Lets get some opinions.

[ralph crocker]

As the premier Donzi group what boat would you prefer. Equal powerplant/stern drive/overall condition. A1977 x18 or a 1987 classic 18. This will ultimately be a bit of a speed freak 80MPH plus. The x18 is obviously quite different in hull style. Remember equal mechanicals. Thanks in advance for any input. I believe Mighty Mouse is an x18.

[Just Say N20]

The X18 and 18 Classic have the same hull. They only differ with respect to the decks, so it is really a matter of personal preference.

[jstrahn]

I'd say the X18 because I like the look of them and they seem to be a bit more uncommon.

However, you are obviously choosing between two particular boats so it would depend on the condition of both. All things equal, though, I go with the X18.

Why stop at 80MPH? Go for 100+ Do I hear Mighty Mouse 2?

Oh god, did I just open another can of worms? :)

[maddad]

I like the way all the 18's look, but to me there's something perfect about the look of the 2+3 classics.
http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=61632&stc=1&d=1298081316

[Sweet little 16]

both are great boats but the X will give you more of a in the boat secure feeling with the different front and back seats plus the raised foredeck from a 2+3. that with somewhat limited production gives the X an edge to me.

[fogducker III]

I like the way all the 18's look, but to me there's something perfect about the look of the 2+3 classics.
http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=61632&stc=1&d=1298081316

I think you might need another dock line on that boat......:eek::wink::)

[maddad]

I think you might need another dock line on that boat......:eek::wink::)
I may look like a chinese fire drill, but the blue ones stay on the boat, and the rest hold the bronze clips and deal with the 4+ foot tide changes twice a day and the 4kt currents that come with it. Tieing up an 18'er in Long Island's Fire Island inlet is not for the faint of heart.

[mrfixxall]

Definitely the X18..............

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2172/232/93/1219912816/n1219912816_324872_9030.jpg

[Just Say N20]

I have owned both, and I would go for the X18. As previously mentioned, the seats in the X18 are better. The front seats have much higher backs, and are more secure feeling.

And the X18 is a limited production compared to the 2+3, so it would have a little better "wow" factor.

[Phil S]

Just be careful mentioning "Mighty-Mouse",.....sacred territory, as there is only a certain "cheese" that can draw her out.....beware should you elect to do so. :shocking::shocking:

[Phil S]

She might just grow up up to become this ???:wink::shocking::cool:

[maddad]

The X-18's have already shown they can fly.
http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=61644&stc=1&d=1298092989

[osur866]

I'm partical to the ones with windshields. Steve

[Greg Guimond]

If you consider which boat is more unique, plus which will make you feel a bit more secure at 80, I would vote X18. Plus, that sucker just looks fast and :cool:

[ralph crocker]

Thanks keep the input coming but clear concensus is the x18 soooo assuming the hull I have is solid I will proceed with building it dumping way way more money in it than makes any sense at all but oh well. Looking for used stuff to help the pain. Bravo transom assembly/dual ram steering/kplanes any brand. So if anybody has any of that please let me know. PS I know the Alpha is faster and less costly but not as strong. Do not want to head out for a fun sunny day and break a drive.

[Just Say N20]

Osur866, that is a great picture.

I cleaned it up just a little for a "cleaner" look. Not my best work, but still easier to look at.

[LKSD]

The x18 would be my first choice too...

A couple reasons.. The main reason is obviously a little more unique.

Granted any 18 with some of the things you want to do would be a little unique, but doing it to an x18 that needs a little love would be even more unique..

Besides a little birdie told me you might know where there is an x18 that needs some love.. :D


PS, Ralph I got your message from Kristin yesterday.. I will give you a shout over the weekend.. :)

:) Jamie / Lakeside

[Carl C]

Osur866, that is a great picture.

I cleaned it up just a little for a "cleaner" look. Not my best work, but still easier to look at.

Neat trick :).

Oh, I like them all.....

[Greg Guimond]

The nice thing about this type of boating is how consistent it is. You will consistently loose 50 cents on every dollar you spend.....no matter what. :lookaroun: That said, I think that type of depreciation would be better spent on the X18. You just can't put a cost on 80mph bench racing :yes:

Great shot N2O......nice clean-up

[Bobby D]

Maddad,
That’s an awesome picture of your boat looking down from the dock. Your interior looks very nice as well is it original or did you have it redone?
Bob

[Marlin275]

X marks the spot to start your Donzi addiction.
The front deck helps keep the boat in the water above 65mph. :wink:

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30875&d=1186453944

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54943&d=1271020862

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30240&d=1184195133

[maddad]

Maddad,
That’s an awesome picture of your boat looking down from the dock. Your interior looks very nice as well is it original or did you have it redone?
Bob
Thanks BobbyD, when I got my boat the interior was wrecked from years of sitting outside exposed to the sun/rain. A local guy used what was left of it and some pictures I got from here to do the new one. I still need to get some side rails back on, but I'm not really in any rush.
Mike

[Greg Guimond]

I'm looking at all the great photos on this thread and wondering if the width of the deck stripe on the 18 Classic and X18 are both wider then the 16's. At least they "look" wide in the photos.

[Marlin275]

I'm looking at all the great photos on this thread and wondering if the width of the deck stripe on the 18 Classic and X18 are both wider then the 16's. At least they "look" wide in the photos.

My stripe is 12.5" wide, paint
came that way when I bought it in 2001



http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=57804&d=1281232250