Info on the 22 Classic

[GaDonzi22]

Hi all, New to the boards here.

I recently purchased an '86 22 Classic. It had been sitting in a shed for the last 11 yrs. I would love to find some info or history on it. The HIN# is DMR22109G586. It has a 5.7 Mercruiser in it with the alpha drive. Got it serviced and everything runs and works great. The previous owner had plans for an update on it. He had purchased a complete new dash panel with gauges, new interior, and several other parts and pieces. He passed away and the boat has just been sitting. All it needs right now is a good detailing and cleaning and it'll be ready to go. I'm contemplating putting bigger power in it, but then I would have to replace the drive also. I would love to know history or other info about it if anyone recognizes it or has access to manufactures records on it.

Thanksdonzi2.pngdonzi.pngdonzi3.png

[mattyboy]

line card

[Morgan's Cloud]

What does the word 'sailboats' mean on that order slip ?

[mattyboy]

the dealer, customer or corp who would be paying the bill

Chaska was the dealer they may have had a partner co. sailboats inc with a guy name Ernie

[GaDonzi22]

Thats pretty cool to have that. You probably have anwered this somewhere on this forum, but what is you history with Donzi?

[mattyboy]

None just a fanatic picked up history with the LGDCC

[KrausMotorSports]

Nice find! My brother runs a almost 500hp small block with an alpha. It wouldn't bother me running a alpha to be honest. Just treat it nice and it will give you years of fun. He runs 80 btw in a 19' Caribe. Pretty cool little boat. I'm also on the search for some history on mine. Welcome to the club!

[Pat McPherson]

Nice find! My brother runs a almost 500hp small block with an alpha. It wouldn't bother me running a alpha to be honest. Just treat it nice and it will give you years of fun. He runs 80 btw in a 19' Caribe. Pretty cool little boat. I'm also on the search for some history on mine. Welcome to the club!

Not sure I'd go 500HP with an Alpha drive on a 3200+lbs boat, but maybe 400HP.

Things I know about pushing bigger power thru an Alpha:
1.3 ratio stronger than 1.5
drive shower needed
3 blade prop, no to 4 blade
stay with small block, high torque breaks them
last, you can probably buy 3 Alpha drives for the cost of a Bravo transom assembly and drive

[GaDonzi22]

I'm going to leave it like it is. Contemplating letting it go and find another project that is capable of higher speeds. I come from small tunnels and v-bottoms( STV's and Allisons) Just wanted something with sterndrive power to run in the upper 80's to lower 90's.

[Carl C]

I'm going to leave it like it is. Contemplating letting it go and find another project that is capable of higher speeds. I come from small tunnels and v-bottoms( STV's and Allisons) Just wanted something with sterndrive power to run in the upper 80's to lower 90's.

There are plenty of 22 Classics running reliably in that speed range. Mine runs 83 with a best ever recorded speed of 85.8 with a stock 525 Bravo XR/Imco shorty. A pro-charged 502 with similar drive will get you in the 90 range. Fastest 22 I'm aware of runs 112 but has bottom mods.

[KrausMotorSports]

Not sure I'd go 500HP with an Alpha drive on a 3200+lbs boat, but maybe 400HP.

Things I know about pushing bigger power thru an Alpha:
1.3 ratio stronger than 1.5
drive shower needed
3 blade prop, no to 4 blade
stay with small block, high torque breaks them
last, you can probably buy 3 Alpha drives for the cost of a Bravo transom assembly and drive

Hey Pat! Talked to you over on OSO….. Yes it's sketchy with the alpha. My brothers boat has ran consistent 76/77 for the last decade or so with the same setup. Very easy out of the hole. Mostly cruise but a LOT of WOT speed runs. The alpha this winter had it's first complete tear down in over 10 years. It's treated us good but we are also super meticulous on maintenance. It's funny everything you stated in your comment is how it has run that long. 4 blade Spinelli 22p and 1.5 ratio. I have video's I need to transfer. On top of that no Hydraulic steering and a foot pedal for thorttle. But's in a 19'. It's a classic (no relation to donzi) in our eyes but it's a fun little setup. And yes it's light. Dad built the motor back in the 80's. It's a see it to believe it kinda thing. But I'll admit it's scary as hell! A pad has been added to it in the 90's