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View Full Version : 1976 X-18 What's it worth?



Dakari
08-24-2010, 05:48 PM
Hi all. I'm looking at a 1976 X-18 This boat has a fair interior and has a repainted hull. The 350 is in running condition, though not at all pretty. The Volvo 280 outdrive has some power tilt issues, miscellaneous gauges do not work, and I'm told that it needs some other wiring done. It is not known at this time if the tank was ever replaced. It is on an original Donzi trailer. I was told to make an offer, but I do not want to offend the seller. I'm looking for some input as to what you beleive would be a fair offer. I'm thinking somewhere between 4,500 to 5,500. What do you all think?

Thanks!

Just Say N20
08-24-2010, 05:50 PM
Without pictures it is difficult to tell the real condition of the boat, but your price range seems fair for a boat in the condition you describe.

Marlin275
08-24-2010, 06:09 PM
I'm thinking somewhere between 4,500 to 5,500. What do you all think?
Thanks!

The hull alone is worth close to that
if no rot or voids . . .

Buyers market
cash talks . . .

Dakari
08-24-2010, 06:09 PM
Thanks, Bill. It was originally brown, but was sprayed red later on. The paint is flaking off in spots, so I'm thinking I may be able to strip it off pretty easily to return to the original nasty-brown color.

Dakari
08-24-2010, 06:16 PM
Nice rig you have there, Marlin! Any input as far as X-18's you could give me would be appreciated! One other thing I did notice is that some of the foam in the engine compartment appears to be coming off on the port side...

Marlin275
08-24-2010, 06:32 PM
Nice rig you have there, Marlin! Any input as far as X-18's you could give me would be appreciated!

Thanks for the nice words.

I have had mine for 10 years now
and have fixed just about everything
New gas tank etc . . .
The X is the best of the 18s

Was going to sell mine but as you can see
you have to give them away in this market

here is more info, pictures and video
of my X-18

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=61641

thatgirl
08-24-2010, 06:46 PM
hi if you go on boat trader ther is on in west coast of fl. and they will take 5500.00 boat is in much nicer condition then the one you described , almost bought it myself but realy looking for a barrel back i will try to get you a contact number good luck tony g

Dakari
08-24-2010, 06:47 PM
I just looked at the pics and video of your X, and I'm speechless! Outstanding job!

Dakari
08-24-2010, 06:51 PM
Thanks, Tony! The rub is that the one I am looking at is less than 10 miles from my house (MA),vs driving down to FL. It does give me a demonstrable example of market value to the seller, which puts it squarely in the range I'm looking at spending.

Kirbyvv
08-25-2010, 08:09 AM
The gas tank and the stringers are the big thing in an X. The stringers have a notch cut in them for the motor mounts, and if not properly sealed are a direct path for water to enter and rot out the stringers. Check out the stringers around the motor mount, unless you are buying it as a project. A '76 should have an aluminum tank, which is better than steel, but I just had to replace the aluminum tank in my X-18 due to a crack. The X-18 is my favorite style Donzi. Where in MA are you located?
Post some pictures please.

The Hedgehog
08-25-2010, 10:43 AM
I paid around $5k for mine and then did a deck off resto. The hull, stringers and transom were dry.

glenncal1
08-25-2010, 03:07 PM
I would offer lower for that boat. Project boats are bringing nothing in this market. Unless the x-18 factor is real big to you.

Dakari
08-25-2010, 06:06 PM
Thank you to everyone for the input. Kirby, thanks for the tips on the stringers, I'll definitely check them out. Should it be visually obvious if there are stringer problems, or do I need to probe into them? Also, what do you make of the foam delamination problem in the engine compartment? I'm from Rowley, MA, just south of the NH border. The X-18 is on it's second owner, and spent all but the last 2 years in the midwest.

Hedgehog and Glenncal1, thanks for the opinions, I really appreciate them all!

Here's a pic of the X-18 I took a couple weeks ago...

Marlin275
08-25-2010, 08:29 PM
Kirby, thanks for the tips on the stringers, I'll definitely check them out. Should it be visually obvious if there are stringer problems, or do I need to probe into them?

Here is a photo before and after on my boat.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1159&d=1079375584

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=41012&d=1228588461

This is what they looked like on Wayne's "onesubdrvr" X-18.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40955&d=1228443553

glenncal1
08-25-2010, 10:09 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320578015815&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Kirbyvv
08-26-2010, 07:36 AM
visual is OK, but a moisture meter would be better. What do you mean by "foam delamination in the engine compartment". If it has foamed in floatation, and that is coming out, no big deal. I just pulled all the old foam out of mine when I took the deck off to replace the gas tank. I did find cracks at the end of some gussets that was covered by foam. Check out this thread: http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=61917&highlight=deck

Dakari
08-29-2010, 06:12 PM
Kirby, it looks like there is some kind of sprayed-in foam on the sides of the engine compartment, like soundproofing? I wish I had a pic to show of it...

Dakari
08-29-2010, 06:51 PM
I just bought it for $5,500. Pickup tomorrow @5. I'll post pics later.

hopup
08-29-2010, 07:15 PM
Congratulations! A little work/love can do a ton. She looks like a great projects and hope to see her on the water and soon!!
I just bought it for $5,500. Pickup tomorrow @5. I'll post pics later.

Kirbyvv
09-01-2010, 08:26 AM
congrats and welcome to the disease. I love the X-18 deck design.

Dakari
09-06-2010, 02:20 PM
Ok, it's been quite the week, especially with the hurricane that wasn't! I ended up paying $4k for it, and now have it parked in the yard. Both the wife and daughter love it. Hull # 136, built in 5/1976; coincidentally the same as my wife! This boat had been rack stored in the midwest until 2 years ago, and after that was trailered to Lake Winnipesaukee. Stringers are in excellent shape!`350 FLV Marine Power engine...I was told this is a Corvette engine, is that correct? Engine is a little funky, and needs a clean-up, probably an alternator as well. I'll post some interior pics later.

Thanks to everyone who commented and posted pointers as to what to look for. We hope to be enjoying her for years to come!

DAULEY
09-06-2010, 06:51 PM
great deal you will love it have fun and be safe
welcome to the donzi world

HIGH LIFE
09-06-2010, 10:37 PM
Dakari, How did you make out with your purchase ? I have a 280 VOLVO drive with power trim if you need one, the unit on the boat doesn't look to good. I have a 16' DONZI BABY O/B for sale if you know anyone interested, live in Hingham. Michael "HIGH LIFE"

Kirbyvv
09-07-2010, 10:48 AM
looks like you got a great deal. congrats.

mattyboy
09-07-2010, 11:43 AM
yes corvette engines 350 ci were marinized by chris craft in that time period came in a few HP ranges 300, 330 even a 350 , a very stout setup

Kirbyvv
09-07-2010, 01:10 PM
My '78 X-18 originally had a Chris Craft 300 hp SBC, that looks just like yours. It "was" and awesome motor.