04pursuit
Just to bring you up to speed, Pursuit has decided to use the Mercedes-Benz method of model delineation: OS stands for offshore, meaning a cabin boat; C, of course, stands for center console; and LS? Well, it doesn’t say so anywhere in the Pursuit literature, but were I to guess, I’d bet it stands for Leon Slikkers, el patrón of Pursuit Boats and the designer of the Denali model line.
Performance
During the Miami International Boat Show, it took an hour-long ride through Stiltsville on Biscayne Bay to find water calm enough to run speed trials. Otherwise, we encountered steady 15-knot winds pushing 2- to 4-foot seas outside the incredibly busy inlet. But every cloud has a silver lining. Conditions made for an excellent boat challenge.
The new C310 outperforms every other Pursuit center console that has gone before, thanks to a deeper deadrise carried farther forward, a sharper entry and a wider beam. A pair of Yamaha 250 hp four-strokes lifted us onto plane in a scant three seconds. Though factory specs claim a displacement of 8,300 pounds, I figured that with three of us aboard, plus fuel, water, gear, etc., our actual weight came closer to 11,000. Nonetheless, I managed to squeeze 53.4 mph out of the 310 at 5,700 rpm, while the Yamaha Command Link fuel gauges claimed a twin-engine burn of 44 gph. A common 35 mph cruise at 4,300 rpm used 22.8 gph. I found the most fuel-efficient cruising speed – 25.6 mph – used 14.5 gph for 1.77 mpg and a range of 415 miles (figuring 90 percent usable fuel).
Cranking in a turn at cruising speed and with cruising trim, the 310 turns as sharply as you can stand – not a maneuver I’d try with children playing in the cockpit. At a trolling speed of 6 mph, you’ll find the centerline prop wash extends back to only the second wave. Other than that, it runs crystal clear. Bumping that up to an artificial-lure speed of 10 mph only slightly increases the prop wash and generates only modest surface turbulence.
One suggestion: Anyone who has ever used the power-assist steering option would never go without it.
Fishing
Pursuit has always done a fine job of fitting out its boats for fishing straight from the factory. And certainly you can take advantage of the optional transom-mounted rod holders and E-Tec outriggers on the hardtop. But honestly, those represent about the only fishing features not included as standard equipment. Twin fish boxes with macerators drain overboard. A molded leaning post with adjustable helm seats also includes tackle lockers, rocket launchers, a 52-gallon recirculating baitwell, a slide-out tackle center and a bait-prep station with molded cutouts for tools, rigs, etc. In the transom, you’ll find a third insulated fish box, a sink, a shower and another rig holder.
A quick glance around the aft cockpit reveals a total of 12 rod holders surrounding the anglers. However, hidden under the forward seating is storage for more rods; holders for another five may be added with the optional T-top.
One feature I particularly appreciated was how easy it felt to reach from the gunwale to the water’s surface, especially since the gunwale meets your thigh high enough that you never feel off-balance.
Design and Construction
Pursuit has always built boats with unimpeachable quality, and the C310 poses no exception. Interestingly, the boat comes standard with forward seating that hides storage for four rods under each side. Apparently, a huge majority of Pursuit owners want that seating arrangement rather than an open bow. And of course, Pursuit supplies the obligatory drink holders on each seat.
You’ll find a large dry-storage space in the foredeck sole with a sea chest for all the drains with a single automatic bilge pump. Move from the pointy end to the chunky end to experience a truly well-designed lazarette with its fuel tanks, pumps, plumbing, etc. Pursuit also created an excellent centerline foldaway transom seat.
Another terrific feature – the leaning post that I mentioned earlier boasts seats that slide fore and aft and have thigh bolsters that fold up for leaning or down for seating.
About the only thing I would personally change is the optional Lewmar anchor windlass. The platform in the anchor locker upon which it mounts makes it virtually impossible to access the anchor-rode storage area beneath.
I prefer using Yale’s new eight-strand Brait anchor line (it takes up 25 percent of the space of normal line without sacrificing strength). I carry it, my anchor ball and a deep-drop anchor in a large laundry basket so I don’t need to worry about a windlass.
While no line of boats is perfect for everyone, certainly anyone would be proud to own this Pursuit.
LOA……31 ft. 2 in.
BEAM……9 ft. 6 in.
HULL DRAFT……1 ft. 10 in.
DEADRISE……24 deg.
WEIGHT……8,500 lb. (dry)
FUEL……260 gal.
MAX HP……T250 hp OB
MSRP……$155,900 (w/ T250 hp four-stroke OB)
**Pursuit Boats / Fort Pierce, Florida / 772-465-6006 / **www.pursuitboats.com
