I have been thinking about downsizing. I was wondering how well
the Donzi classic 22 would handle offshore conditions like 2 to 3
and 3 to 4 feet seas.

Thanks,

Warren

If you're talking about open water (Atlantic) off the eastern coast of FL, I would not think that would be a good choice. On the intercoastal, gulf side, and maybe very calm days on the Atlantic you might be okay, but I would not want to be in a 22 in 3's and 4's.

First let me say that I DON'T OWN A Donzi--but what I've seen I know Donzi makes a very seaworthy boat. However, just the size of the boat/weight etc., it sure seems that ANY 22 footer would cause some difficulty in routinely running in 2-4 foot seas at WOT. For sure it sounds like you would get banged around at the very least.

Just my two cents

be safe

3pointstar

I had a 24 Baja and the one time I went out in 4-6ft waves.....................It SUCKED! I dont care that it wasnt a Donzi. Doesnt matter. 4 fters in the 22 will Suck

The bigger question is ..... Can your body handle the pounding that it will get running at speed in 3-4 foot seas at speed?

Trust me when I tell you that it won't be fun for very long!!

We talking US or metric??

In all seriousness, the 22 is a capable hull but in 3-4 not any fun. I run one in S Fla conditions regularly, and have had no issues with them within their limits, but if your wanting to crush waves on a snotty gulfstream day it is not the right boat..

Good answer,Scott. My 22 goes off-shore regularly on the Great Lakes. Honest 2s are an absolute blast. 2-3s will slow you down a bit and you need to be extra careful of that odd 4-5 in the mix. 4s are no fun but if a regular wave pattern they can be run on plane. The worst I have run is 6-8s on Lake Erie. That brought me to idle speed but I still crossed the lake when bigger boats stayed snug in their slips.

Thanks, I would not expect it to be fun in 4-5's or handle big waves like my 31ss, but it is good to know you could survive in those sea conditions.
I have always liked the Donzi 22 classic. What speed do you cruise at?

I've done some upgrades so if conditions are good I can cruise at 70 mph with bursts over 80. 50-60 in 2-3s. It's that rogue wave or wake that you really have to watch out for. I've gotten some big air but the 24* deadrise makes landings soft and predictable. The Donzi Classic is also a boat that you need to learn to drive as it takes a lot of driver input and can do funny things if you screw up. Once you master it though they are a blast to drive.

The 22 Donzi is a huge step up from the 16 and 18. It's nimble in 1'ers, a blast in 2's... could it handle 3-4's - probably, but your body? Not for long and you will feel it for days.

A cleint has a 22 with a 502MPI - runs 76 in 1'+chop and doesn't even hint of getting out of control or walking, a smidge of tab and run! - nice old school hull design that is still relevant.