LED light illuminates the locker, which is a useful new feature.

Pursuit integrated new hardtop structural supports to tie the entire boat together for a firm, reassuring feel underway, while also creating a powerful design element. The structure supports radar, antenna and outrigger locations, and underneath sports four tri-color LED lights and stereo speakers. Our test boat included the custom hardtop with electric retractable sunshade with one-touch operation. There is also a stowable forward sunshade.

Now, the helm is an interesting story. Featuring the latest seamless glass look made famous by Garmin, there are twin multifunction displays, a double row of rocker accessory switches and Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick. Garmin has a dedicated factory technician who works at the Pursuit plant and installs the electronic components, makes all the final terminations, and initiates and tests the entire system. The benefit is you get an extra year of warranty, confidence of a job done right, and Pursuit has found none of the failures at delivery that plague other manufacturers. How is that for improved quality and reliability? And if that’s not enough, you also get a free orientation from a Garmin-certified rep.

An interesting footnote: The entire boating industry is noticing that customers want nearly every option available, from the electric grill to heat and AC in the helm area in order to extend comfort and the cruising season. A strong economy and bang for the buck are driving some manufacturers to include these options as standard equipment. Bruce Thompson, president of Pursuit, says many customers who are downsizing from larger yachts are accustomed to the features, but they want them on smaller, easier to handle boats that require less maintenance.

“We’re also seeing newer boaters who appreciate technology interfaces and timeless designs in the boats we are building,” Thompson says. “They see functional, creative features like our starboard-side door entry and right next to it an integrated fiberglass step for boarding or the walkthrough transom door, and they recognize the effort, passion and purpose.”

Saving space

Boaters are also showing an interest in overnighting. Rather than cram the typical cabin features below deck, Pursuit put together a molded entertainment center with sink, cold water faucet, trash can and cutting board in a tidy package in the cockpit and even changed up the refrigerator package with a 12V 2.3-cubic-foot stainless steel drawer refrigerator. To save space, the custom molded cockpit table and forward cockpit table have dual mounting locations and dedicated storage.

That frees up space in the cabin for convertible berthing accommodations and seating. The head is positioned starboard, and features a vacuum-flush electric marine head with an elongated bowl connected to a holding tank with pump-out, a designer sink with Corian countertop and a vanity mirror. Grill, Fridge, Bed, Bath and Beyond — summer adventure awaits.

Pursuit was acquired a couple of years ago by Malibu Boats, and the parent company is investing heavily in funding new product development, building a 182,000-square-foot facility and incentivizing all employees, not just those who have been on the team for years.

“The DC 326 is a prime example of our efforts,” Thompson says. “We are letting new product drive the business. Previously the life of our boat models was about five and a half years. Now we are updating every two years and replacing a great boat with an even greater boat.”