Posted: 24 January 2006 at 4:09pm | IP Logged

I'm in the process of purchasing a 2006 Doral Intrigue and I was just wondering if anybody had any comments, good or bad, on this vessel.

Also, I may power it with twin Cum-Merc. 4.2 ES-250 Diesels.  Does anyone have any experience with, or know much about these engines?

Posted: 25 January 2006 at 11:05pm | IP Logged

I have a friend who has one of the first of the Diesel powered 31's.  He did have some initial problems with the boat because of the diesel power.  The engines provide more than enough power to get the boat on plane and cruise at a very comfortable pace.

The problems he had were caused by the extra weight of the diesel engines with the boat at rest.  Doral had to move the exhaust for the genset so that it was not underwater with the boat at rest.  Also the boot stripe put on by the factory was below water back aft, as the heavier diesels caused the boat to sit deeper in the stern than the gas powered boat.

Knowing Doral, I would imagine those issues have been corrected by now.

Posted: 25 February 2006 at 6:31pm | IP Logged

Georgian Cruiser,

I am looking at the Doral Elegante with 5.7 FWC and composite outdrives.  Did you end up buying the Intrigue?  I am in Atlanta. 

Posted: 25 February 2006 at 11:03pm | IP Logged

Mark,

I actually posted on your thread, I just now realized that you responded over here, but anyway we did order the Intrigue and I still have another week to decide which engine to put in it.  As I mentioned in your thread from the research that I did (and beleive me at this point I did a lot) I find Doral to be excellent.

I ordered an article from Motor Boats Monthly (Jan 2005) that does a comparison test of the Doral Intrigue and the Regal 3060 Commodore.  Except for the price the author rates the Doral as a better boat.  If your interested I can E-Mail you a copy.

Posted: 25 February 2006 at 11:09pm | IP Logged

Georgian Cruiser, Sorry to be jumping threads here, I'm just trying to find out as much as I can.  I would love the article.  My direct email if you need is marklegacy@bellsouth.net.  I test drove the Regal Thursday and it handled very nicely and had good power.  The fit and trim felt cheap to me.  The Doral just feels rich. 

We will see the Intrigue tomorrow.  Let me know what engine you end up going with.  Which one are you leaning towards? 

What made you choose the Intrigue over the other Doral lines? 

Posted: 26 February 2006 at 8:36pm | IP Logged

Hey Mark I'll get that article over to you, just give me a couple days to figure out how to scan it in and transfer it to a PDF.

In terms of your other questions, I was originally leaning towards the Cummins-Merc 4.2 ES-250 BR3 Diesels.  The way I rationalised it is that with the same down payment the diesels, a $40,000 upgrade (Canadian dollars that is), was going to cost me an extra $300 a month in payments ($3600 a year more).  By going to Diesel engines I calculated that I would save about $5000 in fuel minus the $3600 I'm still up by $1400, plus I have engines that should technically last longer and a genny that will produce far less carbon monoxide.  The downside to these engines is that the Bravo 3 leg that the're coupled to is not as heavy duty as the Stern drive that Volvo uses on their diesels.

The other issue that I ran into is that in order to finance that extra amount the interest rates that I'm getting will put my monthly payments way over and it will no longer be worth it.  If I can get the original finance rate then I'm going with the diesels, if not I think I'm going to go with the Volvo 5.7 GI DP.

I went with the Intrigue mainly because it's in my price range in terms of the Doral line-up.  I can get a bigger boat from other manufacturers for the same price, but the styling, fit and finish are just not the same.  If I had the extra cash I'd consider going up to the Elegante or Boca Grande (maybe even the Allegria... yeah right) but I find that the Intrigue's size gives you a descent amount of space but you still have a little of that sport boat feel and handling.  I guess it just depends on what you'd prefer.

Keep me posted, let me know how the sea trial on the Intrigue goes.

Posted: 26 February 2006 at 10:43pm | IP Logged

Georgian Cruiser, we just got back from the Elegante test drives.  The one we tested had 8.1 Volvo V drives.  It was a real treat.  Good day to test too because we had a light chop and a big Carver running along side gave us some big wake to test how the boat handled.  At 15,500 lbs it had no problems.  The boat is so nicely appointed.  Curving lines eveywhere and very ergonomic.  As my wife said, it just makes you smile! 

We toured the Intrigue at the shop, and liked it as well.  I guess we prefer the seperate state room aft, and the convertible bed, seating arrangement forward.  Better for our day use. 

I think we will go with 5.7 Volvo with composite outdrives.  Would you upgrade to the 8.1's?  The salesman didn't seem to think we needed the extra power...

