Looking at Classic 22' a few different years ... anything to be concerned with on these hulls?? Any years to avoid?? Are the ones built before 1989 any better lay-ups than after 1989?? Obviously moisture in transom and stringers are concentration areas on the older hulls, but just throwing this out there for anything that I may not have read on or history on these hulls I may have missed. After owning my 35' Cigarette for 6yrs. Then Formula 330SS (just sold her) for last 6yrs. I am thinking of getting my feet wet again (not literally!! ) and dabbling with small Donzi which I have always loved! 7' beam 24" deadrise! Yeah baby Thanks Chris / South Jersey

im in the same boat....28zx -> 38 ZX -> now looking at 22 classics

1988- early 1993 were the OMC years.

They are kind of like the AMF years of Harley. OMC was looking for mass production.... I have been told to avoid those years.

I had a 1983 and it was built like a tank. I'm not sure when layups changed, however check with the Donzi Registry as they know everything on these boats.

http://www.donzi.net

I heard production time when omc took over dropped from 40 days to 40 hours. The omc boats are ok at best imop

My 87 had stringer and transom rot. In my case the holes drilled through the stringers to allow water to drain to the bottom of the vee had two fatal flaws. First, they were drilled too high in the stringer, and second they were not glassed after drilling. Check that very carefully.

[QUOTE=donzi matt;4329323]My 87 had stringer and transom rot. In my case the holes drilled through the stringers to allow water to drain to the bottom of the vee had two fatal flaws. First, they were drilled too high in the stringer, and second they were not glassed after drilling. Check that very carefully.[/QUOTE

As with the purchase of any boat.. You have to make sure that the boat is structurally sound.. I have owned 4 22 classics .. 2006 Shelby 496HO/bravo.. 1992 22 454/cobra.. 1987 22 460/cobra.. And the one I currently own .1987 22 (LE) 454/Alpha.. I agree with Matt, make sure to check transom/stringers before purchasing.. I've had the fortune of mine being rot free and sound in every aspect. I would also consider a survey to be at peace of mind..
Just as a precaution..

Joe

Thanks Tom A & JD kinda what I heard ... so not wanting to ASSume or bad mouth any particular years ... I am sure each should be evaluated and valued for what it is worth considering each for the condition and hardware they possess. BUT that said I am looking to start with the best possible 'bones' - good bones - and then work way (up) from there! 1986 looks like last (or towards the end) of the best old school Don A's. We shall see boys ...

To be honest, Don A. was out before 1970. There were just some really good owners in there at times and some not so good. But like anything there are good and bad in all.

I just checked with Donzi, and they are no longer using wood?
Does anyone know when they stopped using wood?

Bought her and brought her home to where she belongs ... Jersey!






((hey sup!?! no pics on her anymore? unless they're hosted???))