Port Canaveral to Sebastian Run

[donzi2287]

Anyone intrested? Possiblly in August.

[VetteLT193]

Well, you know I'm in.

Run from Pt. Canaveral, through the locks, down one river. Stop for lunch somewhere, head for Capt. Hirams. We can stay there overnight, they have dockage and a hotel.

We can do a fun quickie run up to the Sebastian hangout cove Sat. afternoon.

Next day go back and take the other river @ Dragon Point.

[VetteLT193]

Looks like Ichabods has a place on the water now... 2210 Front St # 107
Melbourne, FL 32901

[donzi2287]

Step up to the plate!:yes:

[Donzi Racer]

Step up to the plate!:yes:

That sounds great to me. Count me in. Tom

[donzi2287]

anybody else want to do a nice run???:nilly:

[Tidbart]

I am in.:)

B

[Cuda]

I could meet at either one for lunch or something. Sebastian is the farthest from me, but it's only about 2 hrs by road to Sebastian Inlet, shorter by road to the town of Sebastian. Canaveral is about an hour south of me down I-95.

I've done McDonalds at both Sebastian, and Port Canaveral. :cool::)

[donzi2287]

cuda, you can hop in my boat if you want.

[Cuda]

cuda, you can hop in my boat if you want.
It's too fast for my narrow azz! :)

[VetteLT193]

It's too fast for my narrow azz! :)

At the rate I'm going I might have a 28 by then. If that's the case you can take my Minx out for a good run, but you gotta pick it up and return it from/to Tallahassee.

[donzi2287]

Cuda, It's called a Donzi, not a Chicken Wing!:yes:

[Cuda]

60 is more than fast enough for any boat I don't have control or the wheel and throttle. :)

My 302 Kaama was sure to make yer butt chew a hole in the seat! :eek::yes::pimp:

[donzi2287]

That's cool, I really don't give a poop, you run the boat then! Or run my brothers Minx. It's all good!:nilly:

[Tidbart]

Eddie,

Come up with a date. I am not talking the female kind either.:bonk:

Bob

[VetteLT193]

July 25th @ capt hirams. $129 for a regular room, $149 for a waterfront room.

We'll leave from Port Canaveral that morning, return the next day.

[VetteLT193]

so... who's in, who's out?

[Tidbart]

I am in.
B

[VetteLT193]

I am in.
B

So far... two Bob's and and Eddie. Based on past experience that's all we need to have a blast, but anyone else?????

This really is a fun run... Eddie and I spent a million hours on these waters. It's a pretty cool run with lots of straight open, log free, running.

[Tidbart]

Come on Florida Boys.... We haven't had an east coast run, ever, that I remember.:boat:

B

[VetteLT193]

Come on Florida Boys.... We haven't had an east coast run, ever, that I remember.:boat:

B

No one? Everyone wanted to go when we talked about it in person... :nilly:

[VetteLT193]

We gonna do this, or cancel? This really is an AWESOME run. We just have to get more than a couple boats pinned down.

[donzi2287]

We need to nail down some boats. They book up in the summer and if I don't give a final count soon, we will lose all rooms and dockage. This is a cool and fun run, don't miss out. Lot's of sights and stops on this run!!!:yes:

[donzi2287]

Hello everyone!!!!!!!! Step up to the plate!!! I'm going anyway!!!!

[VetteLT193]

Hello everyone!!!!!!!! Step up to the plate!!! I'm going anyway!!!!

Kathy just told me to book the hotel. We'll have fun. Sounds like Donzi Racer is in too. Tidbart, plus you. So that is 4 boats now.

[donzi2287]

Now we are talking...... This is going to be a great run and we have a few bar stops on the way...... just in case!!!!!!!!1

[Tidbart]

Is there a group name for reservations? Is there a dock fee?:bonk:

[Tidbart]

Booking on line saves $$$.. Advance booking online gives a 20% discount to the rack rate. That is $119/$143, non-waterfront/waterfront rooms. If you are lucky enough to be government employee...............$95....

[donzi2287]

Here is the place:

Cap't Hiram's Resort
1600 North Indian River Blvd.
Sebastian, Fl. 32958
772-388-3118

Eddie 305-522-2029

[VetteLT193]

Booking on line saves $$$.. Advance booking online gives a 20% discount to the rack rate. That is $119/$143, non-waterfront/waterfront rooms. If you are lucky enough to be government employee...............$95....

site is currently down... i'll try again later.

[donzi2287]

All i want to know is....... who is winning the dollar bet???? Remember crisp and new!!!!:bonk:

[VetteLT193]

All i want to know is....... who is winning the dollar bet???? Remember crisp and new!!!!:bonk:

It's a great bet. I'll give you the dollar and the parents can ride in your boat. :angel:

[VetteLT193]

Also, I wanted to bring up that this is a good fast run. After you get out of Port Canaveral and the locks, there is only one slow speed zone. One. This isn't a South Florida slow speed hell run. We'll choose when to slow down, not the other way around. It's inland, protected water, but not so inland that there is no breeze. The weather is usually very nice. There are really good gas stops at the half way point, if need be. If we get to Sebastian early enough, we'll hit the sand bar and swim some.

