Donzi Noob...

[300EVIL]

Hey Everyone!
My name is Adam and I just wanted to introduce myself. I live in Lake Geneva, WI. and recently,, well, Very recently acquired a Donzi. You see, my aunt and uncle came over for dinner this evening and handed me the title to a beautiful 68 Donzi X18. :cool!:

I've never personally owned a boat but I know a little about them because my parents had a boat when I was a kid and I quickly learned the maintenance, rules, laws and other procedures in boat ownership.

I may be a newb but I'm not stupid. I know boats are money pits, I have other money pit hobbies. I am also technically inclined and do know how to tear down an engine or tranny and rebuild it.

To be honest though, I think I know $H!T about boats and wanted to see if anyone here would be willing to offer me some opinions and assistance on making this thing lakeworthy.... Well, the last time it was out on the water was like 2 years ago, all freshwater service. It ran great but my uncle says there is a small leak in the aluminum gas tank. I definitely want to get this fixed to start. Also, I want to know about things that should be checked or maintained before I take it out.

I basically know my way around a Ford V8 and plan on doing a full tune-up and inspection but I'm sure there is other stuff I should be inspecting as well, this is where I could really use some help.

Anyway, thanks for reading my first post! This looks like a good forum and I'm hoping to find some new friends that can teach me a thing or two about boat ownership.
Thanks!
Adam

[gcarter]

If the leak isn't in any of the fittings on the top of the tank (and it may be), then the deck will have to be pulled and the tank changed.
It's not as bad as it sounds. It's been done 100's of times, and a few times by myself.
Think if it as a good initiation process.

Here's a couple of threads;
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36703
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=50476
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49388

I hope it's in the plumbing!:yes:

[Sweet little 16]

welcome and congrats on the boat.

the fuel system in a 68 is going to need attention alot of it.

post some pics of your 18 if it is a 68 it is not an X18 but it still is a very cool boat.

research fuel tank threads here alot of members have completed that task.

things to remember a 68 would most likely have a steel tank, the fuel lines and gaskets aren't going to like the new fuels.

good luck

[Just Say N20]

Welcome. Ditto on the 1968/X18. The X18 had a different deck, and I don't believe it was made in 1968.

Here is another recent thread about a tank replacement in an X18. It initially sounds like an overwhelming task (at least it did to me before I took the deck of my 1967), but isn't that bad.

Also like Sweet little 16 mentioned, you should replace all the fuel line hoses. If you run today's gas that has Ethanol in it, it will be a mess. Ethanol is a much stronger solvent than gas, and it will first loosen up all the crap on the inside of everything, and then will start eating away at the old school fuel hoses.

Please post some pictures.

Nice relatives too. :)

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=61917&highlight=tank

[Greg Guimond]

That's a cool story, welcome Adam. Many folks can and will help you out :)

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

Adam , welcome to the board ,and you will find there is a wealth of knowledge here, and always someone who is willing to help answer any or all of your questions .

[LKSD]

Welcome & I'm here if you need me as well.. 18's are cool :) Jamie / Lakeside

[300EVIL]

Hey Guys!
Thanks for the warm welcome to the forum. :shades: Yes, after doing a little research it appears production of the X-18 did not start until 1973. Maybe what it really is, is a 2+3? I'm guessing this refers to the seating arrangement? :confused:

The reason I thought it was an X-18 was the paperwork. Every document I have says "Donzi Marine X-18" Anyway, pics would probably help get to the bottom of this. I'll be sure to post some soon. I gotta drive out there and give the boat a good walkthrough.

In the mean time. Maybe this info could help...

Hull ID Number: LR8RM21191
Engine Serial: R8HM-2119-1-RW
Another engine number???: CPM-200-2V 86 HM-MB1

Supposedly the engine is built by Holman & Moody which I believe are a racing engine tuner. I talked with my uncle and he says the gas tank is definitely aluminum and that it's leaking at the top of the tank, near the fittings. Fortunately, the leak is not terrible according to him.

Thanks for all the links! I would like to completely restore the boat like this eventually. However, I would like to see if I could go a season with it first before tearing it all down. We shall see.

