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View Full Version : West Coast Donzi Meet !!



Stan
03-13-2001, 02:10 AM
How come all the excitement is on the east coast !!! how about a Donzi meet out here on the west coast !! Donzi Factory Rep....how about some support out here in the wild west !! your boats are on the cover of every boating magazine, in the movie “ Charlie’s Angles”……..lets make Donzi a big name out here. Lake Havasu, Lake Tahoe ……..a mid summer meet would be great !!

Stan

MikeMiller
03-13-2001, 06:58 AM
Stan,

Fantastic idea!! I have been trying to have an event in the West for 5 years. Lake Tahoe was always a place I thought of. I know there are a bunch of Donzi owners in the area and the event would be huge.

I would appeal to your adventurous side to stir up some fervor with the boards and any area Donzi owners you may know.

My job would be to try to see if I have a dealer close enough to get involved or to get a few owners from.

Let's put our heads together and see what we come up with. Late in the year is my only good time (September/October)

Mike Miller
Director of Marketing
donzi.miller@mindspring.com

boldts
03-13-2001, 07:50 AM
Now you guys are thinking!! There is no reason why there can't be a Donzi outing scheduled all across the USA. Pick a lake with good water levels and accommodations and then start e-mailing everyone from the surrounding states and get the word out as best you can on the performance websites including right here at Donzi.net. You will be surprised at the response you will receive. Hummm.... a late summer roadtrip out west?

Scott Boldt http://www.donzi.net/ubb/smile.gif

RickSE
03-13-2001, 09:03 AM
Guys,
I'm game, but please let's not do Havasu in the middle of the summer. For those of you that don't know Lake Havasu temps in the summer can exceed 120 deg., but it's a dry heat right. If it's Havasu then Spring or Fall, if Tahoe then Summer. I'll go just about anywhere now since my new 496 c.i./6-speed Chevy Crew Cab will be here next month.

Mike what kind of support would you need from a dealer? My father own the dealership in Albuquerque, NM. What about doing it at Lake Mead since there's a new Las Vegas dealer? September or October would be perfect for Havasu or Mead.

We tried this last year but didn't get very far, maybe this year.

Scubado, where are you??

Scubado
03-13-2001, 10:01 AM
I'm in for a trip. Perhaps we could get some feedback from other West Coast folks so we can choose the best location. Tahoe, being north, may be better for some of the Northwest guys. Anyone in Seattle/Portland area willing to come down to Tahoe? I also like the idea of lake Mead but don't know of much about on lake accomadations.

Fall is a long way off. Maybe we need a practice run in Havasu next month? I'll bring the scooby snacks!

MattM
03-13-2001, 10:07 AM
Great idea! Tahoe is a great place to be, has lots of Donzis on it and is pretty central for everybody on the west coast. The Concourse d' elegance for the antique wooden boats is August 11-12. It is very cool, I know you all would appreciate it. We could have our own Concourse d' coolness next door at the Gar Wood's restaurant dock on that Saterday morning. There's room for about 20 boats there as I recall, more with rafting. We'd get lots of exposure, 1000's of people come to the Concourse.

Scubado
03-13-2001, 10:12 AM
Is that a North Lake or South Lake location? Does anyone have familiarity with hotels, condos, etc. there? It would be nice to see about a block of rooms somewhere.

EricG
03-13-2001, 10:55 AM
Hmm.....800+ miles towing, looks like it's time to start shopping for a diesel tow rig...

If there's a donzi gathering anytime this summer west of the rockies, I know i'll do what I can to get there!! I'm dying to meet some of these people....although Jeff only lives 10 miles from me and I haven't met him yet either....

