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Last Tango
08-21-2001, 10:04 PM
This is a call to all Donzi owners to enjoy a late season gathering in Palatka, Florida, November 9, 10, 11, at the Holiday Inn, Palatka on the St. Johns River.
Palatka is about 45 miles south of Jacksonville, Florida, and west of St. Augustine, Florida, and easily accessible from I-95 by way of Route 207. The Holiday Inn has free slips available for registered guests, the water is deep and fresh, the public ramp is across the street and is several trailers wide and plenty long, with free tie-up piers. The scenery is wild, and the the local restaurants filled with Southern Traditional fare and very fresh seafood delights.
I have reserved a block of 15 rooms under the name Donzi Boating Group. The Holiday Inn phone number is (904 328-3481. Rate is $58.00 plus tax, per night. Smoking and non-smoking are available.
All About Boats, the new Donzi dealer in St. Augustine, will host a Saturday evening refreshments and hors D'eouvers pre-dinner gathering in the Osceola Room at the Holiday Inn, and will have several new Donzi's on display on the parking lot during the weekend.
Mike Miller from Donzi will be there to host and entertain attendees all weekend.
Friday evening we will gather outside the hotel to see the boats on their trailers. Then we will walk across the street for dinner at Angel's Diner, Florida's oldest original (stainless steel) diner, and truly excellent burger joint.
Saturday morning after your breakfast, we meet in the parking lot to talk Donzi, and then about 10:00-ish we launch the boats at the city marina just across the street. We head north on the St. Johns River to see downtown Jacksonville, then return south to the World Famous OutBack CrabShack, for lunch with Florida's wildlife. The restaurant has a 1500 foot floating dock, all its own. Plenty of room for Donzi's to tie up.
Then south back toward Palatka and beyond.
Saturday late afternoon we meet in the Osceola Room with All About Boats host, Bob Witty, for snacks and refreshments. Mike Miller will be there with the latest scoop in the new Donzi race boat, and plenty of goodies to hand out. Then we will caravan by car to dinner at a local-color steak and seafood restaurant.
Sunday, after a generous sleep-in and buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will Donzi south on the St. Johns to explore and enjoy it's natural beauty.
Then, as people need, we say good-bye and travel home.
A bounty of side trips are available to those to wish to stay "feet dry" during the weekend. Palatka has many historical sites and the enjoyable Ravines State Park. Yes, a deep valley in the center of Florida. It ain't the Grand Canyon, but it is lush and green, and filled with walkways and waterfalls. Or, if shopping is your pleasure, Palatka has antiques, St. Augustine abounds with sites and vistas, and between them is one of the worlds largest outlet malls, on I-95.
Fall in Palatka is warm and clear for the most part. The water is still warm, and the vegetation is still green. Ideal boating weather!
Snowbirds will get a last thrash before the snows lock you in!
Come to Florida, again.
Mark Laszlo
Varyak@aol.com
or
Last Tango on the Donzi.net.

P.S. In addition to bringing my (formerly) Worlds Most Expensive 2001 Classic 18, Last Tango, the "support boat" for this weekend will be my new Donzi Z 3250 Daytona. I hope you can keep up. Fastest wet bar on the river!(and a bathroom for those in need). :cool:

HP 600SC
08-21-2001, 10:07 PM
I'm there! :D

MikeMiller
08-21-2001, 10:22 PM
Sounds like you've done an excellent job, Mark. I look forward to seeing you and everyone else there!!

Palatka is indeed a beautiful place and perfect for Donzis!

Mike Miller
Donzi Marine

Last Tango
08-22-2001, 07:13 AM
Mad Poodle,
Option #3 - I will have two boats there. I can't drive them both at the same time. Ergo, some lucky (read - experienced and reliable) Donzi Registry Person will probably get to drive one or the other throughout the weekend. The "support boat" (named Tango Maru) will definitely keep up with the crowd with its twin 454 HO's (385 hp each). See the performance spec's under Donzimarine.com, Z performance, Z3250, T-454 Mag HO. I know YOU have already done this, but if you bring your boat and the world's longest 18' trailer, then someone ELSE may want to step up and volunteer. Of course, Last Tango, my 18, can also be selected. The MX 6.2 MPI will push over 70 MPH. Mike Miller may want to drive them, but I was hoping he would be giving demo rides in the new F2 at this event.
Mark ;)

Scott Pearson
08-22-2001, 02:40 PM
Ok...I have made my plans and I will be there. Cathy made our res. today. Its cold in NJ in November so it will be nice to get away.


