23' center console Donzi fishing boat

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Here is a new one on me. Apparently, the transom in the 23' that I bought has 3 sections. The center section that supports the outboard is rock solid, but the two outward sections on each side of the motor well area are rotten behind the overlying glass. I discovered that these sections were bad when I opened the aft compartment lids and saw the Perko battery switch and fuel filter had loose screws where they were attached to the transom. I will have to repair these areas through the compartment openings or debate separating the deck from the hull for access to the underlying floor as well as these areas - Obviously, the transom lifting eyes depend on these areas to be solid or I will not be able to lift the boat with the lifting eyes. This would not have been a deal breaker when I bought the boat, but it is something I did not see when I inspected it. Back to work, Bill

[Conquistador_del_mar]

This 1988 F-23 actually has a 99 gallon tank since I was able to read the tank sticker - still a larger fuel tank than I would have guessed. Bill

[Conquistador_del_mar]

I took out the livewells today and discovered that the stingers appear to be in perfect condition. I am impressed with the build. The 4 stingers are totally encased in fiberglass as are the bulkheads. For some reason the farthest forward bulkhead is fractured, but that is the only problem I found under the floor - Bill

[BUIZILLA]

For some reason the farthest forward bulkhead is fractured,

where is the fwd trailer bunk center in relation to that cracked bulkhead?

[Conquistador_del_mar]

I see where you are going with it - good thought. I will check tomorrow. Bill

[biggiefl]

So I/we can assume that the 1991 specs I posted are for a different F-23?

[Conquistador_del_mar]

So I/we can assume that the 1991 specs I posted are for a different F-23?

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Since mine is a 1988, I presume that Donzi made some changes in the 3 year difference? I don't know if mine was originally called a F-23 or a 23 CC since I do not have any of those year's sales brochures. Thanks for posting the 1991 specs. Bill

[Jamesbon]

Bill,
My hull is an 88.

My two upfront storage compartments and forward above deck cooler sound identical to yours. I don't the use forward cooler for fish because it drains right on the deck.

I have open space under the rear deck hatch. Need to put a baitwell in there or under the leaning post.

Have you messed with yours anymore?



biggiefl,
Top speed with the '93 Johnson 200 was 35-38 mph on a good day. She was tired. No matter how I used it, 1mpg overall avg. Thirsty. The boat may be heavy from being submerged twice. Had to pull the c.c. to remove the tank and it was wet when I got in there. Stringers and bulkheads are solid though. Even with the 200 Opti, I wouldn't bet that it would top 45 mph. With the seas I boat on, I cruise 25-30 mph tops. It's usually choppy in the Gulf. I just sit and wait for those rare days with no wind around here. It's like a giant swimming pool out there during those times.

I think the 91 F23 is a walk around. It was a different hull all together.

[biggiefl]

1991 brochure shows F-23 had both the CC & W/A. W/A was I think 300lbs more, same specs.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Bill,
My hull is an 88.

My two upfront storage compartments and forward above deck cooler sound identical to yours. I don't the use forward cooler for fish because it drains right on the deck.

I have open space under the rear deck hatch. Need to put a baitwell in there or under the leaning post.

Have you messed with yours anymore?

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Nathan,
It sounds like our boats are identical. You should have a livewell under the rear deck where the square lid is located. Apparently, the boat originally came with a livewell pumpout which dumped on the rear port side out of a thru hull fitting right next to the bilge pump outlet fitting. I am going to let mine dump into the bilge since I always trailer my boats - I can let it all out at the ramp at the end of the day. I almost always throw for shad when I fish for stripers here so a good livewell is mandatory.
Yes, I am busy getting all my new parts. My entire dash will be new with new gauges (Teleflex Lido), indicator lights, switches, and breakers. I am replacing the separate GPS and fishfinder with a Lowrance LCX-38C HD 8.4" color combo unit (it is awesome! - played with it yesterday). I have a new throttle coming along with forward and rear facing lights and LED anchor light for the T-top. I am adding a trim gauge for the 250HP outboard. I finished installing a Rule auto switch for the bilge pump last night. I have been fixing gelcoat and wiring problems along with planning other additions like trim tabs. When I get far enough along, I will find someone to wet sand and buff the interior, but I will address the exterior. I will remove and sand the teak bow pulpit and coat it with Sikkens Cetol. I have quite a ways to go, but I will have it ready by the end of this year. Bill

[Conquistador_del_mar]

I just wanted to report that I am having a lot of fun installing some new parts and getting ready to do some glass work on the 2 transom sides and forward bulkhead. A friend told me about a couple guys who will be doing the wet sanding/compounding work when I am ready for them to do it - cheap, too - That will be the only thing I will not be doing myself. Every one of the people who I have shown the boat to were impressed with the layout and look - even if they weren't fishing boat enthusiasts. I am really excited about this boat which will get a lot of use, and I will show some pictures soon. Bill

[Conquistador_del_mar]

The last of the new parts for the dash came this afternoon so I sat watching TV tonight and installed the Teleflex Lido gauges with the hour meter tach, the yellow LED indicator lights, the Carling switches with boots, and the Potter & Brumfield circuit breakers after cleaning up the dash plate. The center gauge is the Mercury warning light array. Onwards, Bill

[Ghost]

Looks great!

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Thank you. I don't think I will be doing quite as much restoration as I first thought, but it will be a really nice fishing/exploration boat when done. Most of the wiring and T-top hardware has been done so it is about time to do some of the ugly glass work. I am having a hard time figuring out if the dual ram Bennett tabs rams will clear the stringer brace to the transom , but everything else is coming along fine. Bill

[olredalert]

-----You will know pretty soon as I am sending the Bennetts off in about a half an hour......Bill S