Capt. Steve says…

With stiff competition in the bowrider category, the best way to stand out is to build a standout boat. Doral’s 235 Bow Rider is a boat that really makes you stop and stare. Let’s take a look at some of the details and see if you’d feel the same way.



This boat was loaded with options. Most notably are the teak decks and teak highlights.

View from the Aft End…

If you take a look at the boat from the stern, you immediately see that this isn’t your typical day boat. First off, there’s teak everywhere. Now this clearly isn’t one of the standard features, so if you don’t want teak you can put some other covering on the deck, or just go with white fiberglass which will be as cool as anything on your feet and doesn’t cost a dime extra.

Aside from the teak deck and swim platform, there is an option called “Teak Highlights” that can be seen on this boat. They’re located on the sides of the swim platform, more where the windshield slopes down to the caprail, still more below the stainless steel grab rails at the bow, and lastly, on the steps of the swim ladder. For me… if you’re going to go for the teak deck, then go for the ”highlights” as well.

The pedestal table only comes in wood, but the two check boxes on the options list ask whether it will be “just” teak or “varnished” teak. Tough choice, but I’m always a big fan of varnished finishes, and your honey will prefer it, too, because she’ll never have to hit a lick. Across from the helm is the enclosed head, and the toilet is standard. You just have to choose between electric or Vacu-flush versions. That’s right, Vacu-flush on a 23-footer.



The helm is neat and uncluttered. Note the stereo controls on the wheel. The teak table is optional and stows away easily.

Redesigned Seats…

The seats have also been upgraded in the “Elite” series. They are fully adjustable, and to be clear, fully means forward and back as well as up and down. Doral does it right. Thankfully, the flip-up bolster is left on the standard list. Go with it because there are times when you will want to stand or lean against the bolster. Two more things stand out with these seats. Notice the open lumbar area. That’s a great idea as this is always the sweaty part of the seat. This open space gives welcome ventilation to the back of the body. Additionally, there are netted storage spaces just above this open area. Great spot for sun tan lotion (SPF 50 for me) or a quick spot for the passengers to place the shades.

View from the Bow…

Here you can see the teak highlighting under the grab rail. I love seeing wood on fiberglass boats. It gives me the feeling that the builder hasn’t forgotten the roots of boat building, but that’s just me. The bow seats are ergonomically designed for comfort and you’ll notice they have a slight wrap around to hold you in position just a little better than the flat seat backs would. The beach boarding ladder at the bow is on the options list and is a great idea. The standard windshield frame is aluminum, but there’s a stainless option available.

The Cranky Side of Capt. Steve…

If I couldn’t find room for improvement, then I wouldn’t be Capt. Steve. Doral obviously doesn’t follow my opinionated reports, because the stereo controls are not placed at the helm where I want it. But at least they didn’t tuck it away in a storage compartment. It’s over on the passenger side, facing the driver, so I can at least see what stations I’m scrolling through. Having said that, there are remote controls on the center of the steering wheel to cycle through the stations as well as raising or lowering the volume, so maybe I am just being a bit to picky here.

I’d also like to see armrests on the seats, and another at the engine control. It’s very difficult to give gentle power inputs without resting your arm on something. The bimini top is optional, but that’s because the arch is needed to support it. Doral needs to come up with another solution for this. I’m a fair skinned Irish boy, and a bimini is standard (read necessary) for me.

Obviously, these are mild complaints for a boat of this caliber. She offers a lot, and she should for a boat that is being marketed as “high end”.

Conclusion…

MSRP for the standard boat with a 5.7 Volvo GI DP is $55,875. That’s only $1,000 above her nearest competitor in class. If you’re looking for a boat that will bring a “wow” factor to your boating, the Doral 235 bowrider is the boat that will do it.

Now unlike some other brands which are sold at nearly every gas station and shopping center in North America, there may not be a Doral dealer near you. That’s actually one of the things that we like about Doral, it is somewhat of an exclusive brand. But if you would like a test ride, just click above and we’ll see to it that something is set up for you.