Classic Donzi Regazza: 17 Feet Of Boating Bliss?

The 1988 Donzi Ragazza R-19 is an 18'7-foot boat with a 4.3L OMC Cobra Engine and OMC Cobra outdrive. This classic boat is not in working condition but is a complete vessel. Donzis are a classic name in boating, but they are usually only found on the East Coast, making a California Donzi a rare find. The 1988 Donzi Testarossa Minx is another rare model, with only 25 Testarossas ever made, and only five of them being the 20-foot Minx.

The 1988 Donzi Regazza's engine

The 1988 Donzi Ragazza is a 17-foot boat with a 4.3L OMC Cobra Engine and OMC Cobra outdrive. The engine is a 4-cylinder 3.0-litre GM engine.

The Donzi Ragazza is a classic speedboat with a top speed of 55 mph. It is a single inboard/outboard boat with a 5.7 OMC Cobra engine. The engine runs well, and the boat shifts as it should. However, it does need some minor work, such as a new battery and a headliner.

The Donzi Ragazza is a well-known model from a reputable boat brand. It has a good reputation in the boating industry and is likely to retain its resale value. Parts for the boat may still be available from boat stores, but it is not certain.

The 1988 Donzi Ragazza is a rare find, especially on the West Coast, as Donzis are typically found on the East Coast. The boat's owner describes it as being in perfect shape, with an interior that looks unused and a hull free of gouges or large scrapes.

The boat's reputation and resale value

Donzi boats have a very good reputation in the boating industry. They are known for their high performance, with powerful engines ranging from 168 horsepower to 3,724 horsepower. The brand is well-regarded for its quality construction, with models suitable for a range of boating activities, including day cruising, watersports, saltwater fishing, and overnight cruising.

The reputation of the Donzi brand, combined with the boat's desirable features, means that a 1988 Donzi Regazza 17-foot boat will likely retain its resale value. While the specific resale value of this model year is unclear, the brand's reputation suggests that it will hold its value well.

The availability of parts for this particular model may be limited, as some components are no longer in production. However, many parts can still be sourced from boat stores or second-hand.

The engine in a 1988 Donzi Regazza 17-foot boat could vary from a Mercruiser to a Cobra, with engine sizes ranging from 5.7 litres to 7.4 litres. When assessing the engine condition, it is important to look beyond surface-level rust, as this may not be indicative of any underlying issues. Instead, compression readings should be requested to get a better understanding of the engine's health.

The boat's overall condition will also play a role in determining its resale value. A well-maintained boat with a functional engine and good hull condition will likely fetch a higher price.

Overall, the 1988 Donzi Regazza 17-foot boat is likely to have a good resale value due to the brand's reputation for quality and performance, although the specific value will depend on the boat's condition and the availability of replacement parts.

The 1988 model's specifications

The 1988 Donzi Regazza: Specifications

The 1988 Donzi Regazza is a 17-foot powerboat with a single inboard/outboard GM 4-cylinder 3.0-litre engine. This stern drive powerboat is constructed with a fiberglass hull and has a net weight of 2800 lbs.

The Regazza is a classic Donzi design with a Deep Vee Hull, a popular feature of Donzi boats. It is a family bowrider that can comfortably seat several people. The 1988 model was the initial year of production for the Regazza line, and it has since become a sought-after model for its combination of performance and comfort.

The boat's interior is noted to be in excellent shape, with no signs of use, and the hull is free of any significant gouges or scrapes. The stainless steel 3-blade propeller is in good condition, and the boat comes with a full cover, trailer, GPS unit, and a handheld VHF radio.

The Donzi Regazza is a well-maintained and garage-kept vessel, perfect for those seeking a blend of performance and leisure on the water.

The boat's performance and handling

The Donzi Regazza is a classic speedboat with a reputation for good performance and handling. The 17-foot 1988 model is powered by a GM 4 Cylinder 3.0-liter engine, which provides ample power for its size. It has a top speed of around 55 mph, and its smaller size makes it relatively easy to handle, especially in rough water.

The Donzi Regazza is known for its stability and ability to handle well at high speeds. The deep-vee hull design of the Donzi Regazza allows it to cut through waves and provide a smooth ride, even in choppy conditions. This makes it a good choice for watersports or day cruising. The boat's responsiveness and manoeuvrability are also notable, with tight turning capabilities and good acceleration.

The 1988 Donzi Regazza's engine is a reliable powerplant, and with proper maintenance, it can provide many hours of trouble-free operation. However, as with any older boat, regular maintenance and care are essential to keep it running smoothly. The engine is accessible for servicing, and parts are generally available off the shelf from boat stores.

The boat's handling is further enhanced by its trim tabs, which allow for precise adjustments to the boat's trim and attitude while underway. This feature is particularly useful when running in rough water or when carrying a heavy load. The boat's original stainless steel 21-pitch prop also contributes to its good handling characteristics, providing a balance between acceleration and top speed.

Overall, the 1988 Donzi Regazza 17-foot boat is a well-regarded vessel known for its performance, handling, and stability. With its powerful engine, responsive handling, and deep-vee hull design, it is a capable and enjoyable boat for a variety of boating activities.

The Donzi brand's history

The Donzi brand has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1964 by Don Aronow, a world-champion boat racer and builder. Aronow, born in Brooklyn in 1927, moved to Miami in 1959 and began racing boats as a hobby. This hobby soon turned into a business, and by the end of 1962, he had formed the Formula Marine boat company, which he sold in 1964.

In the same year, Aronow founded Donzi Marine, debuting with the diminutive 16-foot V-hull racer, the 'Sweet 16'. This original model was one of the first Retro Runabout designs, with its distinctive hull designed by Jim Wynne in Miami. The 'Sweet 16' drew rave reviews and prominent owners, including President Lyndon B. Johnson. The popularity of Donzi vessels grew over the years, thanks to their exceptional speed and manoeuvrability.

Aronow sold Donzi Marine to Teleflex Inc. in mid-1965, but his influence on the brand and the boating world continued. He went on to found Magnum Marine in 1966 and won his first world championship in 1967. Aronow was also involved with the Cigarette Racing Team and built boats for notable figures such as the Shah of Iran, Charles Keating, and Malcolm Forbes.

The Donzi brand changed hands several times over the years, but its reputation for producing fast, powerful boats remained intact. In 1985, Jack Staples and Dick Genth acquired Donzi, moving the company to Florida and creating the Donzi "Z" line of performance boats. Marine design expert Bob Roscioli acquired the company in 1988, expanding the Donzi line to include motor yachts, fishing boats, and sport cruisers.

Today, the Donzi brand is known for its timeless designs, combining classic lines with innovative features. The recent Donzi Evolution Sportfish Superyacht series showcases the brand's ongoing commitment to luxury, performance, and engineering excellence.

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