Will a Donzi Classic 22 handle Offshore Conditions?
#1
Registered
![](https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/images/icons/platinum_member_star.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have been thinking about downsizing. I was wondering how well
the Donzi classic 22 would handle offshore conditions like 2 to 3
and 3 to 4 feet seas.
Thanks,
Warren
the Donzi classic 22 would handle offshore conditions like 2 to 3
and 3 to 4 feet seas.
Thanks,
Warren
#2
Registered
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you're talking about open water (Atlantic) off the eastern coast of FL, I would not think that would be a good choice. On the intercoastal, gulf side, and maybe very calm days on the Atlantic you might be okay, but I would not want to be in a 22 in 3's and 4's.
#3
Registered
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
First let me say that I DON'T OWN A Donzi--but what I've seen I know Donzi makes a very seaworthy boat. However, just the size of the boat/weight etc., it sure seems that ANY 22 footer would cause some difficulty in routinely running in 2-4 foot seas at WOT. For sure it sounds like you would get banged around at the very least.
Just my two cents
be safe
3pointstar
Just my two cents
be safe
3pointstar
#4
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Gaylord, Mi
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I had a 24 Baja and the one time I went out in 4-6ft waves.....................It SUCKED! I dont care that it wasnt a Donzi. Doesnt matter. 4 fters in the 22 will Suck
#5
VIP Member
![](https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/images/icons/prop.gif)
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The bigger question is ..... Can your body handle the pounding that it will get running at speed in 3-4 foot seas at speed? ![Wink](/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Trust me when I tell you that it won't be fun for very long!!
![Wink](/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Trust me when I tell you that it won't be fun for very long!!
![Big Grin](/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
__________________
Happily retired and living in Heavens waiting room.
Happily retired and living in Heavens waiting room.
#6
Registered
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
We talking US or metric?? ![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
In all seriousness, the 22 is a capable hull but in 3-4 not any fun. I run one in S Fla conditions regularly, and have had no issues with them within their limits, but if your wanting to crush waves on a snotty gulfstream day it is not the right boat..
![Smilie](/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
In all seriousness, the 22 is a capable hull but in 3-4 not any fun. I run one in S Fla conditions regularly, and have had no issues with them within their limits, but if your wanting to crush waves on a snotty gulfstream day it is not the right boat..
#7
Registered
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good answer,Scott. My 22 goes off-shore regularly on the Great Lakes. Honest 2s are an absolute blast. 2-3s will slow you down a bit and you need to be extra careful of that odd 4-5 in the mix. 4s are no fun but if a regular wave pattern they can be run on plane. The worst I have run is 6-8s on Lake Erie. That brought me to idle speed but I still crossed the lake when bigger boats stayed snug in their slips.
#8
Registered
![](https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/images/icons/platinum_member_star.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good answer,Scott. My 22 goes off-shore regularly on the Great Lakes. Honest 2s are an absolute blast. 2-3s will slow you down a bit and you need to be extra careful of that odd 4-5 in the mix. 4s are no fun but if a regular wave pattern they can be run on plane. The worst I have run is 6-8s on Lake Erie. That brought me to idle speed but I still crossed the lake when bigger boats stayed snug in their slips.
I have always liked the Donzi 22 classic. What speed do you cruise at?
#9
Registered
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've done some upgrades so if conditions are good I can cruise at 70 mph with bursts over 80. 50-60 in 2-3s. It's that rogue wave or wake that you really have to watch out for. I've gotten some big air but the 24* deadrise makes landings soft and predictable. The Donzi Classic is also a boat that you need to learn to drive as it takes a lot of driver input and can do funny things if you screw up. Once you master it though they are a blast to drive.
#10
Registered
![Default](/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The 22 Donzi is a huge step up from the 16 and 18. It's nimble in 1'ers, a blast in 2's... could it handle 3-4's - probably, but your body? Not for long and you will feel it for days.
A cleint has a 22 with a 502MPI - runs 76 in 1'+chop and doesn't even hint of getting out of control or walking, a smidge of tab and run! - nice old school hull design that is still relevant.
A cleint has a 22 with a 502MPI - runs 76 in 1'+chop and doesn't even hint of getting out of control or walking, a smidge of tab and run! - nice old school hull design that is still relevant.