donzi yachts bradenton

Donzi Yachts

• 6111 21st St. E. Bradenton FL 34203
• (941) 755-7411
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OWNER OF DONZI YACHTS WATCHES SHIP COME IN

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Though physically small, he played guard on Stranahan High School’s football team. He also developed handy skills in shop classes.

When he graduated in 1961, he found odd jobs refinishing and painting boats at marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway. And that’s how he found himself and his career.

“I took jobs no one else would take,” recalls Roscioli, whose idols were Vince Lombardi and Rocky Marciano. “That’s how I built my reputation.”

Since the early 1960s, he has built his boat repair and refitting business in Davie by taking several financial risks that he admits could have left him penniless. And now he wants to move his Donzi Yachts manufacturing plant from Bradenton to a 5-acre site next to his repair yard, Roscioli Yachting Center.

“I’ve taken a lot of risks in my life,” said Roscioli, 52, who lives with his family in Fort Lauderdale. “I feel the man who doesn’t take risks doesn’t realize what life is all about.”

Roscioli said the consolidation would give him more control over both operations, and customers easier access to his lineup of sport-fishing boats.

Donzi’s move would create 100 new jobs along the so-called Marina Mile on the south fork of the New River, the labor hub of South Florida’s marine industry.

For that reason, Davie officials sound optimistic about Donzi Yacht’s planned move, despite the likelihood that the project will have to overcome tough environmental regulations protecting wetlands.

“Creating one hundred new jobs by one business in one fell swoop would be greeted openly by any municipality,” said Michele Mellgren, director of planning and zoning, who also sits on the Broward County Marine Advisory Committee.

In Bradenton, Donzi Yachts, acquired by Roscioli in 1986, custom builds the sport-fishing boat in three lengths – 54 feet, 65 feet and 72 feet.

Their prices range from $1.5 million to $3 million. The lineup has lured wealthy business people – including the late McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc – and fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

Roscioli’s company had annual revenue of $12 million last year.

“He’s widely recognized for building a sea-going Mercedes,” said Frank Herhold, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “But, most important, he’s also respected for his after-sale relationship with customers.”

His trio of Donzi Yachts has been featured in such magazines as Motor Boating & Sailing, Southern Boating and Power and Motoryacht.

One customer, fisherman Bill Hole-kamp, and his 65-foot Donzi survived 40-foot swells and 100-plus mph winds caused by Hurricane Darby off the coast of Mexico in July 1992.

Times, however, weren’t always smooth for Roscioli’s Donzi venture. (Originally, the name Donzi gained fame for its high-powered “cigarette” speedboats, which is not part of Roscioli’s operation.) During the first few years, he said, Donzi Yachts lost about $3 million.

“A lot of people thought I’d never make it,” he said. “But that only made me work harder.”

Donzi Yachts finally turned the corner in 1992 with the launching of its popular 72-foot model. Roscioli has a demonstration model at his 7-acre yard on the New River, for trips to the Keys, Bahamas and Caribbean.

Moving Donzi Yachts manufacturing operation to Davie would give Roscioli the ability to produce and outfit the boat more efficiently, he said.

As part of the move, Roscioli said he would transfer any of Donzi’s 85 employees if they’re willing to go. He said a half dozen top managers and engineers would make the move.

About 75 employees work at Roscioli’s repair yard, including his wife, Sharon, and their two grown children, Robert and Heather. The yard has annual revenue of about $6 million, he said.

To accommodate the expansion, Roscioli said he’s negotiating to buy five acres of undeveloped land next to his repair yard.

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Specifications

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• Response rate: 66%
• Avg. response time: < 24 hours

Things to know

Allowed on boat, cancellation policy flexible.

• Free cancellations until 24 hours before the booking start time.
• Cancellations within 24 hours of the booking start time are non-refundable.

Security deposit

A security deposit hold (not a charge) will be placed on your credit card 48 hours before your booking starts to cover any incidental damage that may occur during your rental. This hold is released 48 hours after the booking is complete, if no claims are made. The security deposit amount for the boat you are booking will be outlined during the check-out process.

Donzi Yachts’ History

World Champion racer Don Aronow partnered with Walt Walters and Jim Wynne to found Donzi in 1964, debuting a diminutive 16-foot V-hull racer soon dubbed the ‘Sweet 16′ by fans. The distinctive vessel drew rave reviews and a number of prominent owners, including President Lyndon B. Johnson. The popularity of Donzi vessels grew over the years, thanks to their exceptional speed and incredible maneuverability. Although Donzi changed hands several times, their reputation for producing the fastest boats on the water remained intact. The Israeli government ordered a dozen vessels, and the American government used Donzi’s lightning fast boats to catch drug runners who were using other manufacturers’ speedboats to smuggle in their wares.

In 1985, Jack Staples and former Chris Craft president Dick Genth acquired Donzi, moving the company to Bradenton, Florida where they built an enormous complex to build the small boats. The partners decided to try something new and set out to create the best sportfishing boat on the market.  The Donzi “Z” line of performance boats was created, including the Z-33 Crossbow, which became one of the most sought-after performance boats of the 1980’s. Genth and Staples managed to create the largest, fastest boats in the industry, with technology that was years ahead of any other boat, production or custom, that was on the water.

