1978 Donzi "Sweet 16" Outboard Restoration

[Parker Yacht]

A 1978 Donzi "Sweet 16" Outboard we had brought in.
Boat had been "repaired" many times, foredeck was rotten, deck had been glassed to hull, fuel tank was shot.
She came in with a Merc 200 Black Max, leaving with a VMAX 200 on the cowling and a Vmax 225 under the hood.

[Comm. (VP) Mike Carrigan Sr.]

Well,
My first ride in a "Sweet Sixteen" was 19 and 64 in Sarasota bay.
Then Pro-Line bought Donzi in 19 and 94
So, I go back some with the "Sweet Sixteen"

Ok, as usual, I have a story:

A life long buddy of mine in Tampa and also his wife being a life long friend as well.
My friend had a "Sweet Sixteen" and would call another lifelong friend that worked for Donzi when Mr. Genth and Jackie Staples owned Donzi for whatever he ever needed, decals...whatever.

Our friend ab-so-lutely loved his "Sweet Sixteen"
BUT............................................... ............
Our pal also had somewhat of a wandering eye and was discovered in a compromising position with a lady by his wife.

He called us and said:

"You guys know where my Donzi is"?
"The black scorched portion of my yard is what's left of my "Sweet Sixteen"

His wife had burnt it to the ground.

Not a good day......................

[Comm. (VP) Mike Carrigan Sr.]

Just a tip if you want one.

We tried composite stringers and the boat did not perform.
Seems like it needed the weight in the bottom.

So, unrequsted advice, keep the weight in the bottom of the boat or so it was determined by our engineers.

Also, a V8 is what's macho
OB'S aint macho and they dont work with a thru transom exhaust to sound macho.

[Parker Yacht]

THAT is funny!
As for the stringers, I left them au natural.
I may need to put pad on it, not sure what the top speed will be?

[SIM]

Macho.....have not hear that one in a while!

[Comm. (VP) Mike Carrigan Sr.]

THAT is funny!
As for the stringers, I left them au natural.
I may need to put pad on it, not sure what the top speed will be?

AW S - - T!

I have all the performance reports for years both I/O and O/B BUT in my office across the state.

I dont recall the boat selling very much as an O/B
It was very hot with a V8

Guys now my age, at a show, would come to the display and say:

I always wanted a Harley and a Sweet Sixteen
I have the Harley and am here for the Sweet Sixteen.
And they were.

But of fat old guys in a boat that has no comfort what so ever, not a senseable thing about the damn thing, but.........Who gives a s - - t!

There aint' noth'n-noth'n-noyh'n like a Sweet Sixteen.

[Parker Yacht]

I would love to see those numbers Mike.
Wait till you see the girl driving, she ain't 16, but she is SWEET!
;-)

[Parker Yacht]

Some more pics.
Boat is getting minimal stuff.
- Wet Sounds and Fusion audio.
- Hardware from GemLux
- Cushions by Wycap.
- Lenco trim tabs.
- Custom ski pole.

Shoot, there is not much else.

[Parker Yacht]

Someone tell me whats wrong with this picture?

[Surfercross]

You get into some pretty cool projects. Keep the pics coming.

[Comm. (VP) Mike Carrigan Sr.]

I would love to see those numbers Mike.
Wait till you see the girl driving, she ain't 16, but she is SWEET!
;-)

I wont be anywhere close to them for weeks
I'll try to get hold of Josh, former VP Marketing for Donzi
Maybe he can help

[Bstnsportsfan]

Cool looking boat! Is this for a customer or are you planning on selling it when finished?

Why the 225vmax but with a 200 cowling? Why not a cowling to match the engine?

Mike - your story is comical!

[Parker Yacht]

Cool looking boat! Is this for a customer or are you planning on selling it when finished?

Why the 225vmax but with a 200 cowling? Why not a cowling to match the engine?

Mike - your story is comical!

That is the way I bought it.
It seems to be a thing with us anyway, we where running a 15 whaler and had a 90 on it, but the cowling said 70.
It is for my adoptive niece and nephew. They will actually get to use it this summer, was supposed to be done last summer. Oh well.

[Parker Yacht]

Mo Pics.

[Comm. (VP) Mike Carrigan Sr.]

I can hook you up with a guy who can supply OEM decals, carper, pretty much whatever if you have a need.
I contacted him re performance reports O/B'S however with O/B power, he wasn't help