2001 Doral ThunderBoss 240

Testers Notebook: Doral ThunderBoss 240 Location: St. Maurice River, Grand-Mere, Que. Test load: Quarter fuel, No water, No waste, Safety gear. Driver and passenger. Test day conditions: Wind 15 knots Southwest, Waves moderate, one-foot chop. Synopsis: Originally designed with waterfront law enforcement requirements in mind, the ThunderBoss 240 is dry, safe and fast - running well over 50 mph in radar testing with twin direct fuel-injection Mercury OptiMax 150 outboards.

By: Mike Milne
     When waterfront law enforcement agencies go boat-shopping, seaworthiness, reliability and comfort are at the top of their wish lists. A boat that's going to spend hundreds or even thousands of hours a year on the water has to be designed and equipped to head out in any wave or weather conditions.
     The Doral ThunderBoss, a hardtop enclosure version of the ThunderCraft 240 Walkaround, nicely fits the bill. Powered by twin Mercury OptiMax 150s - V-6 outboards with fuel-efficient direct fuel injection --  the boat also has a top speed well over 50 mph.
     Many of the same attributes that have drawn police agencies to the boat, however, also make it attractive to fishermen. Doral, in recent years, has emphasized the ThunderCraft line's virtues as all-round water-going sport utility vehicles, but there's no denying the ThunderBoss's fishing ability.
     For starters, its cockpit enclosure, with an optional aft drop-curtain, is ideal for fishing both on the sea coasts as well as the Great Lakes. Proper shelter lets dedicated fishing folks push the season to its outer limits, in comfort.
     Along with rocket-launcher rod holders atop the enclosure, the ThunderBoss also has rod storage moulded into the cockpit coamings. For those who need to keep live bait (or freshly caught fish) alive and well, there are livewells (with optional aerators) port and starboard in the aft quarters of the cockpit, at deck level. StarBoard lids double as filleting boards. A removable aft cockpit bench seat can increase passenger capacity or come out to make more fishing space - you choose. If you need more livewell capacity, add the optional portable cockpit livewell.
     For those who want to ice down their catch (or just need clean, drained fibreglass-lined storage spaces) there are a three large lockers in the cockpit floor. There's another drained, lined locker under the companion seat.
     Cool-weather fish-chasers will also appreciate the ThunderBoss's cabin, with a J-shaped convertible dinette, a sink and counter-top to port and a chemical head fitted for pumpout. There are two  screened opening portlights in the cabin as well as a round overhead hatch. It's a great space for getting in out of the weather, for dockside dining or weekending with close friends or family.
     The cabin enclosure is a well-protected space, with a solid stainless-steel support post that doubles as a grab rail. It is high enough to allow the helmsperson to drive in a standing position - essential for heavy-weather boating. There's plenty of ventilation, lots of light and great visibility.
     The twin counter-rotating OptiMax outboards on the test boat provided plenty of punch, with help from four-blade Revolution props. The boat accelerated from a stop to 20 mph in 7.5 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 9 seconds and going from 0-40 mph in 10.78 seconds. Mid-range acceleration was great, from 25-45 mph in under seven seconds.
     Top speed, with engines turning at 5,800 rpm, was 53.2 in radar testing (instruments read 58 mph). In cruising speed ranges, the boat ran at 27.6 mph at 3,000 rpm, 33.1 mph at 3,500 rpm, 36.4 mph at 4,000 rpm and 41.5 mph at 4,500 rpm. Obviously, equipment and loading differences change a boat's performance, but with two adults aboard and the two 75-gallon fuel tanks about half-full, the ThunderBoss handled well. Turns were muscular and positive; the boat responded readily to moderate negative engine trim on turns.
     Waves on Quebec's St. Maurice River on test day were minimal, amounting to a moderate chop in the 15-knot wind. But wake-jumping exercises indicated that the modified deep-V hull should be capable of handling larger waves and swells. What the river lacks in high winds and big waves, it makes up in current; its flow, very strong at test time due to a heavy spring runoff, creates unpredictable eddies near the shore (where docks are located). The ThunderBoss handled the currents easily, tracking with confidence. The twin counter-rotating engines were a big help in that department.
     The ThunderBoss 240 is a boat that should give you confidence in all kinds of weather. And that's something  law enforcement officers need and plenty of big-water boaters want.

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

Doral Marine and Recreation,
RR 1, Thornton, Ont. L0L 2N0
(705)431-1666 Fax: (705) 431-9666

Or 
 
Doral International,
1991 3rd Ave.,
Grand-Mere, Que. G9T 2W6
(819) 538-0781 or (888) 84DORAL Fax: (819) 538-6330