SNEAK PEEK – Pursuit DC 235
July 12, 2019
By Jill Snider
I had the recent opportunity to join CY’s reviewer Andy Adams for a boat test day. If you are a parent as I am, you probably know that boating changes when you have a little one – safety becomes the first priority. Typically, I’m the First Mate, so I took on that role while we were testing the DC235 and turned down the opportunity to drive – I wanted the “real-life” simulation. I won’t go into too many technical details here, because Andy will share that with you in the full review, but here is my Mommy Perspective on safety and a few other precedents.
This boat has profound dockside appeal. It screams sexy. I was lured to it the moment I hit the dock.
On boarding, I immediately noticed the depth of the cockpit area. The high freeboard gave me a sense of security. The overall length is 24’ 4”, however it felt more like 28’. A quick circle check for all of my priorities left me impressed, with the innovative design providing comfort in all areas and functionality for longer day cruising. After safety, the key priority for this mom is the head. On this vessel the head is spacious and even comes standard with a pullout freshwater shower. Again, lots of functional space there as well.
Here is a quick-list of features that I think takes this boat to the top of the list for parents and couples who want an exceptionally practical (and sexy) day cruiser and cottage boat:
• Optional tow bar for fun on the water.
• Single port-side folding, aft-facing lounge. The seat is wide & the upholstery is supple, providing comfort for the spotter for the aforementioned towing fun. This seat would be my Happy Place even when not towing.
• A bow-facing, folding transom bench complements the aft lounge. A wonderful place for conversation – which is easy with the incredibly quiet Yamaha F300 outboard for power.
• Rod holders and live-well make it a cross-functional fishing boat offering another option for entertaining friends or six year olds on a day trip.
• The optional hard-top and side curtains offer protection from the elements with ease.
• The entertainment area has a sink with pull-out sprayer and insulated cooler.
• Storage! There is storage designed into every inch of available space.
I took the companion seat first. The boat jumped onto plane effortlessly. The ride was comfortable and enjoyable, but the real test for me was the bow-ride. Typically, the bow is where you really feel every turn and ripple. After some time as a passenger in this space, jarring from wave action can be wearing so I am fairly critical of this. I moved into the bow seat, stretched my legs out and Dan, our captain, completed the speed test. Andy will share the details of performance, but I will tell you, this boat handled far beyond my expectation at top speeds. An unexpected hard turn to port was thrilling from the bow seat!
I did not have to adjust; I was stable, comfortable and smiling from ear-to-ear! The high freeboard offered a sense of security when the boat heeled heavily to port giving the sensation of being nearly sideways. The boat handled crashing through our wake effortlessly and I did not feel the jolting that I was prepared for. The hull sliced through our wave action effortlessly. I envisioned my husband in all his glory at the helm while my son and I giggled profusely as we leaned to port and then to starboard at cruising speed, then taking on our own wake and having such fun…feeling safe and secure.
Look for the full review in Canadian Yachting magazine.
Jill Snider brings a depth of boating and marina experience to the Canadian Yachting team.