(NJ)Scott

Tomahawk
08-22-2001, 09:35 PM
Tango Man - this is a great idea. Things will be getting a little involved for me about then but I'm going to give it a shot. I've wanted to check out that area of Florida and will look forward to it. See you next Friday in Georgia! :)

CrackerJack
08-23-2001, 10:27 AM
Great going Mark.
Made my reservations today.
All this parting could be habit forming.

As the poodle has spoke, I'll be
sweeping up there come November. Jack

allaboutboats
08-23-2001, 08:40 PM
Hey folks - we're the new dealer on the block and are looking forward to hosting this event for you. Mark's done a great job putting it together. Who knows, you may even see a few of us fishheads around with our ZF's. Glad to be a part of it.......
Jim S.

Tomahawk
08-23-2001, 09:06 PM
Thank you AAB, Jim and Mike. Will look forward to meeting you folks. :cool:

Forrest
08-24-2001, 08:43 AM
We will be returning from Miami that Saturday morning and I figure that we will just take the long way back to Tallahassee through Palatka. Unfortunatly, I won't have a Donzi in tow.

Last Tango
08-29-2001, 09:54 PM
It's official! The fastest wet bar on the river arrived today and was commissioned. Tango Maru, my Z 3250 Daytona, will be the official support boat for the Palatka event. 54 MPH! With FULL tanks! Without spilling so much as a drop of boat soda! This is going to be FUN!
Folks, this boat has plenty of room on board for party people. Don't let the fall weather up north keep you away from great weather in Florida. You KNOW you deserve this trip!
Mark

HP 600SC
08-29-2001, 10:05 PM
Last Tango,
congrats on the new boat!
I runs awesome!
Suond's like a fun time....can't wait!

Shanghied Again
08-30-2001, 05:03 AM
Mark. I will be down for the APBA race Key West, Then on the way back we can swing by and say hello.
Frank Civitano

The Best of luck on the new boat, They are one great looking boat. ;)

marcdups
09-07-2001, 09:42 AM
Mark, if trailer can be fixed by then, I will be there, do they have good towels at the holiday inn :eek:

Marc

maybe I need to move south :rolleyes:

Jamesbon
09-07-2001, 12:39 PM
Saweet! I'll be there with or without my GT. I'd be glad to "Captain" the fastest wet bar, uh, I mean Tango Maru... :eek:

Nate

GeneD
09-08-2001, 10:43 AM
FrankC,
The race is the previous weekend, how long exactly do you plan on being in FLA?????
I'm thinking that this is going to be the best thing to unwind after a grueling season.
Count me in...for now!

HP 600SC
10-04-2001, 07:41 AM
Lastango,
Is this still on......?
havent heard much on this lately??

Last Tango
10-06-2001, 10:26 PM
Funny you should ask...
The event is still on, is well funded by All About Boats from St. Augustine, Florida, there are still rooms available in the block...so... just... BE THERE! No excuses from you Yankees either. If your aren't there, you can't experience a WARM November, and the worlds fastest wet bar. We are SOOOO going to see some very cool stuff that weekend, and we are going to eat VERY WELL!
Only a month until Palatka, so call the Holiday Inn and make your reservation.
Mark

marcdups
10-07-2001, 07:33 PM
Mark, any room on the " boat soda maru " if the P MAG!!! is not mine anymore!!

Towel Boy

want to see the crowd again :eek: :( :eek:

Last Tango
10-08-2001, 10:42 PM
Marcdups,
Trust me. I've got plenty of room for you on the "Boat Soda Zepplin" or you can dance across the water in my 18. Just BE THERE!
Mark. :cool:

marcdups
10-09-2001, 12:52 AM
Marc, we'll be come hell or high water, thanks!!

