Problems to look 4 on 1988 Donzi Ragazza 21' 4.3?

[Sparkyxplorer]

I am planning on purchasing a boat soon and found a 88 donzi ragaza 21' with a 4.3 V-6 I/O with a OMC Conrad outdrive? possible the way he has listed. The boat is a little older then I would like but, it looks like it has been rather well kept, and some things upgraded like a new stereo, and upholstery has been re-done, has a monster tower...

I guess I got a few questions, some about this boat specific, and some just about I/O boats...some may seem silly :facepalm:, but all are serious...

1. Is the Motor going to be a 4.3 Merc, with OMC outdrive....or all OMC?

2. Family fishes alot, so boats have always been Outboards ( currently ranger 620vs w/225 evinrude)... with I/O such as the 4.3, is there in alternator on those motors? or is an on-board charger still to contend with?

3. Oil Change on an inboard...how does that work? pump it in and out or?

4. Anything to look for while testing it? Common things to look or with Boats in general, this model Donzi specific problems, or the 4.3 v-6 engine and outrive related problems?


Thanks for any info that can be provided...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Problems to look 4 on 1988 Donzi Ragazza 21' 4.3?

1. Is the Motor going to be a 4.3 Merc, with OMC outdrive....or all OMC?

Ayuh,... It'll be All OMC, which is reason enough to keep lookin'....
OMC has been outa business for well over 10 years....

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Problems to look 4 on 1988 Donzi Ragazza 21' 4.3?

1. All OMC, you at least want to call local repair shops to see if they have parts/still work on them.

2. I/O's still have an alternator. You may want to add an onboard charger if you add extra batteries, but for the cranking battery, it will charge off the motor.

3. Pump it out through the dipstick. Walmart sells a pump for less than $10 to do just this.

4. Look through iBoats, you'll find ton's of info on what to look for. In general, it's more about conditoin, maintenance, and storage than the make. Check the floor and transom carefully for rot. Be sure to sea trial it before laying out the cash. Good luck with it.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Problems to look 4 on 1988 Donzi Ragazza 21' 4.3?

Like any other fiberglass boat of that age you'll likely find rot in any\all wood components (seat bases, sun deck structure, floor, stringers, transom, etc.).

If that boat has a ski locker in the floor check there first. Our 1988 Donzi was FULL of rotted wood down there. Not saying it's a deal breaker, as you'll have issues with nearly any boat, but you should at least know what you're buying. Rotten transom or stringers would mean STAY AWAY... as if the OMC thing weren't enough (I suspect Conrad really means "Cobra", probably the worst situation possible).

Otherwise its a ho-hum boat with a cool name. Nothing special about it. Don't get too attached until you know more.

Yes, changing oil is easiest using a dip-stick pump. Yes, it has an alternator (as will any IO boat).

FWIW, not knowing the boat at all, upgraded stuff like that often means the prior owner invested his money in the cosmetics of the boat... spent cash on flash vs. maintenance... and he may have finally found it's now quite rotten and therefore selling. Or maybe he doesn't even know. Are maintenance records available?

"new stereo, and upholstery has been re-done, has a monster tower..."

 

[Sparkyxplorer]

Re: Problems to look 4 on 1988 Donzi Ragazza 21' 4.3?

Otherwise its a ho-hum boat with a cool name. Nothing special about it. Don't get too attached until you know more.

Are maintenance records available?

Had to laugh at the ho-hum boat with a cool name part.


Thanks for all the info guys

The ad shows that oil change was just recently done, and that the outdrive was serviced...(don't know what that includeds)

It has a custom made snap cover (do not know how long it has been since it was installed), so the inside looks in decent condition for the year

I am looking for a boat to use, one that can pull a tube,ski, etc. and the other half wants to start wakeboarding, be able to hold 6-7 people with comfort for a day hanging out on the lake,so I want an open bow, and would prefer an I/O....and this boat has seemed that it can fulfill those wants, now I am not saying I am getting for sure but it makes it a candidate

here is an attached picture

Seems like as long as there is no to little rot/water damage, all is well besides the "shamed upon" engine, correct?

As far as I could tell it seems the price is fair, I know some may say it is high for that old of a boat, but I can not find anything newer that is what I am looking for, for a similar price