Classic 18 or U-19, which should I buy?
 

Let me start off by saying I have always been partial to Donzis, my father owns one, and I grew up riding in one. I have always been on big water (the Great Lakes and the Gulf). I recently was moved to Oklahoma because of the Air Force and now I'm itiching to get back on the water (smaller lakes unfortunately). I am currently looking at the Donzi Classsic 16 and 18, as well as the Four Winns U-17 and U-19. I am leaning towards the Classic 18 or U-19 simply beceause they are bigger. What would you all recommend? I like the fact that the Donzi has trim tabs, but are they really nessasary with such a small boat? Also I know nothing about Volvo engines (that is what the U-19 has), all I ever heard is Mercruiser, Mercruiser, Mercruiser. From what I have seen so far the U-19 tends to be slightly cheaper and easier to come buy then the Donzi (I do not want anything older than 1990). How do each handle in comparision? Any advice would be great as well as info on any for sale. also, if you have any other recommendations for boats I would love to here about them. I was hoping to spend around 10K but I realzie boats like these might be hard to come by for that cheap.



Thanks.

The Early U Boats had handling quirks, the only boat I ever saw where powerboat magazine said "Steer Clear". Teague said it was dangerous...... Now, an 18 Donzi Classic with a 400ci smallblock with a Merc Drive is a fantastic setup, it'll criuse at almost 50mph and be a friggin ball all day....

Yup the 18 Donzi with a 330 Big Block will run 68 /70 and is a blast !!!

I own the 18 Python Vyper molds which are very similiar to the 18 Donzi. Who needs a brand new one?

In the Jan, '02 issue of Powerboat they tested a 22 Classic and said that it was overpowered and dangerous with the hp500efi. They could only get it up to 74.8 with that power. That package will run 79. Plenty of us are running mid to upper 80s with these hulls and they are very predictable. Some are running over 100 mph. They said it should have less power lol. These guys simply don't know how to drive these boats. Mine can cruise at 80+ over 2 footers and can go 83-86 on top. Back to the 18; I'd recommend the Donzi as it is the real deal and the U boat is a splash. Either way they are driver's boats and that is one thing we love about them. Now if someone can just teach the Powerboat crew how to drive one.......

Hi,

Not sure if this is any help because I don't own nor ever been in a U19 but I do have a Classic 18 and a Chaparral with a VP SX.

People have asked "which drive is better" and my feeling is neither they are just different. The VP is a sweet drive. It's smooth, dependable and easy to work on (can change the raw water impeller on the water from inside the boat). The alpha is the small block Chevy of the drive world. Everyone works on them and has parts. Both are reliable if treat them right. The only issues I've had with my alpha is accelerated wear but that's because I put almost 600 HP through it. My general guidance is, make sure the power combination is right for the boat over who made the drive which is probably not an issue with your choices.

As for the Classic 18 hull there's not much to say, it's a Donzi. It's well built, handles the water well and flies nice. Beiing a deep V it does have its quirks and you have to get used to them but from what I've heard of the U boats it may still be superior in this regard. In my opinion tabs are required. The boat wants to lean over when I have a passenger aboard. The tabs let me bring the port side up or putt along with the bow down. Wife won't let me go much above 30 when she's in the boat :) Good luck with your choice.

My vote would be the Donzi, I've got an 18 Donzi so a lil bias, I've never driven any of the U boats but I will tell you I have had my 18 in some sloppy stuff and it handles pretty well, as mentioned above these lil deep V's are drivers boats and take a lil bit to get used to, they respond quickly to driver input, they are a blast to run! Just make sure you wear your lanyard and a good life jacket, both the 16/18 Donzis you sit on top of the boat instead of in the boat account of the low freeboard. 300-340ish HP will get you 67-73ish I'd stay with a small block for better wieght balance. Good luck with your boat search

Thank you everyone for your input. Now I just have to find a Classic 18 that is not too old and is reasonably priced. I found one in New York for $13,500 but it has an OMC and not a huge fan of the color. What's everyone take on the OMC?

I have a 1973 X-18 with a Merc 383 / Bravo package. Yep, runs high 60's low 70's.

The OMC is a nice drive but if you want to run it hard, you need to switch to something else that is easier to add full hydraulic steering.

Hell, I think that the Powerboat guys were scared of the 22 with a 496 (at least scared of the general public having one). Yes, they are drivers boats with bigger power. For those that have mastered them, they are a BLAST.

Take your time, find the RIGHT BOAT . . . the wrong boat will either cost you money to make it what you want, or make you unhappy.

It's early in the season, visit Donzi.net and you can find some folks happy to assit you in finding the good solid 18 Classic.

The Classic 18 hull was used to build several models
all with the round bottom Vee Hull
X-18
Corsican
Classic 18

the first two are harder to find . . Classic 18s were built from 1969- 2009?
There are many differnt engine packages, but I'd venture that the most popular is the SBC and a Merc Outdrive

Don't be afraid of an older Volvo Outdrive, they don't break.

Mario L.