2002 Doral 280 SE

Testers Notebook: 2002 Doral 280 SE      Location: Intracoastal Waterway, Jupiter, Florida.      Test load: Three adults, 1/4 fuel, safety gear, no waste or water, light load.      Test day conditions: Calm water; temperature 84° F.      Synopsis: Completing the fleet of Express Cruisers for the Doral lineup, the 280 SE acts more like a sportboat than a mid sized cruiser, but it has all the amenities - and then some - you'd expect, and want, for a comfortable cruising lifestyle.

By: Peter Wilson
     When parked near the rest of the express cruisers in Doral's 2002 lineup, the company's new 280 SE looks right at home. It has all the "next generation" exterior styling elements that are now familiar: the forward-leaning arch, curved windshield with thick white framing. plenty of curves in the hull and deck.
     However, this newest Doral also incorporates new ideas and features that set it apart from its siblings and competitors. The most noticeable is large tinted side windows that blend nicely into the curved deck.
     Cabin windows are really nothing new to boating, but wooden foredeck sunpads are. These optional mahogany lounges, with reclining backrests, replace the traditional upholstered sunpads and can be removed and used on a dock or a beach.
     Belowdecks, the 280 SE has a relatively traditional mid-cabin express cruiser layout with galley to starboard and dinette to port. The high sheer line outside translates into good cabin headroom inside -- over six feet. In the galley, the sink is moulded into the granite-look countertop and the single-burner ceramic top stove has a removable Corian cover. The built-in microwave is at eye level and shelves in the lower cupboard are equipped with sea-rails.
     While Doral identifies the mid-cabin, with its 52 by 76-inch mattress, as the "master bedroom," the forward berth is where many may want to take up residence; it has an adjustable reclining backrest, perfect for reading or watching the optional TV/VCR, mounted on a swivel base between the galley and the forward berth.
     The L-shaped dinette has "cozy" seating for five, leather-like cushions that lift up to reveal lots of storage and, of course, a table that can be lowered and converted to a berth, or removed altogether. There is plenty of good cabin ventilation from a total of seven screened ports, plus an oval-shaped screened deck hatch.
     For a 28-footer, the Doral 280 SE packs plenty of seating and comfort into the single-level cockpit. On the port side, the L-shaped passenger lounge runs from the cabin bulkhead to the transom; as on other Doral cruisers, the aft seat slides back to provide extra seating. The helm seat fits two. There is a removable jump seat aft beside the cockpit refreshment centre that includes a small sink with pressurized water. This area can be equipped with a refrigerator or icemaker. Chart storage is well thought-out, with a clear acrylic chart holder built into the top of the cabin door and a tubular storage space behind the helm seat. Although the 280 SE has walkaround side decks, the easiest way to the foredeck is up the moulded-in dashboard steps.
     Engine options range from single engine power from Mercury and Volvo (up to 425 hp), to twins (also from Mercury and Volvo, ranging from twin 225-hp V-6s all the way up to a pair of 210-hp  5.7 litre V-8s). Our 280 SE test boat was powered with a pair of Volvo 4.3 Gxi engines rated at 225 hp, matched to Volvo DuoProp drives.
     With three adults and a quarter-tank of fuel, the Volvos had no problem getting the 280 SE up on plane in just over seven seconds. The hull stayed on plane at just over 2,600 rpm, which translated to 15.6 mph, quite impressive compared to other boats in this size range. At 3,500 rpm, the fuel-injected Volvos settled the 280 SE into a comfortable cruising speed of 28.7 mph. At wide-open throttle we were able to turn 44.2 mph at 4,500 rpm. With its 9'11" beam, the 280 SE is stable at all speeds requiring very few adjustments with the trim tabs. Putting the 280 SE through port and starboard turns revealed a hull that turns more like a sportboat than a cruiser.
     With the introduction of the 280 SE, Doral now has a full family of very stylish express cruisers from 25 to 36 feet, letting them effectively compete with any of the large U.S. builders.

 Specifications - 2002 Doral 280 SE

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

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