2003 Doral 360SE

Testers Notebook: 2003 Doral 360SE Location: Georgian Bay, Ontario Test load: Light load: two adults, 1/2 tank fuel, no water or waste. Test day conditions: Some chop. Synopsis: A cruiser that thinks it's a runabout - comfort abounds in both the cockpit and in the cabin and when it comes to accelerating, cornering at top speed, the Doral 360SE delivers a grand performance.

By: Peter Wilson

     When Doral Boats introduced the 360SE in the late nineties, the styling was a real departure from everything Doral had built before.  Perhaps more than any other North American builder, Doral had employed the euro-look.  Now with this bold new look, the 360SE attracted a lot of attention, but styling is only part of the equation to success.  To compete in this class, a boat has to have luxury and performance as well. 
     The 360SE comes with an extensive list of standard equipment which includes this superb fitting Sunbrella camper top that when not in use attaches neatly to the fibreglass arch.  The curved windshield is given a distinctive look with the addition of these fibreglass side mouldings and like other Dorals, the electronics arch is hinged so that it can be lowered.   A three step telescoping ladder is bound to make re-boarding from the water very easy.  Mooring cleats, fender racks and storage cabinets are all easy to access from the oversized swim platform.
     Moving forward along the wide side decks gave us a chance to admire Doral's new custom stainless steel anchor.  Another Doral exclusive is a mahogany foredeck lounge that can be used as a deck chair or removed all together and taken ashore.
     Doral is one of the few builders to locate the transom door in the centre.  The result, no matter what side you board the boat from, it's an easy walk from the large swim platform, through the all in one level cockpit to the cabin door. This cockpit refreshment centre can be equipped with either an ice maker or refrigerator and I liked how the sink is concealed under this sliding counter top.
     The helm seat has plenty of room for two and whether you want to pilot the 360 while sitting or standing, it's easy to find a comfortable driving position.  Controls are within easy reach and principal gauges are up high in clear view.
     For navigating, there's this handy chart holder on the port side and this electronics pod that neatly accommodates a GPS chart plotter.
Beneath the hydraulic engine hatch of our test boat boastsTwin Volvo 8.1gi rated at 375 horsepower each.
     Below, rich cherry wood cabinetry gives the 360 that upscale look found in today's luxury yachts.  You may never want to leave the cabin with this luxurious lounge and beautiful solid wood dinette table.  With four deck hatches and plenty of opening port holes, there's plenty of natural light and ventilation on the Doral 360. 
     But it's the little things that really make a difference, like this splash guard found here on the galley counter top and these sea rails here in the salon and in the forward cabin.  Galley counter space is maximized with this hinged stove top and this removable sink cover.
The TV/VCR swivels so that it can be viewed from either the salon or the forward cabin.  This queen sized island berth has an inner spring mattress and storage below. 
     Finally it was time to see how the twin Volvos would do a prop out drive to push the sleek 360SE.  Dual props are known for strong acceleration and as expected they provided plenty of push as we were on plane in less than 6 seconds.  Easing the throttles back to a very reasonable 3,500 rpm, the solid 360SE cruises at close to 34 mph requiring very little adjustments on the trim tabs to find the optimum ride.  With 750 horse power to work with, there's plenty of wide range punch and at full throttle we saw over 47 mph on our handheld GPS.
     A cruiser that thinks it's a runabout in the turns, the 360SE banks nicely into the corner and then maintains a steady arch throughout the turn.  Visibility while on plane is excellent.
     And the 360SE tracks a straight course with virtually no steering input required, making it a real pleasure to be at the helm of this sport cruiser.
     If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, no matter where we went with the doral 360SE, we got plenty of admiring looks. Comfort abounds in both the cockpit and in the cabin and when it comes to accelerating, cornering at top speed, the Doral 360SE delivers a grand performance

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
http://www.doralboat.com/