Founded by Don Aronow in 1964, Donzi Marine was launched on ‘Thunderboat Row’ – NE 188th Street in Miami, home to a large number of the best-known high performance boat brands of the day. The new company took its name from the nickname Aronow’s secretary gave the iconic boat builder/racer: ‘Donzi Baby’.

Donzi Classic 18 yacht tender

Now, in order to commemorate the brand’s 50th anniversary, Donzi Marine’s parent company, Baja Marine, has announced it is building the 50th Anniversary Edition Donzi Classic series, including the Classic 22, Classic 18, and “Sweet 16”. Each boat in the series will sport the new, custom-designed Donzi 50th Edition logo (above) in addition to the series’ instantly recognizable “retro” styling with its sharp angles, primary colors, bow stripe, and “tuck and roll” upholstery.

“We get calls all the time from people who are nostalgic about the Classic series and want to see it revived. They feel the same way about Donzi Classics that they do about the Porsche Spyder and other iconic sports cars,” said Johnny Walker, Baja Marine CEO. “In fact, the first customer to order a 50th Anniversary Donzi Classic 22 said he remembered being on one when he was a little boy at his grandfather’s lake house.”

While larger Donzi models up to 43 feet in length are offered primarily on a factory-direct basis, Walker said the 50th Anniversary Donzi Classic series is available through the Baja Marine dealer network, which includes Baja and Pro-Line retailers. Famous for their nimble handling and “pocket rocket” performance, the new Donzi Classics come equipped with high-output, small-block V-8 sterndrives that will provide their owners with an outstanding driving experience.