Well, I'm sure you are as happy as we are.  When do you take possession? 

Posted: 27 February 2006 at 5:10pm | IP Logged

Mark

Here is a link that will give performance specs on the Elegante with several engines including the 8.1's.  The 5.7's are not listed, but if it is the GXI that you are thinking of getting the horsepower is the same as the Merc 6.2 so it may be a descant comparison.

http://www.doralcorporations.com/admin/pdfoption/en/Elegante _2.pdf

If NHDORAL happens to read this post he may be able to give us some more insight as to what engines would be the best.

I definetely agree with you though for going with the Volvo's, mostly for the sterns.

We should be getting our boat some time in May, can't wait!  Although I must say that I definitely envy the fact that you can go out on boat this time of year.  Right now we can only skate on the lake.

Posted: 27 February 2006 at 5:45pm | IP Logged

Mark:

I have a 2003 Doral 330se (same as the elegante). She has the VP 8.1GiBF engines with DPS outdrives.  I purchased this boat in 2005. She was essentially new only used in 2003 and only had 25hrs on her when I got her. Still smelled like a new boat. Put about 70hrs on her last year.  Love the boat (but I am biased).  Looked at Searay; regal; cruisers; maxum etc.  Never heard of Doral until I saw this boat rather by accident.

The 8.1's perform well.  I did have problems with a blown head gasket in the stbd engine.  The engine was three months out of warranty and VP still paid 1/2 of all repair costs!!.  The head gasket failure was a small rent between two adjacent cylinders no damage or water intrusion just some mild rough running.  No specific cause could be found ECMs without errors.

I think the 5.7's should do well for you. I think NHDoral said he equips his Elegantes with this engine. Hopefully he will chime in too.

The boat has been great when I initally had her out last May I had specific electronics ?'s.  I emailed Doral directly and they responded with lengthy, informative replies often the same day!!!  I have run her on flat calm days and 5-6ft seas without difficulty.  I love the lay out with the aft cabin and drop down electric pedestal forward berth. Fit and finish top notch.  the only accessability complaint I had was that to drain the cockpit icemaker line I had to remove it from its enclosure. Small PIA.

Doral's Rachell Carr frequently monitors this and other boards and welcomes ?'s

Otherwise access to electricals, mechanicals  and through hulls excellent.  The room in the engine bay is without compare.  My surveyor indicated that this was one of the largest engine rooms he had seen in a boat this size. Makes all routine service easy and bigger service like pulling a head easy too.

As your wife noted this boat does make you smile.

Hope this helps.

Posted: 22 March 2006 at 12:23pm | IP Logged

Don't have experience with those engines. But we did recently buy an '04 leftover (new) Intrigue and we LOVE IT! We did research for two years before buying, looked at every model out there in the price range, took several of them out, read every review we could find, and in the end decided the Intrigue was the right choice for us.

FYI: There's a nice article on Motor Boats Monthly (UK, Jan '05) that has an 8-page spread of a 'shootout' between the Intrigue and the Regal 3060, choosing the Intrigue as the better buy (even though Regals are cheaper - at least on that part of the world)... It's an article I kept and it's nice to carry around if you buy the boat!:-)

Posted: 22 March 2006 at 2:39pm | IP Logged

I think I just created a signature with an uploaded image, taken at Egmont Key on our Intrigue. This is a test to see if it works...

Posted: 22 March 2006 at 2:54pm | IP Logged

I am on my second Doral, first was a 230cc and now a 270sc.  I have been very pleased with Doral.  A gas gauge went out on the 270sc and was replaced under a lifetime warranty.  In Georgia, on Lake Lanier, Sea Rays are king, but I liked the Dorals better.  I am looking to move up again, this time to a Carver Mariner or Santego.  I want more salon, for weekend stays on the lake, but also a large outside entertainment area. If Doral had something comparable to either, I'd give it a serious look. 

Marklegacy, where are you in GA?  I'm at Lan Mar on Lanier.

Posted: 22 March 2006 at 10:58pm | IP Logged

Ruizsanta, Nice Picture!  I'm so there!!!

Posted: 23 March 2006 at 11:23am | IP Logged

Thanks for the compliments on the pics . Took quite a few on our first outing on the boat last month... The water was perfect... This one is one of my favorite pics from that day.

Regarding engines, we have V5.7Gi's and they feel very brisk on this boat. Also surprised with the handling of the boat in chop... almost no pounding, we held plane at about 2800 rpm, smooth dry ride... guess the weight helps but the hull design must be excellent too.

Posted: 23 March 2006 at 5:45pm | IP Logged

Marklegacy,  I sent you the article from Motor Boats Monthly, just wanted to make sure you got it.  What did you end up going with (engine wise).  When do you take possession?

