Donzi z-33 Crossbow

[tony2times]

Ok this is probably the wrong department for this question. I am currently considering buying a crossbow from a friend of mine. Its I believe a 1991 33 ft twin engine with omc outdrives unit. The interior has been completely redone as well as outdrives. They were rebuilt in the fall. He is asking $10,000.00 for the boat. It does come with a trailor, Can anyone give me some insight or some info about these boats. My family has had smaller runabouts my whole life but this would be my first large boat. Help Please.

[Walt. H.]

Why isn't it in your driveway right now, thats alot of boat for way too little money even from a friend!

[tony2times]

well, its getting it to the lake, the twin engine thing. I have a family 3 kiddos and a wife and in the boat market and this one popped up. My brother in law has a 28 ft go fast cuddy on Lake Cumberland in KY and my parents have a place on Rough River which is probably to small for the boat. Guess just want to know more about the boat my buddy knows really nothing about it other than its big.

[tony2times]

Just wanna make sure the boat is what I need. I want to participate in the poker runs and really get into boating. Dont need to fly have a drag race motorcycle for that. Just have questions in general about this type of boat.

[VetteLT193]

The downside of them is the cockpit is pretty small. The engine room is big though (which is why there is a small cockpit) so you should be able to work on the engines easier than other boats with smaller engine rooms.

Pretty heavy, over 8000 pounds I think, so ride of course is going to be good.

At 10k for a running boat with trailer I can't see how you can go wrong.

For poker runs you will be fine, but don't plan on being up front. It is going to take a bunch of power to make them really run with today's boats. I think there is a member (or two) here that have added power to them with good results though.

[Walt. H.]

Well its something you wouldn't want to trailer every time you go boating, either kept on a lift or kept floating dockside would make ownership more enjoyable.
Just stay tuned in here and a CrossBow owner will be the best person to clue you in and answer all your questions and more.

WH

[tony2times]

Thanks, I dont need to be the fastest guy out there 50 mph is plenty good enough for me. Looked at storing in in the water but the price is well I think nutty. $4000 per season. Maybe thats fair I dont know. Biggest boat Ive ever claimed ownership of is a 21 ft four winns so this is a small step up. I do however look to camp in the boat with my wife a time or two which it seems to be right on point with that.

[VetteLT193]

Thanks, I dont need to be the fastest guy out there 50 mph is plenty good enough for me. Looked at storing in in the water but the price is well I think nutty. $4000 per season. Maybe thats fair I dont know. Biggest boat Ive ever claimed ownership of is a 21 ft four winns so this is a small step up. I do however look to camp in the boat with my wife a time or two which it seems to be right on point with that.

what is your tow vehicle?

[tony2times]

well havent gotten that far but get a demo with job I have. Thinking a dually ford f350. Can it be done with smaller or is that the smallest you can use?

[Walt. H.]

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1831&highlight=crossbow
Do a "CrossBow" search here and you'll find some great pic's and info from general stuff to advanced tech advice.

[tony2times]

Hell I think that is the same boat. :cool!: Its a really nice boat and the price seems fair, I just wanted to get info on drive ability, fuel consumption, general questions to get to know more about this thing. Its such a large unit that I have concerns. But am totally interested was thinking this was the best place to get info and maybe meet up with some folks who do alot of boating with these things. My primary lake will be Lake Cumberland.

[VetteLT193]

well havent gotten that far but get a demo with job I have. Thinking a dually ford f350. Can it be done with smaller or is that the smallest you can use?

IMO a 250 would work fine. Although bigger isn't going to hurt you.


Hell I think that is the same boat. :cool!: Its a really nice boat and the price seems fair, I just wanted to get info on drive ability, fuel consumption, general questions to get to know more about this thing. Its such a large unit that I have concerns. But am totally interested was thinking this was the best place to get info and maybe meet up with some folks who do alot of boating with these things. My primary lake will be Lake Cumberland.

Search "AOTH" here... big run in cumberland every year.

[tony2times]

Does it have to be a dually?

[Walt. H.]

Not to worry all boats suffer 33% shrinkage in size once they're in the water, and your wife and children will love having a place to go when they get the call from mother nature and you'll love not having to shorten your day of boating and having another place to chill out dockside with a few cocktails after a day of boating instead of scrambling at the public boat ramp at days end doing a haul-out.
Its the next best thing to having a water front summer cottage which is a phrase told to me by a fellow member here..

