66' Barrel back baby!!!

[RacnJasn]

I finally own the boat I have been dreaming of since I was a kid.

I copy and pasted my post off my Subaru board in Ottawa where I live. I've grown up around boats but this is a totally new demension. Phil got her up to 74 mph(gps) smoothly. I almost crapped my pants. If your reading this Phil, thank you again. Your one of a kind, great boat. She's safe and loved.





1966 Donzi 18 Barrel back
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4961759529_8708f9fba3.jpg
Ad description from owner/restorer:
Believe this is the first year Donzi made the 18' Classic. This boat started out as all yellow with black seating. It has the triple hatch and the "barrel back" stern. This boat has been totally rebuilt several years ago. The top cap of the boat was removed and the inner fiberglass on the cap was removed so that all the balsa could be replaced. New fiberglass was then mated to the balsa. A new 40 gallon tank was installed and the top cap replaced. The stringers were doubled in thickness, and the transom was completely replaced by 2+ inches of marine plywood and fiberglass. The dash was reconstructed with the steering wheel placed on the right side and new gauges installed. A Donzi windshield was installed. All the deck hardware is the original 1966 hardware but rechromed. The boat was then painted with Awlgrip inside and out. The rubrail is now stainless steel. The interior seating was custom made because the original was ruined. The Alpha 1 outdrive with nosecone, was mounted with a high X dimension so the prop runs on the surface. A 260 Mercruiser was installed and recently updated. This motor is a 4 bolt 383 stroker, has a custom ground hydraulic roller cam, roller rockers, forged pistons, H beam rods, 4340 steel crank, AFR aluminum heads, aluminum exhaust manifolds, aluminum risers and aluminum intake. The Holley carb is custom built for this motor. It was tuned on the dyno and puts out 415hp, 414 ft/lbs @ 5000 rpm. This is on 89 octane pump gas, and runs in the low 70's."
I've been corresponding with the owner over the last few weeks. I've always loved these boats. This one was too much to pass up. The owner is a great guy, total speed freak, meticulous to detail and has owned and restored other speed classics. He's doing a late 80's 560 SL right now.
This boat was found in a farmers field in 1990 buried to the deck in mud. It was also on a trailer. The motor is only 2 months old!!!
I drive to Missouri last Weds after work:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4961759835_eac97427c6.jpg
Show up at private marina, meet Phil talk boats. Pound red bull, hop in boat for test run on Mississipi river. We do 74 mph after warm up!!! For those who aren't sure... very fast 18 footer. Me likie! must sleep, starting to slur words and I don't drink. We meet for dinner, finalize deal talk more boats, cars etc.
Meet next morning for final wax, load and depart. Phil is very attached to this boat, won't sell it to locally and possibly have to watch it get abused. Very emotional for him. He's in his sixties and ready to let her go and he's buying a 42' Searay so don't feel too bad for him... I leave...smiling.

Something very sexy follows me home
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4962111745_eb87a6fd9e.jpg
I stop for fuel and coffee in Indianapolis, someone approaches me and asks if I want to sell it. This is going to be fun.
I get home to my parents place
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4961760057_dbf7e016cc.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4962348498_08498a5061.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4961830533_c2462c5614.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4961835953_c3e00f214d.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4961834247_504a9f966d.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4962427226_f76170963b.jpg
smooth at 50mph in chop
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4962774196_30bf143fc7.jpg
Life is uncertian at best, eat dessert first. :canada:

[BUIZILLA]

that's awesome... :yes:

welcome to WAFNC road trip club :pimp:

[HOWARD O]

Cool boat. Whaddya got, a hemi in that Jeep? Didn't think they could break 75, unloaded?

WTF is WAFNC anyway? :confused:

[jl1962]

Congrats!
Not just a barrelback but also a triple hatch - cool.

What's the woodie hanging in the boathouse - Thompson? Shepard?

Jim - I know if you have to ask......but what is WAFNC?

[Sweet Cheekz]

Sweet! Congrats

I saw a red tripple hatch all beat up in Lake of the Ozarks a few weeks ago at a dealership on the way out of town Very stylish
Parnell

[Sweet Cheekz]

BTW Pulled my 27 home over 90mph for stretches with my Grand Cherokee on the Pennsylvania Toll road last week and it pulled like a dream.

Parnell

[Robbie O]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4962427226_f76170963b.jpg :canada:

Wow, Jason!
I didn't think that photo would turn out...........

I have known Jason my entire life and we both have lusted for a Donzi since we were teenagers.
I had the pleasure of helping Jason launch the boat and watched him take his first drive in his new boat. It was a joy to watch!
I also had the privilage of being his first passenger, and let me tell you, folks, that was the happiest I've ever seen the guy!

But, I'm still jealous as hell.........prick!:)
:canada:

[HOWARD O]

BTW Pulled my 27 home over 90mph for stretches with my Grand Cherokee on the Pennsylvania Toll road last week and it pulled like a dream.

