Doral 245 Phazar (Not in Production)

Brief Summary

The 245 Phazar is a re-deux of a performance model Doral had in its line years ago. The Phazar is based on the running surface and hull of the 245 Sunquest, but she boasts a hopped-up engine in the 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO which took us just above 65 mph.She's a good overall high-performance machine, with sleeping accommodations for two.

Key Features

• Hand Lay-Up Construction
• Integrated Swim Platform
• U-shaped Lounge Seat
• Fiberglass Structural Liner
• Power Steering
• Clarion Stereo with CD Player
• Adjustable Bucket Seats
• Cockpit table
• Deluxe Upholstery
• Sink and Fresh water System
• Head
• V-berth

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	25' 6''
Beam	8' 6''
Dry Weight	4,880 lbs
Draft	N/A
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	4' 0''
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	54 gal.
Water Capacity	10 gal.

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.4 sec.
0 to 30	7.1 sec.
Ratio	1.50:1
Props	~
Load	2 persons, full fuel, no water, min. gear
Climate	70 deg., 70% humid, wind: 10K, seas: 1 foot

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO
Std. Power	1x 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO
Opt. Power	1 x 420-hp Volvo Penta 8.1 GXi

Warranty

Deck Warranty Extended	10 year
Hull Warranty Extended	10 year

Captain's Report

The 245 Phazar from Doral is a great boat for those who like high-performance AND high style. With a single 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO we trimmed her out to a top-end speed of about 65 mph (which is plenty for most recreational go-fasters.) But if you want a little more, you can probably get it by playing around with a few different prop combinations.
The Phazar--with her cuddy cabin--is a multipurpose sportboat. You can ski from her, sun on her, and even overnight on her. But perhaps best of all, she features Doral's high-end styling, graphics, and upholstery so its immediately apparent--even to a novice--that the Phazar is a very high-end boat indeed.
We particularly liked the U-shaped aft seating, and the fact you can remove a center section of the aft sunpad/engine-hatch cover, for direct access to the integral swim platform. The hatch itself raises easily (thanks to two gas-assist struts) to reveal the powerplant below. Normally, this is all the access you'll need for routine fluid checks. But if more detailed diagnostics are called for, you remove the three aft cushions of the lounge and tilt a panel forward (much like you would with an engine box). This gets you direct access to the water pump, serpentine belt, alternator, and other critical components.
Moving below, the cuddy cabin is compact but fully functional as an overnight place for two. There's a large "starboard" dry-stowage box located just beneath the V-berth for clothes, though we couldn't find any positive means for keeping it closed underway.
There are also head facilities in the cabin, thanks to an innovative system that lets a fixed toilet slide out from beneath the cockpit and into the cabin. While this is a functional arrangement, it is really there only for use in a pinch. Other nice features include an undercounter Norcold refrigerator and closet stowage.
But you'll spend most of your time here behind the wheel, and that's where the boat shines. Steering is finger-tip easy thanks to power steering, and the Phazar never tried to chine-walk, even at high speeds. Moreover, she shoulders down and through high-speed turns with power and confidence, with no tendency to cavitate the prop. She also delivered a smooth ride through the 2-foot chop we had on test day--a testament to a well-designed hull supporting a dry weight of about 4,800 pounds.
Overall, the Phazar is a great choice for those who like performance boating AND who like to look good doing it.