Boating World

Doral's 210

Doral's 210 Sunquest might be built in Canada, but it's designed to handle warm, southern waters.

September 1, 2005

Testing a 21-foot bowrider, no matter how tough it is, in Ontario's Georgian Bay in cool weather probably doesn't guarantee a day of fun in the sun. But if you don't mind huddling behind the windshield and wearing long underwear instead of swim trunks, it can show you how good a boat really is. You know you're in for it when you arrive at Owen Sound, Ontario, and your host, Oliver, shows up for the test wearing work boots and a winter jacket. Even the guy at the launch ramp does a double-take when you back the boat down the ramp, his eyes measuring your sanity levels.

But Doral's 210 Sunquest is up to the test, and proves to be a bowrider that has a northern pedigree with distinctly southern features. Overall, it's a bowrider that would be just as much at home in Owen Sound (in high summer preferably) as Orlando. From the water, the 210 looks as stylish as any of its competitors, say a Sea Ray, Crownline or Regal, and the Elite options package gives it a bit of extra pizzazz. That includes items like a wooden steering wheel, snap-in carpet, depth gauge, docking lights and bow scuff plate. The extra $2,297 for that package is money well spent if you want to show off the 210 among other brands.

The Georgian Bay is overcast, but warm for this time of year ' in the low 50s, and the empty, relatively calm water makes for a good test of the Sunquest. Doral is one of those brands that has been around for years, and made a reputable name for itself south of the border. It's a solidly built boat, with a reliable deep-V hull, and good get-up-and-go with the upgrade 320-hp, 5.7L Volvo-Penta GXi Duoprops. The Gxi is the largest of the three Volvos (the other two are the 270-hp, 5.0L versions, one with single props and the other with Duoprops), and Doral also offers the 210 with three MerCruisers (260-hp, 5.0L MPI with Alpha drive; a 320-hp, 350 MAG with Bravo 1; and a 320-hp 350 MAG with Bravo 3).

The boat feels just right with the GXi. Not only is there plenty of oomph in the 3.3-second holeshot, but the Duoprops give it a firm grip on the water. The boat, in a foot-high chop, tops out at 58.2 mph. It reaches 30 mph in 5.8 seconds. That kind of performance earns points among its peers. It does feel slightly skittish at top end, even after playing around with the drive. But there's no hint of chine-walking or any loss of control. Overall, it's a pleasant boat to drive ' even if you've got your head down under the windshield to keep out of the chilly northern exposure winds.

There are two litmus tests you use on any bowrider. One is to sit up front and have the driver spin the boat at high speed to feel how safe it is up there. The 210 passes that with flying colors. The second test is to turn the wheel all the way to the right and gun the throttle. Lesser bowriders will let water in on the aft starboard corner. But the Sunquest does just fine, even through multiple turns and high-speed figure-eights in the chop.

There are a couple of oddball features, like the hump in the foredeck. You almost trip over it walking to the bow, especially since it's hidden under the snap-in carpet. Also, there's a cut-out pattern of the Doral logo on the aft swim platform that sits over the drive. That could possibly pose a danger for wee hands that might be able to push their way through and into the water. One of the storage cabinets on the transom is somewhat rough around the edges ' Oliver is clearly upset about that, and says it will be remedied ' but otherwise the fit and finish on the boat got good marks.

The 210 is made for maximum exposure to the elements, with an integrated swim platform and another optional bolt-on (36-inch by 80-inch) platform that's perfect for watersports like waterskiing or diving. It's also just a nice place to hang on if the boat's at anchor in calm water. The 316 stainless-steel cleats at the transom are pop-up, which means no toe-snagging. They also give the boat a cleaner look. The remote control for the Clarion stereo on the upper swim platform is also a plus. There are two areas for storage back there, and a remote tilt for the drive.

Storage is often lacking in bowriders, but this one goes the extra yard ' or yards, considering the size of the lockers. Underneath the snap carpet is a seriously spacious ski locker. Oliver says that he put one of his buddies, 6 feet 2 inches and 180 pounds, inside to get a gauge of space. That's definitely enough space for slalom skis, PFDs and wakeboards. The bow area also makes good use of the space, with an unbroken curve that extends all the way around. That allows for storage of long items like water-skis if the in-floor locker is full.

The cockpit is also comfortable, with a 25-inch by 74-inch aft U-shaped lounge, helm and companion seats, and a padded sunpad atop the engine hatch. The burlwood accents are a nice touch that tie the cockpit design together, and as mentioned, there's nothing like the feel of real wood in the steering wheel to make you want to drive for hours. The test boat has white upholstery with beige accents, and the area under the windshield is also beige to cut out glare. Doral makes its own windshields on-site, and it's a beefy, tinted design that wraps way back, offering a feeling of security. The glove compartment on the companion side has a 12-volt adapter inside. Faria gauges with special night lighting and Lowrance depthsounder are part of the helm package. Visibility from the helm is good. Another nice touch: stainless cupholders where you need them, in the bow and near the helm and companion seats.

The engine hatch lifts on gas-assisted shocks, and working space around the engine is good. The 210 has a decent-size 64-gallon fuel tank for an extended range. Owners have the choice of exterior colors like champagne, deep blue, black and red. The options list is extensive, and includes items like Bimini, cockpit table (plastic or teak), the extended swim platform, premium sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, through-hull exhaust, and even a sink and transom shower.

The 210 is a strong contender in the competitive 21-foot bowrider category, and can hold up even in chilly northern waters ' though it's most enjoyable when you can go barefoot and leave the winter boots at home.
The Verdict:

Doral's 210 is a Canadian-built boat that feels just as home down in sunny, warm-weather conditions. The bow seating is great, even during fast turns, and storage options are more than what you'd expect. Minor nitpicks like a rough-edged cabinet in the transom don't take away from the overall impression that the 210 is one of the best in its class.

LOA 21'4"
Beam 8'6"
Weight 3,764 lbs.
Fuel 54 gal.
Top Speed 58.2 mph
(w/320-hp, 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi DP)
Time To Plane 3.3 seconds
0-30 mph 5.8 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 66 dB-A
Decibels @ 30 mph 85 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 88 dB-A
Base Price $38,895
(w/260-hp, 5.0L MerCruiser MPI Alpha)
Price As Tested $43,195
(w/320-hp, 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi DP)
Hull Warranty 10 years
NMMA Certified? Yes

Doral International Inc.
1991 3 Ave. Grand Mere
Quebec, G9T 2W6, Canada
(819) 538-0781
www.doralboat.com