Dorado Boats for Sale

From Clearwater to Tarpon Springs

Dorado was founded in 1985 in a small shop in Clearwater. Its first model, the Dorado 30, went into full production that year. A few years later came the Dorado 23. Dorado says it was designed to fish both inshore and offshore and was one of the first boats to use a hydraulic transom bracket to raise the engine for shallow water. It became known locally as the best boat for the bay. The 25 SE followed in the early 2000s, then the 25 FD, a flat-deck version for guides who wanted a clear bow.

In August 2011 the business was bought by Dorado Custom Boats LLC, led by people from the local boating trade. It now builds in Tarpon Springs. The current range is a 16 skiff, the 23 SE, the 25 SE and the 25 Flat Deck.

How they're built

Dorado says its hulls use high-density Divinycell core, Coosa board and biaxial and triaxial glass with UV-resistant gelcoat, and 316 stainless hardware throughout. The 16 skiff is vinylester with no wood.

The 23 SE and 25 SE

The 23 SE comes with a lifetime structural hull warranty, foam flotation and foam-filled stringers. Standard gear includes a 70-gallon lined aluminum fuel cell, a 48-gallon livewell under the helm seat, two 1,500 gph livewell pumps, SeaStar hydraulic steering, Lenco trim tabs and a Porta-Bracket hydraulic transom bracket.

The 25 SE moves up to a 90-gallon fuel cell. The 25 FD is the flat-deck version for guides who want open casting room up front.

What they cost

Only eight Dorados were listed on Boat Trader in fall 2026, all in Florida. A 2009 23 SE with a custom dual-station tower was $79,000 in Bradenton, and a 2015 23 SE was $92,500 in Tampa. A 2018 25 SE was $119,500 in Tarpon Springs, a 2022 25 FD was $125,000 in Sarasota, and a 2019 25 FD was $150,000 in Bonita Springs. Older big boats also turn up, like a 2007 Dorado 30 at $125,000 and a 1998 36 Express at $199,000.

Buying checks for a Dorado

Note the ownership change. Boats built before August 2011 came from the original company. Ask the current builder what support it gives older hulls.

Work the jack plate. The hydraulic bracket is central to how these boats fish shallow water. Run it through its full travel and check for leaks.

Look at the tower. Many have custom towers and upper stations. Check the welds, the mounts and the wiring to the upper helm.

Ask for build sheets. Since most Dorados are built to order, two boats of the same year can be rigged very differently. A build sheet shows what you're actually paying for.

Budget for a Florida trip. Almost all used Dorados are in Florida, so plan on a survey and transport cost if you live elsewhere.