wanted- 1987-1989 donzi center console

[Brian Freeman]

Does anyone know of one of these boats for sale?

[Fish boy]

Hi Brian,
are you looking for a f-23, fc-23, or f-33?

fish

[Donzigo]

.......and what is the difference in the F-23 & the FC-23, Jodi?

[Fish boy]

the f-23 is like my boat and has an outboard, and the fc23 is the exact same boat, but has a cabin in the front and an I/O. If you look at my boat and look at Amarok's, they are the same color, same year, same everything, withthe exception of the deck layout and power.

[Brian Freeman]

F-23 or FC-23. Thanks for the reply. Any help would be appreciated

[Fish boy]

Brian,
there is one in the boat trader, but IMHO, the price is a little high. Then again, these are pretty few and far between from that years you are looking for (but good choice on years :) ), so it is what you are willing to pay for it and how badly you want it. Also, since it is a 1991 motor, I would factor in the price of a rebuild just in case (1500-3000). If price is not as big of a concern, a new merc verado would sure looks sweet hanging off the back!
donzi f23 (http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/6/63194486.htm)

I will keep my eyes open down here, good luck and if you find one, feel free to contact me with any questions on the f-23, and I am sure Amarok would be willing to chat about his fc-23.

Fish

[Brian Freeman]

thanks for the response. I saw that red one and agree it is pricey. I believe I could pick one up in the teens. But thanks for the input. I have a 24 ft El Pescador, 1975. Which is a great boat. Is yours a dry boat, smooth riding boat? Amarok's boat is neat. I bet there was not many of them made??

But thanks for keeping an eye out for me.

[Fish boy]

boat is very dry, and smooth. It is actually the same hull as on the z-25, but without the slope on the back (makes it 22'11" rather than 25 ft). Very deep v, so it slices through waves rather than slap like boats with flatter bottoms. The ride is more in line with mako, grady white and boston whaler, but IMHO, better.

I have been around boats all my life; was in the boat business, owned a variety, try to follow the industry, and my family even had a boat building company for a while in the 80's. This is my favorite fishing boat, period. I plan on keeping it forever, and just putting new engines on the back when the old ones can't go any more.

Wish it was a little faster, but on more than one occasion I have been even happier that is it so solidly built and handles rough water as well as it does.

Fish

PS you are correct, not a lot were built then. Donzi was and still is the premier sport boat maunfacturer, and fish boats were a new venture in the late 80's. Just as this line was starting to take off, OMC purchased DOnzi and shortly after began making changes that made a "more cost effective boat". IMHO, the years you are looking at are very good years.

[Brian Freeman]

so what would you pay for that red one on the boat trader?

[Brian Freeman]

madpoodle- yuup, I used to live by the falls

[Brian Freeman]

thats me. Moved to Ft. Myers. I will give you a call later.

[Cuda]

[QUOTE=Fish boy]boat is very dry, and smooth. It is actually the same hull as on the z-25, but without the slope on the back (makes it 22'11" rather than 25 ft). Very deep v, so it slices through waves rather than slap like boats with flatter bottoms.QUOTE]


I thought the Z25 had a 20 degree deadrise as opposed to the 24 of the Classics. Anyone know for sure?

[Fish boy]

cuda, I do not know a lot about the dead rise, but I can tell you for sure the f-23 and the z-25 are the same hull.

fish

[Cuda]

I didn't doubt that, I was just curious if it were 20 or 24 deadrise.

[Fish boy]

Forgive my ignorance, but how could I tell the dead rise? Is there a way to measure? I will check tomorrow while working on it if there is. I could also post pics o fthe transome if that would help?

Fish

[Digger]

Brian there's one on Shore Drive in VA Beach I noticed the other day. Not sure of year, I didn't stop, but I will early next week and let you know.

[AMAROK]

Hi guys!

I actually measured the deadrise on mine and it is 22 degrees. I am sure that there are some pretty specific details for coming up with a precise number, but it can be roughly measured using a couple of quick and dirty techniques:

First, use a protractor! I have seen surveyors use these. Just put a fairly long straight edge (a 2x4 that is 5 feet long is perfect.) Place it at the bottom point of the V at the transom. Make sure that this 2X4 is level with the hull. You can measure the vertical distance on each side of the 2x4 and the hull and be pretty darn accurate that it is straight. Then, use the protractor to measure the angle between the bottom of the V and the 2x4. You should be able to tell the difference between 20, 22, and 24 degrees for sure. (As a reference, a flat bottom has a 0 degree deadrise. The deeper the V, the higher the degrees.)