EG

Randy Hibbard
03-13-2001, 11:40 AM
Tahoe should be great and water levels not a problem. The only problem is for people with 2 stroke outboards as far as I know. Hey Mike Miller, there`s a Donzi Dealer in Alameda Ca that allways advertises your boats. Wonder if they would bite? Lots of good market out here for you, and more important, fun to be had for us west coast owners! Great idea! Randy Hibbard Napa Valley

Blewbyu
03-13-2001, 08:16 PM
It grieves me that there aren't a bunch of Northwest Donzi owners on this site!Lake Washington is a natural-and I live in a village with 1200 feet of waterfront,moorage,tennis courts and several barbeques w/picnic tables,and a launch ramp.It's right in the middle of the lake on the East Channel-and would be a great place for a gathering.All we need now are Donzi owners!Usually,during Seafair week there are hoards of Donzis that gather at the race course.Unfortunately,that is the week that I'm always up in Idaho at Lake Pend Oreille.If we could drum enough interest-we could get together with Lieb Marine and put something together.September is good-no later tho-October usually too cool.Hotels are within 5 minutes-downtown Bellevue.Thousands of rooms.Excellent shopping!

EricG
03-14-2001, 10:45 AM
Jeff, you don't live in Newport Shores do you? Damn.....if you do - I am sooooo jealous!!

I agree that Lake WA is a great place for a meet....hmmmm, the wheels are turning....

EG

Blewbyu
03-14-2001, 10:44 PM
Eric-Not hardly!I'm about 1 mile North of Newport Shores-at BeauxArts Village-on the East side of the channel.If you are driving across the East Channel bridge on I-90,you can see our moorage docks north of the bridge-looks like a marina with two small
docks and two large docks.If you're on the Lake-be sure to drop by and say hello.My place is right behind tht BBQ pit in the middle of the beach-old,dark avacado colored house.I'm in the Bellevue phone book.During good weather,the Donzi is in the inboard north side slip on the southermost large dock.Whew-thats a mouthful.

Formula Jr
03-15-2001, 03:58 AM
Lake Washington is an ideal place for a purely NW Donzi meet, its great to come back in from the sound and hit that fresh water. The lake itself is small though- I biked completely around it once. We could all moon Billy G. For a Weekend type meet, we could run out to Blake Island one day and out to the San Juans the next. Would need to findout when they do the indian-dance-clam-juice- drink-potlatch thingy at the Blake Isle. longhouse. Doe Bay resort (Orcas) still has inexpensive camping, a hot tub and a pretty relaxed style, or reserve one of the camping areas on one of the northern San Juan Islands. Tides are a pain though for overnight anchoring. If its a San Juan meet then we could just ferry over to Orcas. And daily trailer launch. Oh My. Big Water. I'm already there.
On Tahoe, I've only been on the East side and did not like the atmosphere - we were on motorcycles and got shunned by the local campgounds. Whats on the Cal side?
Either way, I'm in if its doable in 15 hours drive time either way.
But with most things out here, we need to quickly pick a date and place for the reservations since Cal state parks aren't first come first serve. My vote right now is Tahoe, August 11/12 on the Cal side. But there's no reason not to also have something happening earlier in the summer on Lake Washington. Critical mass on this would be about eight parties either way. Do we have eight confirmed parties for either?


[This message has been edited by Formula Jr (edited 03-15-2001).]

Scubado
03-15-2001, 06:58 PM
I spoke with Andrea with the Tahoe tourism department (800) 462-5196 EXT: 795. She faxed me a list of Marinas, Launching Ramps, & Campgrounds. Is anyone familiar with enogh with Tahoe to suggest a meeting area?

Len
03-16-2001, 09:29 AM
I'm there, Tahoe, Lake Washington, Havasu. This is a definate "must attend" for a west coast "whiner". I'll be the guy in the inner-tube with "Donzi Racing Decals" on port and starboard.

EricG
03-16-2001, 10:43 AM
Hey Len, don't worry, I've got a little bit more cockpit space than the 18's so there will always be room for you in the Z at any of these events!! I just hope you don't mind helping paddle - I need the extra HP....

EG

MattM
03-16-2001, 10:44 AM
For Tahoe there are two main developed areas, North Shore, and South Shore. I'm more familiar with North shore. Possible meeting places on the water could be Sierra boat works, they have the wood boat show every year and a hundred or so slips they clear out for that. Next door to it is Gar Woods, a nice restaurant with a dock out front, it would be more relaxed, but less protected. All of the Casinos are on South Shore, I don't know how many, if any have docks. That might be the better place to stay though.

