Doral Boca Grande Test Video

This flagship express cruiser sports many standards and options to satisfy your lifestyle underway. Bountiful seating topside is complimented by comfort in the cabin. The fiberglass retractable arch makes it easier to transfer your boat to the next shore or pass under low overhead bridges that others can only turn tail and run from.

Doral Boca Grande with IPS

By Capt. Rob Smith

The Boca Grande already had its own flock of believers, but new members have something else to crow about while they easily slide into a challenging marina slip in a ripping current. Doral now has mated the IPS joystick system to the Boca. This is certain to allow more day cruisers the confidence to move up to weekend or week long cruises. This along with the optional hardtop certainly makes the cruising life seem fun.

Entertainment Central

Doral created a palatial platform for play on the Boca. It sports a center folding deep reach swim ladder, twin corner fender racks and storage lockers. I always prefer a center boarding walkthrough and Boca’s has a French door system with magnetic catch to keep them open until you are ready to close them.

The one-level self bailing cockpit offers room to relax for all. Benches and loungers wrap around from the companion/navigator’s seat around to the helm. The refreshment center provides a great place to build and serve drinks and snacks aboard without going back and forth to the galley. If you like to enjoy television at anchor, opt for the cockpit TV that mounts at the refreshment center. An optional icemaker or cockpit refrigerator will also be handy if you entertain frequently aboard. As I spend a lot of time outside, I can recommend the hardtop for protection from the harsh sun and sudden showers.

The Command Center

The helm had rich wood accents any executive will appreciate. All systems are easily monitored underway. The joystick control will be the center of attention, though, as you effortlessly ease into the tightest of spots or parallel park alongside the floating restaurant.

Out Front

Molded-in steps lead you easily up the dash and through a wide windshield walkthrough. Up at the bow is a convenient freshwater connection to rinse of the anchor or rinse the deck after a cruise. A remote spotlight is standard. I recommend the optional windlass to make your day more fun and taking the work out of hauling the anchor. For anchor time relaxation, add the teak loungers and toast to your favorite sunset. There are drink holders, but they are inconvenient when you raise the lounger backs.

Time to Relax Inside

When the sun goes down in the west or it gets uncomfortable outside, head on down. The entry door is a two piece with sliding companionway and screen door for fresh cool air when you don’t need the optional 16,000 BTU air conditioner. The galley has solid wood and laminate cabinets with anthracite granite aspect counters. The upper cabinet doors can catch your fingers if you open several at once. Basic equipment includes double cooktop, microwave oven, stainless steel sink and 6.3cu foot refrigerator/freezer. The TV is mounted in the end of the upper cabinets on a swivel so it can be seen from the bow or from the salon.

The salon stairs are steep taking less space from the salon floor. The plush cushions have an adjustable height table that converts the lounger into another berth when needed. Wood blinds complement the wood accents and there are plenty of storage spaces for your cruising gear. You can upgrade your entertainment to a flat screen TV with DVD for the cabin. The common head has a full fiberglass liner, shower with separate shower wand, vanity with sink and ceramic toilet. Under the cockpit is another seating space that converts into another berth.

The Master Suite

The main berth is separated by an accordion door that is compact and far better than a simple curtain. The island Queen berth has storage under the mattress and a makeup station. My test boat had a remote for the stereo below the starboard bedside table and one for the optional DVD player under the port.

Measuring Up

The Boca Grande measures 36’2” length overall, 39’3” with the swim extension. Her width is 12’6” and weight is approximately 18,800 lbs dry. She carries twin 129 gallon fuel tanks and a single 50 gallon freshwater tank.

I tested her on a fairly calm day and wasn’t disappointed at all by her handling. The IPS performed as advertised. It took about 9 seconds to get the diesels spun up to plane and about 17 seconds to make 30 mph. At 3000 rpm she is running 29.4 mph for a cruising range of 361 miles. Her top speed was 39.1 mph at 3640 rpm.

In summary, the Boca Grande is a proven hull and adding the IPS system has definitely made weekend cruising more of a reality for everyone, especially those new to cruising.

• Top speed for the Doral Boca Grande is 39.1 mph (62.9 kph), burning 28.2 gallons per hour (gph) or 106.74 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Doral Boca Grande is 25.0 mph (40.2 kph), and the boat gets 1.45 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.62 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 336 miles (540.74 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 260-hp Volvo Penta IPS350- Diesel.