Pursuit DC 325 (2015-)

Brief Summary

The all-new Pursuit DC 325 combines open-boat luxury with sport utility to create a boat that can be used for most any day-boat activity. The boat can be used for fishing, entertaining, diving, camping, cruising or just hanging out with lots of friends or an extended family. She has the bones of an express fishboat, but she is instead a dual console bowrider that adds remarkable utility for nearly any on-water activity offshore. Her creative use of interior console space and convertible seating should allow her to appeal to a wide audience.

Key Features

• Standard hardtop with integral windscreen
• Head beneath starboard console
• Sleeping cabin beneath port-side console
• Large, deep bow seating area with removable table
• Folding wrap-around cockpit seating
• Bow thruster and windlass
• Cockpit tackle center
• Lighted Oceana Blue 25 gallon recirculating livewell
• High quality fit-and-finish, hardware and equipment choices
• Cockpit entertainment system with 12V Bluetooth compatible stereo and premium speakers

Specifications

Length Overall	34’ 6'' / 10.52 m
Beam	10’ 10'' 3.30 m
Dry Weight	11,775 lbs. 5,341 kg
Draft	2' 8'' 0.81 m
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	8’ 2'' 2.49 m (max)
Fuel Capacity	300 gal. 1,136 L
Water Capacity	30 gal. 114 L

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	2 x 300-hp Yamaha

Captain's Report

Mission of the Pursuit DC 325

This noteworthy all-new boat has been designed for boaters used to the very best who want to enjoy many boating activities instead of just one or two -- and want to be able to do it all in a single, versatile boat.
They may be stepping down from a far larger boat, say, a 50' to 60' battlewagon that has gotten to be a drag because of her deep draft, lack of day-boat functionality, and high operating expense. Or, they may be trading in a smaller boat, one with limited room for friends and family, marginal offshore sea-keeping abilities, and lack-luster performance.
The Pursuit DC 325 is designed to take care of all of those needs in one multi-functional boat built to the highest standards in class.

New Trends in Boat Ownership

Many anglers seldom use the cabins in large, expensive convertibles, because once the fishing is done for the day, they want to relax ashore. Rather than stay on a cramped boat with waves slapping against the hull all night, they prefer to eat and sleep ashore. So what do they need a floating condo for that has high operating expense? More and more, big convertible owners are downsizing.
Further, many anglers and general boaters with large express fishboats have also come to the conclusion that they don't use their sleeping cabin with mini galley except during the day. And because of the cabin there is no place to sit or entertain except in the cockpit -- which was designed for fishing, not entertaining.
A growing trend among boat builders these days is to replace sleeping arrangements with features better suited to daytime boating. The question then becomes what to do with the bow? Pursuit’s answer -- a large bow cockpit with wrap-around seating -- will surely appeal to many boaters for the versatility it adds.

The DC325 is Born

New Directions.

The Pursuit DC 325 easily handles excursions offshore. The hardtop and full-height windscreen provide shelter from sun and weather, and the roomy cockpit has all the requisite features for serious fishing. But by building in fold-away seating in the cockpit, and adding a removable table, it can be used for entertaining as well. An inverter-powered electric grill is easy to use anytime, not just at the dock in the evenings or under generator power. Pursuit also included a full head with shower beneath the starboard helm console and even a small cabin across the boat, beneath the port console and seating.

Better Use of Space.

The forward part of the boat that is rarely used for a sleep-over, is cramped and stuffy, can now be turned into an exciting outdoor location. By putting in wrap-around seating makes a deep hull a safe, comfortable place could be created for entertaining with a table, sun bathing with a filler cushion, or just cruising along with two forward facing chaise seats. The bow now becomes a distinctly different place aboard to enjoy the water -- one that’s open to the sun and air, and separate from activities aft.

The Bow Cockpit

Bow Cockpit.

Seats with backrests wrap all the way around the large forward cockpit. The two seat backs just ahead of the windscreen include flip-down armrests. Pursuit includes drink holders and stereo speakers here as well. The forward cockpit also adds storage beneath the seats and also in a hatch in the deck to get to even more storage.

The Bridge Deck

Hardtop and Windscreen.

Pursuit includes the hardtop as standard equipment for a reason -- it’s built as an integral part of the boat. This allows a particularly rigid structure with full-height windscreens. Think of it more as a cabin top that’s partly open on the sides and open in the back, not something added afterward. The hardtop includes tri-color bright white, dim white, and red LED overhead lights as well as recessed stereo speakers. Pursuit includes side enclosure curtains and offers aft clear enclosures, too.
The large center panel of the windscreen opens, as does a pair of doors below the windscreen, to pass through to the bow. In foul weather the windshield and walkthrough dam can be closed keeping the bridge dry and cozy.

Helm.

The DC 325’s helm console accommodates electronics where they’re easy to see and reach. The tilt steering wheel adapts well for driving while seated or standing. And there is full standing headroom. A folding step recessed into the lower part of the helm flips down to provide a footrest as well as a 6” higher perch for those who like to stand a bit higher when docking.

