2003 Doral 245 BR

Testers Notebook: 2003 Doral 245 BR Location: outside Nashville, Tennessee Test load: Light load: one adults, 1/2 tank fuel, no water or waste. Test day conditions: cool fall day, winds light. Synopsis: Boasting a deep and roomy bow area, a very functional cutty cabin and a top speed of over 60 mph, the Doral 245BR is one of the most accommodating and versatile boats a family could want.

By: Peter Wilson

     "What would happen if you took a family bow rider, made it longer, made it wider, made it deeper, added a cutty cabin and gave it big block power? You'd have a cutty bow rider with lots of room and plenty of zoom.
     Well the folks at Doral Boats have done just that, and today we're going to take a look at the new Doral 245 BR, a sport boat that's both a cutty and a bow rider.
     The Doral 245 BR is a new model for this year, and is the largest bow rider in Doral's new Sunquest series. The forward cockpit features 2 very comfortable lounge seats.  The main cockpit features this beautifully upholstered u-lounge with plenty of self draining storage beneath, and adjustable bucket seats for both the passenger and driver.  Doral's solid wood steering wheel is one of the nicest in the industry.  Our Doral 245 BR was equipped with an array of Mercury's analogue Smart-Craft gauges, linked to a Smart-Craft SC5000 monitor displaying a multitude of digital readouts. And this Smart-Craft DTS digital throttle and shifter.
     For entertaining, the 245 BR comes with a premium Clarion sound system and the passenger's console even has a sink with pressurized water.  Getting from the cockpit to the swim platform is easy.  These cushions can be removed revealing this non-skid walkway.  Out on the large swim platform, I like how Doral locates the swim ladder off to one side, well away from the outdrive and propeller.  Back here, there's even a control for the stereo. 
     Doral offers several engine options from both Volvo and Mercruiser.  But for all out performance you can't beat Mercury's 496 mag, rated at 375 horsepower. Mate it to a Bravo 1 drive, turning a 23 inch pitch Mirage Plus propeller.
     What really sets the 245 BR apart, is this surprisingly roomy cutty cabin.  Great for getting out of the sun, or for a quick change of clothes.  Complete with a sizeable hanging locker, clever storage areas, and even a china marine toilet concealed in its own hideaway storage area.  And to keep the refreshments cool, this 12 volt refrigerator.
    In the bow, this anchor locker is not only handy, it's large enough to hold an anchor and plenty of road.  Aft, this telescoping anchor light pops up at the flick of a switch.
     We got to test the new Doral 245 BR on a beautiful fall day, on a lake just outside Nashville, Tennessee.  With 375 horsepower at hand, the 245 BR was up on plane in less than 4 seconds with the help of trim tabs.  Turning the Merc 496 mag at 3,500 rpm, the Doral cruises solemnly at just over 37 miles per hour.  In the corners, once the hull sets, the 245 turns with confidence, no bouncing or sliding.  Pushing the throttles to the max, we recorded a top speed of just over 60 miles per hour.
     With a deep and roomy bow area, a very functional cutty cabin and a well laid out cockpit, the Doral 245 is one of the most accommodating and versatile  boats a family could want.  And as for a top speed of over 60 miles per hour? Well, that's just icing on the cake."

* This profile taken from a transcript of Peter's test of the Doral 245BR for PowerBoat TV. 

Specs:

For the dealer nearest you contact:

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