|
[QUOTE=PremierPOWER;4385051]Donzi had 450 employees at one point and they built close to 500 boats per year (im sure alot were the classic line). The Donzi ZR line isnt really that dated honestly. The 43 ZR came out in 06. Look at Formula, the fastech lineup has been basically the same (engines, gauges, etc change of course) since the late 90's when they went to a stepped hull. I dont think Cig. has changed the 38 TG much since going to a step, the 39 TG much since introduction, etc.
Also, used boats and refurbishing them is great but eventually good used boats will run out and be pretty old. People keep mentioning middle class. Middle class isnt who all the major performance manufactures target audience is. MTI, Cigarette, OL, Nor Had no idea Donzi made that many boats a year. I believe Fountain was north of 500 in their hay day. I do agree the ZR was way ahead of its time and is still an awesome looking boat. |
Prob renegade to answer stimleck
|
Originally Posted by Indy
(Post 4384717)
Sort of. Competing in a global market has changed the face of American middle class forever. Companies here have cut bonuses, raises are far below what they were a decade or two ago, heath costs have escalated and pushed back onto the worker, 401k matching contributions are going away...all this combined makes for a tougher time for families and individuals.
One more factor to consider, time. In order to compete corporations cut costs (i.e., benefits) by reducing staff and adding that work to the remaining workforce thus increasing productivity per person. It's a fact...I've never seen so many of my friends and family sooooooo stressed from financial and time pressures. I don't see a way out, used boats are key during these times but if I'm a business person, boat building is an industry I'd get nowhere near. I think the youth aren't as interested either, tech and social media seem to take priorities these days. |
Another point I wanted to add is today how many kids are growing up where being a "gearhead" is cool? When I grew up, being able to work on your own even if it was to neatly and efficiently change the oil or a battery or even wash the engine correctly was cool. The girls respected it and came over in their short short cut offs to help (Ahh, the good old days...)
Now today who wants to be a "mechanic"?! Todays kids are button pushers, not wrench turners like we all were. And boats (like God you know, same yesterday, today and forever) will ALWAYS need to have things turned, twisted, adjusted and replaced. |
Lets not forget that also every young kid today is indoctrinated with the "fact" that anything that burns gasoline or any other fuel is evil. :mad:
|
I have one of those used Donzi boats. The original owner put an additional $56,000.00 into it. My purchase price was $22,500.00. It is a beautiful boat and hits 88 mph on the GPS. I love it and I recommend that is the way to go.
|
Originally Posted by PremierPOWER
(Post 4385051)
Donzi had 450 employees at one point and they built close to 500 boats per year (im sure alot were the classic line). The Donzi ZR line isnt really that dated honestly. The 43 ZR came out in 06. Look at Formula, the fastech lineup has been basically the same (engines, gauges, etc change of course) since the late 90's when they went to a stepped hull. I dont think Cig. has changed the 38 TG much since going to a step, the 39 TG much since introduction, etc.
Also, used boats and refurbishing them is great but eventually good used boats will run out and be pretty old. People keep mentioning middle class. Middle class isnt who all the major performance manufactures target audience is. MTI, Cigarette, OL, Nor-Tech, Skater, etc etc are all in the business to build high end boats for the 0.1-1% that can afford them. Donzi and Fountain's strength was building boats for middle and upper class. They both offered boats from right around $100k all the way up to upper 6 figures and everywhere in between. |
Originally Posted by PremierPOWER
(Post 4385055)
That's not true. Nor-Tech is swamped. We just ordered a new 390 CC and there was at least a 6 month wait. Fortunately something changed in their schedule because it has been bumped 2 months but ive oftern heard that Nor-Tech has had a consistent 1 year waiting line for their boats.
B. 1 yr wait is somewhat of a game, they claim they are jammed then once you lay your money down the order gets bumped up in the schedule? Consistent 1 yr wait but you got in within 6 months, now it is down to 4 which is probably about how long it takes them to build the boat! Kind of like when you spend a few bucks with a stripper, then she throws in a "free dance" 10 songs later......its because she really likes you right? :D |
A little over a year ago, when my buddy and I dropped in unannounced to the factory at cape coral? One of the owners was very gracious and toured us through the facility, seems like there was room to work on maybe six or eight at a time, in different stages of completion.
Very nice operation! |
This is a good quick read about Donzi written 10 years ago.
http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Donzi I truly believe if the right person bought Donzi and made them a 40-50 boat per year company, they could compete with Cigarette and Outerlimits. The engineering and speed was laid out by Steve Simon and crew in the early 2000's and Zr, ZRC and CC lines are as fresh looking today as they were then. A few nips and tucks and a true hand built quality and you would bring back a premier name in the industry. Focus on: Zr lines - 35, 38 (really 39), 43 and add a 50. ZRC - Update the 38 and make a 45 - campaign a race boat Center Consoles - 29, 35, 38 - Open and Cuddy Classics - 18 O/B and 22 I/O - molds are there if someone wants a 16 I/O or 18 I/O |
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:17 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.