Planetwarmer

So it is a different tool. What is the problem then?

roadtripse

It isn't. Direct copy of the 16 Classic bottom. Identical. Splash. Copy. Rip-off of a timeless design. Understand? Cool with you? Maybe. Not with me and many other Donzi owners. A complete intellectual property rip-off. Call it a "17", but anyone with knowledge of a 16 Classic bottom will see right through it. Nope.

Scott B

Bingo...

SHARKEY-IMAGES

I would think a company would have written permission to produce this hull as is from the company that originally manufactured it.

If not, I do believe an Anti-Splash Law did go into effect some time ago and the 10% change Rule went out the window and called for a full plug to be built from scratch.

I had my Bullet splashed by a company in NC with my knowledge. Unfortunately some of the verbal commitments were not lived up to and shame on me for not getting something in writing.

mccaffertee

How many years since this boat was designed? It is WAY PAST its day and very outdated, so the splash is no bog deal...so many NEGATIVE comments for something that "has been"...i say GOOD for Hornet and keep on moving on!

Hornet Marine

The hull bottom is not a copy. We did build the tooling ourselves and made some changes. We agree that the boat does have a timeless design. There are significant changes to the cockpit and topside. The construction process is also very different.
We would expect a serious Donzi enthusiast to recognize some similarities. Those are also found on numerous boats that had Wynn-Walters designed or influenced. We are not the first company to make a similar boat, It has been sold under several brands throughout the years and actually ours is the most unique.
This is not an intellectual property rip-off in anyway.
I do appreciate the feedback. We know there are some enthusiasts that may not like our plan in the beginning. Our goal is to win you over by being professional and trying to be the best boat company possible. Our only choice here is to prove it to you over time.
As far as respect for the industry. I grew up with Donzi purists so I understand. Jim Wynne who I have met, was a friend of my fathers. Walt Walters, I had never met until this year, seemed pretty happy with what we are doing.
Feel free to contact me directly anytime and if you are ever in CT please stop by and see the facility. The boat design is a very small part of our business model. Our manufacturing process and customer service programs will also be world class.

David Hartmann
860 516 3141

Hornet Marine

Here is a link that goes into more detail about our business.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/compon...trarian-timing

bluellama

David, is that Hull #1 in the Miami Boat Show pic? Too bad Sharkey couldn't have got pioctures of the complete boat.

Donziweasel

Nice article, but I do have some issues with it.

You neglected to mention that this design was first produced by Don Arronow and Donzi in 1964 and has been produced off and on over 46 years.

Did I miss something? How about the Donzi 16. That comment is a plain lie.

Once again, you fail to mention that the Hornet might have been a Wynne/Walters design, but was produced by Donzi. It has been a Donzi staple. It even evolved into the Hornet II and Hornet III.

Now to your website-

http://www.hornetmarine.com/

For the love of god man, do you have no shame? You even ripped off the original Donzi script.

David, while I appreciate anyone trying to start a company in this economy, it has become clear you are simply a rip off artist. No originallity. Simply take a proven hull design, make a few changes, rip off Donzi names, scripts, logos, and call it YOUR new boat. Sad my freind.

What's next a Hornet 2+3? 22?

Hornet Marine

That is Hull Number One. At that time we did not have the topside. We were working 16 hour days for weeks and literally pulled this piece two days before driving to Miami from CT. Hull #2 comes out of the mold next week. Jet black to prove out the mold.