New to Donzi's, a little help please!

[karlmork]

Hi, first time poster, and new to Donzi's as well.

I've come across a public auction for a 1972 Donzi Runabout in a town about 3 hours from me (link below, you'll have to click the Donzi link on the page). I don't know much about the boat, but you all seem to be the experts on such matters so I thought I'd ask. If ya'll could help me with general thoughts as well as some of the basics such as maintenance, safety, cost of upkeep as well as what something like this would typically go for so that i don't overpay I'd love it. If I get some good feedback, then maybe I'll make the trip up there to take a look.

Sorry if this post is in the wrong directory.

Thanks in advance,

Karl

http://www.minnbid.org/public/auct_online_flex.aspx

[fasttrucker]

Thats a sweet 16 I say bit up to:) $5,000.00 for it.Go for it!

[Donzi Vol]

I agree with fasttrucker. If you're mechanically inclined, go on past $5k if you want it. Just know that you may have to do a little work once it's in your garage since you're buying it relatively blind. The good thing is that it has a lot of original equipment on it...equipment that is worth a lot in dollars and coolness factors.

Welcome to the board!

[mattyboy]

a rule of thumb I use is you will usually double what you pay for it to get her running reliably and safely IF YOU ARE LUCKY on an older 16 or 18 classic in that condition. this takes into account the fuel system which will need to be looked at,trailer work or replacement,motor work,drive work.

Good thing is it is nowhere near salt as long as the previous owner wasn't transfered from calf. or NY to MINN in an emergency.

Once you have gotten her going and made that add'l investment you are basically changing fluids atleast twice a year plugs wires caps all under $300 whatever you use in gas and what it cost to launch or dock space.

but besides all that bad news I just gave you , you will have a very fun boat to drive that will attract crowds and attention at the ramp. not to mention it is a piece of history.

PS this is if you do the work yourself if someone else does it it will cost more

[Cuda]

Sweet boat! I'd love to have that here on the river.

I could get driving lessons from Russ.:)

[Planetwarmer]

From the pics and description, that may be a great boat in need of nothing but trailer wiring. For that price, it is worth the risk. They do recommend inspecting it prior to bidding.

[Donzi Vol]

but besides all that bad news I just gave you , you will have a very fun boat to drive that will attract crowds and attention at the ramp. not to mention it is a piece of history.

I had three girls going crazy over mine at the ramp on Sunday. Great conversation starter :wink:

[89 Z22]

Mine was rough shape. Green gunk solid all over bottom and interior sat out in sun and was fade and same with finish. I used SEM dye on interior and worked great. 3m restorer on gelcote and then wax of course. Worked great. Guages needed help and had a trim problem but was solid boat. I see the sweet 16 and 18 and I like them a lot and they sound excellent and rumble loudly. Lots of class and style in those boats.

[mike o]

Id be after this package in ID for $6200........http://boats.oodle.com/view/donzi-16-classic-mecruser-4-3/2033861872-nampa-id/ and go boating this weekend..........:yes:

[penbroke]

Id be after this package in ID for $6200........http://boats.oodle.com/view/donzi-16-classic-mecruser-4-3/2033861872-nampa-id/ and go boating this weekend..........:yes:

Nice find Mike!


Frank

[Just Say N20]

It could be a legitimate ad, but most of the ads I have come across on Oodle have been scams. They use pictures from an ad that ran somewhere else, and post the boat as if they own it.

This price seems very low for the condition and age of the boat. It would be a heck of a buy if true.

[mike o]

It could be a legitimate ad, but most of the ads I have come across on Oodle have been scams. They use pictures from an ad that ran somewhere else, and post the boat as if they own it.

This price seems very low for the condition and age of the boat. It would be a heck of a buy if true.Oh ya, Bill's right. Dont send any money out yet. But, I think I can see an Idaho reg on the hull, but its hard to see it clearly.........

[RedDog]

I had three girls going crazy over mine at the ramp on Sunday. Great conversation starter :wink:

so is that what your call was about - and I couldn't take it....

[glenncal1]

Karl did you buy the boat? Somebody got a pretty good deal. I was tempted but didn't want to compete with you and distance was an issue.
Enjoy it if you did buy. Jim

[Donzi Vol]

so is that what your call was about - and I couldn't take it....

yep...I was out there. I made the wrong decision that day. Should have stayed on the dock drinking beer with them rather than leave for a run. 1 in 3 chance!

[jonzis donzi]

I've seen that same boat for sale elsewhere for way more money at an earlier date. Buyer beware!

[Greg Guimond]

That Idaho boat is suuuuuuper clean. Worth going through the "de-scam" work to check it out fully. In general, I always say it is better to find a mint, turn key boat and pay a little more for it then take on a minor project for cheap. There are just to many used options out there to be bothered with a project if you want a 16 Classic I/O. That model is not rare so there are many out there and you can't beat the fun factor :yes: