PDA

View Full Version : Magnum Sport Owners



on_plane
08-27-2001, 09:39 PM
Hello... I am relativly new to posting but have been reading the boards for a while. Great site with lots of information! I would like to share photos, stories, whatever w/ magnum owners or admirers. Here is my '73 w/ original green gelcoat http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca02.jpg

on_plane
08-27-2001, 09:42 PM
whoops! Now you know why I don't post. How do you keep the pics small and clear? what software do you edit/ size the photos with?
Thanks. :eek: :rolleyes:

boldts
08-27-2001, 09:55 PM
on_plane,

If you have a Microsoft operating system on your computer, you should have a program called Microsoft Image Composer. It's not the best picture editing system available, but it will allow you to resize your pictures. Just click your right mouse button and select copy. Then open Image Composer and click the right mouse button again this time selecting paste. Your picture will be in view in its large size. Now use the arrows to make the picture smaller. If you have this program, give me a call and I can walk you through it or send the picture to me and I'll resize it for you. Nice Magnum!

614-833-0121
sboldt@insight.rr.com

on_plane
08-27-2001, 10:06 PM
Thanks for the advice. I'll try this again. http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca02.jpg :D

Philip47
08-28-2001, 07:39 AM
what is she powered by? is she for sale?

CDMA
08-28-2001, 10:48 AM
Is that the LI sound.... where do you run out of??? That has to be near me the sound looks really wide there.

Chris

18 donzi classic

22 Dozni classic

Forrest
08-28-2001, 11:45 AM
Ohhh!!! Ahhhh!!! Nice Magnum!!! Love that original lime gel. Lime candy stripe interior???

Maybe we need a Magnum 27 get together!!! :cool: :D

http://www.donzi.net/photos/FCoile1.jpg

http://www.donzi.net/photos/FCoile2.jpg

http://www.donzi.net/photos/FCoile3.jpg

'72 Sport, 383 Chevys / Volvo 280Ts not so original red/white/black Awlgrip

on_plane
08-28-2001, 03:38 PM
Philip47... engines are original from 1973, they are Chris Craft engines coupled to 280 volvo uppers w/ 290 lowers. The story is that a previous owner lost the orininal volvo speedmaster(s) when it fell off(???) in the Niagara River. It is still probably down there! I wish they were still on the boat but the current setup is very tough/ durable.
CDMA... the boat is actually used on lake Erie near Buffalo, that is a shot towards Canada, about 13 miles North.
Forrest... I have read many of your posts and admired your Magnum for a long time! I don't know if mine ever had candy stripe interior, but the one thats in it now is not original, but I have plans to return it to a color scheme that is more original. I'm sure the boat had green piping on the interior because the original berth cushions have it and I will do the resdt of the seats like that. never really liked the blue/yellow thing. even though it wouldn't be original, I would love to have some 280T's cause I miss that trim at times!! Oh well, time to get some K-planes...

Lets' keep the magnum talk going on this great site.
BTW... when I am not driving the Magnum, I am lucky to have access to my fathers 16' sweet sixteen and get some serious air time on those Lake Erie monsters!!
http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca04.jpg http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca03.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca05.jpg

CDMA
08-28-2001, 04:02 PM
I really like your "shed"

I need one of them...

Chris

Forrest
08-28-2001, 05:21 PM
Nice! I see that you even still have the "dome" on the bow. Magnum must have change the decks a number of times on the Sport. Notice the differences how the windshield attaches on the two boats.


You must be my brother up North - 16 Donzi and Magnum 27!!! :D

Eugene Nahemow
08-28-2001, 05:41 PM
Hopefully this will post. I've finally finished my 1976 Magnum Sport.These were taken at the beginning of the summer before I put in the new dashboard and Marine Machine Hydraulic Steering. http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow01.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow02.jpg http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow03.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow04.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow05.jpg

Eugene Nahemow
08-28-2001, 05:48 PM
http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow01.jpg http://www.donzi.net/photos/ENahemow02.jpg

on_plane
08-28-2001, 06:09 PM
The deck on my Magnum is unique. I was told that magnum made two identical boats, both gren with experimental decks like mine. The other boat was delivered to Chicago in '73 and may or may not be around. The windshield on mine was actually cut down by 8" by previous owner. It was painted black and was probably very similiar to the windshield that I have seen on some Magnum 25 sports. Apparantly it was out of place with the lines of the boat but it probably kept the bugs out of your teeth!!!

Eugene... beautiful Magnum. Wouldn't it be great to gather somewhere and see 5 or 6 27's tied up... Throw in a few classic 16,18 and 22's for fun!

