Sealine SC35 or Doral Boca Grande???

Book a sea trial on both and you will instantly make up your mind which to go for.
I owned a Boca for two years, and previously had 3 Dorals before that. The Boca's hull was designed in 1999, and although the oldest it is by far the best, with outstanding sea keeping, and just keeps going no matter what the weather throws at you. Some say Doral's are only good on the American lakes, but they are misinformed. The hull is thicker than most other makes, probably because thay are capable of over 60knots with large petrol lumps, so imagine how easily it handles 25-30 knots over here.
For Med use, as said before, I think an Open boat would be better, although the Boca is available with a T Top, but personally I would stick with the open version. you also have the choice of Shafts, Outdrives, and I now believe IPS, and not many boats have that choice.
I was very sad to see ours go, especially as it is now moored 20 yards from our new one, but SWMBO wanted to go bigger, so we moved up to the Alegria (yes, another Doral)
 
i'm sure there is, but then you need a genny as well. Personally i'd sooner be sheltered from the sun but able to enjoy a cooling breeze, than be holed up in a more enclosed area with the aircon cranked up.

Poweryacht, I don't dispute hard tops are popular in the med, and I can see it could work OK on larger boats where there is still enough room in the cockpit to eat and socialise, and many do have a bimini cover for this area. On smaller boats like the SC35 though, the roof covers most of the socialising/eating area.
 
At least with the SC35 there is some flexibility in what you can do with the roof.

It's quite "open" with the side screens off, and pulling the roof back a bit would open it up enough to let some breeze through, so I don't think you'd bake, unless it was a windless day.

I agree, not quite as open as a sports cruiser with a bimini, though.

dv.
 
Nick,

Two different types of Boat. If you are using her as a floating caravan around rosas I would go for the Sealine. It has larger accomodation with seperate cabins, hard top to reduce sun heat and glare and is a good compromise sports cruiser.

If you re using her for weekends of hard cruising I would go for the Doral. It has open plan living but has the better build quality, better hull and will take a lot more punishment. The Cushions are better, the teak is better etc.

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Paul

Exactly my dilema....we want to do both and we've also been caught out a couple of times in the Jeanneau when the Mistral/Tramontana decided to put in an unscheduled (and unforecast!!) appearance, which is making me lean towards the Doral.

Also given that our berth is quite sheltered from the wind, and South facing, I can see the benefit of a soft top/bimini arrangement with big gaps to let whatever breeze there is blow through, rather than semi-enclosed cockpit!

SWMBO quite likes the "Manhattan Loft" look of the SC35 though, and we all know who gets the final say!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Thanks for your comments

Nick
 
Better Hull?

I'm led to understand that the hull on the SC35 is by Ocke Mannerfelt, who has sketched one or two in his time.

I'd agree that some things (like cabinet work behind the scenes, hard unyielding cushions) didn't look too clever on the SC35, but I thought the overall build quality was pretty good.

Dash layout on the SC35, view forward, saloon skylights, overall space: best in class, imho

dv.
 
That Doral design probably looked quite sharp .........in the early 1990s......oops it is the latest model you say! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif IMHO.
 
I wasn't going to mention it, but a design that looks a bit old hat now is going to look even more old hat in 5-10 years time. I suspect that despite being a love-it-or-hate-it boat, others might end up following where are Sealine are leading (styling).

dv.
 
S28/Oldgit
Interesting comments.
We've looked at a 2005 Sunseeker Portofino 35 and it's not a hugely different shape to the Doral.....
We happen to like the shape of both boats, but for different reasons.....each to his/her own I suppose.
Thanks for the comments though - everything is food for thought.

Nick
 
Errm, yes, just looked in my Sunseeker price list... was £260k new in 2006 /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Also, I'd be considering (shock horror) nearly new.

Like this: HERE
 
S28,

I could have swore that Wally were leading the design revolution with Fjord and now Sealine jumping on the bandwagon. I agree it is a daring design, but all they are doing is copying something else. The Aston Martin DB9 is stunning and original....but a Jaguar XK looks similar, is cheaper and just does not have the panache.

The sealine will sell well, it will look good for many years but long term build qualities at this size on Sealines have always been an issue!

Sealine are following the trend blindly...and hiding the quality behind design!

IMHO

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Nautorius, Owned an aquador 25wa , the build quality was terrible , both in structure of the boat and the fit out , pm me and i will give you the full story.... sold it after 18months bought my first sealine and have never looked back. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Hi Rofer,

Sorry to hear about the Aquador problems. However just wondering what they have to do with Doral or Sealine?
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Glad the sealine is good. The main Issues with them seem to be on a few S34 and C39....others seem to be a lot better!


Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Hi Paul,
Merely sharing my experienes with fellow members on the discussion on build quality, no matter what builder get if surveyed , my aquador was deemed unsafe , as a new boat
I did not get a survey done, so doral / sealine, or other get professional advice , talk to current owners if you can , Generally most boats are sound but there are lemons out there across the market. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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