Thanks Again!
Adam

[Sweet little 16]

Hey Guys!
Thanks for the warm welcome to the forum. :shades: Yes, after doing a little research it appears production of the X-18 did not start until 1973. Maybe what it really is, is a 2+3? I'm guessing this refers to the seating arrangement? :confused:

The reason I thought it was an X-18 was the paperwork. Every document I have says "Donzi Marine X-18" Anyway, pics would probably help get to the bottom of this. I'll be sure to post some soon. I gotta drive out there and give the boat a good walkthrough.

In the mean time. Maybe this info could help...

Hull ID Number: LR8RM21191
Engine Serial: R8HM-2119-1-RW
Another engine number???: CPM-200-2V 86 HM-MB1

Supposedly the engine is built by Holman & Woody which I believe are a racing engine tuner. I talked with my uncle and he says the gas tank is definitely aluminum and that it's leaking at the top of the tank, near the fittings. Fortunately, the leak is not terrible according to him.

Thanks for all the links! I would like to completely restore the boat like this eventually. However, I would like to see if I could go a season with it first before tearing it all down. We shall see.

Thanks Again!
Adam


some things I noticed that might help.

Hull number looks like a combination of a State DMV number and the engine serial number.

The engine serial number should not be R8 it should be B8. For a 1968 holman moody 289 ci 200 hp 2 bbl carb standard rotation raw water cooled should also be an I/O or a Z at the end.

some other info that might help the X18 was started in 72 the 289 was history in 72 . Holman Moody was not as prominent as a power option in 72 when small block chevy power was available from chris craft.

The X18 may have come off the trailer, rocket trailers sold by donzi were marked with a X and the length of the trailer (X17) for the 17 footer X18 for the footer .

the holman moody info should be on a silver plate on the bell housing

[300EVIL]

some things I noticed that might help.

Hull number looks like a combination of a State DMV number and the engine serial number.

The engine serial number should not be R8 it should be B8. For a 1968 holman moody 289 ci 200 hp 2 bbl carb standard rotation raw water cooled should also be an I/O or a Z at the end.

some other info that might help the X18 was started in 72 the 289 was history in 72 . Holman Moody was not as prominent as a power option in 72 when small block chevy power was available from chris craft.

The X18 may have come off the trailer, rocket trailers sold by donzi were marked with a X and the length of the trailer (X17) for the 17 footer X18 for the footer .

the holman moody info should be on a silver plate on the bell housing

Ah yes, That all seems to make sense. Thanks for all the great information. Unfortunately my aunt and uncle have already left their weekend home for the week but I will take lots of pictures next weekend when they return. This will also give me time to clear out space in the garage and get a towing hitch installed on my ML55. Also, it is an inboard/outboard so, yes the part number does end in I/O.

Thanks Again!
Adam

P.S. Anyone here have any experience with Megasquirt EFI on a Donzi? I built a unit a few years ago for a project and am thinking it would be fun to convert this boat over to EFI. Eventually... :shades:

[Bobby D]

“Fortunately, the leak is not terrible according to him”

Adam,
No such thing on a boat, not to be taken lightly and needs to be fixed.
On a boat bad things happen when gas and fumes are in the bilge.

Nice uncle and nice present by the way.

[zelatore]

P.S. Anyone here have any experience with Megasquirt EFI on a Donzi? I built a unit a few years ago for a project and am thinking it would be fun to convert this boat over to EFI. Eventually... :shades:

I havne't messed with DIY EFI stuff in years (and even then not much), but doesn't megasquirt require an O2 sensor?

[Tidbart]

I havne't messed with DIY EFI stuff in years (and even then not much), but doesn't megasquirt require an O2 sensor?

May be just the opposite. Can't be used on pollution controlled vehicles per their site.

http://www.megamanual.com/v22manual/mintro.htm

[mrfixxall]

With the boat being a fresh water boat the tank is probably OK,,mine was!

mine was leaking from the fuel sender and the fill and vent hoses were dry rotted which i replaced and now no leak..