The DC 325 also offers an optional 12,000 BTU air conditioner with vents to blow cool air onto the helmsman as well as those seated at the settee across the boat.

Port-side Seating.

A long settee on the port side, beneath the hardtop, can accommodate a couple of people stretched out or several people sitting. There is no table here. Proper dining happens at the removable table in the bow or the removable table and the folding seats in the cockpit.

One person can face forward with feet on the deck, and a second thin person, or perhaps a child, can face forward with feet extended. In this way three sets of eyeballs can be helping with the piloting. Alternatively, and probably more likely, one person will face forward and one will face aft using the angled chaise back rest. When at anchor, three people can sit here.

The Aft Cockpit

Convertible Cockpit Seating.

The aft-facing seat at the forward end of the cockpit is sure to be a favorite perch whether fishing, cruising or just watching the world go by. Below it is the built-in cooler.

The cockpit also includes two folding cockpit seats -- one tucked beneath the port gunwale that opens to face starboard, and another against the transom that opens to face forward.

Electric Grill, Sink and Refrigerator.

An outdoor galley includes a sink with hot and cold running water, drink holders and counter space. The optional electric grill is powered from an inverter with a dedicated battery for silent grilling at anchor, or from shore power or an optional diesel generator.

Fishing Amenities.

Standard equipment includes a 25-gallon recirculating livewell, 2 fishboxes forward and an insulated box under the aft-facing cockpit seat, tackle storage, freshwater and saltwater washdown connections, under-gunwale rod storage and 3 rod holders in the gunwale.

Pursuit even pre-wires power for an electric downrigger or fishing kite reel on the starboard side. Options include 18’ outriggers mounted atop the hardtop and five more rod holders.

Extended Boarding Steps.

While the running surface of the hull ends where the outboard engines are bolted to the transom, Pursuit extended the swim steps a bit farther aft, built atop boxed fiberglass platforms that extended out beyond the primary hull structure. This moves the swim ladder aft and provides a convenient step upon which to board the boat from a floating dock.

The Sleeping/Storage Compartment

Port-side Cabin.

For most boaters, the port-side cabin will likely collect duffle bags of extra clothes, PFDs, fenders, scuba tanks, and the like. A hanging locker is set into the forward bulkhead, alongside the AC electrical panel, and Pursuit includes storage for four fishing rods and the forward cockpit table here.
We think most owners will use this for storage as the vessel will be used as a day boat. However, for families it is comforting to know that if someone wants to lay down to rest, they can do so and not disturb the routine of the vessel.

One-handed Opening Companionways into Both Console Cabins.

There is yet another clever enhancement that illustrates the refined experience aboard that Pursuit strives for. Both the starboard head and port cabin are entered through a hinged opening door and sliding overhead hatch -- a typical “companionway”. But instead of making this a two-step affair -- slide open the top and then swing open the door -- Pursuit engineered a mechanism that automatically slides the overhead hatch open as the door is opened, and then closes both together as well.

Air Conditioning.

An optional 6,000 BTU air conditioner cools both the head compartment and the sleeping cabin across the boat. Another 12,000 BTUs can be added for the helm/pilothouse with side curtains.

The Head Compartment

Head and Shower.

The head, tucked beneath the helm console, offers standing headroom. Pursuit includes a standard vacuum-flush toilet with a 10 gallon (38 L) holding tank, deck pump-out fitting and macerator for discharge offshore. The sink faucet lifts out to become a shower head. The water heater is standard equipment but requires either dockside power or the optional generator.

While it’s easy to see the wisdom in having a head aboard a 34’ (10.36 m) boat, the utility of the shower might be a bit less apparent. Consider this, though -- after a day on the water, a shower and fresh clothes can precede dinner at a waterside restaurant and then a starlight cruise back home. There is a sump for the shower.

More Noteworthy Standard Equipment

The robust list of standard features on the DC 325 includes a 3-hp electric bow thruster, electric windlass, hardtop with integrated lights and 7 stereo speakers, freshwater and saltwater washdown connections, trim tabs and indicators, and an enhanced sound system with Bluetooth. Other notable standard items include--

One Engine Choice

Pursuit offers just one engine option on the DC 325 -- a pair of Yamaha 300 hp, 4.2 liter, V-6 outboards. The engines come standard with Yamaha’s Command Link Plus system, which provides smooth, electronic shift and throttle actuation and expanded engine gauge information.

Optional Joystick Control.

Construction

The Pursuit DC 325’s hull is hand laminated using a vinylester resin barrier coat that allows the builder to give the boat a 5-year anti-blister warranty. The hull's structural system is a infused fiberglass grid with a molded-in finish and a bilge water management system, which includes a forward compartment with its own automatic bilge pump.

Thru-hull fittings

below the waterline are bronze, and are chrome over bronze above a 7-degree heel line.