[FISHIN SUCKS]

Greetings Tony and welcome to the Registry:wavey:! Sounds like a smokin deal for Crossbow, and if you are somewhat mechanically inclined, your maintenance expenses shouldn't be to bad (winterizing, oil changes, etc.:wrench:). The weekend before Memorial Day weekend the Midwest Donzi Club holds an event every year (AOTH-Awakening Of The Horses) at the Jamestown resort (on Lake Cumberland):drive:. Definitely consider coming, it is a good size turnout. My suggestion is that if you didn't want to pay for a slip, you could rent a storage facility around the lake for considerably less than 4k, then just hitch on, go to the launch, go play, then load up and put away. After a season of that, you will probably figure out a way to justify the 4k plop down and just do it. You will enjoy the boat much more that way, IMO. Hope all works out, maybe we'll see you in May at Jamestown!:crossfing::crossfing:
tom

[Walt. H.]

Does it have to be a dually?
No it doesn't nor does it need to be a diesel.....

[glashole]

check for rot in the transom and stringers

you could be the cost of the boat again to fix it if it is rotten or wet or soft

also consider that it will cost at least 150-200 at least to run around for a day in fuel
I am not guessing high on that mark either

a 250 will pull that just fine with a gas motor, obviously a deisel is better but not nec

that is a cool boat and classic but keep in mind a good deck boat might be more user friendly for the whole family

good luck

Shea

[tony2times]

where do I need to look for the rot? Engine Bay? The boat looks so clean but I guess looks can be decieving. What kind of mileage should I look forward to running with one engine just tooling around the lake? Worse? Just seems like a super nice machine for that kind of money.

[tony2times]

Does the truck need to be a dually or will a single axel truck do the trick

[VetteLT193]

where do I need to look for the rot? Engine Bay? The boat looks so clean but I guess looks can be decieving. What kind of mileage should I look forward to running with one engine just tooling around the lake? Worse? Just seems like a super nice machine for that kind of money.

What does it have for power, twin Big Blocks? 460's? 454's? stock?

One engine is fine for slow speeds only. Once on plane the drag of the other drive makes it far less efficient to run one screw. Docking you'll want both anyway, so figure most of the time both of the engines will run.

I'm taking a rough guess you can look at about a mile per gallon at cruise.

[tony2times]

Twin Stock motors. Didnt look like anything fancy or hopped up. So for tooling around the lake I should look at 150 to 200 bucks a day.

[tony2times]

What kind of speed should I be looking at with stock powerplants on the boat? Any idea?

[VetteLT193]

What kind of speed should I be looking at with stock powerplants on the boat? Any idea?

What does it have for power, twin Big Blocks? 460's? 454's? stock?

[tony2times]

stock 454s

[fogducker III]

Personally, if I was not sure of what to look for or where, I would pay the $$$ for a good marine survey...?

A tow vehicle is the LAST of your worries if there is any major problems with the boat.....:wink::crossfing:


PS. For the asking price, if the boat is good, you are saving enough to not have to worry about fuel for a season....that is if you were ready to spend the going rate for a 33.........:yes:

[mrfixxall]

Pic's we need pic's! welcomr t the board..for 10 k it would be a no brainer, even if you have to tow it with your escort :)..sound like a hell of a deal,,,it would be in my dyiveway already..the longer you wait its just giving him more time to think and research what the boat is really worth..

[Walt. H.]

Tony,
If this person you're looking to buy this boat from is really a friend he should be the one most able to answer these above questions of fuel usage & speed you're asking more accurately, and I would think he would not risk a friendship by selling you a boat thats plagued with mechanical or construction issues.

[thehow33]

I agree with what Walt said, but i'm kind of cynical and it could also possibly be that if there was a problem he may not know enough about boats to even tell you that there is a problem. For example I've been skiing and fishing since I was 5 yrs old and until fairly recently I would have had no idea what to look for in terms of boat structure. I just knew how to put it in the water and turn the key.

Either way I hope you and your family come to the right decision and have yrs of fun with it if you end up buying it!!!

[RedDog]

If it is mechanically and structurally sound, what an awesome boat for the money. Can I claim second dibs if you don't go for it?

Either way please post many pictures and let us know about the condition and what you do.

[tony2times]

Well he hasnt used the boat. He traded a 28fter for it with some cash and has had a new born and no time to use it. All I know is its been gone through, stringers and rot not a problem. It got an a plus rating from a local boat guy who specializes in that kinda stuff. His name is Guy Voyles who owns American Boat and Yacht. He checked it out and said great boat really great boat for the money.

