Now for the DONZI....
I purchased this 1965 Donzi Ski Sporter 16 as a project (I really wanted a Formula Jr. but you just can't find them). But, since it was
almost the boat I wanted and was priced right /available I jumped at it. For 2 years I have done research and made plans, collected parts and even refurbished a few.
I wanted to finally bring the boat in the garage this winter to start replacing the transom & stringers. This is where you start to spend REAL money. Plans included many modifications like building a tumblehome, installing a pad and converting the cockpit to a benchseat instead of a lounge seat arrangement. A conservative estimate was in the $ 5-6,000 mark just on the hull.
Now, I find that a member of another boating forum is building NEW Formula Jr. hulls in British Columbia from moulds he made of an original. Cost of a new hull would be comparable to the planned work on the Donzi. The kicker is that I can not get the NEW hull for about 2 years and there's no guarantee of getting it at all (the guy is a "one man band" and a retiree). But, I
could get a new boat that is exactly what I want.
So, I am perplexed as to what to do. Do I shelve the Donzi project? Sell it? Do I start the restoration but, keep it stock (more sale-able)? Or do I continue with my modification plans to make it the boat I envisioned?
To make matters more difficult, I have been speaking with a couple of Naval Architects about plans for this same basic boat (Formula Jr. like) but made out of wood and to my exact design and detail. One is willing to produce plans for me while the other has involved a third party that looks like he is making plans and a kit to build from.
I'm a huge wood boat fan and to get THE boat I dream of in wood is a great opportunity....but, I already have a wood boat
Oh, what to do? What to do?