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View Full Version : 22 ....vs.... 18 Classic .... Pro...Con



Stan
08-21-2000, 11:58 AM
I just can't get enough of my 18 classic but I keep thinking I want a 22! Lets hear from both sides of the dock !

How about some HONEST opinions.

MattM
08-21-2000, 12:18 PM
Two different boats. When I had my 22 in Portland OR I spent all my time looking for water rough enough to be interesting on the Columbia river. 2' seas are no problem. The Puget sound was a much better place for the boat. It wasn't a convenient ski/ play boat, but great big water boat for it's size. The 18' on the other hand works great for playing and skiing and is more interesting on the smaller water of lakes and rivers.

RickR
08-21-2000, 04:21 PM
My 18 has a 420HP/BBC
18s are alot more fun and more of a drivers boat. Mine feels like a 420HP jet ski. Offshore they can get pretty interesting.
Much more nimble and I like being stuck out in the wind.

I have not had my 22 (stock[for now] 350HP BBC)offshore since I bought her (3 more weeks till FLA USA) but she is significantly more seaworthy because of the greater freeboard and length(4'8"). A stock 22 is a pretty tame ride.

The other day I took the BOSS out in the 18 for the 1st time since March. My left knee still hurts from her digging her nails in http://www.donzi.net/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.donzi.net/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.donzi.net/ubb/biggrin.gif( her hint for me to slow down)
Needless to say passengers like a 22 more than a High Performance 18. http://www.donzi.net/ubb/eek.gif

The 22 is alot more boat;
More $$$$$
More GAS
More truck
More garage
More to clean and wax
More insurance

------------------
RICKR
mailto:riggerb@aol.comriggerb@aol.com</A>
Genuine Risk (My 18)For Sale Click Here (http://www.donzi.net/hull.cfm?id=183)
http://www.seviervilletn.org/donzi.jpg
http://www.seviervilletn.org/donzi2.jpg



[This message has been edited by RickR (edited 08-21-2000).]

gerry
08-21-2000, 05:56 PM
Remember bigger is better.

AVickers
08-21-2000, 06:30 PM
Here's my take...

Love at first sight! A 22' Classic! I wanted one since the first time I saw one. Period. Nothing else would do...

I bought an 18' 'cause I couldn't go the freight for the 22 and couldn't convince my wife that the boat was worth that much more loot. Plus I figured, "What the hell? A Donzi is a Donzi. Right?"

I spent the next two years looking for a 22 Classic -- what I really wanted in the first place. At the time, the 18 was always kind of a disappointment...

I've now had one of each and can say with authority that they are two VERY DIFFERENT BOATS!!!!! And they meet very different needs.

Both are fast. Both handle beautifully. Both are a blast to drive (in their own ways). Both "fly" well. Both turn heads. And both have been great boats.

The 18 (a '76) is simpler and more utilitarian. It was also more simple to launch and use. Much more "tossable." I could toss the trailer on the back of the truck and toss the boat into the water and toss it around the lake. Almost like having hair so short you don't have to comb it. A day out on the 18 was simple and relatively cheap -- I don't think I ever used more than 20 gallons of gas on a day's outing.

Using the 22 takes much more thought to deal with. Everything about it tells you it's a BIGGER BOAT. Dealing with the trailer is an ordeal -- I can't just park it anywhere. I have to power the boat off of and onto the trailer (the 18 was so light I could push it off by hand and winch it on (much faster and simpler to load and unload). The 22 uses more fuel -- and because the trailer "high centers" easily, I have to drive it 10 miles out of my way to a station that has a level entrance ramp -- or I'll drag the trailer.

I will say that the 22 is more staid -- speed, wind and waves don't upset it or its passengers. My wife loves it whereas the 18 always made her a little "nervous."

I have since sold my 18 and often wish I had kept it -- for those days when I have a couple of hours and just want to take a quick blast up the lake. Taking the 22 out seems to be much more of a committment. No point going to all that effort for just an hour or two of running...

[This message has been edited by avickers (edited 08-21-2000).]

Peter Beck
08-22-2000, 07:51 PM
I have to agree with Matt on the 22 that the performance of this boat is meant for rougher water. I have found the 1' to 2 ' chop (which is the best I get on the lake I am on) and a good head wind this boat gets exciting. I can not give you a comparison because I have never rode in a 18' or 16'. I hope someday that I get the opportunity. I sometimes think a 18 would be better suited for the lake that I am on and also for the Family. Don't get me wrong I love my boat at and very satisfied with it. It just may be the old "Grass is always greener" syndrome.