New guy with questions about '69 Donzi Big Block?

[Corey68]

Hello everyone, while I'm not new to the forum I am a new poster. I was wondering if any of you Donzi guru's can enlighten me with some information about my boat? I have had this Donzi in storage for the last 20yrs and not 100% sure what model (other than a 18ft classic) I have. I have yet to find the hull number, where can it be physically be found on the boat?

Thanks again for any information you can provide.






When I aquired the boat many years ago it miraculously it has all the original parts. The engine is a 1969 Chevy 427 Big Block along with the original BB water manifolds. I recently had the V-drive and velvet drive clutch rebuilt, the engine is next on the list.








Everything with the interior is there, just needs a little TLC.








The hull is in excellent shape, no major nicks or dings to be found.

[silverghost]

Most, if not all, of the V-Drive powered Donzi boats were Holman ~Moody Ford powered with 289,351 or the now rare Ford 427 Big Block side oilers.
Since yours is now Big Block Chevy powered it was most likely converted over some years ago.

The OSCO aluminum bell-housing was most likely added at this time to do the engine swap.

Is that a Walter V-drive gearbox ?
The originals were usually Casale V-Drive gearboxes.

Still~ A Great & rare V-drive early Donzi boat !

[mattyboy]

the hull number on early boats is usually found written on the back side of the dash, or under the deck near the dash, and on the backing plate/block for the bow eye. there may be a foil tag in the back seat area too.the boat looks to have alot of work done to it. somethings can be assumed it is higher than hull 230 as it is not a barrelback and it is older than Nov of 72 if the transom is untouched and it has no HIN stamped on the upper right part of the transom. I would say a 68-70 model year.

[Just Say N20]

Welcome! Congrats on getting the drive train rebuilt. Besides rebuilding the engine, what else do you plan to do to the boat?

Interesting boat, with perhaps an unfortunate history; the sides cut out of the cockpit tub, the floor cut up, the dash "redone" by covering over the original dash cutouts, and adding lots more gauges. The front seats appear to have been redone at some point.

I agree with Silverghost regarding the engine being replaced. I believe the boat was a V-drive from the factory, but someone replaced the engine along the way.

My eye jumped at the engine clam shell vents; I have never seen them installed facing each other like that.

[hdsadey]

Umm just a question? First off what I know about v-drives would fit in a thimble with room to spare. The engine pics, are the exhaust on backwards? Looks to me like the engine should be mounted reverse since it has a bellhousing and the v drive is towards the front of the boat? Just askin?

[Corey68]

Umm just a question? First off what I know about v-drives would fit in a thimble with room to spare. The engine pics, are the exhaust on backwards? Looks to me like the engine should be mounted reverse since it has a bellhousing and the v drive is towards the front of the boat? Just askin?

correct, the manifolds are just on there for mock up and are actually on backwards for how they would sit in the boat.

[Corey68]

Welcome! Congrats on getting the drive train rebuilt. Besides rebuilding the engine, what else do you plan to do to the boat?

Interesting boat, with perhaps an unfortunate history; the sides cut out of the cockpit tub, the floor cut up, the dash "redone" by covering over the original dash cutouts, and adding lots more gauges. The front seats appear to have been redone at some point.

I agree with Silverghost regarding the engine being replaced. I believe the boat was a V-drive from the factory, but someone replaced the engine along the way.

My eye jumped at the engine clam shell vents; I have never seen them installed facing each other like that.

I appreciate the info.

As far as future plans, I'm not exactly sure.

Considering the condition, what do you think it is worth?

[Corey68]

And thanks again everyone, I appreciate the education.

[Corey68]

Any idea what the boat is worth without the engine, but with v-drive/velbet drive clutch?

Could not find hull #, but located the stern drive # DM104.

Thanks guys

[MOP]

The V drive though suited for the BB application requires the floor to have a hump to accommodate the height. To me it is a finish it up as it has been started, to bring it back to original will require a lot. I can turn out to be a fun boat setup right, cleaned up and running someone will step up to the plate. Phil

[gcarter]

Any idea what the boat is worth without the engine, but with v-drive/velbet drive clutch?

Could not find hull #, but located the stern drive # DM104.

Thanks guys

Maybe $5K-7K, or more if the right person turns up.
I've seen this package sell for that range in the past.

[gcarter]

Ya know, new, built, Ford side oiler engines are available;



from here all the time;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/427-F...Q5fAccessories

[BUIZILLA]

anything under 8 would be great... but I would need an explanation on that blemish spot I see on the port side hull midship area..

[silverghost]

The V drive though suited for the BB application requires the floor to have a hump to accommodate the height. To me it is a finish it up as it has been started, to bring it back to original will require a lot. I can turn out to be a fun boat setup right, cleaned up and running someone will step up to the plate. Phil

With an original style Casale V-Drive gearbox you might not need a foor hump ?

It would appear that at one point in time most of the original V-Drive equipment , along wih the engine was removed.

Still a very neat & fairly rare boat.

[silverghost]

The V drive though suited for the BB application requires the floor to have a hump to accommodate the height. To me it is a finish it up as it has been started, to bring it back to original will require a lot. I can turn out to be a fun boat setup right, cleaned up and running someone will step up to the plate. Phil

With an original style Casale V-Drive gearbox you might not need a foor hump ?

It would appear that at one point in time most of the original V-Drive equipment , along wih the Ford engine itself, was removed.
Could the original Ford 427 side-oiler have gone into a reproduction Cobra kit Car.
Many have been in fact been removed from boats for that very reason.

Still a very neat & fairly rare boat as it sits.