RickSE
03-16-2001, 11:00 AM
Sounds like Tahoe is winning out. May be the most centrally located lake to everybody, still a long haul for most of us though. I know I'd certainly enjoy taking a week off and going up there. Remember though Tahoe is at 6000-7000 ft. elevation and most of us would have to re-prop and re-jet to run right. Not a problem for me since I already run at high altitude. What will it take to get this going? When is the Wooden Boat Show and could we squeeze in?

avk
03-18-2001, 02:06 PM
LET'S GO TO LAKE TAHOE!!!!
The lake is full this year and there plenty of resturants with docks. There is a wonderful beach on the Nevada side called skiers beach. When you need a place to rest after water skiing you can pull your boat up on the beach or anchor out and be only a few yards from the beach. Its an all sand beach that and can hold many boats on it and many more anchored. Its a great place to picnic for the day. If you look up my name, Alan Klingen, on the registry list, the picture of my boat, a Classic 18, is on this beach. There is a state park launch ramp 3 miles away and I think the charge this year is $15 for launch and all day parking. This ramp is also highly protected from the afternoon winds on the Lake.
And those so inclined if you have any money left there is lots of gambling.
If this thread picks up any steam I am willing to do some research into marinas hotels etc.
Alan
Classic 18

Varyak
03-18-2001, 06:41 PM
RickS,
How long a drive is it from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe? I might want to fly out and attend. My son lives in Lake Havasu City and you are absolutely right, that is NO PLACE TO BE in mid-summer. However, November could be fun, maybe on a long weekend. My son owns a very succesful upolstery shop in Havasu (Paradise Motorsports) and does the custom upolstery and canvas for Advantage Boats and seversal others, and well a classic, antique, custom, and historic racing cars. Business is VERY good if you know how to sew.
Mark

Formula Jr
03-18-2001, 07:32 PM
Looks like Tahoe. Now Date. Aug 11/12 seems like a natural. I'd love to see a CC Cobra again, and with the altitude I'll have a built in excuse for why my boat runs so slow!
If we get date, then we can get place and roll the ball with reservations and such. I'd prefer a camp ground so we could get a fire going and watch the boats. Is there a North Shore park with a ramp?


[This message has been edited by Formula Jr (edited 03-19-2001).]

MikeMiller
03-19-2001, 07:13 AM
WOW!! I go out of town for a little while and look at the activity on this subject!!

Lake Tahoe does sound perfect!! I will get ahold of my closest dealer and see if we can't find some of those internet-challenged Donzi family members we never hear from.

As I mentioned before - September/October would be the best time to do the event. Not too hot!

September 14-16 OR 21-23 OR 28-30 (Fri-Sat). Do these sounf pretty safe for all involved or interested??

I'll egt to work on these dates, check out some available locations, and let you know. Thanks for all the input on the Boards as to locations! You guys are the best coordinators I have ever seen!

Mike Miller
Director of Marketing
Donzi Marine
donzi.miller@mindspring.com

RickSE
03-19-2001, 09:58 AM
Varyak,
Looks like it's about 450-500 miles from Vegas to Tahoe. Unfortunately there's no main Interstate running between the two, meaning a lot of road changes and small towns.

Any date works for me and a campground would be fine. We may want to avoid a late summer date though. By October the air temps during the day will be quite cool and night temps can be in the 30's. August or early September would be good, but even mid summer would be fine since it never really gets hot at that elevation. I live at 7000 ft. in Flagstaff and our temps through the summer run in the mid 80's.

My vote is for July or August if it's at Tahoe.

Stan
03-19-2001, 12:31 PM
WOW !!! I can’t believe what I started ! Some thoughts…....


Lake Tahoe has an elevation of about 6000 feet which means we all will have to re-prop ( except Rick from Flagstaff )

The Concours d'Elegance and Wooden Boat Week goes from Friday to Sunday August 10-12

Even though we love our Donzi’s and so do others, I don’t think we would be very welcome. NO PLASTIC BOATS WELCOME The weekend is for wood boats only.

Lake Havasu in the summer is hot ( it’s a dry heat !!)….but boy is it fun…….We could do a quick and informal get together if anyone is interested.

Stan………..

