1989 Doral Prestancia

By: Mike Gridley

The Doral 30 Prestancia was one of the most popular models in the fleet during the company’s first six-year production run.The design of both the exterior and interior was ahead of its time – just one of the factors why this model is so popular in today’s used boat market.

Dockside or underway, the first generation Doral Prestancia remains an attractive and modern-looking cruiser, a boat I believe firmly established the Canadian builder.The owner of our test boat was originally drawn to its predominately white colour scheme with sand accent, which has allowed the owner to really update the look of the boat with a new and contemporary canvas and stripes in sand versus the factory original burgundy.

With an already large cockpit, this Prestancia has the transom seat removed for extra space for deck chairs. Other features at the stern include the custom barbecue mount, transom gate, shower, and a wide and low swim platform that has recently been rebuilt. Rounding out the lower cockpit features is the built-in storage in the back of the upper cockpit seating.

Up one step, the forward cockpit has a removable table with comfortable L-shaped lounge, which offers plenty of storage behind the back rest and in the seat bases – part of the abundant storage this boat’s owners raved about.

The helm features a swivelling, tracking bucket seat and tilt wheel facing a modern helm layout that only has one shortcoming – a lack of space to flush mount electronics.

While lacking a walk-through windshield, access forward along the side decks is reasonable, with the radar arch providing a handhold. On the foredeck is a large sun lounge, and you’ll appreciate the integrated anchor roller and windlass at the bow.

Down below is where the Prestancia really shines as it provides a lot of well-designed living space for a 30-foot hull, starting with the curved companionway (which really caught my eye when I first saw one at a dealer in 1988). At the foot of the companionway is the head, a well-constructed fibreglass unit with more than average storage in the moulded-in vanity and cabinets, which are protected by a curtain when showering.

Along the port side, forward of the head, is the galley with a microwave, large overhead storage, an alcohol electric stove, large sink, and, yes, very good storage in the upper cabinets. Below the counter you’ll find a dual voltage refrigerator and an abundance of drawers.

Opposite the galley at the entrance to the mid-cabin are more storage and a bar set up with storage for glassware and bottles and an invaluable second refrigerator.

The Prestancia’s owners commented, “This boat has super storage.” And it really does – in the galley, under the V berth, overheads above the dinette, lockers separating the galley and berth, and hidden lockers in the mid-cabin.This Doral can hide a lot of stuff.

The nicely designed dinette seats four, but really only dines two comfortably. Forward, there is a typicalV-berth, albeit small for tall adults even with the filler cushion in place to extend the length.The berth does have good ventilation, lighting and a small settee for changing. Privacy is provided by a curtain and nice extras include a vanity sink and cupboard.

While the V-berth is small, the aft cabin provides real comfort for two adults when made up for sleeping. If you prefer extra seating, the berth converts easily to a recessed lounge area, great for relaxing or for the kids to play.

Offering twin engine power from Mercury and OMC, Doral provides excellent access to the engine compartment with the split fore and aft hatches. And with the Prestancia’s 10- foot beam, there is ample room for servicing the engines and for additional house batteries.

Underway, the Prestancia is a pleasure to pilot. The 30-foot deep-V hull handles the chop easily and the owner noted the boat handles the open water and moderate seas well. Our test boat’s twin OMC Cobra 262s with Holley four-barrel carburetors gives the Prestancia more than adequate performance while remaining economical.

Based on the original design features and quality of the Prestancia, used models continue to enjoy a good deal of popularity in both the Canadian and northern U.S. markets. It is definitely an express cruiser worth taking a look at. 

Cruising Speed (rpm/mph)

3200 / 25

Top speed (rpm/mph)

4200 / 31