DORAL 210 BR SUNQUEST
INITIAL LOOK
Our initial look at the 210 Sunquest Series Bow Rider was while she was on the trailer before launching. A walk around the outside revealed some interesting design features that Doral had carefully built into this impressive 21 footer. From the sharp nose (bow) similar to that of a high performance or offshore boat to the neatly designed integrated platform in the rear, it was clear that this boat was very well planned. The deep vee bow and the 19 degrees of deadrise aft gave the impression that the hull was one that should perform well on the water. A carefully planned telescoping platform ladder totally stored inside the platform. The large scuppers could quickly drain excess water from the cockpit and storage areas and put the water outside of the boat where it belongs.
THE LAUNCH
Launching was easy with the custom matching bunk tandem trailer. The boat slid smoothly from the trailer into the water and initial boarding was simple. The 210 BR has well placed and efficient nonskid aftdeck areas where one would want them to be when boarding at a dock or launch ramp. These nonskid areas provided safe access to the integrated platform and easy movement up over the engine compartment into the main cockpit. The removable filler seat cushion on the rear cockpit seat and the engine hatch flip-over section again revealed non-skid areas below for sure-footedness to enter the boat proper.
INSIDE
One cannot help but be impressed with the Doral 210. The fitted snapin carpet, the deluxe upholstery and the general feeling of space greet you warmly upon entry. The Review Boat had the Platinum Package which provides upgraded upholstery, an Italian wood steering wheel, snap-in carpet, a power telescoping stern light and a removable table...( which was not up during our time on the water).
The rear seats easily accommodate 5 people with space to spare. The two buckets for the Captain and Mate were extremely comfortable and the bow rider area could carry four adults with ease.
Storage was everywhere... under seats, in side pockets, inside glove box which could hold cell phones or hand held communication or navigation devices, and in the floor there is plenty of room for water skis, wake boards, mooring lines, fenders or other items one might carry for a day of fun on the water.
Doral has taken care to consider little things that might otherwise not be seen. The back rests of the bow area open for yet more storage. The upholstery was carefully stitched to provide extra comfort and eye appeal, which we felt was an extra nice touch to place this 21 foot BR above many others in its class.
Some other well-thought-out ideas and features were the small sink and tap on the console by the companion seat and the extra hatch opening in front of the engine for complete and easy access to do any routine or extra maintenance during or at the end of the season.
ON THE MOVE
Our Review Model was equipped with the optional Mercruiser 350 MAG MPI engine, coupled with a Bravo 1 stern drive with a stainless prop. The boat provided a comfortable ride and was exciting to drive.
The comfort of the helm seat, the ease of reaching the wheel, and the single throttle shifter with the new tilt/trim switch provided total control from dead stop to wide open throttle. The initial phase of idling from the harbour was extremely quiet. The extra sound deadening material placed around the engine area kept engine noise to a minimum even at top speed. All gauges were clearly in view and easy to read, and while trimming the outdrive, the readings were immediate and allowed for proper and easy trim.
This boat gets moving quickly. Idle to full out plane takes about 5 seconds but does sosmoothly and without the bow raise you might expect from a boat in this size/power range. The driver never loses sight of the water in front of the boat and the horizon is always clearly in view. This performance aspect can be advantageous if boating in an area that may have floating items, various forms of markers or a high level of recreational traffic.
The water during our review phase had about a 1 foot chop from moderate winds and the 210 BR never missed a beat. At the top end of almost 53 mph shown on the GPS and with the tilt appropriately set, we rode over the waves in total control with the slightest of left to right and back roll associated with a deep vee hull. Turns from both top speed and at lower speeds saw this boat carve a perfect arc without a skip,loss of control or any problems. Whether at the helm or in the passenger seat one experienced the turns with confidence in the performance of the vessel. It became obvious that the Doral 210 BR was engineered to match the boat to the power plant and outdrive.
DOCKING
Often the test of a boat`s handling is when in tight quarters such as coming into or leaving from a congested dock area. The smooth shift of the Bravo outdrive allowed for easy docking with the dock to either port or starboard. The smooth response to the control lever was evident and the need to have to go to high power to make her move was never necessary. In and out easy shifts and this boat goes where and when you want it to go.
NOTES TO NOTE
The Review Boat shown here is a 2003 model and our information suggests that the 2004 model will have few if any changes. The options included in the Suggested Manufacturers Price were:
- Mercruiser 350 MAG MPI
- Platinum Package
- Bimini Top
- Bow Cover
- Cockpit Cover
- Stainless Steel Prop Upgrade
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although Boatcan did not use this boat for watersports, or did we see it used for this purpose, we have every reason to believe that the power, steady control and true tracking features we did experience would translate into an excellent boat for such activities.
We were very impressed with this vessel. The general design and look of the boat is appealing. The soft colours and carefully designed upholstery were examples of workmanship and quality fit. The hull was clean without a hint of anything but carefully built glass/gel work. The little things like the telescoping ladder, the lift-out cushions and the extra non-skid deck pattern in boarding areas indicated that Doral put much thought and careful design into this boat. Easy engine access, storage area after storage area, plenty of speed, quiet operation, and control, control, control....
The Doral 210 BR Sunquest provides family fun and plenty of speed within the same great package...
For more information about the Doral 210 Bow Rider Sport Boat contact the Dealers Listed Below....
BOATMAX INC.
PIRATE COVE MARINA INC.