Marine design expert Bob Roscioli, impressed by the innovative design of the Donzi Z boats, jumped at the chance to acquire the sportfishing yacht division of the company in 1988. He then moved production of Donzi Yachts to the Roscioli Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Under Roscioli’s expert guidance, the Donzi line has expanded to include high quality motor yachts, center console fishing boats, performance boats, entry-level Ragazza series of runabouts, high performance fishing boats, and sport cruisers. The recently introduced Donzi Evolution Sportfish Superyacht series combines classic lines, flawless finish and glamorous interiors, creating a line destined to transform the face of the sportfishing industry for years to come.

Launched in 1996, this powerful enclosed-bridge convertible remains one of the most successful Hatteras designs on the water. Its standard three-stateroom, galley-up layout is highlighted by a spacious, beautifully appointed salon. Predator features the alternate floorplan with enlarged owner’s stateroom, low-profile galley, and a massive cockpit – the largest to be found in any 65-footer. This exceptional Hatteras is asking at $899,000 USD. For more information, contact Ed Biggie at 954-868-0526 or email him at [email protected] .

For over 53 years Atlantic Yacht and Ship has been serving the yachting community as an integral leader in the yacht and ship brokerage industry. If you are looking at yachts for sale , or thinking about  selling your yacht , our experienced brokers are ready to represent your interests throughout the deal. Contact Atlantic Yacht & Ship at 954.921.1500 or  click here for more information.

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Edwards Yacht Sales

• 866.365.0706

2006 Donzi 38 ZSF

• Bradenton, FL, US

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The Donzi 38 ZSF is one of the most versatile boats on the water. While there may be other boats out there of similar size, none of them offer anywhere near the same combination of amenities and all-out performance that puts the 38 ZSF in a class all its own. This dynamic model is equal parts fisherman, day boat, luxurious overnighter, and offshore performance boat. From its well-appointed fishing cockpit, to its comfortable wraparound seating areas, to its inviting cabin replete with amenities,  the Donzi 38 ZSF has something for almost everyone! She has a 10'6" beam with the Donzi Z-Tech ventilated hull design, offering high cruising speeds with surprising fuel economy from the triple low hour Verado 4-stroke outboards. There's over 400 gallons of fuel aboard for long weekends, and you can run the genset for your air conditioned sleeping, dining, and showering. Cabin includes quick-stow dining table, electric stove-top, microwave oven, A/C, TV/DVD, H/C pressure water, enclosed head w/shower, VacuFlush marine sanitation syste, and a frig/freezer. There's also plenty of light and air available via the many cabin portholes and hatches. In the cockpit there's comfortable bench seating for 6-8, plus the double drop-down offshore style bolsters at the helm. Electronics include a Raymarine E-120 Color GPS plotter, a flush-mounted VHF, and an upgrade sound system with a Kenwood head & remote with amps, speakers and subs. The over-sized hardtop and all rails/pipework utilize white powder-coat to stay cool in the summer sunlight. It has custom Sunbrella canvas cockpit bolsters, helm, helm and stern seats covers as well as custom covers for the motor hoods. There's a power anchor windlass w/ bow foot switches. There are optional, large capacity, Frigibar freezer & frigs under the forward cockpit seating areas, as well as huge storage t hroughout the entire cockpit. This is a 38' sportfish that takes outboard powered performance to a whole new level. Whether you choose to go offshore looking for big game fish or entertain guests, and relax below in the lavish cabin, this  Donzi 38 ZSF is ready to go !   Owner will include a fresh buff and wax before closing and is looking for offers.

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The deck layout is divided into two distinct spaces separated by the helm console. The aft cockpit is open, as befits a boat used for fishing. A 65-gallon recirculating livewell is under the bench seat cushions at the transom, and there are two fishboxes in the cockpit sole. There is also a standard wet bar along the starboard side. The helm features a pair of drop-down bolster seats.  

The 38 ZSF has a high, curved-glass wrap-around windshield to keep you from blowing away while under way, and an optional hardtop. That hardtop extends well forward of the helm over a protected area with two curved bench seats. The seats are fitted with optional an refrigerator and freezer. The storage compartment in the helm console is fitted with a cutout to hold dive tanks securely. Access to the back of the helm is located here as well.  The side walkways provide a sure-footed path for line handling or anchoring duties.  Her non skid decks utilize a comfortable diamond pattern that is easy on the feet and knees. In addition to the 38 ZSF's larger windshield, the helm console has its own windscreen. The helm's lower panel holds switches and breakers, Mercury SmartCraft instrumentation, as well as the tilt steering wheel, shift and throttle levers. 

