Jong30
10-14-2004, 09:23 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am the proud owner of a 1967 Donzi 28 Sportsman. I found this boat in Vermilion, Ohio. The boat was there for at least 10 years and I have a history with it. At the time I found it I was restoring a 26' sailboat and stood on this boat next to me while sanding mine. It looked so good that after two years I went aboard unauthorized and looked around. At the time it had no motors in it and needed work, but she was beautiful. I didn't have money for her at the time, nor did I know who owned her. 10 years later I'm flipping through a yacht magazine and saw the boat in the same town. At this time I could afford her. After a survey and negotiations I decided not to buy due to needing new bulkheads. The female owner called back two months later and said she would lower the price but I still couldn't buy it and repair it. Two days later she called and said I want you to have it since you were the only one interested and we had a history. Since then the bulkheads have been replaced along with a new head job on one motor. I put in Labor Day 04 and the thing is a screamer. She settles in at 30mph but tops out at 45mph with twin inboard 350 Crusaders. When I orig. looked at this boat in 4-04 several people helped with info. I didn't save there email addresses but thanks alot. I've heard of about 5 still in existence and would like to know how many were pproduced. This thing is a beauty and I will post a picture within days. I need some new interior work but the hull was repainted and looks new. I've seen pictures of the origs. and the only thing different is that they took out the portholes and had them glassed over. I think she looks more sleak and modern this way even though not orig. Any info would be helpful. This thing is the talk at every marina I visit. It's the end of the season on lake Erie but do they have Donzi runs or rondezvous on lake Erie?