Towel boy!! :eek:

frost tonight, need warm weather :D :D

HP 600SC
10-09-2001, 07:38 PM
I made our reservations today!
see you all on friday the 9th.
Are directions available????

HP 600SC
10-09-2001, 08:10 PM
If not I can call the hotel to get them....

Last Tango
10-09-2001, 09:09 PM
DonziTester,
Simplicity for towing would be to take I-4 to I-95 North. At Crescent Beach, take SR.206 West to SR.207. Follow 207 West until you cross over the St. Johns River (big steep bridge, 45 mph speed limit, heavy radar protection). Holiday Inn is at the foot of the bridge, on the water, on the west end, on the north side. See you there!
Mark :cool:

HP 600SC
10-09-2001, 09:27 PM
Mark,
Thank you.....got it!!

Last Tango
10-14-2001, 09:34 PM
Well, gang, it may be hard to top Sarasota, but Mike Miller says he is bringing his personal Karoke (sp?) machine, and his brothers' guitar, so stand ready to sing! Tango Maru has a small dance floor, but we may be able to use the dock as well. If you missed Sarasota, this is a chance to make up for it...call the hotel and sign up!
Mark :cool:

DONZI TOM
10-15-2001, 08:00 PM
Mark

I will have to challenge you for the title of "Worlds Fastest Wet bar". Look for us in Palatka also.

Donzi Tom
"RAMBUNCTIOUS"

Last Tango
10-15-2001, 10:28 PM
Tom, MY refridgerator is bigger than yours...and I have a FULL standup shower big enough for TWO...
though I'm pretty certain you have me beat in the wattage of your stereo. Oh, and I have a dance floor... too bad I didn't win the Nude Twister that Mike gave out this weekend.
Mark :cool:

HP 600SC
10-24-2001, 05:52 PM
Mark,
Dont worry, we will be brining our naked
scrabble game!

Last Tango
10-24-2001, 08:55 PM
Okay, as of today the count is for 7 of the 15 rooms. I count a dozen yea's so far on the thread, so if you didn't book a room yet, be aware that the cut-off date is the 26th and today is the 24th! Hint Hint!
Weather should be absolutely ideal for fast boating!
Mark :cool:

Jamesbon
10-26-2001, 10:15 PM
Oooof, is it okay to bring a non Donzi?

J&K, I need a WA-LO fix...! ;)

Nate

Last Tango
10-27-2001, 09:11 PM
The coming weekend is an "Equal Opportunity Event", meaning if ya wanna bring it, bring it. The center console will make it look like we have 'police escort', though that won't be a problem. The manatees have all gone south for the winter, and there are no speed limits or sound restrictions on the parts of the St. Johns we will be seeing. In fact we will only experience miniscule No Wake zones as we approach our eating venues. Gas is getting cheaper every day. I filled the Jeep with 93 octane today at a Hess for $1.32 per. Makes fueling while still on the trailer a great idea. Gas at my favorite marina was only $1.56 for 93 octane, as of Thursday. Most Name Brand gas stations are still charging about $1.49 for 93. So I'll point out the local Hess location to those who want to save.
Anyone in the group not able to go 80 miles on a tank of gas in their boat? Let me know, so we can plan for fuel stops.
Mark :cool:

Last Tango
10-30-2001, 07:03 PM
Okay, Gang, Mike Miller wants a head count of who is coming, and what boat you are bringing. Also tell me if you have booked a room in the Holiday Inn. Factory Goodies are on the line here.
Mark :cool:

HP 600SC
10-30-2001, 08:33 PM
Well we (2) will be there friday early
PM with the HP500 22 in tow! We are staying at the Holiday Inn. We are looking forward to seeing you all!

CrackerJack
10-31-2001, 05:04 AM
Mark,
Two of us will be there Friday, with my Donzi 16. There will be two more Sat. night.
Staying at Holiday Inn. Jack.

allaboutboats
10-31-2001, 06:12 PM
Mark,

Sounds like you've got it all lined out for a great time. Looking forward to showing off some new boats to you Donzi folks. And your right, lots to do in our area of Florida at this time of year. See everyone next weekend......

Jim S.

