Hi everybody,

[wapo]

Hi again, i'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America. Im a great fanatic of the Donzi 16 inches (Sweet Sixteen). In Argentina, in 1968, a copy of the boat was built called Cobra. My father, long time ago had one, and now I bought one, which I want to restore. I don't really now if the copy of the Donzi is aproved by them, but for the people that live here who understand about the boat, they believe it is a precious piece.
There isn't any Cobra's forum in my country, so that's why I come to you in order to find some original accesories.
Here, we use this type of boats in sweet water, not in seas, so they are usually in good conditions for a better restore.
Sorry if this is not the correct forum to post this thread (and for my English), i'll have to learn some things.

Thank you very much for reading, i'll try to upload some photos.

PS: if you have any adress in Florida where I can find out to buy specific parts, please tell me. And if someone speaks Spanish tell me for a better communication.

Walter

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2378/img0815h.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0815h.jpg)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6285/img0813kzq.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0813kzq.jpg)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8824/img0808k.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0808k.jpg)

[cutwater]

Hey Walter, welcome to the board. First thing is try to upload some pictures so we know what you've got! I'm sure you'll find some good info here.

[Team Jefe]

WOW Walter, I know nothing about the Cobra and not much more about the 16, but these pics look great...I see no need for restoration, just go enjoy. This is the place for Donzi knowledge...so welcome aboard.

[HOWARD O]

Great looking boat, Walter! What kind of engine does it have?

[wapo]

Hey, thank you for the answers!

The cobra is from 1973 and it has a 166HP Ford engine with 6 cylinders (straight) that came originally.
But actually I am planning to change this engine for a V8 Crusader Scorpion 285 (1977). By the way, i've got another question: do you think i'll need to put hydraulic flaps for better gliding? (I am not sure if that is the correct word), cause i've been seing some pictures of these Donzi 16, and almost all have V8's - with and without flaps.
How many HP do they have?

Thank you very much for reading and if you know of somebody who's selling an original instrument panel, let me know!
See you, Walter

[Rob M]

Cool looking boat. I like how the stern light is integrated into the hull vs. a stern pole - much cleaner. This is similar to how Donzi did it on the Hornet and Corsican. Nice feature.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

By the way, i've got another question: do you think i'll need to put hydraulic flaps for better gliding? (I am not sure if that is the correct word), cause i've been seing some pictures of these Donzi 16, and almost all have V8's - with and without flaps.
See you, Walter

Walter,
Hydraulic trim tabs give the driver the ability to change the ride characteristics of the boat. They really are a nice addition to the boat. By the way, very nice boat. Bill


Cool looking boat. I like how the stern light is integrated into the hull vs. a stern pole - much cleaner. This is similar to how Donzi did it on the Hornet and Corsican. Nice feature.

Rob,
That transom flush mounted light would pass for running purposes, but I believe you need a 360 degree white light for anchoring to be legal. Bill

[wapo]

Finally, change the 6-cylinder engine for a V8 Crusader scorpion 285
triet to communicate with marine Crusader but it is impossible ...
I appreciate the technical information I can get

[mphatc]

Welcome! and a great boat!

Many of the early 16s came with a small block Ford, either a 289 or a 302 depending on vintage. Chevy V8s came later . .

I'd venture that the easiest way to install a V8 is to go with a Chevy. Certainly the adapters to fit a Chevy to a Volvo should be readily available. Are these engines available where you are?

Mario L.
1969 Corsican
1968 Magnum 27

[Just Say N20]

Welcome to the board. There is another Donzi clone (AR-Cougar) being talked about here. It is a 22. Also white and black.

You have a very nice looking boat!

My 1967 Donzi 16 (called a Ski-sporter) now has a Chevy 350 (5.7L) engine that has 310 hp. There are people who have put over 500 hp in a 16!

The straight 6 is a great, dependable, engine. That engine in the USA, was 160 or 165 hp.

There should be parts available to let you use your Volvo outdrive (it looks like a 270?) with a V8 Chevy engine. It is a tight fit, and the engine has to be lowered into the boat side to side, and then turned 90 degrees to be mounted).

It is also nice then to install thru the transom exhaust, to hear that wonderful V8 music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLb3XLt5DFE (not my boat)

Trim tabs discussions start fights. Many like them. Many don't see any need for them. I like them. My first Donzi 18 had them. I added them to my second Donzi 18. I am going to add them to my current 1967 Donzi 16, which looks like it had them, and they were removed. They help a lot to make the boat ride level if you have a fat (gordo) passenger.

Keep us posted.

Bill

[Just Say N20]

Very cool lift.

I meant to ask about what looks like a small, removable cushion in the middle of the back seat. Is there a panel behind it that comes out? If so, what does it give you access too?

[HallJ]

Walter,

I have a pair of Crusader Scorpions in my Magnum27.
Is there anything special you would like to know?

Jeff

[wapo]

Thank you very much Jeff, Bill, Mario, for your answers .. thank you all! , Wanted a V8 engine that I like a lot in your boats , the sound of a V8 is unique and with the transon exhaust .
I want more information of crusader scorpion 285 HL m 5.0HP 1977
Here in Argentina people keep their boats in "guarderia" its a plce like a garage of many boats
there are a few Donzi but their owners dont want to sell them if they dont have a very good offer of money

This is my old engine (165 H.P.) Ford

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/342/img0989ds.jpg


This is he new engine

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4744/crusader4.jpg



http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4070/crusader1.jpg

This is my boat Cobra Now ( I,am restoring)

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4761/img1380ts.jpg


http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6567/img1382l.jpg

thanks

Walter