Winner - Donzi F-23

[jcupo6]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Thumbs up on getting a survey. Love that boat, even has rod holders in the cabin.

I was a bit concerned about the Wellcraft once I saw that it was an OB conversion.

Good luck to ya!

Thanks! The Wellcraft wasn't a conversion though, just had the low transom and the OB hanging off it. I've heard some horror stories about these transoms. I had a couple items listed in my "Want" list when I started the boat search and a full transom was at the top of that list. I could deal with it for the perfect boat, but unfortunately the Wellcraft wasn't that.

I'm glad to hear you were able to take a close look. You certainly need to go with the boat that you feel more comfortable with. Another point, even had you chosen to buy the welcraft and if anything went wrong, you probably would have found youseld saying "darn it, I should have gone with the DONZI."

Good Luck, Hope You Get. Keep us informed!

It's funny, I said the same thing as i was driving to look at both boats. I guess I kinda made my mind up already. I'm just happy the Donzi was actually the boat in the best condition.

 

[shrew]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

So the boat was left uncovered after <how much rain and time>? The water works it's way into every conveivable crevice then the temps drop and the water freezes and expands everywhere. It may have been treated well for 20+ years, but that doesn't mean much when it's poorly treated later in life. This boat would be going down a few slots on my list and I'd be looking at the Wellcraft.

 

[jcupo6]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

So the boat was left uncovered after <how much rain and time>? The water works it's way into every conveivable crevice then the temps drop and the water freezes and expands everywhere. It may have been treated well for 20+ years, but that doesn't mean much when it's poorly treated later in life. This boat would be going down a few slots on my list and I'd be looking at the Wellcraft.

The shrink wrap was cut this past October when the previous person looked at her and made an offer. This is one main reason I will be getting her surveyed (if the owner accepts my offer). The cheapest survey I can find is $450, which hurts as the boat is only $3,800, but I still think it's well worth the price.

The Wellcraft was in much worse shape. It too was under 4 inches of snow and appeared to never have been covered. The transom looked terrible, and there was 4 inches of solid ice in the bilge area. There was some wood accents that looked like they have never been treated or even cleaned. I didn't take pictures because I immediately decided to pass on her. I think that boat sat for 10 plus years, or the PO's never cleaned or maintained her. It's a shame, the boat has potential and would be a great restore project for someone... maybe someone on iboats?...

 

[jcupo6]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Well, it looks like my offer of $2,000 on the Donzi was accepted so barring a successful survey I will be the proud new owner of a Donzi F-23. At this price my main concern is really only the deck, hull, and transom. I'm hoping to have everything complete this week and will post some more pics.

Now.... What to do with my newly painted Holiday?....

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

2k is a good price, that outboard is probably worth most of that alone. Good luck with the rig. I'm curious about that bracket. It seems like it would be a great one to put on the 22' Islander I'm looking at, would leave a full transom as you mentioned.

Congrats on the new rig. She is a beaut.

 

[jcupo6]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

2k is a good price, that outboard is probably worth most of that alone. Good luck with the rig. I'm curious about that bracket. It seems like it would be a great one to put on the 22' Islander I'm looking at, would leave a full transom as you mentioned.

Congrats on the new rig. She is a beaut.

Thanks! The full transom is really nice. Makes the boat feel bigger. I would have preferred a full length bracket, so you can use it as a swim platform too, but I guess I can't be too picky!

Does the Islander have a bracket or would you convert?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Thanks! The full transom is really nice. Makes the boat feel bigger. I would have preferred a full length bracket, so you can use it as a swim platform too, but I guess I can't be too picky!

Does the Islander have a bracket or would you convert?

It's got a factory 2.5L I/O currently. I'm also looking at a 21' Chieftain OB model. Some photos in this thread.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Congratulations on your new project Jerry. Nice looking boat mate!

TII

 

[jcupo6]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Congratulations on your new project Jerry. Nice looking boat mate!

TII

Thanks Trition, I'm hoping this is not nearly as much of a "Project" as the starcraft, but only time will tell...

 

[jcupo6]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Met my boat mechanic and inspected the boat. The motor will need a bit of work, but the boat itself was solid as a rock! Mechanic said she was a steal at $2,000, that's all I needed to hear! Thanks everyone for all the input!

Restore thread in my signature.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Re: Down to two! Donzi F-23 - Wellcraft 230 Coastal

Yeehah Jerry, fantastic news. That is a VERY nice looking boat my friend.

TII