this may sound crazy...but thinking about selling

[BobinCovington]

I am going through my plans for this year and I keep wrestling with the idea of finally selling our Donzi. Absolutely love the boat and have had fun with it...but we just have too much "other" stuff going on to really justify storage, insurance and the small upkeep there is. If I do decide to sell I will post it here on Donzi.net and give you guys first shot if that is what I end up doing. I'd rather sell it for a little less to people that really appreciate it and have earned the right to own a classic. There is a slight chance I change my mind and keep her, but I should know by March or April.
This is just a heads up, but please hold off emailing or PM'ing yet until we sort out what we are going to do.

Sure been a great group here and super supportive for owners of these great boats and I have met and made several good friends. Of course, I will continue to be a spectator here once in a while.

Thanks everyone,

[John C in PA]

There is something about your boat that always made it an eye-catcher to me. I hope you don't have to sell it but good luck if you do. You never know. I just bought a new motorcycle 30+ years after selling my last one.

John C in PA

[Ed Donnelly]

Grumble Green;My friend Kenny Ross had a Grumble Green The absolute nicest colour ever on a 16 So I had to settle on Yellow...Ed

[Carl C]

Grumble Green;My friend Kenny Ross had a Grumble Green The absolute nicest colour ever on a 16 So I had to settle on Yellow...Ed

You would not have hit triple digits with anything but yellow.

[Ed Donnelly]

Carl; I would rather be cool than fast LOL..Ed

[Greg Guimond]

Bob, hasn't this particular boat been in your family since it was purchased new back in 1965 by your Dad in California?

[duckhunter]

Bob, you have a great little 16. The green really makes it stand out.

I understand that life happens, but FWIW I think you should try and keep the boat as it is a family heirloom at this point. It's not eating much compared to a big boat, and it could be pickled and covered until you get the urge to get out on the water in it again. Just my 2c, but having something with that many lifelong memories attached to it is pretty special and cannot be replicated.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[jl1962]

Bob-

Without knowing any/all of your constraints or circumstances, I think you should try to hang on. Give it a few years and see if anything changes. Or sell it to a good friend with a buyback clause if you or a family member ever want it back!

As someone who went 35 years between Ski Sporters, my boat is just too special, and it's not even our old blue one. IMO you have an even stronger connection to your boat. It's not just a boat, it's an heirloom and a time capsule.

Good luck with what you decide.

-Jay

[Greg Guimond]

I agree that it is probably a Donzi that is one of a dozen that has been in the family from day 1. That is just so rare, like a timepiece or china. One thing you might want to consider is constructing a storage shed on your grounds. Not a throw together, something that matches your home and "fits in". You may be able to purchase something like this pre-built. You pickle the boat, wheel it into the 16 foor shed, and say goodbye for a few years. No insurance, no maintenance, and no monthly storage charges.

[BobinCovington]

thanks for all the nice posts...and it is a great boat. That is what I am "wrestling" with. I figure I will let this decision just stew for a while until spring and then I might have a better perspective.

[MOP]

Do a good pickling job, put it in a safe dry place! It will only gain in value and save you from a big bruise on your butt from kicking yourself.

M.O.P.

[BobinCovington]

So my friends...after lots of thought (and changing my mind more than a few times), my wife and I have decided to sell our Donzi. I know many people will say, "oh you need to keep it", but it is just the best thing for us right now. Our family has loved it and we have so many special memories with the boat. It's time to let someone else who really loves Donzis (like we do), have a chance to enjoy a rare classic (and very cool) boat.

There are a few of these nice boats, and not very many that have a clean history and only this one that was the featured boat for the boating news article. This will be an opportunity for someone. I'm not sure if I even know the price I would sell it for, but I do know it needs to go to someone who will see and appreciate the significance of this little boat. Heck, I will probably give a Northwest (close to Oregon or Washington) hometown discount if the buyer promises to let me ride in it someday.

So I am trying to figure out the right (fair for both buyer /seller) sale price and then plan to list it locally (and of course I am posting in here first). If someone is interested and wants to make a respectable offer, I will check my PMs when I can, then consider it and let you know. We will sure miss the boat, but I will also miss all the support and friendships I have come to know through owning a Donzi and on this forum. This boat sure gets people talking or telling some good stories at the gas pump or on the lake.