2004 Doral Intrigue      Webster's dictionary defines the word "intrigue" as invoking interest or curiosity.  This week on "Power Profiles", we are going to take it one step further and satisfy that curiosity, as we test the new Intrigue from Doral.      You will not need to take many steps aboard the 33-foot Intrigue to realize you are dealing with a different boat. Every detail has its functional place, from the ten person entertaining-friendly layout of the cockpit to the sheer size of the teak-veneered swim platform. There is even a retractable radar arch with built-in lighting.      The Intrigue is full of great surprises, like the expanding cockpit seating. Simply pull a handle, slide the seat back and insert the two small filler cushions.

The companion bench seat for two also doubles as a reverse recliner and two more can snuggle on the doublewide helm seat.  There is even plenty of room to add additional electronics where they would be comfortably in view. 
     As I checked out the helm, I found the captain's chair had a flip-up bolster that would allow me to drive seated but then dock in my preferred standing position. The array of gauges is both logical and classically set in a burl wood dashboard and completed with a real wood tilt steering wheel.
     For access to the engine compartment, you cannot beat this hydraulic hatch that also carries an ingenious storage system for the table, which converts the u-shaped bench into both a large open-air dinette and an even larger sun pad.
     The 11-foot beam of the Intrigue allows for both 7" wide sidewalks and this walk-through windshield that leads to the standard electric windless forward, with port side storage locker and this beautiful folding teak sun lounger for two. Access to below decks is through this screened companionway-sliding door. And here you will find a cabin with six feet or more of headroom throughout.
     The unique layout centers around this beautiful cherry and maple real wood inlaid dinette table. The twin skylights fore and aft provide ventilation and natural lighting to the galley which is equipped with: a twin burner stove, microwave, plenty of storage space and a built-in fridge.
      Forward, the queen size bee brook provides plenty of room to stretch out on those hot summer nights. And the midcabin features an ample size dressing area, with plenty of headroom.
     One neat feature on the Intrigue and that is also available on other Doral cruisers is the alarm system. There are a number of sensors around the boat that will tell you if there is an intruder and there is even one for the anchor that will alert you and everyone else if your boat and anchor become separated.
     Getting out on the water and starting with a hole shot, we found a time to plane of just over seven seconds. And we quickly reached our top speed of 37 mph with wide-open throttle, reaching 4800 rpm.  
     In the choppy ocean conditions just off Fort Lauderdale, the Intrigue handled the turns with a combination of runabout agility and big boat stability. As far as cruising is concerned, a throttle setting of 3500 rpm yielded a comfortable cruise speed of 27 knots. When it comes to the Intrigue's performance with the Merc cruiser five litre MPI with Bravo 3 drive, we found time to plane, 6.2 seconds. Cruising at 3500 rpm, we reached 27 knots and we got a top speed of 37.7 knots at 4800 rpm.
     Another power option is the Merc Cruiser 6.2 Horizon, featuring a closed cooling system and an air-actuated water draining system. Simply hook up the pump and a few strokes later the twin indicators pop, releasing a valve at the bottom of the engine and all the raw seawater drains out to extend your boating season into the colder weather.
      On my journey I found an older definition for word "intrigue" in Webster's dictionary, it means a secret love affair. And there is no doubt for those that own the Intrigue, it will be a long-lasting one.

* taken from a transcript of our Power Profile on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 9 - Order a Copy of the Show