It's a nice wide, well marked, and open channel to run down. There are multiple ramps and marinas in case someone breaks down. I'm taking the ZXO, so if someone breaks down we can run to a marina and screw with it the next day... just hop in with me for the rest of the ride.

So, it's the ultimate Donzi run.

[VetteLT193]

I'm booked for the 25th. I still have to get the slip. Bob, did you get a slip???

[Tidbart]

I'm booked for the 25th. I still have to get the slip. Bob, did you get a slip???

No, I didn't. Didn't know how to get one. B

[VetteLT193]

No, I didn't. Didn't know how to get one. B

I'm calling the docmaster tomorrow, I'll make sure your slip gets booked.

[Tidbart]

I'm calling the docmaster tomorrow, I'll make sure your slip gets booked.

Thanks, dude!
B

[VetteLT193]

Thanks, dude!
B

Your slip is set, we just have to flip the credit card at some point.

[Donzi Racer]

No, I didn't. Didn't know how to get one. B

I did not get mine yet either. I will hopefully be bringing the Mystery Customer oops I mean some friends along. We may need up to 3 slips. How do we handle that? At least 2 slips for sure. Tom 256-355-6937

[VetteLT193]

I did not get mine yet either. I will hopefully be bringing the Mystery Customer oops I mean some friends along. We may need up to 3 slips. How do we handle that? At least 2 slips for sure. Tom 256-355-6937

did Eddie get in touch with you yet? If not, give me a ring tomorrow. 850-597-7126, gotta talk about the Minx anyway. I'm pretty free all day tomorrow except for an appointment for my son at 11:30.

This is going to be a great run. 5 or 6 boats now at least and plenty of people. Captain hirams looks like it is going to be a blast at night. Wide open running during the day. you can't beat it with a baseball bat!

[VetteLT193]

Check the link below. I put 4 pin points on it. One is the ramp at port canaveral... it is right next to a restaurant called "Grills". Another is where we are planning on lunch, Ichabods at Melbourne Harbor. Another is the anchor and swim area at Sebastian. The last being Capt. Hirams.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=114764166752116309268.00046f19ebecd7ce4117c&ll=28.411446,-80.635142&spn=0.028121,0.055747&z=15

Unless someone objects, we'll plan on meeting at the Pt. Canaveral ramp at 9:30. If all things go well, we'll be going around 10:00. The first part of the trip is basically the only slow speed zone, besides the dragon point area where the Banana and Indian River meet. Plan on a slow start of the trip from the ramp through the locks. After the locks we'll take the Banana River South... Before Mathers Bridge is where the next slow speed zone starts, and continues past the end of Dragon point (unfortunately, the dragon fell down a few years ago) Mathers bridge is one of the last remaining swing bridges left, so that's cool to go through! From there we'll hit the Indian River and continue South on to Melbourne Harbor, 2 causeways down. I think it's $5 to dock in the harbor, but you get a $5 coupon for Ichabods so it's net free. After we get lunch, continue on South to Captain Hirams. Depending on time frame, we might have time to chill at the little bay/harbor swim spot in sebastian. It's a protected, shallow water area where we can anchor off and get wet for a bit. Last of course is Capt. Hirams. We also have the option of running to Capt. Hirams, getting our slips, then going back out for some chill time.

Sunday... leave early and head back. if it's really calm we can go ocean side. If we do that, it's under 2 hours dock to dock... But it's gotta be calm. We'll plan on doing a reverse trip, or running all the way on the Indian back and through the Barge canal to the Port for a change in scenery.

[Donzi Vol]

Well boys and girls, it looks like the Vol is heading down to see you this weekend! Due to my temptation and Uncle Tom's savy flight searches, I'll be down Saturday and will do the run back with you on Sunday. Looking forward to it!:boat:

[donzi2287]

very cool glad you are coming. can't wait to meet you too!!!!!!!! A good time for sure.....

[Donzi Vol]

Anything I should bring? The general rule for a weekend on the water is to take half the clothes and twice the money, but is there anything else I need to think about?

[donzi2287]

I have one rule ......don't ever run out of beer. !!!!!!!! that is not a lol either!!!!!!! now lol !!!!!!!

[Donzi Vol]

That much I can handle. Don't tell my uncle, though. He'll want me to behave! Oh...wait :wink:

[donzi2287]

the 22 has that center hatch for the DL beer compartment.!!!!!! shhhhh don't tell anybody about it!!! can't wait to meet you , this is a cool run!!!!

[Donzi Vol]

Oh believe me, I've found the built-in cooler in the classics. I love it when I have Donzi first-timers are with me and they say, "Oh no! You forgot the cooler!" And I say, "Silly...of course not", and then open up the treasure chest.:yes:

[donzi2287]

that was good .... r u bringing a Donzi?

[Donzi Vol]

No, not right now. We're still kinda figuring all that out. Or at least I am. Unless I can be real crafty with flights, I don't think I'll be joining you all until Saturday night at the resort. Still gonna be having some fun after 11pm sat?

[VetteLT193]

No, not right now. We're still kinda figuring all that out. Or at least I am. Unless I can be real crafty with flights, I don't think I'll be joining you all until Saturday night at the resort. Still gonna be having some fun after 11pm sat?

Probably :wink: There's a live band I think playing there that night too.

