Dorado boats from the U.S. arrive in Australia

Based in Georgia, where a lot of big US companies build their boats, Dorado is a brand you're about to hear a lot more about. A 2018-model 220 Centre Console, the very latest 241 Centre Console, and a new 245 Dual Console spearhead the first shipment of boats that have arrived at the importer Queensland Marine Centre.

An established fishing-and-family boatbuilder in the U.S., Dorado is actually a local rebadge of the Sailifsh brand, which already trade in Australia as aluminium catamarans. So a local name change was in order and, running it by everyone in our office, Dorado is actually a much preferred name.

Manufactured by the Seminole Marine Group, which also makes Southwind deckboats, the Dorado line-up spans 15 models from 19ft-32ft. This is the sweet spot for centre console and walkaround fibreglass fishing and family rigs today.

The US-built Dorado boats team fishability, family boating and affordability in a range of solid fibreglass craft with single or twin outboard installations. The boats are being rigged with Mercury outboard power locally and bundled with alloy trailers built to Aussie specs.

The local importer, Andrew Bennett from Queensland Marine Centre (QMC), believes the Dorade line-up will be a good fit in our market, as the brand has a strong following in the U.S, and is growing its market share.

"We found the best value for money that we could in the centre console market without sacrificing quality. And they represent amazing quality for an affordable boat," says Bennett, who is a discerning boat importer with other premium U.S. boat brands on offer.

"We have premium boat brands, but some people just can stretch that far. We didn't want a lesser boat, but the Dorado have the quality control we demand out of the factory… and the boats are first rate and more affordable," he says.

CENTRES, BAY BOATS, DUAL CONSOLES AND WALKAROUNDS
In the Dorado range as it stands now, there are five centre consoles from 22ft to 32ft — each with a 22-24 degree deep-vee hull — two Bay Boats with a flatter deadrise including a 19- and 21-footer; three dual-console bowriders for family and fishing applications, and four walkaround boats from 23ft-32ft with accommodating cabins for weekend boating.

The Seminole Marine Group says reliability, versatility and affordability are behind its success as a boatbuilder for 30 years or so.

Do your web research the well-finished boats do appear to have a strong following among saltwater fishers and their families in the US.

UNIQUE HULL WITH KEVLAR AND CARBON FIBRE
A point of difference with the Dorado boats is their Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) hull, which has been designed for a smooth and quick ride in rough water.

The unique hull design actually features three distinct running surfaces — the first, with a deep deadrise, cuts the water, while the two others provide lift and stability. We hear good things about these boats' performance from importer Bennett.

Dorado are also built strong from 100 per cent composite materials including Kevlar and carbon-fibre reinforcing in the hull and deck. The entire stringer system is foam-filled for added safety.

Each Dorado boat comes with a 10-year hull warranty and a lifetime "no-rot" guarantee.

Another key part is the planning, with attention to the ergonomics to ensure the Dorado rigs function as smoothly at sea with serious fishos as they do back inshore with the family.

Marine grade stainless steel hardware and easy access to plumbing and electrical systems are part of the matrix, too.

Dorado are foremost fishing boats, as evidenced by a spread of rod holders, insulated fish boxes, in-built bait wells, tackle storage, large dash for electronics, helm seat and leaning post options, and details like all the hinges and deck lids are flush so they don't foul lines and the self-draining decks have easy-clean dot-pattern non-skid.

But there is the flipside and the family-friendly considerations include bow seating, stow-away tables, abundant storage space, and a roomy head on many models, a retractable ski tow bar, and so on.

The dual-console models add a day 'galley' with fridge and food-prep space, a comfortable passenger lounge, plenty of aft seating and walk-through access from bow to stern.

The Dorado boats will complement the existing range of premium U.S. centre consoles and family boats already imported and offered by Queensland Marine Centre.

Prices for the Dorado start at about $92k for the 22-foot centre console boat/motor/trailer package, while the 24-footer will be about $130k.

More from importers Queensland Marine Centre.