Scubado
03-19-2001, 02:33 PM
I ran across this websitea

avk
03-22-2001, 10:54 PM
Well I thought I would throw in my $.02 worth since I keep my Donzi at Tahoe and go there frequently during the summer months.
August is the best weather month, being an alpine region it can have wild swings in the weather but Aug is the safest month for warm (70-80) days and mild nights. I remember a few years ago I was there on Labor day weekend and on Sat is was laying on the beach and on Sunday it snowed! The woodie boat show is a great thing to see, Gar Woods, Chris Crafts, the Thunderbird, a Tahoe 50' woodie with a stainless superstructure that can do 60+mph, all on display along with dozens of other boats. Now the bad news. This event is extremly popular so its very, very crowded. Last year they had a problem with so people on the docks some of them were underwater. Also along with the boat show is an event called "Hot August Nights" in Reno. This is an anually hot rod fest that attracts 1000's of hot rods to the area, its extremly cool. That event runs for an entire week.
What all this means is that if you want a get together that week/weekend its going to be very , very crowded. I know Reno sells out its rooms. Sept is a funny month there is usally really nice weather but a nasty front can go through you can get some rain and cold temps. It also can be 80's for weeks. The saying in Tahoe is that if you don't like the weather wait an hour. The good deal about Sept. is that schools back in and the place is quiet but all the resturants are open and the crowds are gone. The other option is late July, its moderatly crowded with the summer crowd but not the frenzy during the boat show weekend. Usally warm temps in the 70-80, and cool at night 50's. The summer days are very calm in the morning, that's when the water skiers go out, and on most days a afternoon winds kicks up which can be mild, 10 kts, to high 25 kts. That the reason I purchased a Donzi because its perfect for the high afternoon winds and chop. All the ski boats start falling apart and pound their personal to death. My Classic can still manage 25+ mph in the chop (more if the guests don't mind). Sorry to be so windy but the last item is that convential 2 strokes are not allowed there so you have to leave the jet ski home unless its a four stroke or one of the new approved injected 2 strokes, and they do check for them. If you need any more info add to this thread or email me at ajvk@firstworld.net

MattM
03-23-2001, 08:36 AM
The antique boat show has always been during hot august nights, but this year for some reason HAN runs from 7/29 to 8/6 and the boat show is 8/11 and 8/12. HAN always sees room rates triple but the boat show is a much smaller draw so I would think that weekend would be a good one, it is great to see, and I'll bet alot of the wood people would enjoy seeing our boats if we were close.

Formula Jr
03-30-2001, 05:44 AM
I think Mike wants dates that we can't do. If that's the case then lets just set things up anyway? Later, or earlier, in the year than the Aug 11/12 works for me. What say you guys?
Keep this thread going. We can make this happen.

[This message has been edited by Formula Jr (edited 03-30-2001).]

RickSE
03-30-2001, 01:31 PM
I'm game for just about any date right now. August is a long way off but may be one of the best months since the weather should be good and the water is still warm.

avk
04-01-2001, 06:00 PM
Well if Hot August Nights is in early Aug. and the boat show in the middle of Aug. then the ideal time would be starting on the boat show weekend so anyone interested could go to it and then the following week or two for a get together. I will be at the lake in a couple of weeks so I will look at places to stay and maybe grap a few brochures of motels and condos.
Alan

MikeMiller
04-02-2001, 09:15 AM
Hey gang! If my dates do not jive with the groups then so be it! Please make me aware of the decided dates so that I can plan to attend or at least send along some supportive "items."

I would enjoy the pleasure of being there if possible. My dealer in Tahoe is very positive about the idea. Feel free to call him at (530) 544-1954 ask for Ed Young. He is a wealth of knowledge as to areas and restaurants.

Either way, let's have a great event and family reunion in the West!!!

Mike Miller
Donzi Marine

RickSE
04-02-2001, 10:23 AM
I'd be interested in seeing the wood boat show. Sounds like a good weekend/week if we could find a place where we could all camp or dock together. Maybe the Tahoe dealer or AVK can see if there's space available?

