Which year for the C-18 or C-22 is best to get??

[Ranman]

When I was about 12 I had the chance to ride in a Donzi. It was my first and only ride to date. I can't even remember exactly which model it was. The steering was on the left, It was small and very fast and the biggest thing that stands out in my mind was how it "squished" oh so softly back into the water after a hard launch off a passing wake. At the time I was able to get a brochure (around 1988) and I read it over and over until the pages fell out promising myself I would own one someday.

Well, that day is getting closer! I'm now 26 and in a position to buy my first Donzi. I want a 16, 18 or 22. (I think the 16's are not fast enough for me though but maybe you guys can help me shed some light on that.) I would really like 60+ mph (65+ preferred). The budget must stay under $18K. Below is a list of questions you folks might be able to help me with. Thank you for helping me make the right choice.

Exactly which years are the OMC years and do I really want to stay away from these? What are the best engine/drive combo's

Which models have the best price vs. performance figures, (ie. hull quality, engine etc)?

I want to buy as new as possible, but must stay within my budget of $18K. Which should I look at, a low end 22 or higher end 18?

What are some real performance figures for the 16, 18 and 22's? Are the hulls able to handle significantly higher speeds safely?

I thank everyone again for all of the useful information. See you on the water.

[Forrest]

No, the OMC King Cobras are good. Buy Rick Ryan's 18. It's a super nice Donzi with a great Rolls trailer and it meets your speed requirements and then some. Also, you will be able to put change in you pocket on that deal.

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Forrest

[FASTEDDIE]

I second the motion to buy Rick Ryans 18. Its
like a throughbred horse, its wants to run and run proud for its owner. Someone please take this horse to the gate and get it on the water again so it can run and represent the Donzi tradition.

FASTEDDIE

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[Donziflyer]

Ranman-

If I would have known about Rick's BIG GUN before I bought our 22 I would be its owner now and that's no lie! Since the day I saw that engine bay and the price he is willing to take for that BAD-MAMMA-JAMMA I have had to continually tell myself "My 22 is bigger" when deep down we all know that "Performance is more important than size" http://206.150.187.82/ubb/wink.gif. Don't get me wrong; I love my 22 http://206.150.187.82/ubb/biggrin.gif but GOOD GRIEF look at that engine bay! Do you know how much $$$$$ it would take to get a 22 to go as fast as Rick's 18? Our 22 does 60MPH and most co-pilots get a little nervous at that speed if there is any chop at all but let me tell you if you are "speed experienced" 60MPH will become slow very quick in a boat that big.

I'll bet you think I am a close friend of Rick's throwing you a sales pitch Ranman but I have never even talked to the man, just e-mail once or twice. If you are able to find a better value from a person who knows Donzis as good as Rick (I read his posts) I would be shocked and confused!! http://206.150.187.82/ubb/eek.gif. Do yourself a big favor and buy Rick's 18 so I don't have to keep thinking about that AWSOME UNIT being available as some yoho drives by me in a Nordic doin' 75MPH doin' this http://206.150.187.82/ubb/tongue.gif. Just think, you could own one of the BADDEST boats around and help me gain piece of mind at the same time!


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PaulH

[Ranman]

I tried to e-mail rick with no reply to date. If someone could have him contact me, I would appreciate it. (810) 947-8918 9-5 or (248) 227-2015 any other time. Thanks for your help.

[RickSE]

Ranman, I know of a "great" deal on a 1999 Sweet 16. The boat is bassically new, probably has less than 5-hours on it. The guy bought it in March 2000, his wife got scared in the boat and will not go out in it again and told him he must sell it. 1999 16 Classic, White w/Red Stripe, 305 220 HP V8, thru hull exhaust w/mufflers, cockpit carpet & cover, depth finder, fire extinguisher system and full warranty. Also has an aluminum Loadmaster Trailer w/brakes and Goodyear tires. Don't know speed of the boat but since most new 16's have a 6-cylinder this one should be pretty quick. It's a beautiful boat that can probably be had for a deal due to the guys situation. I know he bought it new for around $17,000. Not sure where your at but the boat is in Albuquerque and can be deliver anywhere in the US. If you think you might be interested give me a call at 520-714-3634 or send me an e-mail at rstrones@wlgore.com and I will get you in contact with the guy. I also have some digital pictures of the boat I can e-mail you. If your serious about a 16 don't pass this one up.

