A top performer inside and out with optimum performance and refined style.


(Finding a cruise speed of 32.4 mph at 3,000 rpm, the Mediterra turned on a dime and offered a fully-controlled, impressive turning radius that was quite tight for a sport cruiser with a beam of more than 13 feet and length of 40 feet.)

2007 has been an exciting year for Doral. In addition to the launch of its 40¡¯ Mediterra, the long-awaited second entry for its Sport Yachts class, the company upped the ante in the power department by offering this cruiser with Volvo Penta¡¯s IPS drives, the second model in the Doral fleet to feature this propulsion system. Working closely with Volvo Penta engineers to accommodate the IPS drives within the Mediterra¡¯s hull, the end result was a match made in heaven as the Mediterra-IPS package delivers optimum handling and non-stop performance. But Doral is the type of company that leaves nothing to the imagination. They raised the bar even higher with the coupling of the IPS Joystick control system, which is designed to provide excellent low-speed maneuvering with a few simple hand movements on a joystick situated at the helm ¨C turn the Joystick the direction you want the Mediterra to go and she responds to your every command.

Doral also delivered on the promise of meeting the high standards users have come to expect from this Sport Class. From the well-appointed bow, all the way down the seamless design of the aft swim platform, the Mediterra is undoubtedly well designed, sharing many of Doral¡¯s signature trademarks while creating new ones.

EXTERIOR

It is evident that Doral paid microscopic attention to the tiniest of details. Running along its sleek profile is a hefty 316 stainless steel bow rail with three of the company¡¯s signature rail lights on each side, offering added convenience when docking, anchoring or handling lines. These lights have a lifespan of more than 100,000 hours. The wide decks have non-skid surfaces to prevent slipping in any condition and grab rails for added safety are found on the exterior of the radar arch amidships.

While the foredeck is one of the key places you¡¯ll spend a lot of time in the sun, Doral added a pair of standard sunpads complete with drink holders and grab rails. If you really want to jazz up the foredeck, opt for the available teak sunpads with adjustable backrests. Triangular custom Bomar hatches flank each corner of the pads, while a circular porthole is located just forward. At the very tip of the bow is a fiberglass platform to handle lines or the anchor. There¡¯s also a pair of fiberglass doors that conceal fender bags, a remote for the anchor, washdown system, and rode.

AFT PLATFORM

While this area is always busy, the Mediterra¡¯s platform is designed to handle a crowd. It¡¯s large with a depth of approximately three feet with convenient access to the side decks via a set of small steps located at the port and starboard corners. Access to the cockpit is also easy thanks to the wide centerline companionway.

Adding to the highlights of this area are a series of draining storage lockers, providing users with ample space to stow lines, fenders, shorepower cords or other essentials. Just above the lockers are a series of separate compartments that conceal the 30-amp shorepower inlets as well as TV and phone inputs. A transom shower, stainless steel integrated ladder, large, sturdy grab rails and additional storage space integrated in the platform are other thoughtful appointments.

COCKPIT

Wide-open spaces play a large role in the Mediterra¡¯s cockpit. A U-shaped lounge dominates the entire aft area and while it is sectioned-off with the centerline companionway, it offers ample seating space and comes complete with contoured high backrests and fiberglass-lined storage compartments below the cushions. A thoughtful option to consider is the high-gloss cherry wood cockpit table. When mounted, this table fits nicely with starboard section of the lounge, and doesn¡¯t block traffic to and from the platform.

Just forward of the port lounge is a standard refreshment center. Topped with ultra-durable Karadon, users will appreciate the small fridge, icemaker, stainless steel sink, pressurized water, a flip-top barbeque grill and ample storage space.

The more time you spend in the cockpit of the Mediterra, the more you like it. Unlike many cruisers in this class, the sole is one level (and also self-draining), making access from one end of the cockpit to the other quick and easy. Opposite the helm is another lounge that can seat two adults, and like the aft lounge, it¡¯s contoured with storage below the cushions. This seat faces a large dark grey companion console integrated with the entire forward dash. There¡¯s ample room to lay charts and when the co-pilot isn¡¯t navigating, the charts can be stowed in a specially designated compartment that¡¯s covered with plexi-glass.

Overhead, Doral¡¯s fibreglasss hardtop is securely mounted to the gunnels with solid, stainless hinges. Two triangular hatches provide ample ventilation and when night falls, simply flip on the four integrated, Italian-designed frosted LED lights. A pair of Clarion speakers drive sound from the AM/FM/CD marine stereo and a vertical top storage compartment complete the package.

While added appointments such as the Deluxe Berber carpeting with non-skid backing, cockpit courtesy lights, and a Doral doormat add an extra touch to the overall fit and finish, the Mediterra offers a level comfort not seen on too many cruisers. Below the seat base of the companion seating and the base of the cockpit entertainment center are a series of vents that direct cool air from the 16,000 BTU cockpit air cooler. Available as an option, this notable appointment can essentially offer a constant, steady blast of coolness to the cockpit, which will undoubtedly prove its value on hot, muggy days when the air is thick and stagnant.

HELM

For a 40-foot sport cruiser with a beam of 13 feet, three inches, the sightlines from the helm to the port and starboard corners were surprisingly clear. Sitting on the triple-wide helm seat, all the controls came easily to hand and the series of gauges were neatly arranged and easy to read. To personalize comfort, the helm seat offers a bolster for a stand-up position and the wheel (with real treated wood) can be titled to your personal preference. While underway, the large windshield provides clear, unobstructed views of what lies ahead.

