Vintage 22' Classic
 

I picked this 77' up 2 years ago for song :cool-smiley-027: and had original volvo engine pulled, cleaned w new starter alt etc. and put a newer volvo outdrive on it and it has ben love ever since...

I do not see too many around with the "soft" curve bow and I have a friend looking for 1 and I would be up for a matching "Mr. Behave" - anybody know of these mid-late 70's classics around?

I don't think that is a 22 Classic, Donzi F-22 maybe or a GT 21 ??
Looks really sweet though....

thx. I will re check reg papers - I thought it was listed as classic, but you very well may be right...

maybe that is why I cannot find them:chimp:

it's not an F22....

probably a 21 GT with the Volvo

what's the hull # ??

DNR20 00108 76

21' length suffix: Z
1976 DON OPEN

not a gt or a 22 but a hornet II, a volvo would make sense for a 77 it is the original 19 foot hornet hull made to a 20 by name with the walk thru seating arrangement, also the low railing around the hatch is a dead give away, also not a true deep vee either more like 19 degrees

yes true you don't see the classic hornet's as much as the 16 18 and 22 classics but that makes them all the more desireable. The hornet over it's lifespan grew from 19 to 20 then to 21 feet here is the sale brochure/ spec sheet for the 20 foot hornet as you see there are many common components that we see on yours the wrap around combing pad the rail on the back deck looks like the windshield was removed and the three man bolster bench added
nice boat where in jersey are you?

I am a member of the lake george donzi classic club , the president of the club lives in jersey we have an all donzi classic show and poker run in june up in lake george not a bad trip from jersey and anyone who has one or just loves the classics this show is the place to be seeing upwards of 30-40 of these boats all together at the docks is an awesome sight plus the assembled knowledge of the people there if you have any questions you can get them answered no problem
check out www.lgdonziclassic.com

offshore ginger check www.donzi.org and www donzi.net seems like there are always boats that come up for sale in your area

Nice find! :) Jamie

MattyBoy - thx for the info and I will consider the Lake George run. I will be coming from 1000 Islands where my boating life exists (separate from real life in Bedminster NJ)...need to borrow trailer.

I found this boat at the antique boat show auction at the 1000 Islands museum 2 years ago..well actually my wife saw it after I did and she insisted we pick it up and boy am I ever glad we did. I considered repowering it but my friend and Marina owner pulled the engine and cleaned her up nice...incredibly loud and throaty!! I can't say how sexy I find that soft bow hiding the deep v hull...and driving around without the windshield is a unique and awesome experience (sunglasses required)!

The boat came w 2 outdrives and both were rough. Luckily, thanks to my friend he just happened to have the current volvo outdrive (mid 1980's) that really improved handling and performance, while not having to hold onto the steering wheel with a death grip when throttling. Sadly, I let a friend borrow it and the matching hatch cushion blew off and sank without him knowing. Replaced with standard white:hitfan:

As you know this is a small boat with a big boat attitude...quite remarkable in rough water and tabs work great. I love the headlight docklights (not shown in pic) and the ability to flash white running lite (manually) on bow while keeping red/green bow light on to see in the dark.

I added exrta battery and huge bose speakers under dash (plus ones in rear).

Plan is to keep orginal long as possible then drop some serious power in her...:D

luvin' it

I guess 1000 islands is and ok place to boat ;) :p
we used to do a donzi event up there as well it is an awesome place !!!!the castles, potter's beach, the boat museum in clayton, we stayed at the edgewood all the time I think they still do get a few donzi together up there over the summer but not sure when they do it

yes the old volvo can be a real monster for torque steer prop selection is crucial i have done a ton of reasearch dialing in my 1967 donzi skisporter and have a few props if you are looking for them.

looking at your hin it looks to be the first hornetII 20 footer made
DNR should be DMR donzi marine
20 model 20 footer
001 first hull made
08 76 aug of 76

probably came with a volvo 280 and a chevy sb from chris craft

my avatar is of place on Grindstone facing Clayton (opposite side of Potters) - tough to beat the boating life in the St. Lawrence.

Previous owner was sure he had the right prop and I agree...it is a 3 blade bronze prop looks like something from an inboard

I am having an extra one made from scratch and re-doing current prop while I am at it 'cause it does not look like something to order from stock and would not want to start from scratch.

I would be interested in what prop you are using and why. Thanks for the info.

Even the horn seems original and has separate air compressor - great sound.

i have tried about 8 props from choppers to cleavers to elephant eared alum, custom made spinelli don't spend any money on custom props the old volvo donzi guys have been using the new solas prop for the old volvo. the prop has very good handling characteristics, very low slip numbers and the best top end controlable speed I'll get you a contact number

check out this link it has test results, contact info
I am running a 21 solas now with a 310hp sb ford it takes a little more hp to turn the 23

http://www.donzi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=191

tell randy mattyboy sent ya

great. donzi org site not working - would love the #

i have it around here somewhere give me a minute

http://www.biggrizzlyperformance.com/#

Randy knows alot about old Donzi classics especially the volvo ones

Thanks for the great resource! I called him thinking it would be a brief call and after 30 minutes I learned a great deal about Donzi's, Volvo's and props. He loves the Hornet:D

I will arrange to have him ship me a prop this Spring.

BTW - he thinks the world of you.

Thanks again Mattyboy - I owe you one.