[tony2times]

I wasnt really in the market for a 33 but the opportunity arose and hey now Im in the market for a 33. Its just want to speak to people who have them so I can get more insight. No one I know or in my family have anything quite that big. My brother in law has a 28 ftr but nothing of this caliber. Just with twins wondering on speed and fuel consumption.

[Phil S]

Everything Walt H said, GlasHole, and others is true....if the stringers & transom are solid, this is an absolute deal. Great price. A survey is an absolute must though to be sure.

Conquistador del Mar should chime in here as well, as he sure seems to have experience with big off-shore boats of that vintage or older...(if he hasn't already)...he should be able to tell you what it takes.

The fight with my wife has already started....should you pass !!:wink:

[BUIZILLA]

your gonna need a dually.... preferably with 4wd

nothing less

[FISHIN SUCKS]

your gonna need a dually.... preferably with 4wd

nothing less
I respect Buiz's opinion, but if you're not going long distance and you just need a tow vehicle to get her in and out of the water on Cumberland, 4x4 for sure, but dually optional. Just depends on how far you wanna drag her. ShowNGo uses his Diesel Excursion to drag around the 38ZR. Just my $.02.

[VetteLT193]

I respect Buiz's opinion, but if you're not going long distance and you just need a tow vehicle to get her in and out of the water on Cumberland, 4x4 for sure, but dually optional. Just depends on how far you wanna drag her. ShowNGo uses his Diesel Excursion to drag around the 38ZR. Just my $.02.

+1

if you are going to drag it all over the country bigger is better. around town you will be fine. 4x4 because the ramps at cumberland are the longest I have seen in my life.

[The Hedgehog]

I have not heard any bad advice yet. The boat should run 55mph or so and what these guys are saying on the fuel is about right.

If you are going to tow it all over creation then get the dually. I like the idea of getting a storage building at Lake Cumberland and dropping it in on Fri then pulling it out on Sun until you get things figured out. If you are just towing it back and forth from the building to the ramp you will be fine without a dually. I think that it will like Lake Cumberland. If so, you will want a hoist and slip one day. If you do that you will not pull it that much. I have a slip and a hoist. Folks are always trying to get me to pull my boat and take it places. I like the slip setup so much, I only pull it a few times a year.

If it checks out, you will have plenty of boat now and one you can upgrade to the way you want it as you go. Those are cool boats.

[Walt. H.]

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1560425542.html

Tony,
Just a comparison this one is smaller @ 29ft without a trailer, is older and the asking price is 75% more, this is why we're saying why isn't that 33 in your driveway yet.
Even if it needs work its still a deal that you could turn a profit on if you chose not to keep it because of operating cost, just don't wait to long to decide whether to buy it or not or someone else might make that decision for you.

How many people know this boat is forsale beside you and the entire internet boating world?:yes:

[mrfixxall]

and heres another one to compare!
http://www.ablboats.com/details.php?id=76923

[LKSD]

10k Doesn't sound bad, just remember there are 2 engines to maintain, feed & fix. Also Even @ 10k I would recommend you have it looked over or surveyed closely. Even if it needs a lot of stuff, it doesn't mean the $ is necessarily bad, but at least you would have a little bit of an idea of what kind of $$ you may need to throw at it after the purchase.. ;) It can add up quickly. ;) Jamie / Lakeside

[AR-Cougar]

+1
4x4 because the ramps at cumberland are the longest I have seen in my life.

Bet this guy would have loved the 4x4 option :yes:
Good thing he had a Seadoo instead :bonk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FshOpPqj88

[VetteLT193]

Bet this guy would have loved the 4x4 option :yes:
Good thing he had a Seadoo instead :bonk:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FshOpPqj88

I love that vid. That's always on queue to watch after a long work week late Friday afternoon. :wink:

[realbold]

4k for a slip is just crazy. I could probably find one around here for a boat that size for about a grand.

[The Hedgehog]

4k for a slip is just crazy. I could probably find one around here for a boat that size for about a grand.

No offense but I have not seen slips for $80 a month in many years. That won't get you much more than a mooring spot. I go many places. If you want a real covered slip $80 is not close, some of the cheaper slips I have seen go for around $2,500 a year. $3-4k easy.

I have a pretty spartan (but covered) slip and pay $2,100 a year. That is for a 30 foot slip and that is CHEAP.

[zelatore]

I prefer not to think of slips as an annual expense. It's scary.

Most marinas out here think in terms of dollars per foot per month.

Common would be $10/ft. Doesn't sound bad when you put it that way, does it?

But let's do the math:
$10/ft x 33' = $330/mo.

BUT, the boat's really more than 33' over all, and they won't have a 33' slip anyway, so they'll probably put you in a 35' slip. So that's $350 month.