[Sweet little 16]

the ford 289 volvo combo has to be the most simple, reliable,stout,turnkey combo on the planet. It's only downside would be it might not be the fastest combo out there compared to the new stuff. I would not try modernize it. get it running the way it is and see what it needs ,then make a plan .

[Buddyc]

Welcome to the site, There is alot of real great people on her and always willing to help. Everyone I have met so far has been great to me and more than willing to lend a hand in anyway possible... your in good hands:)

[300EVIL]

“Fortunately, the leak is not terrible according to him”

Adam,
No such thing on a boat, not to be taken lightly and needs to be fixed.
On a boat bad things happen when gas and fumes are in the bilge.

Nice uncle and nice present by the way.

Agreed, any leak for me would be considered an issue and I will fix it.


I havne't messed with DIY EFI stuff in years (and even then not much), but doesn't megasquirt require an O2 sensor?

While having the additional input of an O2 sensor is nice, it's not needed. Barometric, mass air pressure, throttle position, rpm and block temp is enough for EFI.


May be just the opposite. Can't be used on pollution controlled vehicles per their site.

http://www.megamanual.com/v22manual/mintro.htm

There's a fine line there... While it's not necessarily "approved" it's done every day. There are thousands of cars out there running programmable EFI and most of them have better emissions standards that what they replaced.


With the boat being a fresh water boat the tank is probably OK,,mine was!

mine was leaking from the fuel sender and the fill and vent hoses were dry rotted which i replaced and now no leak..

From the info my uncle provided me, It definitely sounds like the problem is at the top of the tank. Further inspection will be done immediately on this.


the ford 289 volvo combo has to be the most simple, reliable,stout,turnkey combo on the planet. It's only downside would be it might not be the fastest combo out there compared to the new stuff. I would not try modernize it. get it running the way it is and see what it needs ,then make a plan .

That's sound advice! :shades: See, I'm a tinkerer and get crazy with ideas when I get a new toy. I will accept the boat for what it is for now and just fix and maintain things for the season and have fun with it. Though, I am liable to get crazy over a year or so and drop in a 400SBC with a supercharger. :bonk: How much power can this hull take? :shades:

[Sweet little 16]

That's sound advice! :shades: See, I'm a tinkerer and get crazy with ideas when I get a new toy. I will accept the boat for what it is for now and just fix and maintain things for the season and have fun with it. Though, I am liable to get crazy over a year or so and drop in a 400SBC with a supercharger. :bonk: How much power can this hull take? :shades:
drop 1000 hp in her and ride that 43 year old fiberglass like she never been riden before!!!!!!!! the boat can take it just make sure you have your industrial strength underware on. :p just kidding the boat will not take 1000hp with out extreme modifications and engineering feats of magic.
walk before you run or at least tie your shoe laces before you run.



spend some time searching members who have 18's
You'll find the 18 has been taken to it's highest performance with both the old volvo and the new merc and arneson. The info is here to make your 18 perform well either in the old volvo form or totally modernize her.



search

geoo, mighty mouse, cdma, brian73,mrfixxall, and not sure of the members name but it had a factory big block in an 18 think the boat was called genuine trouble??



that would be a great cross-section of the power options and 18 hulls from barrelbacks to round bottoms new boats to old boats. drives from volvo to , e drive, merc to arneson. That will give you all the possible ways to tinker.


hope that helps

[300EVIL]

search

geoo, mighty mouse,


UH,,, YES! :hyper:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jKhIXJ0fME&feature=player_embedded

This video is what I'd like to eventually achieve... though, I'm probobly a few $10K short and a lot of time. :frown:

Great news though. I'm glad to see I have a hull capable of such great things. I have driven SuperComp dragster so my expectations for speed are pretty high. Again, excellent info, Just what I wanted to know.
Adam

[Sweet little 16]

UH,,, YES! :hyper:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jKhIXJ0fME&feature=player_embedded

This video is what I'd like to eventually achieve... though, I'm probobly a few $10K short and a lot of time. :frown:

Great news though. I'm glad to see I have a hull capable of such great things. I have driven SuperComp dragster so my expectations for speed are pretty high. Again, excellent info, Just what I wanted to know.
Adam


Just realize what you see there in that video is the result of years of testing and enginnering. It was not drop the HP in and go . Mighty Mouse started it's life as a volvo small block boat . It's owner steadily grew it to those speeds with increases for stability and safety hand in hand.. Mighty mouse is engineered and rigged like no other donzi. If that's what you want I suggest you start your homework now. Another thing to remember unlike a dragstrip where the potholes are always in the same spot, on the water the potholes have a mind of their own.