How many boats could we get to show up? 10-15??

avk
04-02-2001, 11:22 PM
Dock space is tough there, let me qualify that by saying it depends on how many boats show up. Tahoe has a limited amount of moorings and docks so it would be great to get a "feel" of how amny boats show up. My personal feelings is that trailering the boats is the best way but if some shows up with a 35+ ft. boat we need to get this person a dock.
A note to Mike Miller, the Donzi dealer must be a new one, tell me who he is so I can get in touch with him unless you want to do so.
I will be at the lake by the middle of April so I will get as much info as I can.
Aside from all of this, being on the West coast and not having been to a "Donzi" fest tell me what kinds of activities we should plan besides bragging?
Alan

RickSE
04-03-2001, 09:47 AM
Count me in if we do this. Not sure what boat I'd bring though, either an 18-Classic or a 33ZX. It will probably be the 18 if there's no dock space available, plus it's easier to tow.

Len
04-03-2001, 11:56 AM
when exactly?...I need to book vacation...

J&K SHAHBAS
04-03-2001, 04:32 PM
Hi Y'all!
Tahoe sounds great, its a long drive but it sure will be worth it.
Need dates tho! season is coming in to full swing.
Does anyone know if Dry Headers are a problem with noise??????? The WA-LO doesnt like to be very quiet, but if necessary....
Hey, sorry we missed out on the last event. Guess I dont get a shirt do I??????hahahaha
Still trying to figure out how we can get to Kentucky, cause that really sounds fun, beside Ole Grandpa has a classic 18 that surely needs to get wet!!!! Knoxville isnt that far so we can steal her for a weekend.
YAHOO!!!!
At any rate, this West Coast idea is great, lets get more information.
Thanks J&K

CDMA
04-03-2001, 04:58 PM
J&K you guys need to post more you have a couple of beautiful boats we never hear about. Well wait isn't it three now...or 4...

Chris

J&K SHAHBAS
04-03-2001, 07:54 PM
HI CHRIS:
LONG TIME NO SEE, HEAR, WRITE OR ETC....
HOWS THINGS?
WELL ACTUALLY WE HAVE 4 NOW. WE MUST BE NUTS.
WE HAVE ACQUIRED A NEW FAMILY MEMBER FROM CANADA! YUP! WE NOW HAVE THE 28 DONZI.
SHES A GOOD OLE RIG! BEING A 67 MODEL.
ITS GREAT IT EVEN HAS A POTTY! YAHOO!!!!!
NO MORE 5 GALLON BUCKETS. SHES A BEAUTY THO. POOR THING HAS BEEN FREEZING UP THERE IN GOD'S COUNTRY.
ANYHOW! TOOK THE WA-LO OUT FOR A SPIN LAST WEEKEND AND DUSTED OFF THE OLE COBWEBS. WHAT A GREAT TIME, WE EVEN KICKED A 25' WARLOCKS *@%&! AT THE SAME TIME!!!! HAHAHAHAH FOR HIM. AND HE THOUGHT THAT THE WA-LO'S HORNS WERE EVEN FUNNIER WHEN HE HAD TO LOOK AT THEM AS WE WERE PASSING HIM. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
WELL ENOUGH JIBBER JABBING FOR NOW.
KEEP IN TOUCH!
J&K

Len
04-09-2001, 05:33 PM
Is this thing dying a slow death or is it going forward?...I need to book time off and don't want to miss it! Anyone?...

avk
04-17-2001, 10:57 PM
I think because of its late timing its going to be hard to arrange this year unless its just going to be a casual get-together. Next year might be a different story. We also need someone like the local(s) dealers to get involved and arrange the event. A lot of us have a day job so its just to big for one of us organise.
Alan

Len
04-18-2001, 09:24 AM
...nuff said... http://www.donzi.net/ubb/frown.gif

MikeMiller
04-19-2001, 09:30 PM
Hey gang.... I took a little time off of this subject board because I didn't want to get in the way of any members out in the West that may have felt I was infringing. I would just like to help as much as possible.

I'm not sure what dates have been arrived at or even if there are any dates close to being arrived at. My dealer in Tahoe is very eager to help in any way and has a whole lot of information to share.