Second, use a little trigonometry! Using the same straight edge technique as above, take the measured vertical and horizontal distances and then take the inverse sin of that angle.
(eg: sin (angle) = opposite/hypotenuse) Yikes, that hurts!

To help out, I broke out the calculator and came up with a few numbers. See the attached photo and make the simple measurements.

Step 1:
Place the 2X4 level with regards to the width of the boat.
Step 2:
Measure “X”. (I arbitrarily picked 2 feet from the center of the V.)
Step 3:
Measure “Y”
Step 4:
Estimate deadrise:
0 degree deadrise Y= 0 inches
20 degree deadrise Y= ~8.2 inches
22 degree deadrise Y= ~9 inches
24 degree deadrise Y= ~9.8 inches.

Attached is a sketch. Let me know how it goes!
Amarok

PS I would love to talk about my FC 23. Only a few more weeks before spring!!

[Cuda]

I had drawn up a diagram just like that a while back, but I couldn't find it on my computer.

Thanks!

[Brian Freeman]

thanks Digger. Let me know if you can find out about that boat. I am desperately searching for one.

Fishboy you never gave me your thoughts on the red one for sale on line you e-mailed to me. What do you think it is worth?

[Fish boy]

Brian,
without looking at it in person it is hard to say. Most that I have seen for sale are in the 10-15k range, but most do not appear as clean as this one. Again, need to think about possible 2-3k rebuild if the engine is on its last leg. also have to factor what a survey (which I highly recommend) would show. finally, when it comes to a boat with a limited number produced, you do not have a lot of shopping options if this is the boat you really want. Might not find one this clean again any time soon. also have to weigh resale, since paying over avarage selling price will likely put you in the hole if you try to sell.

Have to weigh the pure resale numbers (which are significantly lower on average for f-23) against how badly you want the boat and likliehood you will find another any time soon. Does not appear to me to be a great deal, but I already have one... who knows what I would be saying if I were trying to find one.

Good luck, and if there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know.

Fish

[Fish boy]

Here is the nada for the 23' It already includes the OB motor in the valuation, but they factored a 200, I beleive the one in the boat trader was a 275. This is bare bones (no options checked). Also states that an extremely clean one may be worth significantly higher. Finallly calculated for fla zip code, might come out more or less where you live.

1987 donzi 23 fish (http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/ValueReport.asp?UserID=55081332CFCD9&DID=38062&Type=MR&GCode=MR&wPg=1107&wSec=4&Com=0466&Year=1987&Model=1600058045)

1988 Donzi 23 fish (http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/ValueReport.asp?UserID=55081332CFCD9&DID=38062&Type=MR&GCode=MR&wPg=1107&wSec=4&Com=0466&Year=1988&Model=1600058026)

1989 donzi 23 fish (http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/ValueReport.asp?UserID=55081332CFCD9&DID=38062&Type=MR&GCode=MR&wPg=1107&wSec=4&Com=0466&Year=1989&Model=1600058007)

PS I did not realize that the boat was a 1989 until after I posted the 1987 link. a little strange that the 1989 (after purchase by OMC) is worth significantly less than the pre OMC Donzi's- food for thought.

[olredalert]

Brian,

------Noticed you have an El Pescador. Can you tell us about it? I have one as well and am always trying to track down others,as there are so few around.............Bill S,,,,,DONZI detective

[Brian Freeman]

Fish Boy can you give me your number so I can chat with you about these boats.
Oldredalert. Give me your number and I will give you a call.

[Fish boy]

brian, you have mail.

Fish

[goatee]

why is the 89' cheaper than earlier models????

[AMAROK]

Great question Goate!

I wonder if NADA made a mistake and thought that the 89 was the newer (proline type) hull design with higher freeboard. See picture below of a 1990 23ft.

The blue book and NADA services are not perfect. In fact, one of the services grouped my FC 23 in the same catagory as the Regazza 23. Meanwhile they are completely different boats! The Regazza's were pitched as the "affordable Donzi" back in the 80's and were designed and made differently. (I used to sell them)

Anyway, Fish is right, there are not many around, and if someone really wants one, it could be worth a few extra pennies. There aren't many fishing boats that will perform like these. I have had many "seasoned boaters" on mine and they could not believe the ride. These boats dance at high speeds and are built tough. In fact, there is a supporting bulkhead every 2 feet down the length of the hull. (I can take off the rod holders and see them.) And, the hull is 1/2 inch thick of solid fiberglass. These boats are solid!

