PDA

View Full Version : what size classic?



boogie
10-06-2010, 08:58 AM
I want a Donzi classic and keep going back and forth on the size. Im a big guy 275 lbs and want the boat to take my 2 girls and the wife out. My kids are 8 and 13 and the 13 year old wants to do some tubing. What is the best size to have and why? I found a 16' but worry that its too small. Thanks for the help!

donzi4life
10-06-2010, 09:13 AM
I want a Donzi classic and keep going back and forth on the size. Im a big guy 275 lbs and want the boat to take my 2 girls and the wife out. My kids are 8 and 13 and the 13 year old wants to do some tubing. What is the best size to have and why? I found a 16' but worry that its too small. Thanks for the help!

The 18 is the way to go or the 22. the 16 is a fun boat but the 2 extra feet of the 18 is a whole world of a difference, I think the 18 rides better and more stable, plus you will see some crazy motor sizes in the 18.
.

boogie
10-06-2010, 09:38 AM
Ok thanks I think ill keep looking for a 22

oledawg
10-06-2010, 09:38 AM
boogie > I am about your size and for sure wouldn't recommend anything smaller than an 18C. I have a 22C and when more than 2 folks are in it, it is FULL.....none of these are exactly spacious, that is why I have a Correctcraft also for skiing, tubing, etc. The Donzi is for cruising/running....IMHO :wink:

Marlin275
10-06-2010, 09:40 AM
The 18 is the best all around performance Donzi in the Classic series
as voted on this site.

More room in the engine compartment,
18 rides better and handles better.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=45091

oledawg
10-06-2010, 09:47 AM
I think that there are probably more 18C's out there....not sure why it would handle better.....more length is usually a good thing for ride quality and performance, all things being equal :wink:

Marlin275
10-06-2010, 09:55 AM
not sure why it would handle better

I read that the 16 "gets squirrely" at high speeds.
The 18 has been tested stable to 120+ mph.

"My understanding is that much above 60, the tendency of the boat is to chine walk, and that upper 60's and into the 70's, it becomes just squirrely in general. My understanding is that the 16 has excessive bow lift, and of course the hook."

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55546&highlight=squirrely

oledawg
10-06-2010, 10:27 AM
Oh, I absolutely agree that the 18 is going to be more stable than the 16, and also would think that the 22 is going to be more stable at speed than either one.....again IMHO since I have never been above 70 gps in ANYTHING :wink:

86fxst
10-06-2010, 11:31 AM
I weigh in at a svelte 300lbs.:pizza: Had a 16 for a time but now have an 18 - much easier to live with!

Kirbyvv
10-06-2010, 11:54 AM
None of the classics are great tubing boats. Getting in and out on. the water can be tough

Marlin275
10-06-2010, 12:05 PM
None of the classics are great tubing boats. Getting in and out on. the water can be tough

I put the Dol-phins on my outdrive to keep the feet off the prop
takes some getting used to it.

But tubing is easy
just pull the tube up next to the Classic and get in
no water/outdrive to deal with. . .

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6480&d=1096126459

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=59128&d=1286384742

boogie
10-06-2010, 01:55 PM
Im not worried about getting my kids back in the boat they are like there mom thin I can grab them by the life jacket and pick them up into the boat LOL

Tidbart
10-06-2010, 02:26 PM
Go out find an 18 and a 22 and sit in them. Once you get taller than 6', the leg room starts disappearing, in the 18. All around, there is much more room in a 22 than an 18, and higher freeboard.

Also a consideration, what kind of waters will you be cruising around in? That extra 4 feet of boat makes for lot smoother ride in lot of different situations.

Bob

gcarter
10-06-2010, 03:39 PM
Then there's the 20' Minx.
Same interior space as a 22, lots more freeboard, seats sit higher, dryer, harder to get into.
But get a good one.

boogie
10-06-2010, 03:46 PM
Thanks!! I found a cool 16 2+3 but I guess I need something a little bigger Im going to find a 22c that I like Thanks for all the help!! Ill have a Donzi one day :)

Greg Guimond
10-06-2010, 07:41 PM
I would vote Minx as well given your situation. Also fewer Minx's out there when resale time comes around...........which will pretty quickly. There are Minx's for sale now in Seattle, Miami, and Albany.

Carl C
10-06-2010, 07:55 PM
I like the 18s and it amazes me what they can do but I like my 22 better. It is just more boat and it has opened up Great Lakes boating for me. You being a big guy with a big family I'd recommend the 22. Good luck finding stowage space for all the gear though, unless you do some mods... ;) You will need a fair amount of horsepower too.

oledawg
10-06-2010, 08:12 PM
Hah, my throw ring and a couple of life jackets is all that I can store in my 22C.....saying there isn't much storage space is an understatement......just isn't any :wink:

boogie
10-06-2010, 08:57 PM
Last time I got a boat I set out to get a Donzi 18c and instead I got a seado. This time im getting a Donzi then I will see what I can bring with me LOL

boogie
10-06-2010, 09:14 PM
This has to be the coolest looking 16 out there!!http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-Donzi-16-Classic-97096682

Marlin275
10-06-2010, 09:26 PM
Great Looking Donzi
Dolphin Orange?

flying tomato
10-06-2010, 10:00 PM
I own a Hornet III, 21 ft, but MUCH more room inside than a 22c. This boat is the ultimate family boat that will haul ***. It's about 1.5 ft wider than the 22c, and deeper.

oledawg
10-07-2010, 05:41 AM
Now that is a good thought.....all of the Classics are very narrow.....Hornets are great boats.....if you can find one :wink:

Actually I think that I remember a pristine one being for sale recently in Hickory, NC.....will see if I can find the link

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=63228

Carl C
10-07-2010, 08:04 AM
Hah, my throw ring and a couple of life jackets is all that I can store in my 22C.....saying there isn't much storage space is an understatement......just isn't any :wink:

Not to beat a dead horse but this is the best thing I did to my boat; Well second maybe to the 525 EFI: http://www.donzi.net/forums/showpost.php?p=377339&postcount=86

boogie
10-07-2010, 08:12 AM
Carl that's one bad a$$ Donzi you have there!!