Pursuit DC 306: Take a Bow
The Pursuit DC 306 combines luxury, fishability, and the dual console design.
There was a time when dual console boats consisted only of small, open, relatively simple runabouts, but those days are long gone. Today you’ll see plenty of models in the 30-plus-foot range, bedecked with entertainment centers, glass bridge-style electronics systems, roomy console compartments with electric heads, and more. One of the latest such creations to hit the water is Pursuit’s DC 306.
Pursuit DC 306 Design and Construction
Like most DCs in this size range the DC 306 adheres to the basic dual console design: a bow cockpit with seating, a helm area, and an open cockpit that’s equipped for fishing. However, thanks to its heft this boat is large enough to support an oversized wraparound windshield that not only reaches the hard top, but also supports it. That eliminates the need for a bunch of bow pipework that hinders your view, and seals the front so that when you close the walk-through door and swinging center windshield, the bridge deck is completely protected from the weather. That extra protection is one major reason why so many family anglers opt for a DC in the first place, and this boat has it in spades. It also enjoys more entertaining areas than most, with a cockpit that transforms into a social zone when you put in the pedestal table and fold out the swing-down transom and gunwale seats.
Beneath the topsides the boat gets its structural strength from a resin-infused foam-filled stringer grid system and a five-ply infused transom. Resins are the more expensive but less water permeable vinylester variety, through-hulls below the waterline are bronze, and those above the waterline are chromed or stainless-steel. Large hatches swing up on gas-assist struts and all hatches are fully finished on both sides. Historically Pursuits are known for exceptionally high-quality electrical systems and the DC 306 is no different, with an in-house fabricated harness that’s chafe-protected in the run and has tinned-copper wiring with waterproof connectors.
Pursuit DC 306 Family Features
Another thing Pursuits are known for is comfy seating, and plopping down in any of the seats aboard you’ll quickly know why. With thick Dri-Fast foam and mesh backing you won’t “bottom out” against fiberglass, nor will you be afflicted with the annoying wet-butt syndrome so many boat seats suffer from. Relax in the bow compartment, and you’ll also notice that the entire area is bolstered with padding all the way around. Poke around in the coaming compartments and you’ll find beverage holders, USB ports, and LED lighting. And be sure to check out the low-profile bow grabrail, which is secured and cosmetically flawless thanks to blind fasteners.
In the port side console you’ll find a huge stowage area that’s been designed to allow for multipurpose boating. There are fishing rod racks for eight rigs, dedicated racks for the cockpit and bow tables, safety gear, plus bulk stowage. And it’s cushioned, so the forward section will also serve as a small berth if the kids get cranky and need a nap. The starboard-side helm console is dedicated to the head compartment, and also has a Corian countertop with a sink and vanity. What’s really nifty here, however, is the entry. Pursuit connects the door with the sliding overhead hatch via a sliding arm, so that when you open the door the hatch automatically slides back. That’ll eliminate a lot of the bumped foreheads that commonly go along with entering most console compartments.
Your kids are sure to be crossing their fingers that you’ll opt for the pop-up ski tow pylon and the stereo upgrade that adds a DSP amp, two additional speakers, and another 10” subwoofer (the stock rig has a JL Audio MM105-HR with six speakers and a subwoofer). Another optional item worth considering is the cockpit refrigerator, though to get it you’ll lose the tackle stowage compartment in the portside seat base.
Pursuit DC 306 Fishing Features
Some dual consoles are rather thin in the fishing department, but not this one. There are four flush-mount gunwale rodholders, four more in the transom, and a pair of rocket launchers on either side of the aft hard top pipework. If that’s not enough for you, an optional rack of five more rocket launchers can be added to the hard top plus two more flush holders are available for the bow. The transom livewell holds 26 gallons, and the fishboxes in the deck are evacuated with diaphragm pumps rather than the more failure-prone macerators. Anglers with offshore intentions will be happy to learn that the top is ready for outriggers and Pursuit offers two options for factory installation.
Perhaps the biggest fishing feature of all is the electronics system. It comes standard-issue with a pair of Garmin GPSMAP8612s in the helm. There’s also an Airmar B175M one-kW CHIRP transducer mounted in the hull. So, both your navigational and fish-finding needs are taken care of right out of the box.
Pursuit DC 306 Performance
The DC 306 comes packaged with a pair of Yamaha F300s with integrated digital electric steering, Helm Master controls (a joystick is optional), and a display. Put the throttles down until they hit fiberglass and you’ll see a top-end slightly over 50 mph, while getting a surprisingly good wide-open efficiency of one mpg. Cruising at 4500 rpm, speed is right around the 40-mph mark and efficiency is near 1.3 mpg. That shakes out to a range of 270 miles with a 10-percent fuel reserve, so this is a canyon-capable dual console.
Pursuit DC 306 Specifications
- Length Overall: 31’11”
- Beam: 9’11”
- Weight: 10,563 lbs.
- Draft (minimum): 2’2”
- Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees
- Max HP: 600
- Fuel Capacity: 224 gal.
Dual console boats are quite simply a different breed in this day and age. Bigger, more comfortable models have become more and more common through the years and today, top-shelf builders like Pursuit offer models like the DC 306 that fit the bill for both family time and fishing — including on open, untamed waters. The bottom line? It ain’t your grandaddy’s DC, but he sure would have loved one.
See Pursuit DC 306 boats for sale on boats.com.