The one drawback on this design is the low freeboard and minimal bow flare. It is the compromise that you have to make for such good looks! I have dunked the bow several times in rough seas. Nothing dangerous, just something that needs to be in the back of your mind when it gets rough.



Amarok.

[Fish boy]

Amarok,
did you get a new boat (thumbnail)?

fish

[AMAROK]

Oops, sorry if my post was misleading!

Nope, I'm keeping my FC 23, forever! :cistineb: :cistineb: :cistineb: :cistineb:

I found the other one on boattraderonline and just wanted to show the difference in the hull design.

Talk to ya!

Amarok.

[Fish boy]

Goatee,
Do not have the answer as to why there is a difference in the years according to NADA. However, I did mention this today to someone who used to be associated with Donzi during that time.

He replied that Donzi was sold to OMC on Oct 31, 1988. Prior to OMC, these boats were laid up by hand. After, OMC used a chopper gun to lay the glass. Not trying to step on toes or start a war on hand lay up vs. chopper, but perhaps this may have something to do with the difference- at least as far as NADA in concerned.

Fish

[goatee]

ahhh yes! i forgot about the transfer of ownership.

[Digger]

Brian, the boat I saw on Shore dr in Va Beach is for sale. I stopped and talked to the broker and took a bunch of pics which I will post as soon as the batteries in my camera recharge so I can download them.

1987 ZF-23, with Slide-On trailer
275 198? or maybe 199? Evinrude (I don't know jack about o/b's) hanging on the transom, but not rigged.
LOA 22'11"
beam 8'6"
weight 2700 lb
fuel 100 gal

pale yellow, black bottom, white boot stripe

she looks pretty rough; no obvious major damage, just badly neglected. It does have a VA 2003 registration sticker, so maybe it has recent use... but the owner should be shot. There is a ton of water below deck (told the broker that maybe it would be a good idea to remove the drain plug and jack up the bow a little :rolleyes:) lots o' stress cracks in the cockpit sole, particularly around the edges, also felt a little soft to me. Spider cracking here and there on the hull, couple of bad ones fwd below waterline, look like they were caused by impact. some pretty good rubrail dings here and there.

The boat is at Colley Marine, 757-363-8000, ask for Jack. He just took it under brokerage and doesn't know what the owner wants for it yet, he tried to call owner while I was there, got no answer, left a message.

I'll get pics up just as soon as camera comes back to life. Any ? give me a ring 757-646-9199

[Brian Freeman]

thanks digger. I will wait for the picture and I will give him a call.

[Brian Freeman]

thank again digger, but apparently the boat is sold. Howver I would like to see those pictures when you get a chance. Thanks again for your help.

[Fish boy]

Brian,
after we spoke I made a call about the production numbers for the fish boats during the late 80's. Best recollection is:

1986- 60 f-23, 30 fc-23, 40 f-33
1987- 30 f-23, 15 fc-23, 30 f-33
1988- 20 f-23, 5 fc-23, 20 f-33

Apparently I was wrong when I thought that more 33's were made than 23's. My assumption was based on the numbers of each I see or don't see for sale; more 33's than 23's.

Hope this helps.

Fish

[Digger]

? sold? in the last four hours since I spoke with Jack? hmmm... sorry I didn't get over there sooner

here are some pics

[Digger]

last four pics

[Cuda]

I'm pretty sure this was one we saw in Miami. Poodle told me it was like Fishboy's. It was in great shape.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=493

[Brian Freeman]

Hey Digger. I called the guy and he said when he talked to the owner of the boat the owner had sold the boat to a friend.

Cuda dont tease me..........................

[Digger]

roger that.. I'll keep my eyes open, this area is a fish mecca might see another one pop up

[Brian Freeman]

thanks.

[Mata Peje]

Brian,
after we spoke I made a call about the production numbers for the fish boats during the late 80's. Best recollection is:

1986- 60 f-23, 30 fc-23, 40 f-33
1987- 30 f-23, 15 fc-23, 30 f-33
1988- 20 f-23, 5 fc-23, 20 f-33

Apparently I was wrong when I thought that more 33's were made than 23's. My assumption was based on the numbers of each I see or don't see for sale; more 33's than 23's.

Hope this helps.

Fish

WOW: those are very, very low production #'s
how would I find out how many F-23 were produced in 1989 ?

[Salorri]

roger that.. I'll give Proextender a go (https://www.villagevoice.com/2021/09/09/proextender-review/) and keep my eyes open, this area is a fish mecca might see another one pop up

I'm not sure, Mata. Have you tried company records? I know some release those numbers.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Does anyone know the difference between the F-23 and the FC-23?