What is the history of Donzi boats?

World Champion racer Don Aronow partnered with Walt Walters and Jim Wynne to found Donzi in 1964, debuting a diminutive 16-foot V-hull racer soon dubbed the ‘Sweet 16′ by fans. The distinctive vessel drew rave reviews and a number of prominent owners, including President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Where did Donzi name come from?

Donzi was established back in 1964 by legendary boatbuilder and racer Don Aronow in Miami. He took the name for the company from his secretary’s nickname for him: ‘Donzi baby’.

What does the word Donzi mean?

Donzi is derived from the latin word Donzia which roughly translated means “I wish I had a Cigarette”

Who created Donzi boats?

Donald Joel Aronow
Donald Joel Aronow (March 3, 1927 – February 3, 1987) was an American designer, builder and racer of the famous Magnum Marine, Cary, Cigarette, Donzi, and Formula speedboats.

Is a Donzi a good boat?

They were cool, accessible boats that could handle rough water and had good build quality. But, despite looking good on the water, they don’t perform that well compared to current performance boats and in the quest for high speeds, they can be problematic. 22 Donzi Classic. Navy and honey 22 Classic.

Where are Donzi boats built?

Leaving nothing to chance, virtually all of our hardware is custom made to exact specifications at our factory in Washington, North Carolina.

Is Donzi a good boat?

Regarded for its rough water capability and stability at high speeds. That said, because Donzi has such a recognizable name, the Classics are worth restoring because they do have better resale than many other boats.

Are Donzi boats fast?

Donzi reports a top speed of over 120 mph with the staggered Mercury Racing 860 engines paired with M6 drives. (If you want to tone it down a little, you can opt for the Mercury Racing 565 engines.) Its double-stepped hull rides with a level attitude for excellent handling at high speeds.

Are Donzi boats still being made?

Donzi Marine, the boat maker that left Manatee County in late 2010 for North Carolina, has apparently ceased operations along with a sister company in the Tar Heel state that is wrestling with finances and lenders in court.

What is the smallest Donzi?

SWEET 16
THE SWEET 16 The smallest boat Donzi ever built might also be it’s most famous. Revered as “The Sweet 16” this compact legend is exciting, easy to tow, requires minimal storage space and is built to the exact same standards as its larger sister ships. No shortcuts here.

What is the fastest Donzi boat?

World’s Fastest Donzi 22′ Classic, at 112.6mph; this boat is powered by a Procharged 540, and is owned by Björn Carapi.

What was Don Aronow’s favorite Donzi boat?

First off, before the Donzi mafia comes to get me, let me be clear; I really like Donzi Classics, there is no arguing about their place in boating history. They were cool, accessible boats that could handle rough water and had good build quality. It is rumored that the 16 was Don Aronow’s favorite boat.

What kind of boat is a Donzi classic?

Arguably the most recognizable fiberglass sport boats ever created, Donzi’s 16 Classic boasts a pedigree like none other. From the rakish, low-slung looks to the “tuck & roll” upholstery, Donzi has kept all the details true to the original blueprint.

What kind of Hull does a Donzi tuff have?

It has a narrow pad and a 20 degree deadrise hull. A rare sterndrive 21 Tuff capable of more than 105 mph with a stock Ilmor 570. Derived from the Linder 21 hull but with modern construction techniques, a wider pad and a notched transom, make this one of the most capable small performance boats today.

Who was the designer of the Donzi 21 Challenger?

The venerable George Linder designed 21 Challenger, a significant design that influenced many other hulls. Regarded for its rough water capability and stability at high speeds. That said, because Donzi has such a recognizable name, the Classics are worth restoring because they do have better resale than many other boats.