One thing about the sensation of speed, the 16 and 18 being open and so close to the water . 50 mph feels much faster than 50.

[HIGH LIFE]

300EVIL, I also ran a dragster @ 175 MPH - slowed down to 80 MPH on the water. It's deffinently faster on the water, taking off a 5' wave and flying-- much more FUN !!! Good luck with your DONZI. "HIGH LIFE"

[300EVIL]

Just realize what you see there in that video is the result of years of testing and enginnering. It was not drop the HP in and go . Mighty Mouse started it's life as a volvo small block boat . It's owner steadily grew it to those speeds with increases for stability and safety hand in hand.. Mighty mouse is engineered and rigged like no other donzi. If that's what you want I suggest you start your homework now. Another thing to remember unlike a dragstrip where the potholes are always in the same spot, on the water the potholes have a mind of their own.

One thing about the sensation of speed, the 16 and 18 being open and so close to the water . 50 mph feels much faster than 50.


300EVIL, I also ran a dragster @ 175 MPH - slowed down to 80 MPH on the water. It's deffinently faster on the water, taking off a 5' wave and flying-- much more FUN !!! Good luck with your DONZI. "HIGH LIFE"


Thanks again guys, Oh no, don't take me wrong. I've been on this Donzi many times and there is no question, it is fast, even at only 50mph. :shades:

Again, I just enjoy tinkering. And yes, I do understand modifications like the boat above are not "Plug and Play" and that there is no "Kit". I'm sure lots of time, modifications, math and physics went into the build... That and Money!

BTW, I'm no stranger to custom built stuff...

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/SAM_1106.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/SAM_0362.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/SAM_0306.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/P7146778.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/650nm%201Watt%20Quad%20Laser/SAM_0966.jpg


Check out my videos... http://www.youtube.com/user/hightechstuff2

[Just Say N20]

I guess you are no stranger to custom electronic stuff.

[300EVIL]

I guess you are no stranger to custom electronic stuff.

Or engines, I've designed custom pistons, rods and valves as well. I'm the tinker king. :kingme:

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/piston3.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/piston1.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/valve1.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/valve2.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/valve3.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/P7217768.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/P7297920.jpg

[Just Say N20]

So, have you given any consideration to making some replacement gears & shafts for the Volvo e-drive?

They are a great drive but once they gears go, they are pretty much junk because there is no replacement source.

Looks like something that could be right up your ally if you can design pistons and valves.

I suggest this knowing that if you decided to do so, I probably just removed any chance of ever getting a drive.

If you could find one with a good set of gears that could be used as a pattern. . . .

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=64639

[300EVIL]

So, have you given any consideration to making some replacement gears & shafts for the Volvo e-drive?

They are a great drive but once they gears go, they are pretty much junk because there is no replacement source.

Looks like something that could be right up your ally if you can design pistons and valves.

I suggest this knowing that if you decided to do so, I probably just removed any chance of ever getting a drive.

If you could find one with a good set of gears that could be used as a pattern. . . .

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=64639

Heh... I don't even know what an E-drive is but I'm guessing it's the gearing in the propeller thingy that makes the boat go backwards. :P

Yeah, gears are not exactly easy but can be reproduced. The key here is having a decent number for the manufacturer. What we do on other forums is start a "Group Buy" Based on quantity and pricing, we work out a deal with a manufacturer. When we get 10, 20 or sometimes 100 units sold, we can then place the order. I'd have to see what the whole gear set looks like but with the right number of people interested, I'm sure it could be done without too big of a price tag.