The cockpit

deck and liner is one piece and is joined with mechanical fastenings to the hull. 316 stainless steel hardware is used throughout the boat for fittings of all types. Note that there is an important difference between 316 stainless and other grades of stainless used on boats. (316 is the most corrosion-resistant.)
The consoles have both molded liners and decks. The hardtop is fiberglass.

The transom

that holds the 300-hp twin engines has a patented reinforcing grid and is made with 5-ply resin infused composite.

The fuel system

has been carefully engineered and it is here that Pursuit obviously goes the extra mile to make sure problems don't develop -- even after many years of operation. The twin fuel tanks are EPA-compliant lined, Rotomolded, with engine pick-ups, shut-off valves, and a digital level indicator. The company says that its fuel lines are "custom built" with mechanically-crimped fittings. It is important to note that this boat does not use aluminum tanks which can be problematical under certain conditions.

Fit-and-Finish

If gelcoat and varnished surfaces are unblemished, if joints at the edges of fiberglass and wooden components come together tightly, if spaces around locker doors and hatch lids are uniform, and if latched doors don’t wiggle or squeak while underway, it’s assumed that other details -- those that aren’t readily seen in the finished boat -- are similarly tended to.
We have not tested or inspected this model so cannot make any specific comment on her fit-and-finish. However, in virtually all Pursuits that BoatTEST staff has been aboard over the years, finish work has been top-notch and usually many small details combine to elevate Pursuit above the fleet in design and execution.

Mission Readiness

Because of the DC 325’s versatility, how she is suited to her mission depends upon where her owners are coming from -- and where they are going.

Someone stepping down

from a 40' inboard-powered express fisherman or even from a 50' to 60' convertible battlewagon, will find the DC 325 quite similar in function from midships aft. While her fighting cockpit is not 15' to 17' wide, it is every bit as deep and fishing amenities are just as handy. Could a fighting chair be mounted here? Not without some factory or aftermarket modifications, but the DC 325 wasn't really designed for that. But she can certainly provide everything else needed right out of the box for big game anglers.
Most important to this caliber of angler will probably be the quality of the build, and it is here that the DC 325 should fit the bill for this constituency which is used to getting the best when they buy something of this magnitude.

For those stepping up

, the extra LOA, beam and twin outboards greatly increase offshore ability. The boat's added cockpit seating plus bow seating and removable tables means the boat can be used for cocktail parties and picnics with a huge crowd of people operating in two venues -- fore and aft. With the standard refrigerator and optional grill, the DC 325 can be a popular place for cookouts for family and friends.

Options to Consider

Options like a teak deck, electric cockpit sunshade, electric grill, underwater lights, navigation electronics, outrigger and rod holder package are a matter of personal preference. Nevertheless, we think a few items deserve special attention--

Helm Master Joystick Control.

Since the boat comes with a 3-hp bow thruster, why is a joystick needed? The real advantage to joystick control is its intuitive nature. Boaters who have a hard time shifting engines into the correct gears to make the boat rotate in the desired direction -- or worse, those who can’t seem to find neutral when needed -- likely benefit most from joystick control. Push the joystick in any direction (not just sideways) and the boat moves in that direction. Let go of the joystick and the engines return to neutral and idle.

Air Conditioners.

Since this boat isn’t meant for overnight cruising, it’s the optional 12,000 BTU air conditioner for the helm area that probably gets most serious consideration. It manufactures a cool breeze while trolling on a hot, still afternoon, or cuts humidity when rain or spray dictate that enclosure panels be zipped shut. There is also a 6,000 BTU option for the cabins. A/C is simply a great perk to have in the tropics. But for this option, another will also have to come along.

4.2 kW Fischer Panda Diesel Generator.

Considering the inverter and dedicated battery to power the grill, along with one 120-volt AC outlet near the grill, the generator is only needed for the water heater or air conditioners, or perhaps a fishbox icemaker if installed.

Canvas and Isinglass.

We would recommend the optional forward cockpit tonneau cover and the three-piece drop curtain around the pilothouse. This investment can turn the boat into a three-season vessel.

Observations

It seems clear that Pursuit gave considerable thought to the end user of the DC 325. While there are numerous instances throughout the boat, the following two examples sum it up well.

Standard Bow Thruster.

A 3-hp standard-equipment electric bow thruster takes docking jitters out of the decision to move up to the DC 325 from a smaller boat. It also eases docking concerns when stepping down from twin inboards to maneuvering with less-responsive, more difficult to dock, twin outboards.

Grill with Inverter.

While the grill is an option, it comes with an inverter and battery for power. Sure, the optional diesel generator would power the grill while away from the dock, but in most climates this boat’s intended use doesn’t call for a generator. Plus a generator adds weight, takes up space and increases maintenance.
Summing it up, Pursuit’s DC 325 does most of what a larger express fisherman, sterndrive sport boat, or a large center console can do. The forward cockpit, dual cabins and integral hardtop also add versatility that none of those can claim.
Unless overnight accommodations are needed, and perhaps for offshore fishermen who aren’t hindered by a stiff breeze, the Pursuit DC 325 may be all things to many people.