Parnell

Don't doubt that, but a GC and a Wrangler are 2 completely different animals though!

[Tony]

Great post, great pics, very cool boat.
Welcome to the board!


:yes:

[RacnJasn]

What a weekend!!! I drive like S***. I think two things contribute:

1. I'm old. I used to spend most of the time out of the water driving when I was a kid. It's been a long time since I was at the helm going fast.

2. This boat must remain keel down. My driving will improve the more time I spend with her. I drive a WRX that I have modified over the last 5 years. I grew into this car and can now enjoy track days at Calabogie. http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/ (http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/)

I bought a turn key and honestly I'm not a serious gear-head and the motor is overwhelmingly complex and beautiful. That said I didn't build her and it will take some time to understand the boat and motor. Total respect to you guys out there restoring and bringing these beasts back to life.

The Woodie is a 1951 Shepherd 22. Chrysler Marine straight 6. She's been high n dry for the last 3 years due to a bit of dry rot in the stbd quarter and it was taking on too much water to leave during the week when I was away. I haven't had the time to learn how to fix it or the resources to have it done. I have maintained it over the years and do the winterizing, set points etc. It was converted to a 12v electrical but retained the 6v starter... she spins up nicely. I remember when I was a kid squirting gas in the pit cocks for my grandfather before he flashed her up. Often flames, always smoke and a roar through the empty manifold before the water filled them. I love that boat, flat bottom so it's a calm water boat. Awesome siren. Speaking of transporting boats, my dad was telling me about bring the boat to the cottage when it was new, the boat was built at Niagara on the Lake. My dad and a buddy went down and brought it back with an old WW2 Willy! He said it was the scariest f'n drive of his life. He twisted off the rear view mirror because he couldn't stand to see this mammoth beast towering behind him as he chugged up the highway. Kind of ironic I brought my boat home with a Jeep too. My trip was good, slept in the Jeep and stopped only for fuel food and boarder BS. The Jeep is quite comfortable for a Wrangler. It's a 4 door so the wheel base is longer. Good stereo and it has the tow package with the transmission cooler and didn't object to the load. I drove faster than I would have liked but I only had a few days to get it home. Mileage there 16.22 mpg, home with load was about 14 mpg. It was very windy for the entire trip. I'm happy with the mileage considering it's shaped like a soda machine. The temperature was nice and I didn't have cargo so most of the trip I drove with the roof down and the front doors off which is like a soda machine pulling open umbrellas along behind.

WAFNC ?

[axelkloehn]

BTW Pulled my 27 home over 90mph for stretches with my Grand Cherokee on the Pennsylvania Toll road last week and it pulled like a dream.

Parnell

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[CHACHI]

Jason, congrats on the boat, looks sweet.

I see in your first set of photos that you are dressed in typical Canadian boating garb, a Tuc, scarf, and a jacket with a substanial zipper.

Enjoy, because at the St. Lawrence, my season will be over this week, water is low.

Try sending a PM to Boxy on the board, he is also from Ottawa.

Ken

[RacnJasn]

1st week Sept, no-go Donzi on St. Lawrence = :mad:

I am very fortunate to have a place in the Muskokas..... once again, thanks dad

[boxy]

Jason, the water is still up in the St.Lawrence, the Rideau always works too.
Give me a shout, I'll meet you at Kelly's Landing.

[RacnJasn]

Boxy, sounds like fun but my boat is in the Muskoka's at my parents cottage. I've pulled her around enough for one year. I'd like to meet up and see your boat, chat Donzi's. Lots to learn..... Boxy eh? drive a Subie too? :)

[boxy]

Boxy, sounds like fun but my boat is in the Muskoka's at my parents cottage. I've pulled her around enough for one year. I'd like to meet up and see your boat, chat Donzi's. Lots to learn..... Boxy eh? drive a Subie too? :)
Jason, I'm always up for talking boats over a few beers.
I sold my last boat when we built our house in Manotick, and I haven't brought the next one home yet.... :D
No Subaru's here, looked at the WRX, then went a different direction..

[Wazzy]

Wow, very nice! I also joined the clan this summer with a 22 classic. I bought my classic in the Muskokas and hauled it home to Sudbury. I hope next summer to do a cruise on the three lakes in the Muskokas. Hope you enjoy her take care Jason

[RacnJasn]

Thanks Wazzy, PM me when you launch. My cousin owns Muskoka Lakes Marine (Donzi dealer) at the top end of Rosseau. Possible start point for you. PM me when you firm up plans, I know some reasonably priced places to stay on the lakes. Pics of 22?

[Just Say N20]

Mild Hi-Jack.

More viewable.

[RacnJasn]

looked at the WRX, then went a different direction..

Looks like turn 18 at Calabogie. :yes: tape up ure plates! Insurance companies take pics too.