$350x12=$4200/year.

So the $4000/year doesn't sound so bad after all, does it? Especially for a covered slip that probably includes utilities as well. (though some do bill electric separately)

Just be glad you're not in Tahoe or some of the SoCal marinas that run $15-$20/ft. That can put a dent in the 'ol budget!

[The Hedgehog]

I prefer not to think of slips as an annual expense. It's scary.

Most marinas out here think in terms of dollars per foot per month.

Common would be $10/ft. Doesn't sound bad when you put it that way, does it?

But let's do the math:
$10/ft x 33' = $330/mo.

BUT, the boat's really more than 33' over all, and they won't have a 33' slip anyway, so they'll probably put you in a 35' slip. So that's $350 month.

$350x12=$4200/year.

So the $4000/year doesn't sound so bad after all, does it? Especially for a covered slip that probably includes utilities as well. (though some do bill electric separately)

Just be glad you're not in Tahoe or some of the SoCal marinas that run $15-$20/ft. That can put a dent in the 'ol budget!

Good point, I need to get back to that per foot thing so I can feel better

[tony2times]

Man I really want to thank everyone for their opinions and thoughts. You have no idea how that helps. I am the only one that the boat is offered to so........... BACK OFF.:biggrin.: I guess the 4gs isnt that bad to store it on the lake but thankfully father in law has a heavy duty 4wd truck and a parking space for the boat, and would love nothing more than to store it and put it in when we come to town. (lives in jamestown) Gotta love Family. The boat checked out perfectly, and interior just re done a month ago this includes all seats inside stabbin cabin and out. Completely updated. Also I get to pick out what graphics if any that I would like to put on the boat. All of this for yes 10K. (benefits of friends) I know its a great deal, I think that I can make money on this thing if it doesnt work out. So long story short its coming to the driveway, looking forward to it taking up all the room at the house. I would like to meet up with some folks on cumberland to do the poker runs or find the coves or whatever is fun on that lake. I grew up on Rough River so not alot of knowledge of Cumberland. So hopefully I can meet up with all you guys. 55mph thats plenty fast for me. I am gonna want to add captains call exhaust not sure what that entails or what it cost. It doesnt have it on there now but that boat needs to sound mean even if it aint. So any help on that or advice would be awesome. Once again thank you for all of your help. Did I mention that boat comes with a trailor. Guess the deal keeps getting better.

[bigdawgchallenger]

Hi Tony, I just got one the end of last season. I love it. I am on Lake Eire (Cleveland area) for a cheap gofast its great. It Should do 60 with no problem. I have a F350 (SRW) with the 7.3L and trail mine all the time. The truck is big, but the boat makes it look small. Just dont expect to go fast until you get on the highway. The truck will pull it 80+ with no problem. I am only 20 minutes from the lake and enjoy buying the gas at the gas station (you will be there alot) rather than the marina. I figure right around $100.00/Hour. But its worth it. I trail it up to the Islands (80 miles or so) to help make it affordable. I have had her out in 10'+ waves and did about 17 knots comfortably. Not reccomended, but she will do it if you have to get back home.

This winter I am repainting it, paint is a little faded, and putting new engines in it. Found after running it 20 Hours I had 2 cracked blocks from bad winterization that was missed on the survey. All in All, I am still happy.

I know he is a friend, but dont buy her without a survey.

Give me a call and I will tell you some things to look at befor you buy if you want.

Mike
216-315-0125

[thehow33]

Good point, I need to get back to that per foot thing so I can feel better


In a moderate priced harbor on lake michigan in Chicago it cost $4k-$5k a year. Remember we only boat from the end of May to the middle of September and that is why I will use a trailer.
Hope that makes you feel even better.

[tony2times]

Mike, Thanks man for the advice. I cant wait for this thing to hit the driveway. How did yours do on fuel? I am figuring proabaly 150 to 200 per day if Im flat hustling down the lake but much cheaper if I just run and sit. I agree I have been looking for a go fast cuddy and came close last summer to buying a 28ft cheetah, glad I held out. This is what I have been wanting. I will definently give you a buzz with any questions I may have. Who knows may haul that thing to your neck of the woods and meet up. Been researching some donzi clubs locally. Found that Cumberland has the Awakening of the horses in May. Sounds like a good time. Any thaughts on the captains call exhaust?

[Walt. H.]

