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RH
09-16-2002, 02:57 PM
I was doing some reading over the weekend and heard that the Silverline Company of Morehead Minnesota had built a Jim Wynne designed model similar to the Donzi 16 called and Aruba. That got me thinking about all of the me too's that built Donzi knock offs or similar designs of the classics. Cobalt would be another example. I also remember some other companies over the years doing this. I just thought that it would be interesting to get some factual information from the afficianados of this site. Anyone with some interesting info to share?
RH

Formula Jr
09-16-2002, 03:38 PM
RH, there's four distinct avenues to this question. And they depend on how the boat was developed.

First there are ripped off copies, that used a mold popped from an existing Donzi without licensing.

Then we have companies that actually took out a license to build a Donzi design.

Then we have natural progressions of design, with in the corporate family that owned Donzi at some particular point.

And then we have designs that originate from the very people that designed a Donzi model.

Early Cobalts were unlicensed copies.

Shepards and Donzi by Chris-Craft were Licensed copies.

The U-17s and U-19s (Fourwinns) were natural progressions of the Classic designs made by the parent company of Donzi at the time.

And then there are boats like the Chris-Craft XK Supersports that look alot like a Donzi, and should, as they were JIm Wynne designs- the same guy that did the 16, Aruba, the CC Lancer, the Formula Jr, the 322 and a bunch of others.

The last three examples are not "Knockoffs" in any sense of the word. And now that the patents have run out on the very earily designs, these designs have entered the American tradition of producing a new state of art. Remember that the concept behind patent, is to protect a new design, for a LIMITED time. There is nothing un-american, or shady, or in any way disgraceful about somebody producing a quality boat based on a design that has lost its patent protection. That's the American Way, and as true blue as apple pie. With out that tradition we would have suffered the same quild monopolies that strangled technological advancement in other countries.

And Merc. Bravos would still not be possible. Microsoft is another story entirely..... wink

RH
09-16-2002, 04:05 PM
Great point Owen. As for licensees, I was aware of Shepherd, but I was unaware of Chris Craft making them. I know about the XK 19 by Chris Craft, but no other models. Was this the Jim Wynne designed model that you are referring to? Maybe for the sake of curiosity, we could list the companies that popped molds, made variations of them or were design influences. Did Sutphen make something like that as well?
PS, I'm not trying to stir up any ill will, but rather learn more about what transpired from the designs of Donzi and how others tried to follow.
RH

Ranman
09-16-2002, 04:09 PM
Then there's the (in)famous Python Vyper with it's Grimes Twister motor. Let's not forget these threads.

http://www.donzi.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001930#000000

http://www.donzi.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004779#000004

oldLenny
09-16-2002, 08:32 PM
Don't forget Roughwater, Glasply, and Grew as well.

The Grew is the latest "hull" copy running around and they call it a "Classy 16".

http://www.grewmfg.com/grew-classy16.htm

Then there were about a half dozen local manufacturers here doing the 16 hull at one time or another and another group took the 16 and added more topside to it and "voila !!!" we have a "deep vee" fish boat.

I have seen Numerous manufactures put Bertram bottoms on "new" style decks. This one is lovely, locally built and a "brand new design". It's Moppie underneath...looks familiar doesn't it...

http://www.canoecoveyachtsales.com/ccove25.htm

It is the ultimate source of flattery, keep in mind.