Forrest
08-29-2001, 09:31 AM
Eugene's Magnum is extra nice. All the work he did shows. I have Volvo-Penta power-steering and it needs to go . . . along with the drives! I figured that I would go with external hydraulic steering when I step up to a new drive system. I would not like to have everyting custom made for those old 280s only to scrap it in the near future.

On_Plane: What props are you running?

About a year ago, Magnum Marine put on an event somewhere up north when Richie Powers was heading up the Magnum Owners Club. There was not much notice, and I didn't don't have a tow vehicle capable pulling a 7000 lb. load a great distance. Still don't, but soon though.

If you guy haven't done so already, you should go to the Magnum Marine Owners Club web page (http://www.magnummarine.com/ownerclub/owner_fr.html) and sign up. Magnum Marine will send you a newsletter every so often that is always fun to read. In there, they often talk about classic Magnums and any upcoming events. But when they starting taking about their current stuff, it makes you realize just how poor you actually are!! :eek:

Magnum Marine (http://www.magnummarine.com/) is a must see website for all who have not been there yet!

Also, don't forget to visit the Magnum section at ThunderboatAlley.com (http://www.thunderboatalley.com/)

Eugene Nahemow
08-29-2001, 12:59 PM
Thanks for the compliments. If I would have known before what I would have to put in financially and emotionally into this boat, I don't know if I would have bought it. It's a great boat and it has been a love hate relationship. It's a shame that we all spend a great deal of time and money on keeping these classics alive and cannot even come close to pulling our investments out. Case in point is Sean's 28 Cigarette that he has listed.
Magnum is asking approximately $175,000 for a new 27 Magnum Sport and the hull design is the same.
I will also add this, DON'T SELL YOUR DONZI CLASSICS. I sold my 18 at the beginning of the summer and really regret it, even though I got a great price for my boat.Market value for these boats on the west coast is much stronger.

Forrest you've done a great job on your boat, I don't have your mechanical knowledge
but if you have any questions about the hydraulic steering that I might be able to answer please e-mail me: www.nahemow@pacbell.net (http://www.nahemow@pacbell.net)
I did a great deal of research and wound up paying the extra for Marine Machine and was very happy with it. CP Performance did the installation and they do not use Marine Machine's hydraulic pump but use one that is used for NASCAR. The only thing that is a problem is that if your engine goes out that has the hydraulic pump on it, you do not have steering. This kind of defeats the purpose of having twin engines. I am still trying to work around this.

on_plane
08-29-2001, 06:56 PM
Forrest,my props are 19"p mercury cleavers pressed onto volvo hubs. They were on the boat when I bought it. I am actually looking for another set in stainless that will fit these drives. I know there are a lot of aluminum props available, but i want stainless props as backups and to experiment with. My engines (chris craft 350 cid --about 320 hp each) turn 5200 rpm WOT with these props. Speed is 57mph with drives in middle slot.
Also, you may want to look at hynautic steering systems. They may not be the latest in steering technology but they have a real solid feel, have no feedback at all, and fit well on magnums. They also do not rely on any engine pumps as Eugene points out. I like the system and has been reliable so far.

seano
08-31-2001, 08:34 AM
Those are some awesome boats guys! I've always admired Forrest's and Eugene's boats, and now there's a new one to drool over!

The Sport is one great boat and certainly holds greater value than my 28 Cigarette...that lime green gel is awesome!

I saw a high-deck model this past weekend in Hampton Bays, NY...it look pretty close to original as far as I could tell. Obviously they are not a s "sporty" as the sport, but I like 'em anyway. I've never seen the cabin layout, but I bet you could stand up...

on_plane
08-31-2001, 07:19 PM
Seano, heres a 27 sedan spec sheet I got from Magnum. I hope these come out clear. Just thought it might be interesting for some folks. I also have the 27 sport and 28 Maltese color prints if anyone would like me to post them... let me know. By the way, is it true or not that the 28 cigarette is basically the same hull as a 27 magnum, with a little different topsides? They look awfully similiar to my eye. http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca07.jpg http://www.donzi.net/photos/pladuca08.jpg

on_plane
08-31-2001, 07:22 PM
:rolleyes: well, those didn't make it as far as readibilty goes. I will make them larger if anyone wants to read the print.

Gearhead99
09-01-2001, 05:58 PM
Eugene, nice Magnum. You surly have done alot of work there. Looks awsome.

Forrest,
I don't remember Magnum offereing a bow ornament like yours.....nice addition though.

Have a great Labor Day.

Sagbay32
09-02-2001, 09:58 PM
What are the short posts and cable running up the deck for? I have seen them before and always wondered.

Gearhead99
09-03-2001, 07:07 AM
Magnums and older Cigarettes had them. They were a saftey cable to hold on to. Before they put hand rails on deck.