Glad you can make it. :yes:

[donzi2287]

Finally close to being ready with the boat. I use it too much and have let some things go, so I have been in fixin' mode!!!! I won't have all of it done, but the wobbly passenger seat for the last year has been fixed!!!!!! lol bty I put my old hydromotive prop back on that has a few dents in it, it runs better that the prop I just wasted money on and had bluprinted!!!! now that's funny right there, i don't care who you are!!!!! another lol! Well, see you all there and good times await.........:yes:

[Tidbart]

Eddie,

When you driving up?

B

[donzi2287]

I am going to leave here Friday morning and stay with my parents that night. You are MORE than welcome there too....

Eddie

[Tidbart]

Thanks anyways, have some things to do Friday eve. Just wanted to make sure you had a place to stay.

B

[donzi2287]

Thank you Bob!!! We be cool!!! Can't wait to see everybody!! Like I said good times await!!!!!!

[Tidbart]

What is the deal with the boat ramp in Canaveral? Fees, overnight parking, Security......?

[donzi2287]

It's public, it has a wash area...... cool!!!, large well lite parking area and i believe it is free.

[Tidbart]

Is overnight parking OK? Did anyone check?

[donzi2287]

roger doger!!!

[VetteLT193]

Is overnight parking OK? Did anyone check?

A lot of fishermen go out at night from Pt. Canaveral. It should be a normal thing to see trailers at this ramp at night. it's the biggest ramp in the area, well lit, and next to a restaurant / Bar that has outside seating that usually has a live band until 2 AM on the weekends.

So, it's not necessarily 'secured' but there are a million cops that go by there and a ton of people all night.

[Donzi Vol]

What time do you plan to leave canaveral via Donzi? I'm going to go ahead and bust my you-know-what to get down there early on Saturday, and I want to make sure I'm there in plenty of time to put the boat in the water.

[donzi2287]

we plan to be there at 9:30 ish to go through the locks of Port Canaveral by around 10:30 . We will then be at Ichabods for lunch around noon or so. Follows to Cap't Hirams in the afternoon. My cell is 305-522-2029 and my brothers is 850-766-2145. just call for more info!!

Eddie

[Donzi Vol]

Cool. Well, and this is just me going over all options, how difficult do you think the run would be if we left after you all did and either caught up with you at lunch or at the resort? I wouldn't want to get into any sticky situations, having never been on that sort of run before, but if it's not too difficult that might be a good option for us.

[donzi2287]

it is pretty easy. just call when you figure it out!!!

[VetteLT193]

It sounds like Craig B. from the Donzi factory is going to try to meet us at Captain Hirams. I'm not sure if he'll have a boat with him or not, but either way it will be nice to hang with him for a bit.

[Tidbart]

Bob

What boat are your bringing?

[VetteLT193]

Bob

What boat are your bringing?

ZXO. I talked to Russ too, he might tag along with me (or someone else)

[Donzi Racer]

Cool. Well, and this is just me going over all options, how difficult do you think the run would be if we left after you all did and either caught up with you at lunch or at the resort? I wouldn't want to get into any sticky situations, having never been on that sort of run before, but if it's not too difficult that might be a good option for us.

Our plans are to leave the dock at Merrit Island and meet everyone at Ichabads about lunch time so you have some more time than they do to get down here.

Our plan was to put as many different kinds of Classic Donzi's in the water so people that have not driven one of that type could take a test spin. We will hopefully have a 22 classic or two or 3,or 4, an 18 classic, a Minx or two, a GT 21, & maybe an early 16 coming down to the resort with you. This is all wishful thinking right now. I am in Atlantic City NJ with 5 boats trying to decide how to get the other 2 down to florida? Anyone in the New Jersey to North Carolina area that has a truck that would like a very nice expense paid vacation to Florida with a Donzi in tow? I am serious, not kidding. Anybody that has some time and wants to come to Florida for a few days for thursday to monday, call me at 256-777-0844 or 256-335-5291. Leaving Atlantic City today in a bit & then to North Carolina & then to Alabama, then to Florida. Whewwwww, my arms are going to be tired. The Racer needs Drivers! Who's in for fun in the sun in Florida? Ya'll come. Tom

[BlownCrewCab]

Tom, You can store 1 or 2 at the farm if you need to (make sure 1 of them runs :wink:)

[BUIZILLA]

what GT21 ?

[VetteLT193]

Hey Tom, I left a message for you. I don't have the time to prep my Minx to take it. I only took it out once since Kentucky and I don't want to see it roll out of here until I take time to go over everything again, both boat and trailer. I'm having a hard enough time prepping the ZXO plus the kids... I'm Mr. Mom right now staying at home.

I also still haven't gotten my Navigator back from the body shop. Lots of BS to do still without the Minx. So next run, or just another time soon.

[VetteLT193]

Cool. Well, and this is just me going over all options, how difficult do you think the run would be if we left after you all did and either caught up with you at lunch or at the resort? I wouldn't want to get into any sticky situations, having never been on that sort of run before, but if it's not too difficult that might be a good option for us.

This run is stupid easy. Plus there are other ramps so you can always dunk the boat in farther South.

All you gotta do is get in the river and head south in the channel. When the water turns from poop brown to green start looking for the Captain Hirams sign on the right.

If you put in on the Banana river, you will merge into the Indian... all you gotta do is run out along the causeway and turn left under the big part of the bridge and you are in the middle of the indian river channel. You really can't screw this run up.

