Doral 310 SE Review Newport News VA

Equally important, the 310 SE handled calm water impressively. Response to both helm and trim was excellent. And the 310 SE posted one of the quickest top speeds for a cruiser this size: 50.3 mph. Ruggedly built and affordably priced, this stylish French-Canadian import rates must-see status for anyone shopping for a midsize cruiser.

REALITY CHECK. One thing I noticed that I didn't like was the installation of the burled-wood instrument and switch panels on the helm. They weren't sealed in place. Yes, they were fastened with plenty of screws, but there was no silicone caulk to keep water out. Grab the edge of one with your finger and pull. You'll find a gap that's big enough to allow water into the wiring below. However, that was my only complaint from the driver's seat.

Powered by twin 280-hp Volvo Penta 5.7 Gi DuoProp stern drives, the 310 SE was a joy to run. Its moderate-V hullform, combined with the extra lift provided by the twin-propped Volvo Penta drives, got me up on plane as quick as a runabout. Then, because the boat could hold plane at just 13 mph, I was able to set a course for Gay Head without rattling my teeth.

Boats in the 310 SE's class should stay on plane and in control at 15 mph or less, with tabs and drives trimmed fully down. (Single-prop stern drives probably won't allow such low speeds because the reduced blade surface can't carry as much load.) One top competitor in this category is Sea Ray's 300 Sundancer ($155,251 with twin 260-hp MerCruiser Bravo Three stern drives).

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