Of Jrs and 16s

[Owen]

Mr. Brown, "Brownie" has given me some surprising and priceless info on the origins of the Donzi 16. The common myth is that the same plug was used from the Jr to produce the 16. This according to Mr. Brown isn't so. An entirely new plug was built for the 16.
So just for giggles. I need a volunteer to give me measurements of their early 16 which I can then compare with simular measurements from a Jr. I'm thinking of plumb bob type measurements from equal reference points. Someone, let me know If I got a volunteer for this.

[Craig]

This story had me wondering a little too, as my friend's Formula, Jr.'s bottom looks a good deal different from the 16's bottom (old or new). I have some good pics of Formula, Jr. from several angles I'll post ASAP. You guys with 16's take a look. They do actually look considerably different. Obviously the tops (decks) are significantly different, but if the same mold was used, you'd think the hull would be similar, but to my eye, they're a lot different. Will post pics soon.

[Craig]

Owen,
Here are the pics of the Formula, Jr.:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1175682&a=8658263&p=34337728
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1175682&a=8658263&p=34337727
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1175682&a=8658263&p=34337729
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1175682&a=8658263&p=34337726
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1175682&a=8658263&p=33611014
Similarities to Donzi 16, but also significant differences. What about that 6 banger! You could actually work on that and move your elbows at the same time.

[BERTRAM BOY]

Wow Craig!
Nice Jr. I love those barrelbacks.
BERTRAM BOY

[Craig]

Bertram Boy,
They are cool, aren't they. They remind me of the transition from wood to fiberglass runabouts. I love old Chris Crafts (and other woodys)with that type of stern. Here's a little trivia I saw (read) once. Anybody know what 'ole Christopher Columbus Smith (founder of Chris Craft) was patterning his first runabouts after?
?
?
?
?
?
ANSWER:
Ducks! Look at some of the old designs and you can readily see it. He watched ducks and recognized that they moved fast "on top" of the water and not "through" it, like all (or most) other boats up to that time. So he used that thought in his designs and many of the older ones do resemble ducks in the front and the rear (oops, I mean bow and stern). Some time later Don made some changes and they went even faster!!

[Owen]

Craig, Thanks for the Pics. Here are some more.

Blue 65. 289
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=943763&a=10232191&p=34374261

Blake's Boat 66 Merc 6 Model 200.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=943763&a=10232191&p=34374262

My 66. 351/Type 1-MR
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=943763&a=10232191&p=34374263

Unknown 66 with Merc Model II Drive.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=943763&a=10232191&p=34374265

'69 with 351 and Alpha
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=943763&a=10232191&p=34374266

Look who came to crash the party! http://www.donzi.net/ubb/wink.gif
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=943763&a=10232191&p=34374267



[This message has been edited by Owen (edited 11-30-2000).]

[Looped]

Owen,
In the first picture, those rolling cradles are cool. Any ideas were to get them for an 18'?

Craig

[Craig]

Owen,
More pics! cool! I like Blake's facility. I "need" a place like that. In winter (which, unfortunately, is something we experience in Maryland) my boat is at least stored under roof and three walls, but its in the cold!! Had a little snow this a.m. Brrrr!
Craig

[BERTRAM BOY]

Ahhhhh...
Behold!!! The face of GOD.

Thanks Owen.
BERTRAM BOY

[boldts]

Craig, Bertram boy, & Others,
Here is a fine example of the "duck" design. $48,000 and she's yours. http://www.mbbw.com/brokerage/dynamite/16ccracer.htm


[This message has been edited by boldts (edited 12-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by boldts (edited 12-01-2000).]