So, I found this in the weeds.....
 

We have a cottage on Lake Erie and while driving through a boat yard, I saw this pile of Sh!t in the weeds. It looked interesting, so I took a few pics.... Someone started a deck off resto, but it sure looks sad now! I haven't seen this much growth inside a boat....
Any ideas as to what it may be? It looks like it was bad @ss back in. The day.... Sorry for the sideways pics.... Friggin IPad!

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Another project Dennis?

probably on CL at one point in time. "Easy restoration. Only needs engine and upholstery. Solid transom and stingers. Rare Cigar boat from the early 60's. This was Don Arrow's 1st boat before he built his wold famos Cigar boats. This was the same hull as the Miami Vice boat. Do an easy restoration and make thousands. " :lolhit::lolhit:

Is that a rare bench seat Donzi Hornet?

I have 2 Donzi's and that was my first thought.... There is no HIN# on the transom nor could I see any evidence of markings anyplace on the inside... I haven't seen enough Hornets to tell. It has a right hand helm, a three man tub, and no transom cut out for drives so.......

No fu€king way Rob.... I got enough on my plate now....:faint2::eekdrop:

----You hit the nail square on the head, Lee! A bench seat Hornet would have been built before HINs were mandatory, but that's what the boat is. There are probably some Donzi wonks around that would take on that restoration,,,LOL!!!.........Bill S

Bill, I thought that the Hornets were left hand helm? I could find any info on right hand helms...

I remember about 1982 A friends older brother had a V-Drive Donzi that was white, the boat was looking rough then.
They used to have a little shack at a "resort / fishing camp" just south of the Johnsons Island causeway.
It could be the same boat .

----The helm on a V-drive Hornet back then could have been on either side.......Bill S

I do not remember which side the helm was on ,but I do remember that U-Joints were right under my ass and given the condition of the rest of the boat I was a bit nervous.

It tickled a bit huh???? lol (the people in my office are looking at me funny as I sit here laughing....)

Funny How ?

Funny like you are a Clown?


Funny like you are there for their entertainment ?

I don't remember anything "tickling".
More like I was waiting for the U-joint to explode
Sending shrapnel into my body.

So I'm told.... Any idea as to how many had been produced?

----That's a question for the gurus at the Donzi Restoration Society. I imagine Jim or Scott will find this in due time and give you an idea........Bill S

From what I've seen, less than 40 were made between 1964 thru 1971?
This appears to be one earlier than 1967....

----You are correct on the early part as I think the deck is the earlier style........Bill S

Come on Bill, what,s one more....
I guess at our age this ones a bit much to take on!

I got in touch with the owner of the property where the boat is kept.... He said a resto was started, and the guy who was doing the work moved to Florida.... It's been sitting at LEAST 15 years in that spot....
The property owner said the boats owner is still around....
The plot thickens....