We went with the Volvo 5.7Gi.  Our delivery date is the end of May.

Posted: 23 March 2006 at 10:35pm | IP Logged

GeorgianCruiser, thanks so much for that article, that was great.  Very insightful.  I am holding off for now.  We too were going with 5.7 Gxi and I'm confident that is the right boat and motor combination.  I wish we were closer, I would love to help you break the champagne on her bow. 

Let me know how things go. 

Posted: 23 March 2006 at 10:38pm | IP Logged

Ruizsanta, what is your top speed?  Have you had any problems? 

Posted: 23 March 2006 at 11:55pm | IP Logged

At WOT we recently did 48.5 mph. and that was with full gas and full water and three people aboard - on Tampa Bay with small waves.

We have Gi's so if you get Gxi's I'm assuming you'd get even more ooomph... (not that you'd need it, to be honest)

Problems, there's been a few but nothing major. Worth mentioning are trim gauges not working at time of delivery and a cabin door alignment issue (they're actually getting us a brand new door). Also an audible alarm going off at slow speeds, because of a faulty sensor in one of the Volvos. Plus a handful of other very small things, but these were mostly our dealer's responsibility - not a boat issue. FYI - our boat was a floor model with 18 hrs on it before we bought it.

Honestly, up to now no complaints with the boat, but the dealer service could have been much better... don't get me started! But the dealership is going away so they don't have much to work for...

Doral was very responsive to our concerns about service, so we are feeling very comfortable with our purchase. I can honestly tell you, heads have been turning... It's a looker! and it's extremely comfortable and spacious for its size.

It also corners like a knife.

Posted: 24 March 2006 at 10:25am | IP Logged

ruizsantana, I am somewhat familiar with the Tampa dealership.  I considered one of their leftover Elegante's.  I was warned the dealer was going out of business. 

Well, it sounds awesome!  Have a great summer on her. 

Posted: 24 March 2006 at 12:45pm | IP Logged

Yes I saw they still have one Elegante (IB) and one Boca Grande (IO) sitting out there. Someone's gonna get a great deal on those boats, I can tell you that!!! But they should talk to me first so they know what to expect! I'm thinking maybe I should have waited a few more months and gotten into an even bigger boat?...  just kidding...

Posted: 24 March 2006 at 10:50pm | IP Logged

Ruizsanta, how do the elegante and boca grande look?  I heard they were a little weathered.  From what the sales rep told me, those boats were delivered the summer of 2004, even though they are 05's. 

Let me know what you think. 

Posted: 27 March 2006 at 4:17pm | IP Logged

To be honest, I haven't looked at them very closely... But driving by the Elegante recently I did comment to my wife that if I were them I would have treated those flip-up wood recliners on the deck, as they did look very weathered... Also if you live in GA it might not be a good idea to buy in FL unless you really get an incredible deal...

Posted: 04 April 2006 at 8:24pm | IP Logged

Before I bought my 34 foot mainship we looked at the Doral at the Ft Lauderdale show A few years ago. As my wife was walking into the cabin she got her foot twisted in the exposed runner for the door to the lower cabin. She is disabled due to that & Doral has said tough we sued but because they are a Canadian outfit we had no chance.If you buy it take a close look at that area & see if you can modify that area so you wont have the same problem.

Good luck.

Dick=========

Posted: 04 April 2006 at 10:08pm | IP Logged

Hmmmm......I would never even think to sue a manufacturer because I caught my foot in an exposed runner at a boat show.  What kind of runner?

On the other hand, I do hope your wife recovers. Best wishes.

Posted: 05 April 2006 at 12:08pm | IP Logged

It was a stainless steel u piece that if you steped on it with your front area of your foot the rest of your foot had no support & your heal would drop down about 8 inches & twist.

Dick

Posted: 05 April 2006 at 12:36pm | IP Logged

While I'm not familar with either the boat or the circumstances involved, I'm pretty sure suing the manufacturer would not have crossed my mind.

Regards,

Doug L.

Posted: 30 April 2006 at 12:51am | IP Logged

I quote myself here, and wanted to update my thoughts on my Doral dealer... just to be fair! It seems the problems I had with the delivery of my boat and initial lack of responsiveness from the dealership to some issues were a 'personnel' issue... irresponsible salesman and lazy service guy in charge of the boat... now that some people have 'left' the sales/service department there, we have received ABSOLUTELY CLASS A service from Tampa Bayside. They have done everything they promised to do and have addressed every single issue that came up. Anyway, thanks to Jan at Tampa Bayside service for being so responsive and getting things DONE!!!