If this is all we're talking about, shouldn't be too expensive if you have enough interested parties.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62322&d=1300392209

[300EVIL]

PICS! :shades:

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0184.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0186.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0185.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0179.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0163.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0158.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0164.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0147.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0169.jpg

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0172.jpg

[Just Say N20]

Wow!

That is one humongous engine hatch. I've never seen such an open engine bay to work in.

Should be a lot of fun.

And, that has to be the biggest fuel tank I have seen in an 18. Mine held right around 20 gallons.

[jl1962]

You sure that's an 18?

Looks like it has some hook.

[Just Say N20]

You sure that's an 18?

Looks like it has some hook.

I have never seen a Donzi without a tub for the cockpit. :confused:

And the picture showing the tank is different because there is a bulkhead where the middle of the cockpit floor storage should be.

And to expose the front part of the tank, you would have to remove the foot rest/center ski storage part of the floor. First, I don't know that you could remove that part without lifting the deck off, or cutting it up. And, once it was out, you would see the hull sides, not floor.

This would also be the first Donzi I have seen that had vertical gussets in the engine compartment.

And a complete floor back there as well.

I thought the 18s had the battery in a well/box in the middle of the back seat. At least my '76 and '79 did.

No rear lift ring, or lift ring bracket. I can't see a lift ring on the bow, but the angle isn't very good for that.

[maddad]

Just say N20, it looks like someone changed the tank through the floor and customed it up to make putting it back together easier.

[Sweet little 16]

Vance

[300EVIL]

Wow!

That is one humongous engine hatch. I've never seen such an open engine bay to work in.

Should be a lot of fun.

And, that has to be the biggest fuel tank I have seen in an 18. Mine held right around 20 gallons.

How about it. I can sit down and work on it. Paradise? :cool:

So, it turns out It's a modified 289. Solid lifters, different cam, 4 barrel 600CFM carb and stiffer valve springs. So I'm told.

The tank is definitely aluminum. I don't know if it's big, but it sure is easy to remove! :) It's already loose from the foam too.

Definitely a lot of fun!


You sure that's an 18?

Looks like it has some hook.

Actually a little over 17.5 from bow to stern.

Hook? :confused:


I have never seen a Donzi without a tub for the cockpit. :confused:

And the picture showing the tank is different because there is a bulkhead where the middle of the cockpit floor storage should be.

And to expose the front part of the tank, you would have to remove the foot rest/center ski storage part of the floor. First, I don't know that you could remove that part without lifting the deck off, or cutting it up. And, once it was out, you would see the hull sides, not floor.

This would also be the first Donzi I have seen that had vertical gussets in the engine compartment.

And a complete floor back there as well.

I thought the 18s had the battery in a well/box in the middle of the back seat. At least my '76 and '79 did.

No rear lift ring, or lift ring bracket. I can't see a lift ring on the bow, but the angle isn't very good for that.

Yeah, there is a lift ring on the bow and I think there was one in the stern but was replaced with some crazy ski rope attachment.

I heard lots of stories about modifications and strengthening to the hull but I'm not sure exactly what was done to it based on my experience level. It does sound like most of the work was done to the floor, however.

Also, those "LINES" (for lack of a better word) that run along the bottom of the hull were added later.

[300EVIL]

Just say N20, it looks like someone changed the tank through the floor and customed it up to make putting it back together easier.

Could be.... If that's the case, I'm sure glad they made it easy for me to fix the fuel leak. :lookaroun:


Vance

Huh? :confused:

[Sweet little 16]

the boat looks more like a vance than a Donzi . The Vance fits the time frame and the unique dash and cockpit layout. the hand rail and others features that don't quite fit a 1968 17.5 foot 1968 Donzi. Do a search on Vance several threads will come up.

like this one.Still a neat boat from the late 60's

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=38721&highlight=vance

[jl1962]

"Hook" refers to the downward curve of the outer chine near the stern. The intent was that the hook would almost be like a trim tab and help this "ski" boat get on plane sooner.

The hook is present on the 16 but not on 18s.

Still a cool boat and I'm partial to the color!

[Just Say N20]

During the last 60s/early 70s it was somewhat common for one boat company to make a mold from another company's boat and then sell their own version.

