Mint 1966 18 - $15k

[Greg Guimond]

1966 DONZI 18' 2+3 BARRELBACK CLASSIC $14995 - $14995 (NE Portland)

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From Biscayne Bay to Lake Tahoe, and from Lake George to the Baltic Sea, find the best-kept, most-loved boat on your favorite body of water and it's bound to be a Donzi 18 Classic. Originally launched in 1966, there's a reason why these boats have changed so little over the decades: Because Donzi got it right the first time. These are the boats that have won fans the world over. Decades since their introduction, they are still some of the most talked about boats on the water. The 18 Classic features a no-nonsense cockpit layout that has stood the test of time. Port and starboard bucket seats at the helm combine with a rear bench seat provide comfortable seating for five. Flush mounted into the 18 Classic's clean dash is a full array of Livorsi "Monster" gauges with angled bezels. From the stainless stell cleats, grab rails and ski tow eye, right on down to the chrome plated engine hatch hinges and cowl vents, Donzi has kept all the details true to the original blueprint. Coupled with a modern, high-output, V8 engine, the 18 Classic is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and leave your passengers with memories to last a lifetime. There's a reason so many people have a Donzi Classic story: Because there's nothing else like them..
This completely restored 66 Donzi 18' is the 83rd Donzi built (hull #83) and is an ultra-rare triple hatch berrelback design, This is a Gorgeous boat ! 75+ MPH With this SBC LT-1 Crate motor stroked to 383 done by Rex Hutchison Racing Engines with ONLY 43 hours, dyno shows 393 HP @5,500 RPM and 439 lbft of torque@ 3,600 RPM (dyno sheet avalible). Top quality parts. Stainless Marine exhaust with custom fabricated SS risers to match (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/boa/3722327051.html#) original exhaust tip locations. Also running a hydraulic trim Volvo 270 T upper coupled to a Volvo E-drive lower, hydraulic trim plates, newer aluminum fuel tank (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/boa/3722327051.html#) with 30+gallon capacity, full Sunbrella (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/boa/3722327051.html#) mooring cover, V&M single axle trailer also in very good condition. Never been in salt water, fresh water only and it shows. Please fill free to call, text or email with any questions to Jay @ (503) 810-1137

[Just Say N20]

Excellent find! What a nice boat, and an e-drive to boot.

I predict it will be in Conquistador's fleet shortly.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Excellent find! What a nice boat, and an e-drive to boot.

I predict it will be in Conquistador's fleet shortly.

I will say it seems to be a really nice early Donzi with a lot going for it, but I have my hands and stalls full right now. The foot throttle is odd, and those might be original LT1 valve covers. Trimmable outdrive with the speedmaster is also unusual. Somebody here should snag this one. Bill

[ralphvc]

I am in Detroit Michigan this one is in Portland Oregon. If it was within 600 miles I would be on the road right now!!!!!!!

[Conquistador_del_mar]

I am in Detroit Michigan this one is in Portland Oregon. If it was within 600 miles I would be on the road right now!!!!!!!

I have had a few cars and boats trailered to me through Uship. I paid about what it would have cost me out of my pocket if I drove all the way myself - it also saved me the time, potential problems, and wear and tear on my own vehicle. Just something to consider. Bill

[Greg Guimond]

I agree, I have used Uship twice. Once for a boat that was in LA back to NYC, worked like a charm. The other thing is that if you converse with the owner and get the right vibe from him, you could probably work it out so that he keeps the boat for you until you can find a rig coming back empty from Oregon.

[Greg Guimond]

I will say it seems to be a really nice early Donzi with a lot going for it, but I have my hands and stalls full right now. The foot throttle is odd, and those might be original LT1 valve covers. Trimmable outdrive with the speedmaster is also unusual. Somebody here should snag this one. Bill

This must be the first time on the board that a Donzi had a Speedmaster lower mated up to the drive! That is very cool. I would not be surprised if the foot throttle is set up as a dual throttle with both hand and foot options.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

This must be the first time on the board that a Donzi had a Speedmaster lower mated up to the drive! That is very cool.

Greg,
Check out the shadow on my 1971 18'.

[ralphvc]

Thanks for the shipping info. Problem is that adding $2000 to $3000 for shipping prices it too high for me.Oh well more will show up I'm sure.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Thanks for the shipping info. Problem is that adding $2000 to $3000 for shipping prices it too high for me.Oh well more will show up I'm sure.

I am guessing you would get quotes at less than $1.00/mile for such a relatively small boat. I had a 11,500 lb 36' Cigarette delivered 840 miles for $940 if memory serves me right. Bill

[Greg Guimond]

Well, well.......I should have known Bill :wrench: That is very cool, what gears are in that?

[Greg Guimond]

If you were patient, you could move that boat for under $1,000. Then again, you would have to buy it sight unseen.

[Ed Donnelly]

This must be the first time on the board that a Donzi had a Speedmaster lower mated up to the drive! That is very cool. I would not be surprised if the foot throttle is set up as a dual throttle with both hand and foot options.