[VetteLT193]

Russ is coming.. just talked to him on the highway down to daytona.

[Donzi Vol]

Alright, so I've finally got it figured out...sort of...ha!

I will either be there Saturday morning with all the rest of you fine gents, or I will meet up with you at the resort Saturday night and then play on the water Sunday. I'm hoping that I get lucky with flights and can come down Friday, but if not I'll still make it down for some fun Saturday night and Sunday.

Can't wait!

[VetteLT193]

Alright, so I've finally got it figured out...sort of...ha!

I will either be there Saturday morning with all the rest of you fine gents, or I will meet up with you at the resort Saturday night and then play on the water Sunday. I'm hoping that I get lucky with flights and can come down Friday, but if not I'll still make it down for some fun Saturday night and Sunday.

Can't wait!

Rock on Bro! We can't wait!!!!!!!!!

Eddie and I are working on some aerial photography. It's hit or miss right now, we'll see what the men who own the Birds and cameras say. :wink:

[donzi2287]

get here early, mo' fun brother not from my mother!!!!! lol

[NLMO]

Just saw the post for this run I had not been on the board in quite some time :bonk:, I would like to join you guys on the run from Merritt Island down to Ichabods, cant make the Hirams layover due to family commitments but that place is a real nice super laid back setup which you all will enjoy. So count in one Blue 22. I will join you all as you exit the Canaveral locks (ski island). If you all need anything (help , tools,local knowledge) please call 321-431-9356 I am 5 minutes from Cape Canaveral. Omar

[donzi2287]

That sounds good. we will touch base with you on Saturday morning. BTY, that makes 2 blue 22's!!

[Tidbart]

Just saw the post for this run I had not been on the board in quite some time :bonk:, I would like to join you guys on the run from Merritt Island down to Ichabods, cant make the Hirams layover due to family commitments but that place is a real nice super laid back setup which you all will enjoy. So count in one Blue 22. I will join you all as you exit the Canaveral locks (ski island). If you all need anything (help , tools,local knowledge) please call 321-431-9356 I am 5 minutes from Cape Canaveral. Omar


Welcome Omar.
I am the other blue owner. Give us a call Saturday morn. Eddie and Bobby's numbers were posted previously. Mine is 321-436-5704. My guess is we should be exiting the lock around 10:30 ish????, give or take a few.

Bob

[VetteLT193]

It sounds like we'll get the Helicopter Photo coverage. We're trying to pin down a time, they have our schedule though so worst case is we'll just see the helicopter at some point in the run!!! Eddie and I will give details on how to get your pictures when we see everyone.

We should be out of the locks at 10:30-ish. I'll have my cell, check in with me and we can tell you while we're on the water. 850-766-2145 my name is Bob. (or Bobby, whatever you prefer!)

[donzi2287]

I talked to the helicopter pilot, he is going to call me when he is in Titusville fueling up. He is expected to be on the river side oF Port Canaveral around 11:00. He will catch up to us if we have already left!! I hope for everyone to get some good pictures of your boat by air!!!!!

[donzi2287]

I have been practicing talking to the helicopter pilot....... here it goes for the closing statement............roger doger, that's a 10-4 good buddy, over and out, and my favorite (taught by my daughter) TOODLES!:nilly:

[Donzi Vol]

Alright, phone call made, cash shelled out, flight is changed to tomorrow night. I'll see you all Saturday morning! :nilly:

[VetteLT193]

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=4156883

[VetteLT193]

Alright, phone call made, cash shelled out, flight is changed to tomorrow night. I'll see you all Saturday morning! :nilly:

Bring it on Bro!!!! I can't wait!!!!!

[sweet 16 1966]

I a planning on being at the ramp by 9 am. I am in Daytona with the family and have received permission to escape for the run. I have spoken to Bob and Bob and had offers to ride along since my boat is in Ga. Looking forward to seeing all in the am.

[Donzi Racer]

what GT21 ?

I was going to say a nice blue & white one with twin engines but we missed that one a few years back. We just pulled into the homeplace after a 4000 mile run with the 1st yellar boat I have ever bought. It is very nice. Great 350 roller motor. Best interior I have ever seen in a Donzi or just about anything else. Volvo 280 drive. We need to add trim for this one. Puting into water for the 1st time tomrrow. We have 3 or 4 extra boats Jim, in case you want to come up for the run or just come to Capt Hirams or Icabods & run a few older Classics without having to spend so much bringing your Critter. We need Big Grizz to prop out some of these little jewels.

If you want to come enjoy & drive something, your choice would be early 60's 16 with interceptor engine & eaton drive, 1970 Classic 18 302/351 Holman Moody, 1974 GT 21 w/350 roller engine, 89 22 classic 460 King Cobra (which is also my first omc boat). The Lingenfelter Testa Rosa will be there also. We will be at the dock a few miles south of 520 causeway off so tropical dr. Ready to haul to the resturant.

Would be a good time to talk also. Tom

[Donzi Racer]

I a planning on being at the ramp by 9 am. I am in Daytona with the family and have received permission to escape for the run. I have spoken to Bob and Bob and had offers to ride along since my boat is in Ga. Looking forward to seeing all in the am.

