They say the Doral Elite CC 235 is a luxury cuddy that defines the goes-as-good-as-it-looks category. We say we hate it when they’re right. This 23’7-by-8’6 sportboat is more than just eye candy. Planing happened in a smidge under 7 seconds. Plus, we never lost our line of site and hit a respectable 51.6-mph top end before biting into swooping S-turns and frantic wake-jumping. The boat didn’t pound, and it landed as if being sucked back into the water. But the Elite CC 235’s appeal isn’t just hull deep: The teak accents, stainless-steel hardware, and leather-like upholstery boast the kind of attention to detail that puts other builders to shame. Note the snap-in carpet pinstriped to mimic the lines of the teak decking and the stainless-steel step pads on the corners of the swim platform. To starboard is a bench seat that realistically fits only one person. The helm seats are as plush and comfortable as they come, with flip-up bolsters and molded-in stainless-steel grabhandles behind the headrests. The cuddy is airy thanks to a Bomar hatch, stainless-steel porthole, and green tinted, see-through sliding companionway door. ****
Who’d Want One: Day boaters looking for luxury, high style, and well-heeled performance. Or a guy who wants to park it in his multicar garage next to the Shelby Cobra.
Another Choice: Though the lines are different”Chris-Craft has that distinctive tumblehome aft”the Corsair 25 is another class leader.
The Numbers: $84,867. Contact: 888/843-6725, www.doralboat.com.
