DORAL 250 SE

[SolentDavid]

Looking for some advice with regard to the Doral 250 SE.

I’m interested in people’s thoughts as to the practicality of this boat to be used in the Solent area and for coastal trips.

My main concern is that these, along with other Canadian/North American boats, are more suited and designed for the large lakes of North America.

Would I be better of with a similar sized Sealine or equivalent? Anything else I should consider or know about the Doral 250SE?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

David

 

[mparrish]

Looking for some advice with regard to the Doral 250 SE.

I’m interested in people’s thoughts as to the practicality of this boat to be used in the Solent area and for coastal trips.

My main concern is that these, along with other Canadian/North American boats, are more suited and designed for the large lakes of North America.

Would I be better of with a similar sized Sealine or equivalent? Anything else I should consider or know about the Doral 250SE?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

David

We had one for about 4 years (a good while ago now). Used it extensively in the west country from Exmouth to Falmouth. Was a good boat - well put together, but heavy rear end with a diesel KAD300 sat in it. Eventually the family outgrew it and we moved up in size. We found the sea keeping to be fine - had a few journeys in what can only be described as very "lively" conditions - the boat handled it well - the crew less so.
Had loads of fun with very few problems (other than the usual stuff applicable to any boat!)
M

 

[SolentDavid]

Thanks for the reply mparrish. I’ve seen one with a MerCruiser 4.2D diesel engine, 220 hp.

Nice to read you were happy with the sea keeping ability.

It’s definitely on my shortlist.

 

[PLYMPILOT]

David,

My son and I are the proud owners of a 2002 250SE which we refitted at the end of last year after purchasing mid 2019. She's fitted with a Volvo Penta KAD300 and EDC control system. We ran her post purchase for a few months "Warts and all" whilst compiling quite a large "To do list". We noted she was slow to get onto the plane when loaded with the family and this resulted in us doubling the width of the trim tabs during the refit with excellent results. The extended bather does tend to act as a "Scoop" whilst getting onto the plane. The engine had just under 750 Hours and required a replacement turbo this season, most probably due to age not hours run. Fortunately we are both engineers and completed the task ourselves though the cost of parts came to approx £850 but that's boats!! We also carried out a full abrade of the hull and polished to a high standard as she was looking tired. We also stripped back to bare gelcoat under the waterline as the hull had not been primed after build!!
She does handle lumpy seas quite well and cruises at just over 20 Knots using about 40L/Hour. She is a big beamy boat and a dream to take out. Her lines still hold their own amongst similar more modern cruisers and we are rightly pleased with the results post refit.
Please feel free to ask any questions should you need any information etc.

 

[SolentDavid]

David,

My son and I are the proud owners of a 2002 250SE which we refitted at the end of last year after purchasing mid 2019. She's fitted with a Volvo Penta KAD300 and EDC control system. We ran her post purchase for a few months "Warts and all" whilst compiling quite a large "To do list". We noted she was slow to get onto the plane when loaded with the family and this resulted in us doubling the width of the trim tabs during the refit with excellent results. The extended bather does tend to act as a "Scoop" whilst getting onto the plane. The engine had just under 750 Hours and required a replacement turbo this season, most probably due to age not hours run. Fortunately we are both engineers and completed the task ourselves though the cost of parts came to approx £850 but that's boats!! We also carried out a full abrade of the hull and polished to a high standard as she was looking tired. We also stripped back to bare gelcoat under the waterline as the hull had not been primed after build!!
She does handle lumpy seas quite well and cruises at just over 20 Knots using about 40L/Hour. She is a big beamy boat and a dream to take out. Her lines still hold their own amongst similar more modern cruisers and we are rightly pleased with the results post refit.
Please feel free to ask any questions should you need any information etc.

Many thanks for your reply and information, it’s really appreciated.

What horsepower are you running with your new engine? Is it enough to get onto the plane easily with lots of adults, fuel and water?

It’s nice to know it handles chop well as I’m based in the Solent area. Although I’m fine in chop, I don’t want to put my wife off if she then feels unsafe.
Thanks again for your reply.

David

 

[PLYMPILOT]

Many thanks for your reply and information, it’s really appreciated.

What horsepower are you running with your new engine? Is it enough to get onto the plane easily with lots of adults, fuel and water?

It’s nice to know it handles chop well as I’m based in the Solent area. Although I’m fine in chop, I don’t want to put my wife off if she then feels unsafe.
Thanks again for your reply.

David

David,

We are running 280hp and she's so much better getting onto the plane with the wider trim tabs.
My wife enjoys getting out in her with our two munchkins but not so keen at 32 knots!!
Sadly due to Covid the season has been short but we are looking forward to visiting many of the SW ports next year as we are based in Plymouth.
Lifted out last Friday for winter layup and servicing (DIY again!).
As mentioned, we have had this boat stripped out all bar the engine so know her very well now so should you purchase the same fel free to contact me for any advice etc.
Regards
Mick

 

[SolentDavid]

David,

We are running 280hp and she's so much better getting onto the plane with the wider trim tabs.
My wife enjoys getting out in her with our two munchkins but not so keen at 32 knots!!
Sadly due to Covid the season has been short but we are looking forward to visiting many of the SW ports next year as we are based in Plymouth.
Lifted out last Friday for winter layup and servicing (DIY again!).
As mentioned, we have had this boat stripped out all bar the engine so know her very well now so should you purchase the same fel free to contact me for any advice etc.
Regards
Mick

Many thanks Mick.

Next time I’m down your way I’ll buy you a beer!

She’s definitely on my list of potential boats.

Hopefully next year if all goes well and I find the right one.

Best regards,

David