Manotick... nice! Good temporary sacrifice of the Donzi. A fancy guy from Manotick should be riding a white stallion like this:
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55987

[Sweet Cheekz]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thats funny Axel but I still had a few passing me. Never own the most expensive home on the block and never be the fastest car on the road.
Parnell

[zelatore]

Very nice looking boat you've got there.

But the thing that most got my attention was (also) the Jeep. Seriously - you towed all that way with a Wrangler??? I find the 2-door Wrangler so slow as to be almost unbearable on the highway - add the weight of the 4-door + a trailer and .... could you even make the speed limit going up hill? What sort of speeds were you towing at?

Not messing with you - I actually want to get a wrangler but can't justify it as a 3rd car unless I can ditch my truck and use it to pull my 22. I've pretty much considered that impossible unless I did a Hemi swap and went with a 4-door for the long wheel base (which will hurt it's off-road performance but be mandatory for towing anything more than a jet ski).


I'd love to hear more about how it did for you.

[RacnJasn]

Z,

It's my wife's truck and she loves it. It's an 2007 or 8 not sure. the 3.8l v6 is no rocket but the 6 speed is very good. I was travelling on major roads and highways and not challenged by back road steep twisties. I maintained 65 comfortably and 70 when the highways widened. Like i said I was in a hurry. For a daily driver it's quite good. The turning radius is very good for parking. Better than the Pathfinder was and is maybe better than my WRX. It is the Unlimited Sahara so its got pwr windows, locks, great stereo for OEM and a heater that will keep the front passengers warm in October. Back seat sucks for long periods. very vertical posture and no recline feature. I pulled my boat home on a very nice double axle trailer with surge brakes which helped. A dump truck got cut off in front of me by a little car and he over corrected. Truck rotated and back wheels broke free.) binders on he slowed down quickly and I had to hit my brakes and gear down. assend got light but trailer brakes kicked in and kept the boat from passing me. If that boat is going to pass people I intend to be in it at the time thanks. I love the fact the doors come off. Running errands is fast, hop in hop out. I leave the back doors on to keep stuff and dog from flying out. I took the windows out of the back but left the roof up to block the sun. I mean I was having fun! I have an old 95 GMC 1500 with a 350 long box for my side business and it's a pain climbing in and out. I've used the Jeep a few times and it's great. Fold seats down and I can get alot of tool boxes and tools in the back with access from the back or rear doors. I don't off road (yet) so we couldn't justify the Rubicon. I would like to but have no time. I'm trying to get my wife into it. I think we'd like it. Really big following those Jeep dudes. Always a wave except by the hrdass guys who feel a Jeep shouldn't have 4 doors... Meh whatever. My barrel back drives from the stbd side, has a windshield and I love it. To each their own. Time will tell if it holds up. Lastly... they're cool, chicks dig em and they're fun to drive.

[Robbie O]

Post some video, will ya?????:canada:

[Donzi Vol]

Cool boat...love the classics. Glad it's gone to someone who will obviously take care of and enjoy it. Have fun!

[RacnJasn]

No Subaru's here, looked at the WRX, then went a different direction..

Really like Mustangs but wanted something for the winter too.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4973846304_03ba6265f8.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4973215881_84ba3d0063.jpg

Mods:
vf30 20 lbs.boost
Cobb TBE
Tonik tuned
RCE Springs
Koni Struts
Grp N tophats
Quickrack Steering
Rallitek Sway bars
17x9 Rota summer
15x7 Team Dynamic winter
Kartboy short shifter
Kenwood DVD with Garmin NAVI , Sirus. blue tooth
Alpine 4.100 amps / Quarts spkrs sub
Beltronics STI RD
window tint and lip add 5 hp

[A2VeeDub]

Very nice looking boat you've got there.

But the thing that most got my attention was (also) the Jeep. Seriously - you towed all that way with a Wrangler??? I find the 2-door Wrangler so slow as to be almost unbearable on the highway - add the weight of the 4-door + a trailer and .... could you even make the speed limit going up hill? What sort of speeds were you towing at?

Not messing with you - I actually want to get a wrangler but can't justify it as a 3rd car unless I can ditch my truck and use it to pull my 22. I've pretty much considered that impossible unless I did a Hemi swap and went with a 4-door for the long wheel base (which will hurt it's off-road performance but be mandatory for towing anything more than a jet ski).


I'd love to hear more about how it did for you.

What year Wrangler? The older 4.0 I6 was pretty powerful. I think they stopped it around 2005 for the V6. I haven't been in one for quite a while, but my buddies old 99 2 door Sahara wasn't slow by any means. Although I never was in it towing at highway speeds. The lack of aerodynamics may come in to play a little.

[Robbie O]

Went for the final ride of the season with Jason yesterday!
Man, is his boat ever sweet!
One more photo before winter...........

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n307/RobbieO_2006/IMG_0229.jpg