Back in the late 80's I helped a local Citation dealer with demo's . They had a 26' Lazer with twin OMC 460's that would run 80mph . Boat broke 3 drives before it sold , and was falling apart a little more each time out . The new owners were so unhappy they sued over it . The whole boat shook going fast ......

It's not a design flaw at all. It's more a result of a true 24* deep vee with round keel on a small boat. They will lean and roll around a lot but can handle water that many larger boats cannot. I rolled mine onto it's side twice on it's first time out and never again! The boat will be in a very sharp angle to the water and will suddenly slam hard onto the side and then back flat. It's scary when it happens but after awhile you can master those turns and feel if the boat gets on the ragged edge and then just straighten the wheel a bit and raise the drive. It's awesome when you can master it and dip the rubrail in a tight turn and then raise the drive and port tab as you accelerate out of the turn. The 22 Classic is very predictable and reliable when mastered and the most fun boat to drive that I have owned. If you hit a rogue wave or wake at speed it always comes down straight but I cannot let anyone else drive mine because of the skill that it takes. There is a reason that these boats have a cult following and they wouldn't if there were a design flaw. I personally know of two that run over 100 and do it very well. I know of at least six that run well into the 90s. Mine will not reach the 90s. I am not aware of a single accident involving a Donzi 22 Classic but it can scare the hell out of you if you screw up.

Nice boat, love the color. I understand the design, Like i Said, its a boat thats bought for the feel, for the looks. Nobody buys a Camaro to take it around Limerock. Ive driven one to damn near 100, ittl do it...but Id much rather be in a 21 Challenger or something else with a pad.
A couple got seriously injured on our lake after they stuffed (and totaled....) a 22 Donzi.
To me, the rounded bottom IS a design flaw. The boat runs too high in the water and rolls on its side in the turns. Some people see it is a flaw, some people see it as Donzi charm
Either way, beautiful boat you have there!
That being said there's no way a 22 Donzi belongs on this thread....although they arent cheap...

Thank you. I like the looks too but bought it for the handling! I did a lot of upgrades on mine and it's dialed in. It can still slam onto it's side but I have never done it since it's maiden voyage.

I sold Citations for a while. One of the worst boats I've seen. Clearly aimed at Bayliner customers and you could assume that anything they could hide, was all garbage.

You're crazy to put a 22 Donzi on a list of worst high performance boats ever built. They are built well, and if you actually know how to drive them/have some practice with them, they handle well. You can't just jump into the seat thinking you're going to get the most out of the boat on the first ride. The first time I drove one I thought it was terrible, but after some getting used to, I love it. Driving one is an acquired skill.

I'll agree with Johnny on both points. The Donzi 22 doesn't belong on any "worst boat" threads, but it is an ill handling hull in certain situations. I will say that the rounded pad and narrow beam leads to a very silky ride in some amazingly rough water though.

I dont think anyone is arguing that, it certainly doesnt belong in this thread. They're a muscle boat. Way more Camaro than lets say.......Lotus?
The build quality has varied though, your is the nicest one ive ever crawled through, the rigging is nice, sides straight, etc. We have a customer with a yellow 22 with a 496ho that the stringers are pulling up in. It also handles AWFUL...you cannot get rid of the porpoise no matter what you do. Most 22s can be tamed, this certain boat cant. Its awful. Donzi should have really taken it back, but thats another story.
But Ill say it again....no Donzi belongs on this thread.
Next please

The one that tops the list for me is a 20' Awesome....Junk!

Sorry, wrong topic