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Donziweasel
02-13-2011, 01:38 PM
I am selling my 1979 Donzi Criterion.
HISTORY-
The Criterion is the predecessor of the 22, although production overlapped for several years. It is a rare Donzi with less than 15 or so known to exist in three configurations, the Criterion, Criterion SS and Criterion II (no Critter II’s are known to exist). Here is what I know about the history of my Criterion. I know nothing of it until 2000. A gentleman from New York had a place on Lake Tahoe and wanted a boat for his two sons that live there, plus one for him to use when he visited. He purchased mine in the spring of 2000 and began a 2 year restoration on it at this time. He even consulted Randy (Big Grizz) on the resto. He painted the entire boat with it’s current white/navy blue colors. He then installed a new 6.2L fuel injected SBC. Accompanying this was a new Bravo drive. He put a new interior (white with blue piping), new gauges (Faria with blue bezels), and put a reinforcing bulkhead under the rear seats. He then sent it to Lake Tahoe when completed in 2002.

Between 2002 and 2008, his sons put less than 20 hours on the boat. He became frustrated that the boat was not being used. I spoke to one of his sons who is a Mercruiser mechanic on Lake Tahoe about it. He said he and his brother were terrified of using it because if the put a scratch on it, their father would kill them. The father decided to sell it. I purchased it during the winter of 2008-2009. I wanted to replace the SBC with BBC to return the Critter to it’s BBC roots. I purchased a Mercruiser 540 Bulldog complete with CMI’s. I pulled the engine in the spring and found rotted stringers and transom. I began replacing all this when three weeks later, the twins were born. She had to go on the back burner until this past spring.

This past spring, I finally completed all the stringer and transom work. I replaced the stringers and part of the transom with Coosa board. I added two more gussets for strength. All this was covered in several layers 24 ounce bias stichmat and vinylester. Finally 2-3 coats of Bildge Kote completed the bildge.

I then installed the 540 and had a whole three days to run her (welcome to the world of twins) this summer. All I had was a 21 pitch Bravo to test with. She ran law 70’s at 5800 feet in altitude with the 21 pitch at 5200 rpms (she had plenty left). Cliff sent me a 24 pitch that I never got to use. I believe this is a low 80’s boat at sea level.
The Mercruiser 540 Bulldog is a tall deck (10.2) BBC produced by Mercruiser from 1993-1997 from what I have found. It was WAY over built as the main purchaser was the US Military. It is one of the strongest BBC’s ever made. It can be bored plenty, but it is about maxed on stroke. Whipple makes a SC specifically for this boat. I put a new DART manifold on it and 850 CFm Holley Carb. The previous owner said mine had had some head work and was around 600 hp, but I have no idea as I have never Dynoed it.

So, to recap, it is a 1979 Criterion with a new Bravo (less than 20 hours) and I believe mine is the only Bravo Critter out there. New gauges, interior, paint, 540 Bulldog, Bennett tabs, cockpit cover and full boat cover. Looks fantastic and runs like a scalded cat.

The Critter comes on a 1998 dual axle Continental trailer with electric brakes. Trailer is in decent condition.
I am asking 25,000 OBO. I can store the boat for the winter if you would like and delivery it to AOTH this spring for no charge.

A few members have seen the Critter, such as Hedghog, Last Real Texan and Zelatore.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/1808896_3.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/IMGP2486.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/IMGP2488.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/IMGP2489.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/IMGP2494.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/IMGP2938.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/Donzitwins.jpg

Video of her running on the hose-
http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/?action=view&current=Donzi2.mp4

Donziweasel
03-06-2011, 08:29 AM
Price reduced- $20,000.00

Ed Donnelly
03-06-2011, 08:53 AM
For that price I would just keep it

I bet you have double that invested....................Ed

Greg Guimond
03-06-2011, 12:35 PM
x2.........unlike 99% of the vessels out there, these may actually appreciate in value.

silverghost
03-06-2011, 12:48 PM
What a Fantastic & very Rare boat at a Super-low price !

You might never find another ~~~

If it were mine I would keep it and wait until your twins got just a bit bigger !

Best of Luck !

Conquistador_del_mar
03-06-2011, 01:12 PM
What a bargain price - :yes: I will be telling a friend of mine about it. It shouldn't last long. Good luck! Any plans on a future boat or are you going to remain landlocked for a while?

yeller
03-06-2011, 01:46 PM
I'm with others on this one. Not worth selling at that price. Pickle the engine and store it for a few years. It's not like you're lacking in space. :)

Donziweasel
03-06-2011, 02:30 PM
For that price I would just keep it

I bet you have double that invested....................Ed

Ed, you find one cheaper than that in the condition mine is in, I will by it myself!!! :)

I have over 30,000.00 in it.


Any plans on a future boat or are you going to remain landlocked for a while?

Nah, will never be landlocked!!! :) Boo Boo wants a Cuddy. Don't worry, Donzi makes Cuddies. :)

I know it is way below what she is worth, but I kinda need the scratch right now. Starting a 5th business and need some startup $$$$.

Anyway, I hope she goes to a good home and whoever ends up with her realizes how rare and unique she is. :)

Donziweasel
03-21-2011, 06:12 PM
Potentially sold....... :)

DAULEY
03-23-2011, 09:02 AM
congrates

Sweet little 16
03-31-2011, 06:23 AM
updates