New Donzi Owner

[DON-Z-26ZX]

I am now the proud owner of a 1999 26ZX. Fantastic boat, & the price was very right. but however, (of course). I've been reading about bad handling manners of a twin stepped hull. It does have me a bit concerned, I've been boating for over 12 years, but my boats have been "runabouts". My last boat was a 22' Chapparal, (very nice boat). I do alot of river boating with many sharp turns, speed is 35-40, & dealing with the friendly jet ski's, & newbie boaters that haven't learned boating ethic:eek!: . Is the "stepped hull spin-out" something I need to be really concerned with, or is this something related to high speed racing conditions. I will be planning much seat time over the winter months, but I really would like some input on what to watch for, & how to run trim tabs in a river run situation.

[Lenny]

Most all of your answers here will come from Frank Civitano or Bryan Tuvell.

On a quick side note, keep the drive trimmed away from the hull. Do not tuck it back in. KEEP the bow up and do not allow for any forward hull resistance in a turn as it will counter and superceed what you have stuck in the water in the rear, then ask for the back to come around as it requires less friction. At low speeds like yours you probably will have MINIMAL trouble but something to be VERY cognicent of, always. At 35 you will not yet have aired out much of the hull anyway and the transom end will still be HEAVY with a light bow. If the bow leans into the turn (normal) then great. Once it starts to level out or fall to the outside be prepared to do some gymnastics.

180's on a dime are not that fun in a large boat...

Good reading below.

Here are your folks... http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=28626&highlight=stepped+180+spin

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=888&highlight=spin+stepped+hulls