I prefer not to think of slips as an annual expense. It's scary.
Most marinas out here think in terms of dollars per foot per month.
But let's do the math:
$10/ft x 33' = $330/mo.
$350x12=$4200/year.
So the $4000/year doesn't sound so bad after all, does it? Especially for a covered slip that probably includes utilities as well. (though some do bill electric separately)
Yeah' but they don't boat all year round in Kentucky on the Cumberland and a covered slip at most marinas are not the norm...
Up here in NY, I pay for a 27ft cruiser $1215.00 with electric from April 15th thru Oct, 15th for a slip, thats the average length of our recreational boating season and that price comes out to $45. per ft. for a 6-months.
The average price range in my area is $40. to $60. per ft for water & electric, cable TV is extra where available, and of course prices range higher in some of the more up scale city areas.

I'm sure glad my season is shorter, cause I wouldn't be able to afford buying and building accessories for the boats and buy gas for it all year round.
I actually don't start until the third week in May so I have 7-months to work on them and 5 months to enjoy the fruits of my labor.:wink:

[FISHIN SUCKS]

I trail it up to the Islands (80 miles or so) to help make it affordable. Mike
216-315-0125
Beautiful boat Mike! Love the Crossbows:yes:! So when you say Islands, you makin' it to Put In Bay for Christmas in July this year? we are for sure gonna be there, this will make our third year in a row. Find us on 'B' Dock. Tell ya what, you drag that Crossbow at 80+:convertib::boat: down to Lake Cumberland for AOTH this spring, and I will personally buy you a beer (or coke if you don't drink) up at PIB this summer:beer:! Deal:kingme:??? Why say 'no' when it feels so good to say 'YES'?
tom

[bigdawgchallenger]

Tony, deffenatly a 4WD. I would have been like the video had it not been for it. ALWAYS 4WD LOW on the ramp. Its heavy comming out and its just safer. You could probably get away for $200 a day if you dont get on it. I have yet been able to do that though.

Captains choice/corsica, Gotta have it. You will love it. When you pull up to the gas dock, you want to sound thursty dont you? LOL Just kidding. Cant have speed without noise. Just wouldnt be right.

Also, If your friend hasnt run it check the oil filler cap for moisture. I ran mine for 20 hours with cracked blocks and didnt know it until I lost oil pressure. If the caps have milky substance in it, dig deeper. The picture is the valve covers inside after removal.

dying for some pictures of it

Tom, Had the boat less than 6 weeks, went to PIB 4 times. I will be there for xmass. If I get the engines back in in time, I may just come down and take you up on that beer. Always B Dock :cool!: Watch out for the Fountain In the # 1 spot. I think you know what I mean LOL

Mike

[FISHIN SUCKS]

Tom, Had the boat less than 6 weeks, went to PIB 4 times. I will be there for xmass. If I get the engines back in in time, I may just come down and take you up on that beer. Always B Dock :cool!: Watch out for the Fountain In the # 1 spot. I think you know what I mean LOL

Mike
LOL, In the photo attached, that 47' Beak boat was just off our starboard bow last year, tied next to Simon Sez (right off our bow). Yeah, word around the campfire was he brought 6 professional strippers from Vegas for the weekend, woohoo:smileybo::smileybo:!!! From what we saw, 4 out of the 6 were definitely worthy, must have been a 'buy 4, get 2 free' deal. I be the nut in the black/white suit, Barbi (wife) must have been takin' the picture. I'll keep the beer and Parrot Bay chilled.

This could be pretty cool this year at AOTH if we had a pair of Crossbows there:crossfing::cool:.

[realbold]

Yeah' but they don't boat all year round in Kentucky on the Cumberland and a covered slip at most marinas are not the norm...
Up here in NY, I pay for a 27ft cruiser $1215.00 with electric from April 15th thru Oct, 15th for a slip, thats the average length of our recreational boating season and that price comes out to $45. per ft. for a 6-months.
The average price range in my area is $40. to $60. per ft for water & electric, cable TV is extra where available, and of course prices range higher in some of the more up scale city areas.
Thats a bit more like it. I wasn't talkin about high end marinas. Theres a lot of folks living on canals around here that will rent out their space pretty damn cheap. Although its been a few years and my boat was only 23' I never paid more than $600 for the season.

[Phil S]

Man I really want to thank everyone for their opinions and thoughts. You have no idea how that helps. I am the only one that the boat is offered to so........... BACK OFF.

Glad we could help.... :(

Just kiddin'.....sounds like you're going for it, and good for you. That is one cool boat...make sure she's solid before diving in.

Not that this was entirely about a tow-vehicle, but, I agree with the sentiment that bigger is better when it comes to a tow vehicle.

Send us pics of your new boat !

With kind regards,

Phil S.