Pursuit DC 265

Pursuit adds a dual console to its lineup.

Started in 1977 by Leon Slikkers, Pursuit boats built its reputation on big-body fishing and cruising boats for offshore waters. Today, the Fort Pierce boat-builder has a stable of 23- to 37-foot center consoles, express models and walk-arounds. After more than 30 years, the Slikker family is still in charge.

2010 brought a new model to Pursuit's lineup—the dual console. The DC 265 sports a brand new hull, but you'll also find a number of similarities with other Pursuit models, including plenty of cockpit space, wide beam and infused one-piece structural stringer system. Pursuit designed the 26-footer to appeal to family boaters that enjoy a variety of on-the-water activities—water skiing, tubing and wakeboarding on the lake; fishing inshore and offshore; or sunbathing during boat cruises.

“With few classically styled brands available to consumers in this market segment, we expect strong demand for this new model,” said Pursuit President, Tom Slikkers. “This is a very beautiful boat with a compliment of functional yacht-like features that are sure to appeal.”

The September issue of Florida Sportsman features the 26-foot Dual Console (DC) in its Casting Off section. Magazine staff joined up with Pursuit's David Glenn in July to photograph and get familiarized with the boat.

Family comforts, fishability, and even wakeboarding make the Pursuit DC 265 (Dual Console) an option for most water activities. Command console sits starboard, while the port console features a head, holding tank and macerator. Before going to the bow to sunbathe on one of two lounge seats, consider the cockpit that's chock-full of seating—including a stern bench seat that folds in place, port-side fold-out seat, aft- facing seat that contains a cooler, and driver's and passenger seats.

There's plenty of fishing features, too, including a full-size lighted livewell, gunnel rod holders, freshwater sink and saltwater washdown, tackle drawers, insulated fiberglass transom fishbox that drains overboard, and lockable rod storage in the center floor hatch. Plus, there's an optional hardtop for additional rod holders and outriggers. Price is $109,280 with 300-hp Yamaha.

Pursuit Boats

3901 St. Lucie Blvd.

Ft. Pierce, Fl 34946

772-465-6006

www.PursuitBoats.com

Specifications:

Length: 25 feet, 10 inches

Beam: 8 feet, 9 inches

Hull Draft: 21 inches with motors up; 37 inches with motors down

Max horsepower: 350

Fuel capacity: 150 gallons

Dry weight with 350-hp engine: 5,875 pounds

Deadrise: 21 degrees

Holding Tank: 13 gallons

Two lounge seats with backrests at the bow allow sunbathers to layout. Bolsters (not pictured) at port and starboard let passengers recline facing forward or aft.

 

Full-size anchor locker comes with an available windlass and remote control.

 

Bow seats open to reveal fiberglass storage area for wet or dry gear. Notice the built-in speakers, they're spread throughout the boat as part of the sound system.

 

Epoxy-infused windshield frame with large tempered glass panels. Starboard side (driver's side) has a wiper blade.

 

Walk-through center door and window stay closed with help from a double latch. Cup holders are spread throughout the boat as an added comfort.

 

A close-up view of the latch that keeps the center glass open.

 

A shot of the walk-through with the glass and door wide open. Chest-high grab rails at the sides help keep boaters stable.

 

A view of the command console with hydraulic tilt helm and optional Raymarine electronics package.

 

Starboard console contains cup holders, custom helm seat and storage box.

 

Port-side console compartment opens to a head. Both consoles have built-in molded footrests.

 

Console features a wide door to fit adults comfortably. David Glenn holds the door open for a photo. Notice the fixed forward seat and additional cup holders.

 

Underneath the port console seat are additional storage drawers.

 

Head compartment is one-piece molded fiberglass, and contains manual porcelain head with a 13-gallon holding tank, macerator and deck pump-out fitting. At left, a fiberglass molded sink with fresh water.

 

Starboard side compartment opens to reveal storage for items such as life jackets.

 

Behind the helm seat is a fiberglass freshwater sink and cutting board. Fiberglass cabinet doors, below, open to expose storage shelves.

 

Yet another place to rest on the boat. Fixed aft-facing seat allows spotter to watch wakeboarders behind the boat.

 

Bottom cushion from aft-facing seat opens to a fiberglass cooler.

 

A shot of the self-draining cockpit. Raw water washdown with coiled hose at the top left. Seats are folded out of place.

 

Two folding aft seats—stern bench seat and port-side fold-out seat—create an L-shaped lounge.

 

Under-gunnel rod holders on the starboard side.

 

A shot of the cockpit centerline storage hatch. Notice the one-piece stringer grid.

 

Second cockpit hatch holds batteries and fuel filter. Both hatches are connected.

 

Transom door with stainless steel latch leads out to the dive ladder. Max horsepower is 350, though 300 hp is standard.

 

At left, insulated fiberglass transom fish box with a hinged cover, at right, Oceana Blue livewell.

 

Dive ladder folds out of place when not in use. With all the cockpit space, this boat works well for divers.

FS Classics, September 2010