My 16 had a Gale Banks twin turbo 1,000 h.p. with
a 270T and a speedmaster..Ed

[ralphvc]

Thanks for input but even at $1 a mile it is $2400. I will keep an ete on it. In meantime I have a mild 383 I will put in my 95 18. About 325HP should be plenty.

[woobs]

I bought my Donzi from a board member here sight unseen. It was an 18 Classic, and I shipped it (by U-ship) from Seattle, WA to Toronto Canada for $2,100. This door to door service included everything except duties/taxes I paid through a customs broker. I was exteremly pleased.
I have to think your shipment would cost less without the boarder hassles.

If the ask of this boat is $15,000 (and it looks to be well worth it) I'm sure you could probably negotiate some reduction....even $1000 would be 1/2 the estimated shipping. Maybe the current owner is willing to work with you to find his baby a good home.

Point is... it's worth doing a little homework when you find a great boat.

[mattyboy]

never seen an e drive on a sharped keeled barrelback , being the barrelback was the first 18 the higher hp models came with v drives not outdrives. wonder how that drive effects handling?

very nice boat

[ralphvc]

I will work on it. The handling post makes me a bit nervous

[mattyboy]

Ralph,

not trying to scare you just trying to give you all the info you might need

as i said i have never seen an E drive on a sharp keeled 18. This 18 with a normal volvo is going to handle different from your 18 the bottom is different . The sharp keel 18 will cut thru the really rough stuff but will ride a little harsher and has a tendency to fall off to one side when crossing wakes or bigger waves. The volvo drive was set very low on the barrelbacks the e drive is a bit higher so it may help the handling as it does on a rounded keel 16 or 18 not to mention the 5 or so MPH you pick up . But torque steer and pull might be an issue as the e drive use merc racing props. This boat is going to be a beast to you coming from a more civil power steering newer classic. there is nothing there between you and the torque of the prop but the cable and your fore arm. still a very nice boat and If I was looking for a barrelback this one is by far the best one on the market right now.

[duckhunter]

I can't remember if it was here or another boating website, but there is a guy that bought his dream boat online sight unseen, flew one way to pick it up, and bought a used truck to tote it home across the country. Epic undertaking - where there's a will, there's a way!

I'm betting someone on the left coast could check the boat out for you. Then use the uship or drive out and make a vacation out of it. Beautiful time of year to head west, and MI doesn't have a lot going for it right now other than melting snow and mud...

[mattyboy]

Duck

yes that was here he flew in bought a truck picked up a benchseat hornet in the carolinas and drove them home to cali

[Conquistador_del_mar]

My 16 had a Gale Banks twin turbo 1,000 h.p. with
a 270T and a speedmaster..Ed

Holy cow Ed,
That is about like the Viper engine powered motorcycle. Did the drive hold up very long? It had to be capable of way over 100MPH :eek!:. Bill

[Greg Guimond]

My 16 had a Gale Banks twin turbo 1,000 h.p. with
a 270T and a speedmaster..Ed
I knew you had installed a pad and a notch on your monster 16 Ed, but did not know about the Speedmaster lower to bust 100mph! That is two and counting :flag-navy

[Ed Donnelly]

Sorry for posting out of context...but..
No GPS back then but radared at 103 MPH
Ran the E drive for 6 yrs and had a Volvo drive specialist (Dipetry Kaye Marine???) tear it apart, and they found it in perfect shape.

No hole shots and no air is the secret...Ed

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Sorry for posting out of context...but..
No GPS back then but radared at 103 MPH
Ran the E drive for 6 yrs and had a Volvo drive specialist (Dipetry Kaye Marine???) tear it apart, and they found it in perfect shape.

No hole shots and no air is the secret...Ed

Ed,
Do you remember what lubricant you used in the drive?

[snowboater]

I have a friend that as been going to a couple meets with me and he finally has decided to pull the trigger. He spoke to the guy who posted the ad for a friend. Is there anybody on this forum from out that way (Oregon) that might beable to check this boat out if it was close by.I'm sure my friend would pay someone for their trouble.

[ralphcrocker]

I really like this old 66. It has character. My dilemma. I have a 95 18 on aluminum trailer red/white in very good condition/original gel. I am about to put in a mild 383 with new exhaust/hydraulic steering which realistic will run about $8 putting me at $20.5 with a used 350 on the side. Or get the 66 in Portland with shipping cost at total about $17 (i see shipping as a waste but I can't go 2400 miles.
What would you guys do.
Plan 1 forget the 66 and build the 95
Plan 2 is get the 66 and sell the 95 for about $12.5
Plan 3 get the 66 pull it apart put it in the 95 then put the 95 motor in the 66 and sell it for $12.5

Some thoughts pleaser Thanks in advance

[mattyboy]

plan 1 or 2 with plan 2 you have to be willing to do the old school learning curve

plan 3 is a sin of biblical proportions far too nice a restoration to break up