Looking at a 1969 Donzi 18 footer-advice needed!

Joined
May 23, 2016
Messages
11
My best friend called me the other day, telling me about this old Donzi I needed to see. I currently have a 275lxc that I'm on the fence about keeping, and I've wanted a classic Donzi for years, so I decided to go check it out. I'm in the middle of finishing a 1968 c10 pickup with a turbo LS setup, so what better time to buy this, you know?
From the information I received on her, she's supposedly a 1969 18. She very obviously needs a full resto, but there's very little rot. From my little research, it appears to have a jacuzzi WJ jet drive. I've read these are reliable units but am prepared to rebuild if necessary. The motor that comes with the boat is a 350, which is good for me. I did entertain the idea of an LS swap because of my familiarity with the platform. I looked through the 1969 brochure, and didn't even see an option for a jet drive, so I'm assuming this was added later.

I've noticed some things are not the way they were when they left the factory (the GAS PEDAL for instance), and someone cut the inner shell out of the boat. The other weird parts are the hatch cover (opens differently than others I've seen...sideways with pins), and the seating arrangements, namely the panel that separates the engine hatch from the cockpit. I wish I had a better picture, but it does not appear that there's a way for there to be 3 seats back there. Looks more like 2 really small seats with a large center divider "box" between them. I was wondering if this was original. I'm also somewhat frightened of the cost of a full interior. Are these seats as scarce as I think they may be?

So with all that being said, unless there's some glaringly obvious reason not to buy this boat, I'll probably pick it up. I'm not scared of the work, as I've done plenty of auto restoration and hot rodding. The boat needs a full repaint, so I could have something very unique, and I love the idea of rescuing this boat from impending doom underneath these trees. When all is said and done, I'm basically buying this boat for the cost of the trailer it's sitting on. It was parked in 2006, and I know she's dirty, but if there's anyone can see the real beauty, it's you guys. The people I've showed these pictures to think I'm crazy, but nothing I'm not already used to honestly.

Any advice on the above would be much appreciated!
 
Joined
May 23, 2016
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11
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bashr52

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
413
I'm assuming the seat setup should be the same as this 16' 1969 version?
Donzi-18-6.jpg


If you do not have the bench seat I would assume it's been changed at some point over the years.
 

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
14,785
Welcome aboard!

Well ... ya' got your work cut out for you. But you sound like you're willing to put in the work, so you should turn out a slick boat.

I'm not a huge Donzi fan (don't care for the styling), but I that folks love 'em.
 

aspeck

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 29, 2003
Messages
18,588
I see a WHOLE lot of $ and even more work! But that doesn't mean it won't be worth it in the end. I like Donzi's, but haven't been around them personally to be of any help to you. Just go into it with your eyes wide open ... you have A LOT of work cut out for you.
 

frantically relaxing

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 19, 2011
Messages
699
Just a personal note- every similar type of jet boat I've ever seen, including this '77 Makiakona I once owned, had a gas pedal... :)

kona.jpg
 
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