• Air Conditioning, reverse cycle
• Bait Prep Station: Fiberglass Module with Integrated Tackle Storage Compartments, Cutting Board, & Rigging Station
• Sunbrella Mooring Covers
• Docking Lights
• Frigibar Freezer under Forward Seat
• Frigibar Refrigerator under Forward Seat
• Onan Generator 7.3 KW (Includes Sound Shield & Automatic Fire Extinguisher)
• Hard Top (Aluminum Tubular Frame w/ Rocket Launchers, Spreader Lights, Fiberglass Top w/ Finished Underside Liner, Integrated Lighting and Locking Storage for four rods)
• Outriggers - Rupp Z-30
• Power Coated Top & Rails
• Rod Holders, Gunnel - Extra Pair
• Rubrail Insert - Stainless Steel
• Shadow Controls - Triple Engine
• Smart Craft Race View
• Stove, Single Burner Electric
• Flat Screen TV & DVD Player
• Premium Kenwood/MB Quart ( 6 Speakers, Amp, CD Changer, Sirius, Mp3 Input, Subwoofer & Dash Remote)
• Water Heater  6 Gallon
• Electric Windlass with foot switches and helm remote

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• 941.504.0790 727.449.8222
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Whether you are buying or selling your next boat or your first boat, one of Edwards Yacht Sales 45+ Professional Yacht Brokers throughout the Southeast are here to assist. Since 2003 we have acted as our clients trusted advisor throughout the entire process from shopping, to making an offer, to sea trial and survey, to closing.

Corporate Office: 510 Brookside Drive Clearwater, FL 33764

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 727.449.8222 Toll Free: 866.365.0706 Fax: 727.298.0456

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Project: Creating the World’s Fastest 22 Donzi Classic

If running 120-mph in a single-engine 22-foot V-bottom doesn’t sound like fun to you, you’re probably not alone. Then again, you’re also not Stan Pike, a 66-year-old retired construction business owner and veteran offshore racer—he competed from 1974 through 1989—who lives outside Atlanta, Ga., After tiring of “getting passed by 100-mph bass boats” in his 18-foot Donzi Classic on his local waterways including Lake Lanier and Lake Martin, Pike bought a 1994 22 Donzi Classic with a 572-cubic-inch blower engine.

By the time Stan Pike gets the engine of his immaculately restored Donzi 22 Classic back from  Sterling Performance  Engines, he’ll be eager to push the boat to its limit. 

That was seven or eight years ago, he said. Since then, Pike has set about building what likely will be the fastest and most powerful—nobody keeps official records on such things—22-foot Donzi on the planet. His goal is to run the boat with a rebuilt engine tuned to 1,200 hp to 120 mph.

The first order of business was dumping his engine’s previous supercharger with a 4.5-liter unit from Whipple Superchargers in Fresno, Calif. Though he hasn’t run the engine on a dynamometer, he estimates its current output to be 1,000 hp.

Next, he hauled the Donzi to the famed Capt’n Nabber’s Shop in Morris, Ill., where the crew there blueprinted and added a pad to the 22-footer’s bottom. They even built a new dash for boat.

“We also took off the deck and added two bolster seats— PPI did all the interior work,” said Pike. “And I had the hull and stringers cored and added a five-foot hatch.”

From the start, Pike knew the Donzi’s rigging was a total disaster. So his next move was to send the boat to Grant Bruggemann at Grant’s Signature Racing in Bradenton, Fla.

“I said, ‘Grant, can you fix this thing?’” said Pike. “So he tore everything out and started from scratch.”

“Stan is an extremely patient person,” said Bruggemann. “He wants everything done right and he’s willing to wait. The boat was in dire need of some rigging and rewiring, so we pulled the engine and de-rigged the whole boat. We started from scratch.”

Bruggemann’s work included everything from replacing battery cables and rewiring the gauges and switches at the dash to rewiring cockpit lights and adding a new wiring harness to the big-block engine.

“They were actually able to tune the boat’s engine on Sarasota Bay,” he said.

Now that the boat is back with its owner, he’ll pull the engine and ship it to Mike D’Anniballe at Sterling Performance Engines in Milford, Mich. Pike said he expects D’Anniballe to coax 1,200 hp out of the supercharged powerplant, and that will be enough to give him all the juice he needs to push the boat, which is equipped with an IMCO SCX drive and two switchable fuel tanks, to 120 mph.

For a closer look at the project, check out the slideshow above.

Pike will send the engine to Sterling this winter. His goal is to have it back in the boat in time for spring. And then the real fun, at least in Pike’s eyes, begins.

“I’ve run 106 mph so far,” he said. “It runs so great and flat—you could drink a Coke and drive it at that speed.”

Editor’s Note : Look for a follow-up story on this project when the boat returns to the water this spring.

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HIGH PERFORMANCE BOATING REDEFINED.

THERE'S NOTHING ON THE WATER LIKE THE

DONZI 38 ZRC

In the engine compartment, buyers can choose between Mercury Racing 565HP Bravos or staggered 860s with #6 drives. A high tech carbon fiber dash features analog instruments and Vessel View screens. Topside, unique fighter jet windscreens scream high performance in every way. Shadowcaster underwater lights, custom stainless steel hardware, and a rocking JL Marine sound system, ensure there will be no shortage of attention dockside or at speed.