With many large sport cruisers, the helm can be an intimidating place. The Mediterra¡¯s is certainly an exception. In fact, after a moment of being behind the wheel, it¡¯s hard to leave. It¡¯s comfortable and all vital information is provided by the two vertical rows of gauges surrounding the pair of Raymarine chartplotters. Despite all the navigation hardware and wide array of features such as the Raymarine VHF radio, Danforth compass, Lenco trim tabs, CMD4 Clarion stereo, a series of rocker switches, and pair of large, deep drink holders, the helm wasn¡¯t cluttered and offered a clean, open design.

Since our 40 Mediterra was engineered to accommodate Volvo Penta¡¯s innovative IPS 500 drives, the optional IPS Joystick control system was located just in front the single engine controls. This system greatly enhances close-quarter, low speed maneuvering at the simple control of a joystick. In fact, during an on-water demonstration, the boat literally moved sideways right into her slip. By simply turning the joystick, the boat will spin to port or starboard while underway or at rest. To override the system, simply push the controls in gear and you're back on the wheel and controls. While there is a range of approximately 1,200 rpm, it can be easily adjusted if more power is required. (Page Top)

SALON

Moving through the double-door entranceway down to the salon is made easy thanks to the combination of the non-skid, varnished wood companionway steps and generous headroom. While bright and spacious (unlike the cave-like atmosphere of some cruisers in this class), a touch of ambience is provided by the rich, curved cabinet doors in the galley, polished veneer bulkheads between cabins, and integrated overhead tungsten lighting. With the stylish fabrics, textures, and large crescent-shaped lounge seat with high-gloss cherry wood table, the salon is a very inviting and an elegant aspect of this cruiser.

Opposite the lounge is a galley, which is richly appointed with a solid Karadon countertop, stainless steel convection microwave, stainless steel sink, deluxe fridge with separate freezer and built-in coffee maker. With ample counter and storage space, the galley will undoubtedly please most hosts.

Separating the forward stateroom from the salon is a sliding privacy door. Users will appreciate the queen-size island bed with spring mattress, matching comforter with two pillows, wooden blinds, and high-gloss wood storage shelves in the forward port and starboard corners. When it comes to extended cruises, the under bed storage, full-length clothes locker with aromatic cedar lining and gas-assisted in-floor compartment offer more than enough room for all the necessities of extended cruises.

The forward head is accessible through a privacy door in the stateroom, which comes complete with a separate shower with a seat, ample storage and a removable draining floor. A cabinet, towel bar, mirror, plus a Vacu-flush toilet and waste tank are other appointments.

Overnight comfort for guests or family members is also provided thanks to the accommodating aft cabin, which comes complete with another queen-size bed, a privacy door, reading lights and under bed storage. It also has private access to the aft cabin head and shower.

PERFORMANCE

We tested the 40 Mediterra at the grand Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, in calm conditions with five adults onboard and a half-tank of fuel. The water and waste tanks were empty. Idling slowly out to open water using the IPS Joystick, the Mediterra was quick, agile, and tracked well at low speeds. Accelerating the throttles, the Volvo Penta power was extremely responsive and time-to-plane with the tabs down was approximately 11 seconds. With the tabs up, she was a jackrabbit and jumped to plane in an impressive five-and-half seconds. Finding a cruise speed of 32.4 mph at 3,000 rpm, the Mediterra-IPS package turned on a dime and offered a fully-controlled, impressive turning radius that was quite tight for a sport cruiser with a beam of more than 13 feet and length of 40 feet. Finding a stretch of clear, open water, 3,500 rpm produced 41.2 mph while sipping 41 gph and at WOT we hit 43.2 at 4,000 rpm.

CONCLUSION

With another foray in this class of yachts, Doral has a sure winner on its hands. While there was a three-year hiatus since the launch of the Alegria, the first model in this series of Doral Sport Yachts, it was well worth the wait. The Volvo power was relentless at full throttle and low speed handling proved extremely easy no matter what the conditions were like. With the launch of the Mediterra, Doral has proved they can constantly deliver on the promise of providing speed and performance with functionality and the utmost comfort.


(The lounge is richly appointed with a Karadon countertop, convection microwave, stainless steel sink, and deluxe fridge with separate freezer.)


(The salon is a very inviting and an elegant aspect of this cruiser.)


(Users are promised comfort in the stateroom with a queen-size island bed and matching comforter with two pillows.)


(The entertainment center in the cockpit highlights a Karadon counter, small fridge, and a flip-top barbeque grill.)

Specifications
LOA: 40¡¯/12.2 m
Beam: 13¡¯3¡±/4.04 m
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Weight: (w/IPS) 25,000 lbs. /12,273 kg
Draft: 3.8¡±/1.12 m
Fuel: 147 gal./556 L (x2)
Water capacity: 80 gal./303 L
Waste capacity: 33 gal./125 L
Power as tested: Volvo Penta IPS-500 diesel inboards
Base price: $543,130 w/Volvo Penta IPS500 diesel inboards

Price Supplied by Doral Boats, Grand Mere, Quebec
(888) 843-6725 www.doralboat.com (Page Top)