May 31, 2018
By Florida Sportsman Editor
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Ozona, Florida boat builder “Dorado Custom Boats” has been delivering the “Hybrid” boat experience to anglers for 30 years in the form of their classic 23-footer, a model built on the concept of having shallow water capability as well as being open water friendly. The Dorado Performance 25 is an extension of the Dorado 23 classic look with some fine tuning geared towards the coastal/offshore enthusiast. Starting fresh with a new bottom design, Dorado added a touch more beam and incorporated a subtle ventilated step to increase performance and efficiency offshore. Unlike some other radical step designs, the 25 bottom is designed to ride well at slower speeds of up to 30 MPH on her center and get back up on the step at high speeds for maximum stability and efficiency.
A larger console was added to better accommodate the increasingly popular second station tower or half tower as well as to add storage space. A recessed locking electronics compartment on the dash face features enough setback to keep display screens in the shade for easy viewing. The standard deck layout features two very large storage compartments forward, one having a lift out box which exposes a secondary larger area for storing items not used constantly such as spare parts or extra tackle. The cockpit is wide open and uncluttered feeling, featuring two outboard located saddle fish boxes and a large center hatch providing wide-open access to the bilge and systems below deck. A giant 62-Gallon live well molded across the transom features a clear face for monitoring the condition of your bait supply and keeping the light level constant for happier, less stressed baits. The transom gunnel is wide enough to throw a cast net from and a large opening over this plus-sized well is plenty big enough to shake a large cast net directly into, further reducing injury to your bait supply.
This boat is made to order and fully customizable to your specs. A different deck layout, T-top/Tower design, lighting, audio/electronics, or custom colors are not a problem and many owners enjoy being involved in the layout process. An extensive list of custom options is available to suit any angler's needs. As more and more boats enter the “Hybrid” market it will become more difficult to stand out in the crowd. The signature look of a Dorado will be unmistakable in any lineup however. If you combine the very smooth ride, impressive fuel performance, easy fish-ability, and classic style, as criteria when searching for a boat in this category, it would be awfully hard to overlook this boat on your quest for the best.
Dorado 25 Specifications:
Length: 25 feet
Beam: 8 feet 4 inches
Draft: 15 inches
Dry Weight: 3500 pounds
Max HP: 400
Fuel: 90-gallons
MSRP: $94,000.00
The Dorado 25 offers the ability to fish inshore backwaters with plenty of room for anglers to stretch out.
The Dorado 25 offers the ability to fish inshore backwaters with plenty of room for anglers to stretch out.
Two very large storage compartments forward hold large gear items, nets, and safety equipment with room to spare.
Forward drink cooler doubles as an extra seat with a padded seatback installed.
Behind the forward console seat back, easy access to helm electronics and gauges is at your fingertips.
A vertical rod quiver along the console puts rods within easy reach when you need them right now.
A blacked out background and recessed mounting surface keeps your MFD sunlight viewable and out of the weather.
This helm station option provides rod storage and plenty of space for tackle and accessories.
The helm face features a lockable panel for electronics and easy viewing across the second station deck.
Matching saddle fish boxes and a large pump access hatches in the deck sit in the shadow of a 62-gallon live well with clear face in the transom.
Access to Hydraulic systems are simple through an additional transom opening.
Dual PowerPoles prove very convenient for shallow water run and gun fishing or just chilling at the sand bar.
The optional second station is invaluable for sight fishing both offshore and in the back country.