Hey my Bud Russ is coming. Hey Russ, might need another driver for one of the new toys, if you are game. Tom

[VetteLT193]

The run was great. Glad to see old and new friends. Russ, as always, was awesome and made a great passenger for a while. Bob (tidbart) and Omar (NLMO) had a blast giving the helicopter some great shots.

The after-party was awesome too. At least the parts I remember. :bonk:

DonziVol got an 80 MPH ride in my brother's 22... even with the old and very dented 4 blade... pretty impressive.


Pics to come....

[sweet 16 1966]

Great run- great time with good friends. Donzi time went by too fast. We put in at Port Canaveral then passed through the locks heading south - VetteLT193,Tidbart, and donzi2287. Past the locks we meet up with Omar = NLMO- so we had Bob and Cathy's new 28ZX and 3 Classics running south until we intercepted a chopper for some bird photos from the air- then onto Icabods for lunch. Omar (3-2-1-Go)has a nice 99 22 Classic - same color as Tidbarts! Its good to meet new Donzi friends and hope we meet up with Omar again one day since he did not make the next run to Capt Hirams where we docked and roomed for the night. Dinner- a lil drinking - some good friends and more good times were had. The run home this am was perfect and the weather co-operated.
This was a fun run and Hirams is a good place to dock, eat, sleep and hang out for the night. Donzi Racer was delayed but made the dinner with Donzi Vol for some great stories. For those of you who were not there- we were talking about you all!

My hat is off to Bob- Tidbart for going beyond the call of duty on the way home as I ran out of gas (yes- the car) . He stopped, turned around- bought a gas can and delivered it. That was about the time I thought-- I will owe him for life when Bob said OK- now start it up! click-click- no juice left after the emergency blinkers drained the battery!- No problem- Bob just yanked the battery out of his boat and got me on the road again! Seriously- Big Thank You for being there! I owe- I owe- I owe!

Thanks again to Bob and Eddie for putting it together.

[donzi2287]

what a cool picture of Bob and I behind Bobby's boat .....

[sweet 16 1966]

More pics. See the 18'- we did not know him - we just intercepted paths but caught a pic.

[donzi2287]

What a blast of a run!!!!!

[sweet 16 1966]

more...

[sweet 16 1966]

We will do it again!

[VetteLT193]

We will do it again!

Just in case anyone is wondering what the picture of the buildings are, this is NASA. The big building is where the space shuttles are prepped.

[VetteLT193]

Me and Russ

[NLMO]

Just in case anyone is wondering what the picture of the buildings are, this is NASA. The big building is where the space shuttles are prepped.
Not exactly Bob, Space Shuttle facilities are about 10 miles north of that but close, all the buildings pictured are from the unmanned programs, the first building is Vertical Integration Building (VIB) where the Department of Defense Titan IIIB and Titan IV were stacked (now abandoned in place) the building to left of that is the Solid motor assembly building (SMAB) and then white structure to the left of that is the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) where the current Atlas V vehicle is assembled and just to the left of that is its launch pad. In recent years we NASA launched Mar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Pluto New Horizons (fastest man made object off this planet and it gets there in 2015) and just over a month ago we launched the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and LCROSS impactor which will put a new crater on the moon on Oct 9 if all goes well.
It was a great time meeting all of you and being able to spend at least a little time running with all of you. Thanks for putting it together. Hope to see you all again soon.
Omar Baez

[NLMO]

a couple of shots from bberry with shaky operator

[NLMO]

and Tidbart cooling down the Donzi way

[NLMO]

and Tidbart cooling down the Donzi way
with attached pictures this time

[VetteLT193]

Not exactly Bob, Space Shuttle facilities are about 10 miles north of that but close, all the buildings pictured are from the unmanned programs, the first building is Vertical Integration Building (VIB) where the Department of Defense Titan IIIB and Titan IV were stacked (now abandoned in place) the building to left of that is the Solid motor assembly building (SMAB) and then white structure to the left of that is the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) where the current Atlas V vehicle is assembled and just to the left of that is its launch pad. In recent years we NASA launched Mar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Pluto New Horizons (fastest man made object off this planet and it gets there in 2015) and just over a month ago we launched the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and LCROSS impactor which will put a new crater on the moon on Oct 9 if all goes well.
It was a great time meeting all of you and being able to spend at least a little time running with all of you. Thanks for putting it together. Hope to see you all again soon.
Omar Baez

whoops, been awhile since I've been out there... like 15 years :bonk: thanks for the clarification.

[Tidbart]

Here are some photos. If anyone wants some higher resolution shots, I can email them.

Had a great time.:yes: Let's do it again.

Just a thought. Next time we do this, get one group to start in Stuart and head north and another group to start in Canaveral and head south. Meet at Capt Hiram's. This might attract more boat due to a possible shorter drive for some.:yes::boat:

Enjoy

[VetteLT193]

BTW: Omar, I hope you do more runs with us in the future.

I think Bob's suggestion of making this a North - South Run is a great idea... so, this past run is Officially the 1st Annual East Coast FL Donzi Run.

Eddie took charge of the Miami Boat show run this year as well. I think he and I will do that again next year. Omar???? you gotta come too!

We're tossing an idea around for a Ft. Lauderdale boat show run too... thoughts?

If anyone thinks we should start doing T shirts... I should be able to get them wholesale (it's been a couple years since I ordered so I have to call my guy).

