Reviewed: Pursuit 6M Challenger
This recent entrant into one of the most popular segments of the fishing boat market is no “blow-in”, as Mark Ward reports.
There are a number of boat manufacturers selling factory direct, but not many decide to pull out of their dealer network to sell direct to the public. That is the case with Sunshine Coast-based Pursuit boats. Brett Kruger from Pursuit explained that dealers weren’t able to provide the same expertise and service as the manufacturer, so the business focus is now aimed at sitting down with potential buyers to put together suitable packages. It makes good business sense but also allows for a complete custom build that involves the owner from day one.
For many years, there was just the 5.5m Pursuit, a boat that had a good reputation as a fishing and family vessel. When Brett Kruger decided it was time to add a second model to the range, he got together with a small group of long-time Pursuit owners and asked them to share what they liked, disliked and would like on a larger version of their boat. The end result is the 6m Challenger.
Design & layout
The Challenger is a cuddy cab offshore fishing vessel that is simple but very functional in design. It’s a boat that gives you the feeling of knowing where everything is, one that you begin to feel at home on immediately. That also means there’s nothing truly innovative or unique about the design. That’s because Pursuit hasn’t tried to re-invent the popular 6m cuddy cab design; instead it was reworked until everything fitted and functioned perfectly.
The hull has a 21 degree deadrise that flares out to provide a large planing surface to assist in getting the hull out of the hole with very little fuss. The reverse chine helps direct spray well away from the boat and also proved to stabilise the boat while fishing in offshore chop.
The 6m Pursuit was tested offshore with a full tank of fuel and a 150hp four-stroke Suzuki outboard. The weight of the boat, motor and fuel was around the 1200kg mark, which provided enough weight to effortlessly push through the chop. Over steep swells the hull was happy to cruise along at around 25 knots without sinking the bow or doing anything it shouldn’t. Maximum speed out of the Suzuki on flat water is 42 knots so with full trim in favourable conditions, she is no slouch.
Inshore, the hull performed just as well. Pushing through wakes was simply a case of slowing down to avoid a harsh landing. The hull was noticeably stable in tight corners due to the large reverse chine and flared hull. The same flair and chine that stabilises the hull when fishing offshore stops the boat from laying over during tight cornering. This does give the hull a very stable feel but also means that you better have a good grip of the rail during a tight turn. Sports car like handling compromises a little comfort.
The hull has a fibreglass stringer system that allows for sealed foam filled compartments to provide its “basic” flotation standard. The hull can also be foamed up through the gunwales to achive more positive flotation and comply with 2C survey.
The layout is standard cuddy cab, which can also be customised to suit the owner. The cabin is ideal for dry storage, sleeping just one adult or bedding the kids down but would be more suited to storing some camping gear than consideration as a serious sleeper; in Pursuit’s defence you don’t really expect to see a full sized sleeping cabin on a 6m boat. The cuddy cab has enough headroom for sitting and the lounge chair style design of the cushions was certainly comfortable enough to be used for resting, rigging or just keeping out of the weather. A portable toilet and curtain can be added if needed. Pursuit has also added a red cabin light – to complement the standard white light – for better night vision. The cabin’s hatch gives easy access to the anchor, which is also housed in its own well and covered by a separate access hatch.
The cockpit features typical cuddy fare with reasonable size cabin and entry, box-mounted swivel seats and plenty of storage.
The helm was comfortable to operate from and had plenty of room for added electronics but again, this is something to consider when buying the boat as the dash will be customised according to the owner’s requirements. The test boat ran a standard Humminbird 777 Fishing System, that as well as proving to be a very capable sounder, allows GPS and weather components to be plugged into it. The standard speed, revs, trim and fuel gauges complete the test boat’s dash along with some quality switches to control lights and pumps. The sports steering wheel has a compass mounted directly in front with a handy grab rail to the right.
Brett Kruger has many years experience working offshore vessels and the positioning of the compass and red cabin light reflect that and add to the practicality of the boat.
Seating for both skipper and first mate is very comfortable – both seats are adjustable. The first mate’s chair has an added seat behind that opens into a neat little ice box. The housing of the chair also has a small tackle tray holder built into it for keeping loose bits and pieces as well as a recess where the fire extinguisher lives. Rear seating is a standard foldaway lounge.
The rear deck is roomy and features fold-away transom lounge, rod holders in gunwales, side pockets and boarding ladder.
Fishing space
The fishing deck is also well thought out with padded sides to allow some balance from the knees when fishing offshore and there are also pads down towards the floor with enough room to get your feet tucked under the pads to provide extra balance when fishing in a swell. Brett and I had a few casts and got a feel for how well the Pursuit fishes offshore. I can honestly say it’s one of the better 6m hulls to be on board when fishing a swell. Between all the padding below the gunwale, there is rod and gaff storage.
I don’t like storing my expensive rods in the sides, especially when heading offshore so the optional rocket launcher would be a great addition. The transom of the 6m Pursuit was missing a bait board due to the new hull requiring a redesigned board to allow for the transom door. This will be available by the time you read this and Brett told me it will incorporate standard features like rod holders as well. A small live bait well that can be plumbed sits on the port transom with an access door to starboard. Grab rails and a fold-down boarding ladder gives the Pursuit that family boat practicality for skiing and swimming, while definitely being a serious offshore fishing craft for around the $60,000 mark.
Length: 6m hull length
6.25m LOA
Beam:2.25m
Fuel:180 litres
Weight:760kgs (hull only)
Power:Max. 175hp
as reviewed 150hp
Price:As reviewed $59,950
Contact: Pursuit Boats (07) 5440 5560; www.pursuitboats.com.au
