Pursuit Boats has entered a new niche by introducing its Inshore series, starting with the C 180. Why would a builder of top-end offshore machines like the chunky ST 310 or the capable OS 235 start producing smaller boats? As the economy has struggled, consumers need less expensive choices. And with a starting MSRP of $33,890 with a 115-hp four-stroke Yamaha, the C 180 becomes the least expensive Pursuit in their lineup.

The Pursuit C 180 may be the smallest boat in this company’s lineup, but it has all the quality of its larger siblings.



Even with the relatively low price tag there’s no trade-off in quality; bringing size down to 17’10” merely allows you to opt for quality over LOA. Construction includes a one-piece molded foam-filled stringer grid, 316-grade stainless-steel, a one-piece welded bowrail, and Pursuit’s five year hull/deck structural warranty. What’s surprising, however, is how well equipped the C 180 is, even as a “bare” boat. Goodies like the raw-water washdown, an illuminated switch panel with push-button breakers, five vertical and four gunwale rodholders, a tackle locker, a 12-gallon livewell, a compass, a stainless-steel swing-back leaning post with a 100-quart cooler, and hydraulic steering all come standard.

Pursuit’s traditional offshore attitude still comes through in this boat, which has higher freeboard and more V in the hull than most boats intended for bay use. That means that when the weather’s right, you’ll be able to pop through the inlet and enjoy some near-shore oceanic action from time to time. Zip out to those wrecks and reefs at 4500 rpm, and you’ll have a cruise of about 27 mph while getting 4.8 mpg. Throttle up to wide-open, and the boat will break 40 mph. That makes for one sweet little ride—even if this is the least expensive boat in Pursuit’s line-up.

For more information, visit Pursuit Boats.

- Lenny Rudow

Specifications

  • Length: 17’10”

  • Beam: 7’8”

  • Max. draft: 1’8”

  • Deadrise: 16 deg.

  • Weight:  2,275 lbs.

  • Fuel: 47 gal.


 

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.
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