[VetteLT193]

Eddie W/ DonziVol

[donzi2287]

pics coming soon!!!!

[VetteLT193]

Lunch

[Donzi Vol]

Had a blast, guys! Thanks for being so hospitable to us good 'ole folks from Tennessee and Alabama.

Eddie, your boat is beautifully fast. Gotta love the power.

Bob, gorgeous boat. I'll have to hop in it for a bit next time around.

Russ, after dealing with the FL heat and humidity today, I'm reconsidering my idea that we talked about Saturday night.

By the way, if anyone talks to Natasha, tell her I'll buy one of those shots now :wink:

All the best,
David

[VetteLT193]

I'll tell Natasha that You're on a Boat!!!! on a Boat!!! everybody look at DonziVol, he's on an 80 MPH boat! HAHAHAHA

[Donzi Vol]

I'll tell Natasha that You're on a Boat!!!! on a Boat!!! everybody look at DonziVol, he's on an 80 MPH boat! HAHAHAHA

HAHA! I was waiting for someone to make a comment about that. My roomate bought the shirt for me for my birthday back in June since I love boating so much, and then I wore it out on cutwater's Minx the week before the 4th. He laughed when I pulled up to his house...a lot!

[sweet 16 1966]

And during the day- someone asked us"" are you going out to the island to hang out?" Not sure where it is but can't be hard to find for more options.
Do we have to go south to the keys for clear water?

[Donzi Racer]

Well the old fat Racer got there. It took 4000 miles, purchasing 6 boats in 5 days from all over the eastern seaboard to do it but I was there with 4 of the 6 boats in tow one way or the other. Even if you do not see me in the pictures. I was there. And right off the bat let me accutely explain that the reports of my Drowning were Greatly Exaggerated!!!! Donzi Vol & his old Uncle DOnzi Racer affectionately known to some as Jasper Talledaga continued the run on sunday & even Monday making the run back to Merritt Island early morning Monday. Glass was the way to explain the water as you will see from some of the pics. We had a total blast. Only sent one of the boats on to one of the sand bars that you wonderful Florida people are known for. I want to do another post or thread of Things I leaned at the 1st annual Cape Canaveral to Sebastion run.

Things I learned about boating in Florida duing the Cape Canaveral run.

1. Do not try to make the helicoptor photo shoot with one or more of the 4 donzi's you are towing and have never had in the water before and have not debugged ; We wanted to put 2 or 3 of the DOnzi's in the water at the O'Galle Causeway on Saturday morning for the Photo shoot. No problem, they were full of gas and I had head and seen them running, so drop in the 1970 Donzi Classic that I had picked up that morning in Orlando and never had in the water and let my Handy Donzi Driving Nephew "Donzi Vol" take the controls while his Donzi loving kindly ole uncle put in one of his dream boats, a 1974 Donzi GT 21. I must say here that I am 53 years old and have never owned, wanted, or would even consider a YELLAR BOAT! I have always HATED that color. I now have to appoligize to all that I have affended with that thought process because ole ORANGE JULIUS is a YELLAR boat and we love it. All that see her say great things about her. 1974 Donzi GT 21 that has a small block roller 350/350 HP engine that pushes her to 50 mph with no trouble. While I am getting the Orange Julius into the water Nephews 18 stalls from a short when he hit the tab button. I go over and see what is going on and he cannot get it to crank. I inform him that although I am over 50 years old I am like a big kid and have just driven 4000 miles to run some DOnzi's this weekend and I will come back & get his started in 5 minutes after I make one run to the next causeway & back. He wants to come and I pull his 18 out of the water traffic into a large open water not near any water traffic and decide that 5 minutes with it rocking there is not going to hurt anything. ( I guess that is Alabama Water kind of thinking because as we will soon find out, FLorida people do not like it when you abandon your boat even for what you think will only 5 minutes. I take Donzi Vol to the next cause way to see the Wild Bunch of Donzi Boats headed to Capt Hirams. When I bought this Orange Julius from a great fellow DOnzi Member, he cranked it for me in the yard with a hose and a 2 1/2 gallon portable gas tank. It ran great and I asked him to throw in the tank and after I paid him for the gas it had in it, we had a little back up just in case. Well he & I both did not think to turn the Shutte valve back to draw gas from the main tank and since I filled up the main gas tank I was not worried about gas. Well there is a full quart of gas in the water strainer when we fire up at the ramp and head to the next causeway. The Orange Julius quits about a mile before the next bridge. I ask my wonderful Young Nephew to twist the thingy about the gas in the rear of the boat. He goes back and does. I tell him lets try it now. It takes off and runs under the bridge to look for the other DOnzi Guys that I have driven 4000 miles to see and run with. No guys & I will now offer to pay someone $20 to help me find a damn place called Ickabods resturant next time we run. We run out of gas again and I look over on the other side of the river and there goes the Donzi's. Vol trys to flag them down with his hat from 2 miles away to no avail. We have been gone now from the floating 18 footer for 15 to 20 minutes when I realize everytime I told him to turn the thingy in the bilge area, he thought I meant to turn the portable gas tank and we have been running till the pick up hose has gotten a air bubble in it & quit. We have been running on the orig. 2 1/2 gallons the hole time. No worries, we switch the other thingy ma jig, the valve on the fuel line and now do not have enough battery left to start the engine. No fear I did something I have never done before, I stopped at West Marine & bought a battery right before we put into the water. So after hauling out a dead battery and replacing with a fresh one we were on our way. Being very proud of myself for debugging the situation I tell The Vol to start looking for the black 18 as we are going back to o'Galle bridge. Well there it is right behind the sherriffs boat going back into the boat ramp area. Whewww, thought I lost one! Hey Officer, Hey Officer, that is my Donzi there. He says it used to be your Donzi Sir. He seemed to be a little peeved about something. He told me to dock the Julius and get out of the boat both of us. He was going to give us a lesson on Boating safety. I sheepishly said duh! Well OK. He then informed what had been going on for the 45 minutes we had been gone. 3 different boaters called in the boat drifting situation. One of them said that when it capsized, (IT DIDN'T)there was a man trying to swim away from the boat but that he disapeared and was feared DROWNED! Before the deputy got his wet suit on and starting looking for the body, he looked at the registration #'s and called the supposedly owner. After the man explained that the boat was sold just that morning at 8:00 am to someone from ALabama. The officer said he was sorry to report that the man that bought his boat was presumed drown & could not be found. The young man was very upset as you can imagine, but then the fun started, they decided to call my Wife and let her know that they were worried that I had have a terrible accident and did not know if I was alive or Dead! Ought not do that to a wonderful better half which is sooooo wonderful that she is the only chance in hell I have of getting into heaven. I hope she is as good as selling me to the good man upstairs as I am selling Boats. ha ha Well after they gave us our Florida safety boating lesson that was very useful and helpful, officer & Ole Jasper had good stories to tell & as soon as he heard I was from Alabama, that made complete sense now. What did he mean by that? Nice guy though, no ticket, jail, or confiscation of the sweet little 1970 Classic 18. Pictures and more stories of Jasper Talladega coming soon to a Donzi Registry near you. Now I have to go try and figure a way to get our 1966 Donzi sweet 16 out of the inside of a 26 foot penske truck that we brought it down from Maine in. But that is another story and will tell that & more in the next few days. Someone send my wife a tranquilizer PLEASE!!!! Tom