Cobalt did this selling their own version of the 16 Ski-Sporter, the 18 2+3, and the Corsican. Vance is another company that did this, although I believe the Cobalts were more exact copies of the Donzi.

Posts #5 - 8 have pictures of a Cobalt GT-500, which is a copy of the Donzi Corsican.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=64370&highlight=cobalt


Post #1 has a picture of Cobalt's version of the Donzi Ski-Sporter 16.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31240&highlight=cobalt


Here is a site about the Cobalt VX-200, from the Donzi Ski-Sporter.

http://mycobalt.net/2009/05/30/ultra-hot-1969-cobalt-xv-200/

[300EVIL]

the boat looks more like a vance than a Donzi . The Vance fits the time frame and the unique dash and cockpit layout. the hand rail and others features that don't quite fit a 1968 17.5 foot 1968 Donzi. Do a search on Vance several threads will come up.

like this one.Still a neat boat from the late 60's

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=38721&highlight=vance

HA! This keeps getting better. So, it's not an X18 and now it's not a Donzi either. Now I'm wondering if it's even a boat? :biggrin.:

That seems silly that someone would slap a Donzi badge on a non Donzi boat. However, I've seen the Honda fanboys do it with their "Type R" and "V-TEC" badges. Hey, that gives me an idea. I'll slap one of those big coffee can mufflers on along with a big ass spoiler and dress like a douchebag! :kingme:

Seriously though,,,, Thanks for the info. Though, I don't see a striking resemblence to the picture you provided.


"Hook" refers to the downward curve of the outer chine near the stern. The intent was that the hook would almost be like a trim tab and help this "ski" boat get on plane sooner.

The hook is present on the 16 but not on 18s.

Still a cool boat and I'm partial to the color!

Ah, I gotcha. Thanks for the info. This boat is definitely not a 16. But it's not exactly an 18 either. Yes, I also like the color. :yes:


During the last 60s/early 70s it was somewhat common for one boat company to make a mold from another company's boat and then sell their own version.

Cobalt did this selling their own version of the 16 Ski-Sporter, the 18 2+3, and the Corsican. Vance is another company that did this, although I believe the Cobalts were more exact copies of the Donzi.

Posts #5 - 8 have pictures of a Cobalt GT-500, which is a copy of the Donzi Corsican.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=64370&highlight=cobalt


Post #1 has a picture of Cobalt's version of the Donzi Ski-Sporter 16.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31240&highlight=cobalt


Here is a site about the Cobalt VX-200, from the Donzi Ski-Sporter.

http://mycobalt.net/2009/05/30/ultra-hot-1969-cobalt-xv-200/

Very interesting... My boat is most likely a clone but I'm having a hard time seeing anything that looks similar to what I have. Oh well,, It's a boat, it's probably fast,, that's good atleast. Hey, I think I picked a name... "Not a Donzi" :kingme:

[gcarter]

HA! That seems silly that someone would slap a Donzi badge on a non Donzi boat. " :kingme:


Happens all the time......when it's time to sell.

Not as obvious as putting a Bowtie on a Ford, but most folks don't know the difference.

[300EVIL]

Happens all the time......when it's time to sell.



Hey,,, Anyone want to buy a "MINT" 68..... 68????? I mean 98! Donzi for $19K?

:kingme:

[300EVIL]

Okay, so I bought an MSD ignition system.... :bonk:Yeah, yeah... I know... The reason being, points have gone the way of vacuum tubes and I want a strong spark when needed. Having a points file in my tool kit is not my thing.

My question now is timing curve... The initial timing at idle for this engine is 12 deg. I am using a centrifugal advance, What should my timing be at 2k or 3K RPM for this marine application?

FYI, Ths engine has been modified... It has a 600CFM 4BL Holley carb, Edelbrock F4B manifold, a different cam ( I don't know what), Solid lifters and a compression ratio of 9.3:1.

