Doral 245 Escape Cuddy

Brief Summary

The Doral 245 Cuddy brings more room for the family that finds the 235 a bit restrictive yet are not ready for the leap into pocket cruiser boating. This model carries many of the same European styling features of her siblings and has room for relaxing out of the sun or a convenient escape from the sudden afternoon downpour. The large cockpit has plenty of room to enjoy the family at anchor and typical comfortable seating for the family underway.

Key Features

• Integrated swim platform
• Deluxe Clarion AM/FM CD stereo
• Convertible bed
• Deluxe bolster seats
• Snap-in carpet
• Removable cooler
• Optional comfort package
• Optional sound/performance package

Specifications

Length Overall	25' 6''
Beam	8' 6''
Dry Weight	4,950 lbs.
Draft	N/A
Deadrise/Transom	18 deg.
Max Headroom	N/A
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	64 gal.
Water Capacity	N/A

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	Not Available

Warranty

Deck Warranty Extended	10 year
Hull Warranty Extended	10 year

Captain's Report

New Escape 245 Cuddy
By Capt. Rob Smith
Doral continues to expand their line by offering choices that make family boating more enjoyable for young active families with children. The 245 Escape cuddy will certainly be a hit with the active family that wants to enjoy watersports all day, yet has small ones that still need a place to catch a nap. They also are continuing to add technology such as the three piece uni-structural windshield and LED courtesy lights.
Hull and Exterior Features
You can choose from four striking colors to match your favorite look on the water. Deep blue, Midnight Black, Merlot or Aztec yellow. I recommend the optional bow scuff plate particularly if you plan to trailer your boat a lot. It will keep the nose clean and gouge-free. If you plan late night or early morning boating often, I also recommend the optional docking lights for that extra secure feeling as you approach a darkened slip or launching ramp.
Aft Party Deck
Since much of your time will be spent launching water sports, a proper swim platform is important. The 245 Escape sports an integral platform large enough to relax on while dangling your feet at anchor, lay out your skis or wakeboard or let the kids launch themselves out into the lake for a cool dip. Stainless accent like the custom Doral Engine Vents add a classy touch. If you really enjoy relaxing in the water, I also recommend the handy transom stereo remote so you can control the tunes without having to go all the way to the dash to change the channels or tracks.
The 245 uses a center walkthrough design with lift off filler cushion. I like this arrangement as it offers a driver excellent views to insure the skier is on board before getting back underway. With the fillers in place, you have a large lounging pad to lay out and catch a few rays. Lifting the sunpad, you gain access to the engine; a 375-hp 496 Mag HO from MerCruiser in our case. There is adequate space for pre-launch checks and to store damp life jackets to the sides.
The Gathering Spot
Underway you want enough room to spread out and the 245 gives the family room enough to stake out their personal space. With the walk-through cushions in place you have a large U-shaped lounger with stainless steel drink holders to corral the beverages. For easy clean-up and cooler decks, I recommend the optional snap-in carpet. If music is really part of your equation for a great day, opt up for the 6-CD changer, or even better, the iPod interface and set up your own mix for the day. Blast it out with the optional premium speakers with amplifier and base woofer; it really does produce a sweet sound! The companion dash has a small sink that will come in handy to clean up the little one’s face and hands after a snack and the glove box can keep your wallets and registration dry. Additional storage is under the bench seats and in the side pockets for your gear. The bucket seats were very comfortable and had bolsters to boost up for better views.
From the Helm
I found the helm layout good with gauges easy to see, even in bright daylight due to the dash eyebrow extension over them. My test boat had Bennett trim tabs, yet I really didn’t find I needed them. Beneath the helm is a handy tray with stainless steel drink holder for the driver.
On the Bow
The three piece uni-structural windshield has a nice center walk-through. The bow rails give a good hand-hold while working with the ground tackle. If you like, you can add a forward sunpad to the bow to relax on at anchor.
Interior Accommodations
While understandably there isn’t standing room, you can sit on the benches and relax inside. Doral uses all the available space well, including under the cockpit. Flip the entry step up and pull out a drawer mounted ceramic toilet when you need it. The V-berth drawer pulls out to support the fillers completing the bed. Doral even offers an optional NorCold refrigerator. The optional refrigerator is located near the entry door and is accessible from the cabin or the cockpit.
Measurements
This new cuddy measures 25’6” and has a beam width of 8’6”. She tips the scales at around 4950lbs and has a 64 gallon fuel tank.
Testing
The Ottawa River offered nearly perfect conditions for testing with calm winds and smooth waters. Unfortunately, the gremlins ran through our party and robbed us of the fuel readings. I did find her to leap out of the hole in about 3 seconds and power through 30 mph in about 6. At 3000 rpm, somewhere near cruise, she was running at 28 mph and at top speed, she was turning 5000 rpm at 56.4 mph.
In summary, the new Escape 245 Cuddy gives the growing young family room to play with space to relax or let the kids take a nap out of the sun. She seems to handle and perform well for both cruising and water sports.