Sagbay32
09-03-2001, 08:02 AM
Oh, cool now I get it. I have heard of a lifeline but I did not know what they were talking about. As always - learning something new.
Thanks

seano
09-04-2001, 11:20 AM
on_plane,

that's an interesting piece of literature...during the days of APECO...

I was also told that the 28 Cig and the 27 magnum shared the same bottom. The only real difference being the deck and the upper 4 inches of the hullsides.

Eugene Nahemow
09-05-2001, 01:10 PM
Sean,
Why do you think that Magnum's hold their value more than Cigarette. Is it because of production numbers? I see about the same amount of Magnum's for sale as I do Cigarette's in the 27-28 category and they are usually priced in the same category.
Even though I love my Magnum I would also like to sell it to move into a 34' Phantom but I don't really see a market for an older boat in the condition that I've restored my boat to. For $50-60,000 someone can get a newer lightweight boat that will outrun our boats and have a higher resale value.

Forrest
09-05-2001, 02:35 PM
I don't know that the Magnum 27 Sport holds it's value better than the Cigarette 28SS. I think that condition and power matters as well as who is willing to pay how much for that particular boat. Oh sure, you can find a faster 27 to 30-foot boat than either these, but you said it, it's a lightweight boat. The reason that both the 27 Sport and the 28SS weighs so much is not because of the lack of figerglass technology at the time, but due to design. Simple fact: A heavy boat rides smoother in rough water than does a light weight boat. Magnum Marine still makes heavy 24-degree non-steped hull boats. So does Cigarette and Power Play. Like the classic Donzi, these boats are not the fastest boats in smooth water for their size, but they are some of the best riding, best handling in their class. How many 18-foot boats do you know of that can keep up with an 18 2+3 in the rough? Answer: NONE! The same thing applies with the 27 Sport and the 28SS. I challange anyone's lightweight 27' to 30' boat for a run in the rough. Top speed in nice water ain't everything - especially when you use your boat where the water isn't always nice. Ride matters, and heavy boats ride better than light boats.

seano
09-05-2001, 04:03 PM
Forrest,

You said it...I prefer the ride of my 7000lb Cigarette in rough water over most boats built today. I'll sacrifice top end in calm water for a smooth ride in the rough.

As for the resale values, I do think people are willing to pay more for the Magnum than the Cigarette...I think the production numbers on the Magnum were much lower than the Cigarette and that too, helps resale value. I also think that Magnum is mostly associated with the wealthy "old" money whereas Cigarette is associated with the "newly" rich. I think there is more prestige in owning a Magnum than a Cigarette and that's why I think people are willing to pay a premium for them.


There are alot more 28SS on the market today thatn there are 27-28 Magnums and I think the Sport is the most desirable. Alot of people are asking crazy numbers for their boats---some 28ss for as much as 70K, I think this is unrealistic when you can buy an older 38 Flat Deck for that price!

I priced mine at 35k thinking it would sell relatively quickly and I could move on to my next project. In retrospect, I should just hold onto it for now, because I think boat sales in general is soft.

Many people look just at price and compare a 1994 28 Baja to a 1975 28 Cigarette and can't justify spending more money on an older boat(not realizing of course that everything in my boat is NEW)...so, it's a niche market and someone will eventually come along. Eugene, enjoy the boat while you have it, cause when it's gone, you'll probably wish you never sold it...as for me, that's exactly what I'm gonna do...and I'm gonna raise the price each year that it doesn't sell :D :D

It's great chatting with you guys! On_plane, any thoughts???

Forrest
09-05-2001, 04:54 PM
Seano, if I were in the market for a 28 to 30 foot boat right now in the 35K range it would be a no brainer for me. That is on fine 28SS! I think that one of the big differences is financing. Almost anyone can get 80% financing on that 1994 Baja, but that same person will need to come up with a good chunk of cash since lending institutions don't like making loans on 25 year old boats, even though the '94 Baja is essentially junk after eight years.

Eugene Nahemow
09-05-2001, 06:58 PM
I couldn't agree with you both more. These boats handle and ride in the rough great. I go out in the San Francisco Bay and it can get nasty real quick.
My continued source of frustration has always been the buying and selling of boats.I have been in the market one way or another over the past 25 years and it still amazes me that Sean's boat is still for sale at that asking price. New 20' Cigs are going for $89-100,000 and the 30' is priced between $175-260,000. Where can you get a boat of this quality and restored to new for $35,000. I understand about the financing ends of a new boat but you if you have equity in a home you can either re-fi or pull equity out. I believe this gives you the same tax benefits if not better.

