18 classic

[marbra]

Can someone tell me the years they made the 18 2+3 with the three engine hatches. This boat also had the white rubber rub rail.

Thanks

Mark

[GeneD]

I do beleive that this was the 1966 model year. Although the Donzi people said that I may have a 1965 prototype.
These boats, to the best of my knowledge, had the SST or aluminum molding. The PVC molding did not appear until years later.
My boat does have the PVC molding, but I used that in leiu of the solid metal. I felt that I could use the extra cushion, and I did model the looks after the 1998 Sweet Sixteen.

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GeneD
007
Melbourne, Florida

[AGUESS]

[/B][/QUOTE]

This has to be a early 66. I have a 66 18 2+3 with a single hatch. Also, they used aluminum molding on the orginal boat. I am the second owner ( 1974) and mine has not been changed.

Alex Guess

[BERTRAM BOY]

As long as we are on the subject of 1966 18 2+3's, does anyone have any idea how many were built that year?
BERTRAM BOY

[GeneD]

Oh no, we have opened up a can of worms here guys.
I 'let' Donzi Girl read the blurb about the '66 with one hatch and her first reaction was that AlexG was full of, you know.
I had to move fast to calm her down.
But you know, this confirms some things the factory guys (old and new) were saying. They couldnt' tell if it (007) was a 1966, or a 1965 prototype.
Interesting.
And in case no one knows the story. I was never looking for a '66. It just kinda fell into my lap.
Best lap dance I ever had!
Though secretly I hate the third hatch. To work on the engine it has to be removed, and this is difficult to do while on the water.
But it's a great looker.

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GeneD
007
Melbourne, Florida

[Rich]

My 66 2+3 is a triple hatch with s/n 18-75 and a build date of June 27, 1966. Also on the registry is s/n 18-83 built in July, 1966. Knowing the s/n of Alex Guess's boat might help answer how many triple hatchers were made. An original piece of literature I have (year unknown) has a photograph of a single hatch 2+3 but a drawing of a triple hatch.
Okay all you 66 2+3 owners.....get on your back and look on the bottom of the top deck right behind the guages. The s/n and build date might be there

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Rich

[AGUESS]

Ok, in reply to the question of single vs three hatch on the 66 18 2+3, I looked at my Fla Vessel Registration form, which lists my vessel as a Donzi, year 1966, length 18', ID # FLZ1106480466, Florida Number FL6611CT.

I have not found a number on my hull, but am still looking. I contacted the State of Florida and for a small fee, they will research my title, etc. back to the original owner to confirm that yes, I have a 66 Donzi. I will let you know when I confirm this. Don't know how long it will take, as I have to wait for them.

Alex Guess

[GeneD]

Alex, hold on there big fella.
No one is contesting the fact that you own a 1966 Donzi. Not me, that is for sure. Only Donzi Girl is questioning it and she hasn't been posting lately so screw her!
Michael Aronow told me that they discontinued the 3 hatch set up because it rattled. And it does, it is supremely irritating at times.
I'm thinking that if your hatch is huge, you have the late '66 version.
The pre-cursor to the smaller hatch in later years.
Not to worry Donzi boy, you still have a bad ass boat.

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GeneD
007
Melbourne, Florida

[AGUESS]

Thanks Gene. Yes I have a big hatch. Could be late 66. Already placed order, and it will be nice to have a complete ownership history anyway. I will post the info when I get it. The registry is great. Thanks for the feedback.

Alex.