ZF-Mac
11-01-2001, 11:57 AM
I will be there Friday nite. Staying at the Holiday Inn. I am just passing through though. No boat in tow yet. Looking to see a few 16's.

Jamesbon
11-03-2001, 09:02 AM
Two more for LATE Friday night or EARLY Saturday morning. What time are we gathering Sat. morn?

Nate

PS Bringing the 20' Rabco.

http://donzi.net/photos/nschlaerabco1.jpg

marcdups
11-03-2001, 08:01 PM
Hey Scott, any dip in the cooler, fish dip that is??
towel boy!!

Scott Pearson
11-03-2001, 10:19 PM
Scott,
I dont think I'm going to make this one. I had all the plans and Reservations made but Cathy a I decided before the BIG LAY OFF that we would not be going. Its hard for her to take off that many times from the Salon. Plus we just got back fron Sarasoda...On they way back I said I didn't feel like driving down in another month.

I do have plenty of time now :D :D ...Maybe I should just pack up and head down...Hummmm. I might not wanna come back.

Its still tuff...At the end of the month I am heading to Navada Las Veges for the NASE convention. Hoping to see whats out there for jobs in the Paint Market.

Then will be down in your area in December...New Years in the Keys. Grassy Key that is ;).

Ohhh well...Now I have plenty of time to work on my little bass boat :rolleyes: :rolleyes:


(NJ)Scott

Scott Pearson
11-04-2001, 07:41 AM
Scott,
Thanks for the offer but I'm pretty sure we will not be heading down. Saturday is her biggest day. I told her she needs to get a 2nd job...That didn't go over to well (Laughing) :D .

Its just me going to Lost Wages, Navada. Well...me and some friends in the business :D . Its all work...No play, Im sure ;) :rolleyes: .

Hows the storm doing down there?

(NJ)Scott

Last Tango
11-05-2001, 08:46 PM
Nate,
Usual shuffling around in the parking lot impromptu boat show on Saturday morning until at least 9:45. I'm planning on showing off my new exhaust system for the 18 (still installing it as we speak). By total coincedence I ordered the same exhaust system (EMI Thunder, fully polished)featured in the new issue of Family and Performance Boating magazine. And I installed some red instrument rings to match the big boat instruments. A couple other new goodies to show off as well.
Don't worry, we won't leave the dock without you. If worse comes to worse you can easily jump aboard either of my boats and sleep on the way to downtown Jacksonville (right!!!!!)
Mark :cool:

Kent Perroux
11-06-2001, 07:55 AM
I may be able to show up Sunday if a stragler can be welcomed. I'll bring the title if anyone is looking for a great 18. ( I have a race boat waiting for me.)

Kent

badasscat
11-06-2001, 09:45 AM
Hi Mark: I will be there for a portion of the event. Don't know which one yet. I'm going to try and ski one of the legs -= depends on which one I go on. You're doing a great job! See Ya. Hugh James

HP 600SC
11-07-2001, 07:24 AM
Nate and I will be convoying over, should arrive around 3-4 pm
see you all there!

Last Tango
11-08-2001, 09:04 PM
HP,
I think your oil pressure is too high. :D
Mark :cool:

Last Tango
11-08-2001, 09:09 PM
:) Okay, gang. Last chance to run with the Big Dogs, for this season!!!! See you in Palatka tomorrow!!!!I have lots of freshments and food. I also solved the problem of how to get my two Donzi's to Palatka... all it took was a very pretty young girl...
Mark :cool:

HP 600SC
11-08-2001, 09:38 PM
Last Tango, thats not my oil pressure,
its my water temperature!
see you tomm!

boldts
11-09-2001, 08:38 AM
HP - I thought I was looking at the tach :eek:

Tango - Having met you at my event AOTH, I know you will have everything worked out and ready for everyone to enjoy a wonderful weekend. Wish I could have attended. Pictures please for those of us who couldn't?

Everyone Attending - Have a safe, fun weekend in your journeys both on the water and on land! :D

clayman
11-09-2001, 12:56 PM
Hey Guys,
I just completed the installation of my new Stainless Marine exhaust, so I can make it to Palatka, yeah! I will be arriving saturday morning. See you all then.
James Spiroff
18' classic, maroon and white
f350 dually black