[Donzi Vol]

I wish I could say that Racer's story about me moving the fuel tank rather than the valve is untrue, but sadly that is exactly what was happening. I do stupid things from time-to-time...such is life, I suppose. It was an interesting day to say the least. BUT when it comes down to it, even though we got some nasty sunburns and we missed the rest of you guys, it was still a lot better than being at work or closed up in the house!

Thanks again, Uncle Tom for letting me play with the Donzi's. The run yesterday was great!

One thing that I learned: there may be a little excuse for being whiney in the morning if you're up late the night before preparing a boat, but there isn't room for complaining in the case of fatigue if it's your own fault for buying drinks for ungrateful cuties at the tiki bar late at night. Sigh...

[NLMO]

Tom (DonziRacer),
I am glad you posted the story, you solved a question i was dealing with! when we left Ichabods, the majority of the group headed south to Hirams and I was headed north back to my house and from a distance saw the Sheriff RIB with the dark colored boat alongside just south of Eae Gallie Causeway and no civilians either on the boat or with the Sheriff, I thought about you but had recalled that at lunch Eddie said you would go straight to Hirams, I figured by trailer. Weeks previous the local news had been talking about a new fancy Sheriff boat equipped with a non beatable-breathalyzer that can get to any part of the county waterways in 20 minutes, I was thinking maybe that was the secret weapon! :nilly:
And Bobbi(LT1) I would be glad to join you all for a Miami Run or a half way run (Canaveral or Stuart) to Sebastian as Tidbart mentioned.
Omar

[BUIZILLA]

abandoning a vessel in open waters, that potentially becomes a hazard to navigation, is a jailable much less siezable offense, so i'd say you got off real lucky.... if Tow Boat had come along, unmanned as it was, you'd have lost it for good...

[Donzi Vol]

abandoning a vessel in open waters, that potentially becomes a hazard to navigation, is a jailable much less siezable offense, so i'd say you got off real lucky.... if Tow Boat had come along, unmanned as it was, you'd have lost it for good...

Well I suppose hindsight is 20/20. So glad this incident was just a small piece of a great weekend. Would loved to have seen more Donzi's there, but the group that made it down was a stellar bunch!

[donzi2287]

Donzi Vol, thanks for paying for the drinks for the two girls, I was benefiting from it too!!!!! lol

[Donzi Racer]

abandoning a vessel in open waters, that potentially becomes a hazard to navigation, is a jailable much less siezable offense, so i'd say you got off real lucky.... if Tow Boat had come along, unmanned as it was, you'd have lost it for good...

Jim, Florida is definitely not Alabama. I believe when the deputy was pulling in the boat, as far as he was concerned, it was not going home with me. Please understand although we towed the boat into safer water before we took off for a what we thought was going to be 5 minutes with the boat in site at all times, things do change quickly on the intercoastal in a hurry. The officer was very understanding after all was said & done. Although I still think the fact that we were from Alabama helped with his decision to be easy on us. I did get a good lesson on Florida water safety and the rules of the waterways. Helpful!

