Donzi Classic 16

[half shell]

Hello
Has anyone converted a mid 1990"s 16 Classic 4.3LX V6 alpha drive to a 350 V8?
is it a big deal and will it bolt up to existing drive package and fit under the hatch I know the boat will perform ok with the existing v6 however if I get board with it and want the thru hull exhaust V8 sound is it possible
Looking at the 16 as my first Donzi purchase just because it is the cool one in the 1960"s that started it all in my view.
Thanks Rob

[Just Say N20]

I am as much of a V8 guy as you will meet. A V8 in a 16 can be done. Someone with experience regarding the bolt patterns will have to chime in.

The truth is, a 16 runs much more balanced with a V6. I had a 16 with a V8, and it sounded GREAT! But it is super tight to work on a V8 in the small engine compartment of the 16, and the front of the engine is only about 1" from the seat back.

If you really want a V8 sound, buy an 18, or a 16 that already has a V8.

[Magnum Ralph]

Agreed get an 18. Good luck .

[woobs]

If you're still bent on a V8, the FORD small block is narrower and lighter than a SBC.

[Pat McPherson]

You can always swap the cam, intake, carb, exhaust manifolds, and up the power on the V6.

[half shell]

Thanks all
I like the 16 since it was from donzi since the beginning however I'll be looking at 18's for the v8
I suppose I could work on the v6 model to increase power but power is not as much an issue on the 16 looking more for sound and thru hull exhaust
So both the 16/18 are on my list
Thanks again
Rob

[smokediver]

You will need to move the front engine mounts forward. I found making the front hole the rear hole and then drilling a new forward hole works. The drive ratio needs to be switched. I am guessing u have a 1.68 and you will have a limited choice in props.
Having done it , I wouldn't. It's real tight quarters the engine fits in with all accessories minus the exhaust. You will need to turn it to starboard , if I remember correctly , and tilt it a little forward. It won't go in any other way.
I would go with an 18 with a 350 mag. It's very reliable.

[mattyboy]

the 16 is a great and fun boat but it has it's limitations. If you are looking for that old school cool factor and want a tribute to the history of the 16 you need to get a SkiSporter not a Sweet 16 or a 16 Classic.


the 16 runs better with less weight in the back so if you can get a 4.3 to near 300 hp you will have a good runner.

Sound is great but these days can be a hassle depending on where you boat. Also how you boat sometimes it is nice to go silent and talk to passengers in no wake or idling around the dock. 6 bangers sound a bit funky thru hull.

I agree the 18 or 22 are better running platforms Smoke is right if you can find a late model 18 350 mag bravo boat with QnQ or Capt call it would be a good boat and turn key

the 18 will be easier on your passengers and perform better plus most onlookers at the dock think every donzi is a sweet 16 and from Italy

[woobs]

If you want to stick with the 4.3... I started with a 175HP version and built a pretty nice little mill (see below) for my other boat. It is pretty much all stock stuff, (for reliability) with a little clean up of the rough edges. There's plenty of room to work around but, I cannot attest to the sound as i ran the exhaust through the drive. Features are:

Edelbrock Performer 600cfm carb (with calibration kit)
Edelbrock Performer manifold
Vortec heads
1.6 lifters
roller rockers
Hi Tek exhaust manifolds
cam grind (as on chart below)
alloy water pump and pulleys

Cam profile.JPG4.3 Dyno 05242013.JPGNew motor may 2013 004.JPGSeaJ43.JPG

It jumps up on plane and pushes my 18' wood boat to just under 50mph (GPS) with a 1.50 ratio and turning a 19p High Five SS (watersports) prop. Overall a very driveable motor with power everywhere under the curve. Unfortunately, at the moment it does not pull over 4,100 rpm so, I have just bought a 1.65 ratio gear set for next year. Hoping to see 55-ish mph next summer in the ol' woody

The 4.3 alloy block/heads actually do exist but are near "unobtainium" to find. Alloy heads are available and only cost $$$. The greatest weight savings I experienced is from the Hi Tek exhaust manifolds but the alloy circulating pump helps too.

[woobs]

.... If you are looking for that old school cool factor and want a tribute to the history of the 16 you need to get a SkiSporter not a Sweet 16 or a 16 Classic....

Matty, that's an interesting statement. Can you please elaborate?

[joseph m. hahnl]

the 16 is a great and fun boat but it has it's limitations. If you are looking for that old school cool factor and want a tribute to the history of the 16 you need to get a SkiSporter not a Sweet 16 or a 16 Classic.


the 16 runs better with less weight in the back so if you can get a 4.3 to near 300 hp you will have a good runner.

Sound is great but these days can be a hassle depending on where you boat. Also how you boat sometimes it is nice to go silent and talk to passengers in no wake or idling around the dock. 6 bangers sound a bit funky thru hull.

I agree the 18 or 22 are better running platforms Smoke is right if you can find a late model 18 350 mag bravo boat with QnQ or Capt call it would be a good boat and turn key

the 18 will be easier on your passengers and perform better plus most onlookers at the dock think every donzi is a sweet 16 and from Italy

So true

I'd like to point out that the 18 has also been there since 65 . Other then deck cover changes It's production has run uninterrupted since it's inception.

I agree with Pat you can build the 6 cyl. Mufflers are a must for compliance when running through hull exhaust.
Here's a little v8 sound you desire Note 76 dB for compliance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB_xViJUs0E

[mattyboy]

Woobs

if he his looking for the one that started it all ,back in 1964 it would be a Ski Sporter the original 16 LH helm 1964-1980


The sweet 16 was RH helm as was the 16 classic ( 1990 and newer) and are newer versions but they are different boats and really only share the "16"

I guess I look at it that the SkiSporter was the original and ceased to exist in 1980 ending the "genetic" link to the Aronow era, the newer 16 are related but the blood lines are much thinner after a decade of absence in the model lineup and lack of original molds.

now that I think of it the 18 has more of an uninterrupted blood line to the past even with it's deck and hull redesign

[joseph m. hahnl]

Matty, that's an interesting statement. Can you please elaborate?

I take it he's talking about , The Ski Sporter is the original Walters design and popped from the original mold. In the infinite wisdom of Donzi they scraped that mold when they discontinued the 16. When they re introduced as the sweet 16 it was actually a splash of a splash which had bee altered for patent restrictions. So technically a Sweet 16 and a Classic 16 are not true hulls made from 1964 mold, and differ significantly.

[joseph m. hahnl]

Matty you beat me to the punch See! I new what you meant

[woobs]

Okay, I get the LH to RH thing... and I know the inner lifting strakes are much longer on the newer 16 and Sweet 16 but, the LOA, beam, deadrise of the actual hulls... all the same. What other "significant differences" in the design are there?

Also, Shepherd Boats had original Donzi moulds (from Florida) when producing their licensed boats in Canada.... I wonder what happened to those moulds???