Thanks!
Adam

[maddad]

300EVIL, I use an MSD set up that has 14* initial advance plus 18*, all added by 3200rpm for 32* total advance. I haven't looked lately but I think it took the biggest bushing and lightest springs to get that. If you're using their distributer, use a file to radius the end of the rotor and prevent it from catching the inside of the cap. This can cause some real BS if it happens. My motor was turning at 4500 rpms when all of a sudden the dizzy spun at camshaft speed, wrapping the wires around it like a maypole and cracking a few teeth on the gear.

[300EVIL]

300EVIL, I use an MSD set up that has 14* initial advance plus 18*, all added by 3200rpm for 32* total advance. I haven't looked lately but I think it took the biggest bushing and lightest springs to get that. If you're using their distributer, use a file to radius the end of the rotor and prevent it from catching the inside of the cap. This can cause some real BS if it happens. My motor was turning at 4500 rpms when all of a sudden the dizzy spun at camshaft speed, wrapping the wires around it like a maypole and cracking a few teeth on the gear.


Hey Maddad!
Great info! You sure have been helpful. I have the spring kit for my dizzy and will verify your findings on the timing with my old dizzy and adjust properly. Good info on trimming the rotor.... LOL! That event would have made a good pic! :kingme:
Thanks Again!

[300EVIL]

Hey! I found something! :shades:
Could be a serial number.... I found it while ripping out the carpet and it was on the left side of the engine bay. Did Donzi ever use a label gun?
If it's not a Donzi, no big deal, I just would like to eventually nail down what the hell it is.
The sticker says "18015 - I/O"
The hull is like 17.8' so I'm guessing that's where the "18" comes from.
Comments?
http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/DSC_0031.jpg

It appears that there was two labels above this one but they are since long gone. I was hoping they were attached to the back of the pulled out carpeting but no such luck. :confused:

[silverghost]

As others have already stated many times before your boat was built by Vance ~

Not a Donzi ~

It is an altered "Splash Copy" of a Donzi 16.

Again~
Don't kill the messanger.

[300EVIL]

As others have already stated many times before your boat was built by Vance ~

Not a Donzi ~

It is an altered "Splash Copy" of a Donzi 16.

Again~
Don't kill the messanger.

Oh,,, you again.... I'll ignore your opinion and wait for a professional one. :kingme:

[silverghost]

Oh,,, you again.... I'll ignore your opinion and wait for a professional one. :kingme:

OK~
I tried to play nice with you before but you kicked me in the teeth.
Here you go again~

After all this time ~
If you still think it is a Real Donzi~
Go on thinking that .

Keep kidding yourself !

I would have thought you would have researched this Vance "Splash " issue by now ?

I see you still intend to kill the messanger & kick everyone who tells you it is NOT a real Donzi in the teeth.

What a real "Evil" guy you are !

It can still be a fun boat !
Enjoy it for what it REALLY IS .

[300EVIL]

OK~
I tried to play nice with you before but you kicked me in the teeth.
Here you go again~

After all this time ~
If you still think it is a Real Donzi~
Go on thinking that .

Keep kidding yourself !

I would have thought you would have researced this Vance "Splash " issue by now ?

I see you still intend to kill the messanger & kick everyone who tells you it is NOT a real Donzi in the teeth.

What a real "Evil" guy you are !

It can still be a fun boat !
Enjoy it for what it REALLY IS .



Every one of your posts is filled with animosity and despair. I come here with realistic ideas and questions and all you seem to want to post is an argument with no intelligent discussion...

BRAVO! You've managed to de-rail yet another thread.


I see you still intend to kill the messanger & kick everyone who tells you it is NOT a real Donzi in the teeth.

Oh really?????
Who and where is this everyone? I'd really like to see this post I made?

Your posts really make no sense, I hope there is an "ignore member" function on this VB site. If so, it will be the first time EVER to use it.

[silverghost]

Re-Read ALL the prior posts in this very thread that You started when you first got this Vance "Splash"

Your questions about what exact boat you really have has been answered by many others here many months ago when you first got this boat and posted about it.

You just cannot, or will not, accept the true facts as many others have already stated ~that it really IS a Vance built "Splash 16" copy.

[300EVIL]

Bye-Bye!!!

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t321/hightechstuff2/My%20Donzi/silverghost.jpg