new donzi classic 22 owner , same story
 

I took my new to me 2007 22 classic 496 Mag HO out to a local pond for some test runs . This is the only boat I have been in that actually scares me a bit with its handling characteristics . I read all about how this would be the case and how they are drivers boats , so I expected it to some degree. I figured meh , it can't be that edgy . Wrong . Everything I read here and all over the net is true . Its going to take some dedicated practice and learning on my part. And I'm looking forward to it , Its putting some excitement back into running a boat. Its really just the trim and turning at just on planing speeds ( where it wants to lay over ) . Its really sensitive to weight distribution also .

I know its just a stock 22' river /lake boat to most guys here , but it feels like a rocket to me . Made the lake feel tiny today. I could have looked at a nordic 22 sprint or checkmate zt230br , but have always wanted a 22 Classic for its timeless style . I hope I can get it together because I don't want to go scaring the s**t out of my passengers ( wife and kids especially).

One of my all time favorite boats out there, congrats on the purchase. Sweet little hot rods for sure.

Congrats. Just take your time. If you don't open it up for a year or two as you build seat time and experience/confidence, so be it.

Ya def going to take it slow . It feels like if I didn't and screwed up it could be bad. I'm going to use the remainder of the season for training purposes . I want to get out on bigger water with less traffic and practice. I've actually only got a few simple mods planned in the offseason : drive shower , depth sounder , courtesy lighting inside , and another prop ( rev 4 ) . So hopefully an early start to next season also . Then there is the trailer , Its my first roller and I hate it . Going to convert to bunks I think.

Had one for 7 years take it easy at first learn to use the trim tabs to control it at slower speeds. My good friend has a 2006 and needs tabs at all speeds. I was lucky with my 95 22c it only need tabs below 50mph after that hammer down and trim up till WFO that's when it felt right. But you always need to be cautious of side wakes and any thing over 2 ft chop because the boat will fly easy.

Did you just roll it at loto?

i have a 23P Rev 4 and a 25P mirage plus, the rev is a much much more versatile, every day prop.

nocoolname37 , what power are you running ? I had read that another member here was running a 22c with a 502 mag and using a 25p rev 4 . He had good numbers and was pleased with the 25p. I cant decide between a 23p or 25p rev 4 . Id like to think I should have no trouble with the 25 . However I would like to have better holeshot and lower planing speeds for towing at times. I'm turning a 25p m+ now . I would love to get the right pitch rev 4 and sell the m+ . But if it makes more sense to go 23p rev 4 for general use and keep the 25m+ for the fast days so be it . Unfortunately I need more seat time to really judge the boats performance either way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq6bSy4lfnU

Its impressive . Def setup well. He probably has to custom order all his pants ...