Part of the fun for me has always been the restoration and riggging of boats that I thought were worth the effort,(no Baja's restored). This process as you all know cost the same if not more than a manufacturer building a boat, and if done correctly can lead to a better product than what comes out of the factory. So, why is it that there aren't more buyer's out there that realize this? The not so fun part comes when I want to move on to another boat. I can only assume that boats that have been restored to this caliber are few and far between. Most buyers would probably get frustrated at the effort it takes to search a gem like Sean's out and opt for a new boat purchase due to ease and comfort level. I also think that boating magazines which are basically financed by new boat manufacturer's do little to boost the values of used quality boats.

Sean, I purchased my Magnum originally through the DuPont registry. Have you looked at it as a vehicle to sell your boat?

And yes, there is NO other boat that can handle the rough like a 18' Donzi Classic.

Regards

fobes
09-05-2001, 08:02 PM
Those are some good looking boats. The 27' Magnum is basically the one that started it all. I have never been out on one but have always liked them. I boat up in Boston and there used to be a yellow 27 called the Damn Magnum running around, don't know the power but it was extremely loud and had chrome exhaust up and over the transom, nice. Does anyone know if Magnum made any 27's with a single engine?

on_plane
09-05-2001, 09:20 PM
Hey everyone, I really glad to see all the cigarette and magnum discussion. I learned alot about these great boats( and donzi's of course) from threads like this. Where I boat,(Eastern Lake Erie) clam days are rare. A boat with awesome top end is great but it does no good if you can't use it. My thinking was: What boat has good looks, has a tradition behind it, and can handle 3-4 foot criss crossed chop on a regular basis. I was torn between the 22 classic and 27 magnum. In the end, the magnum had the extra length and wieght and that made the difference, plus the storage for gear under the deck. I agree with Forrest's comments about wieght vs. speed vs. handling. As Forrest will probably agree, when your in a 16 Donzi, as great handling boat that it is, the laws of physics make for a lot smoother ride in a 5000# boat. There are days when I like getting some 'air time' in muy dad's sweet sixteen, but for taking out the family and feeling safe, it's the magnum.

BIG BAD DONZI
09-05-2001, 10:15 PM
Seano and Forrest, you guys are are dead on. You are both wise beyond your years. Seano, if memory serves me correct, Ted and Katrina Theodoli, after purchasing Magnum from Don, made a conscios decision not to compete with the Cigarette 28'SS and the Cigarette Awesone and Mistress models. As a result, they did not build many many Magnum 27 Sports. Instead. they concentrated on the bigger and more expensive 35', 38' and 50', all forerunners of the magnficent Magnums of today.

seano
09-06-2001, 08:17 AM
A most excellent thread!

I agree with the fianancing aspect of an older boat purchase...that is definitely an obstacle! And it is frustrating like Eugene says...I have been buying and selling boats since I was 16 and yes, I did a couple of Bajas to make a buck, but my goal was to one day get enough money together to get a 28SS...but 4 footitis has set in and now I want a bigger one...

Anywho, like I said, someone will come along and who knows, I may hit LOTTO and be able to keep the boat AND buy a bigger one! :D

Big Bad Donzi, your point is interesting about the production of the 27 Magnums after the Thoedoli's took over...they obviously saw their niche being the HIGH END luxury market and decided to go for it! Not a bad business decision, huh? Too bad for the little guy ;)

On a seperate note, what do you think of the 36 Cigarette Don started building around '79. It is pictured in the book and features a windscreen which is integrated into the deck (see link below)
http://yachtworld.com/listing/yw_display_photo.jsp?boat_id=567600&boatname=35%27+Cigarette+Racing+Comanche&photo_name=null&photo=1

Can you tell me more about this particular model?

Thanks!

seano
09-06-2001, 08:23 AM
BTW, thanks everyone for the wonderful comments on my boat!

Gearhead99
09-06-2001, 08:27 PM
I remember seeing that 36 and maybe a 42 at the shows in '79. I even remember one Diesel. I think it's a great boat, plenty of length and power. Sorry, don't care for the radar arch [Sonic looking].

If the price is right and it is a CRT vin #. And MOST inportant it's what you want. DO IT....

on_plane
09-06-2001, 08:40 PM
Hey Seano, any plans for a summer run 2002? :)

seano
09-07-2001, 07:23 AM
on_plane

Yes we will do another run next summer. We planned on having 2 this summer, but I changed jobs and was too busy having fun on the boat to plan another one. next year will be even better. I hope you can make it down!

As far as that 36, the radar arch is an add-on and an abomination! I'd hack that thing off right away! I've seen a couple of these boats for sale and kinda like the lines...

lou
09-07-2001, 07:51 AM
Make mine an 80 foot Magnum: http://www.4u2buy.com/donzi/MINE2.jpg

on_plane
09-07-2001, 09:40 PM
summer run 2002, I'll go hook up the trailer right now...

:D