Please call him and tell him you are a Donzi owner and Registry member. He is aware of the proposed event through a conversation I had with him.

Ed Young at Lake Tahoe MArine - (530)544-1954.

Please call him and don't hesitate to call or email me (941) 755-7790; donzi.miller@mindspring.com.

See ya. I would love to be there so keep me posted.

Mike Miller
Director of Marketing
Donzi Marine

boldts
04-19-2001, 11:07 PM
Gentlemen,
I really wasn't sure if I should comment on what's going on with your gathering, but I'll throw in my $.02 cents worth. First, even though I live in Central Ohio, I really was hoping this gathering would take-off the way the Lake Cumberland, KY gathering as for me. Grant it, you have a couple things working against you. Fewer Donzi boats in the area, and a late start in getting started to form the event. From what I read from Mike Miller, you have a Donzi dealer very interested in helping you all pull this thing together. I am kind of a pitbull, when I get my teeth into something, I don't want to give up on making it happen. I'll admit, it takes a lot of determination and time on someone's part. I to work all day, often days more than an eight hour day. When I get home, I also have a family who wants and deserves my attention also. I can't begin to tell you how many nights I've been up after 12:00 a.m. my time planning and giving the folks who have asked questions the information they needed to make a decision about attending our "Awakening of the Horses" Let me tell you some of what I've learned in setting up our gathering. First and most important, don't try to do it all by yourself. Those who want to attend your gathering will want to help you make it a success. You have a dealer waiting to hear from you. Our gathering just recently found a dealership willing to help us with our event. Sandollar Yacht Sales located in Louisville, KY has offered to bring a Donzi or two along with some special other plans. Just because we did not have this help did not stop us from going ahead and doing what we could to create a fun weekend for Donzi owners to attend. Our gathering started with 3 Donzi owners saying: Lets meet at Lake Cumberland. It has grown to a unbelievable 35 plus Donzi boats. I can't remember the name of the movie, but it had a line in it:"Build it and they will come" We didn't have to build a lake thank goodness. All I did was use the resources available. I found Sandollar advertised in my local Boat Trader, I used this website's registry and e-mail addresses to send out a inquiry to Donzi owners around the KY area. I happen to play around with building a website on a free website building website called: www.geocities.com. (http://www.geocities.com.) You do not have to be an expert to put a page together at this site. Yes, it will take some time, but when your done, you'll have an avenue to at least give folks information on the gathering you are planning. Someone once told me that I could travel the country organizing Donzi gatherings. I've done nothing that anyone else with a little time and desire could not have done. Someone out west please pick-up the ball and run with it. I personally would like to be able to plan a vacation at Lake Tahoe to enjoy Donzi excitement with other Donzi family members.

Sorry, that was a bit more than $.02 I hope you all will continue your efforts. If the first year is only a casual meeting, so be it. Take the experience you get and the friendships you make to expand and improve next years event. I know I am. Good Luck and if you don't hate me now, I would be happy to offer any assistance I can. You have to ask the question to learn. There are many teachers on this website alone.

Scott Boldt
The Midwest Donzi Club - www.mwdonziclub.com (http://www.mwdonziclub.com)
boldts@insight.rr.com

Formula Jr
04-20-2001, 04:47 PM
Thank You Scott, for the encouragement.......Field of Dreams.......
I'm going to Tahoe regardless of if its an event. I kind of droped the ball here, cause
I'm trying to see if I can come to Cumberland too. That takes alot of planing if you're on the west coast. My boat looks like crap, but what the hey - it floats.

RickSE
04-20-2001, 11:09 PM
Formula Jr,
When are you thinking you'll go to Tahoe? The week of the Wood Boat Show? I'm still interested in going.

Scott and Mike,
Thanks for the information, we need something to get us going.

Stan,
Are you out there? Any plans to go to Lake Havasu soon? I'm itchin to go out and finally have a tow vehicle again. Just need a low elevation prop.

Formula Jr
04-20-2001, 11:46 PM
Yes, on the week of the wood boat show.
Most likely on the califonia side at a camp ground with a ramp. Like I said before, If there's enough parties then we could just reserve a block of camp sites next to eachother.