[Ranman]

O.K. Scratch that last post. I found his Phone # in Boat Trader. It sounds like it might be the ticket, but here are my concerns.

The NADA price guide does not value the 1990 C-18 very high. I realize that there is a lot of custom work, but given my experience with building cars, you never get anywhere close to recouping the mony spent on modifications. Also, Unless the person who did the work really knows what they are doing you end up with something that may look pretty, but is a nightmare of unreliability. I've had people tell me "this motor is put together right" show me documentation for all the goodies, only to find a cast crank where a forged was quoted mated to three kinds of rods and just generally poor assembly. I've seen hacked and whacked wiring, fabrication work etc.. This is why I like to buy hings that are stock. You don't have to worry as much about the person who put it together. On a lighter note, however I have seen the work of skilled people and good deals can be had. I just don't know how to verify that the boat you are recommending is one of the "shiners"

Buying this type of pre-modified setup makes me nervous and so I am looking to you folks for some info. Thanks again for your help.

[RickR,GroveCity]

You guys are making me blush http://206.150.187.82/ubb/redface.gif:
Ranman
Email is on the way. I know what you are talking about with inexperienced riggers and engine builders.
I have been working on boats since 1979, built my first small block in 1971.
I have all receipts and records since I bought this boat in 1992.

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RickR mailto:riggerb@aol.comriggerb@aol.com</A>

[Donziflyer]

Ranman-

I am an Internet Auto Sales Rep. with a vast knowledge of the accuracy of NADA, Kelly, Edmonds etc. value guides (emphasis on GUIDE). Although these guides are helpful to some degree with automobiles, the accuracy of them on a boat is pitiful. This is due to a few realities:

&gt;&gt; An older boat equipped with good usable riggings and mechanical upgrades (in the auto industry these are called accessories or mechanical maintenance/modifications) is usually worth more to a consumer where with cars, which have bodies that are made of many moving metal parts (that rust and ware out). An example of this is when a person has a beautiful 160,000 mile 87 Toyota 4WD PU and have spent $$$$$$ on a lift kit, wheels and tires, new running gear, roll bars, sound system, paint etc., it will still only fetch a little more than a 30,000 mile original that has been well maintained with shinny original paint and good tires. On the other hand a 400 hour 86 Donzi 22' Classic with a beautiful hull, upholstery and a fresh, properly built engine and new drive would more than likely be worth as much or more than a 400 hour 93 22' Classic with all original components.

In the auto industry as well as the marine, there are "Book Vehicles/Vessels" and "Non-Book Vehicles/Vessels". For example, if you were to look at the high NADA book value for a 78 Ford 3/4 Ton Super-Cab 4WD that has been fully restored and done well, you will find that the value shown would not come close to its street value because it is a "Non-Book Vehicle". Rick's Donzi is a "Non-Book Vessel" for sure http://206.150.187.82/ubb/biggrin.gif! After 8-10 years old, almost all boats become "Non-Book Vessels". You can prove this to yourself by going to boattrader.com and looking at the asking prices of a certain 8-10 year old boat on a national level (you will most likely see quite a spread on asking prices for boats that appear to be the same on paper). After you do this then look at a value guide.

To sum it up:

The value you feel you receive for your $$$ spent is much more significant than any "value guide" when it comes to buying your Donzi! You might not be looking for what Rick's 18 has to offer, but if you are, do not judge it's worth by a guide, that would be a BIG mistake http://206.150.187.82/ubb/frown.gif!

PaulH


[This message has been edited by Donziflyer (edited 06-15-2000).]

[RickR,GroveCity]

Thanks Paul, great explanation
I look at my 22 and start adding up the dollars it is going to take to get her near the 18 and it is scary. http://206.150.187.82/ubb/eek.gif
I am saving up for the trailer now.


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RickR mailto:riggerb@aol.comriggerb@aol.com</A>

[Donziflyer]

Trailer? You just hit my sore spot http://206.150.187.82/ubb/frown.gif. My Donzi is in outstanding shape and that's no exaggeration (I hope to get some decent pics or a video on the registry soon) but my trailer needs about $500 (guessing) of reconditioning. New bunks, side steps, fenders and paint. It is worth putting the $$ into but my pockets are not overflowing at the moment and $500 will buy a lot of gas and beer http://206.150.187.82/ubb/cool.gif! I think the trailer will be my "next winter project".

BTW: Thanks for the compliment.

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PaulH