Ultimately it was my responsibility and I made a bad judgement call & was so glad that all was fine when we returned. Donzi Vol was very helpful and it was not his fault that we were stranded for a short while. His older and supposed to be wiser uncle should know to call a gas valve a gas valve & not a thingy, after all, he is from Tennesee! hahahahahahahahahahh Tell em Jasper says HEY! Tom

[Donzi Racer]

Tom (DonziRacer),
I am glad you posted the story, you solved a question i was dealing with! when we left Ichabods, the majority of the group headed south to Hirams and I was headed north back to my house and from a distance saw the Sheriff RIB with the dark colored boat alongside just south of Eae Gallie Causeway and no civilians either on the boat or with the Sheriff, I thought about you but had recalled that at lunch Eddie said you would go straight to Hirams, I figured by trailer. Weeks previous the local news had been talking about a new fancy Sheriff boat equipped with a non beatable-breathalyzer that can get to any part of the county waterways in 20 minutes, I was thinking maybe that was the secret weapon! :nilly:
And Bobbi(LT1) I would be glad to join you all for a Miami Run or a half way run (Canaveral or Stuart) to Sebastian as Tidbart mentioned.
Omar

Omar it was quite good to finally meet you. We have been meaning to get together for some DOnzi running. You should have seen you face when I walked into the bar area of Capt. Hiram's and started telling of our exploits that day. You were like who is this CRAZY NUT? You were right! HAHAHAHAH We have a nice location for the Donzi's as we get them available for sale, on the intercoastal at Merrit Island and will try to have a few Donzi's in the water at any given time. So get in touch when you want to do some running and we will try and run along. I really enjoyed the Capt Hirams, that was very nice and planning on doing that run quite a bit in the coming months. Great early morning run.

If my youthful Dream continues, we are working on having affordable 1966 to 1989 Classic style Donzi's and maybe even a smaller Cigerette every once in a while. I see it as an oasis where Donzi enthusiast, whether they have ever had a Donzi or not, can come down and see different years and models with different levels of performance where prospective Donzi buyers can at least get some seat time in an older classic and see if one of those would work for them. We will always try and have some available for sale or if they decide they want something different, we would be glad to try and find it for them. Would arrange for as much as the buyer would want us to do, including shipping options, minor performance upgrades, or arranging storage facilities for people that would like to come to florida during the winter months & still enjoy their Donzi's all year long like we are doing. Give us a ring when you are ready for another run. I am ready now! Want you to come over and see the location when you get a chance. Email me at mishunaire@aol.com or call 256-777-0844 Thinking of calling the little hobby business Testa Rosa Pete & Donzi Racer Tom's Classic Donzi's! How does that sound? Ya'll come. Tom

[Donzi Racer]

Now that I am home and have a few minutes to gather my thoughts, I thought I would continue what I learned in 2 days during the 2009 Cape Canaveral Donzi Run.

2. To try & be more open minded as far as likes & dislikes of certain kinds, colors, & power & drive options in old Donzi's. I will take this oportunity to apoligize to all the Donzi Owners that own or have owned Yellow Donzi's which I swore I would not only not have but would not even look at, & also anyone that has a large ford motor or any OMC outdrive. I used to truly believe they were only good to be used as large anchors for boats. I bought a yellow boat and just absolutely think it is one of the finest Donzi's ever to float. 1974 Yellow GT 21 350 GM block with 350 hp roller cam, & rockers, Holly carb, vortec style heads, fantastic Orange Sherbert interior Volvo 280 drive, closed water cooling system, & every gauge & accesory that I can find works including the fog horn. What a wonderful boat kept near mint for so many years. It is not the Blue twin engine GT but it seems to make everyone that sees or hears it, Smile and bring back fond memories of a long time ago gone by.

2nd OMC & Big Block Fords. Swore I would never own one. 50 boats and only 1 OMC by accident. I traded a 33 foot express cruiser for a 270 sea ray once and took it for granted that the white drives on the boat were VOlvo's. I was shocked and dismayed to find that no, not one but 2 outdrives were OMC!!!! I lost a drive the first weekend we owned it. We loved the boat & it would fly, 48 mph for a 30 foot cruiser is Fast. Handle like a ski boat and sleep 5 or 6 comforably. Well another Donzi Member has a wonderful 22 foot 1989 classic with a 460 ford and a 1st generation OMC King Cobra drive on it. The boat was so sharp and reasonable priced, I bought it and have had a Blast in it. It feels like it is flying but so far 65 is what I am getting on the GPS with me and a full tank in smooth water. Will run 6000 rpms though and where is the Big Grizz when you need to prop something? So hopefully 1/2 tank, right prop and water conditions will see close to 70. The engine is a stock original 460 w/ 340 hp and a holley carb. Time and experiment will tell. So far everything I bought has way too small a prop or I like to run them a little more trimmed than most. Great running boat and much more playful than my small block 22 classic was. This thing will stand on its transom with smooth water and just some trim action. Fun Fun Fun and soooo Affordable for a 22. The only thing we are going to have to do to her cosmetically after I put the Magic on her is the rub rail needs replacing since someone put a rubber bumper one on. Again sorry to the yellow boats & the omc ford contingency. These are fine fine Donzi's. Tom

[VetteLT193]

Eddie and Dad (Bob). Hang in there Eddie. Think of the good times to get you through the crappy ones Big Bro.