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Long before Cigarette

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021.

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  1. SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021
    #1
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    Before The Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan, they slipped down to Miami to fulfill their dream of a ride on a go-fast boat with Don Aronow.
    4008.jpg
  2. YachtForums, Jun 6, 2021
    #2
    YachtForums

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    Donzi and some dudes on a magical mystery tour?
  3. MBevins, Jun 6, 2021
    #3
    MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Funny thing is that 23 was probably considered pretty big in the day .
  4. gr8trn, Jun 6, 2021
    #4
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Fans of The Beatles and of Formula Boats love that picture. I don't know the story behind Formula Boats but this is some of the history as I understand it. Not that this is a Formula Boat but certainly related to the current companies lineage.
  5. YachtForums, Jun 6, 2021
    #5
    YachtForums

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    If memory serves, the order of companies was Formula, Donzi, Magnum, Cigarette, Squadron and finally USA cats. Little known fact, Don(zi) not only pioneered offshore race boats, he also built a catamaran for lake racing called the Magnum Missile (see 1st pic). Peter Hleden of Skater fame built a similar proof of concept that was essentially the prelude to modern Skaters (2nd pic).

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  6. SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021
    #6
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    Buddy of mine purchased the last dozen new Missile's from Don and had them for sale at a route 34 boat dealer in NJ. When he was 15 ish he had the first 18' Donzi in the Manasquan NJ area and made news after jumping a spt. fish wake slamming her into a strapped together group of pilings. The Missile's ran great in calm waters into the wind as they "stood up" on just 3 points, but running with the wind the bow was just inches above the water surface risking stern over bow flip.
  7. SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021
    #7
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    There was also the Formula Jr. before Donzi
    FormulaJr.jpg Jr. 2.jpg Jr. 3.jpg
    Jr. 4.jpg
    Jr. 5.jpg
  8. SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021
    #8
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    And then there were these I'll be surprised if anyone here knows the brand.
    Yellow Boat 2.jpg
  9. YachtForums, Jun 6, 2021
    #9
    YachtForums

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    You just schooled me, Splash! A prelude to the sweet-16'?

    On the next pic, I want to say North American, but I don't know why??
  10. SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021
    #10
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    LOL I"m impressed. Posted it years ago on another board. No one had a clue other then a neighbor in the boat business. North American S-18. I believe they also made an S-22 but very few of each. It was faster then the early Donzi's that showed up back then but soon as calm water was gone Donzi's left her in the "dust."
  11. SplashFl, Jun 6, 2021
    #11
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    Yellow Boat 3.jpg
    Had to cut the resolution a bit to post so tough to make out the white, S-18, sticker in the back. Sure was a LONG time ago.
  12. YachtForums, Jun 6, 2021
    #12
    YachtForums

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    It WAS a long time ago! Early 70s. Appreciate the trip down memory canal. :)
  13. Capt Ralph, Jun 6, 2021
    #13
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Looks like a show room on Arlington Rd in Jax.
  14. Capt Ralph, Jun 6, 2021
    #14
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I learned how to drag Hoo behind and OMC S-22.
    Loved the boat, hated the engine package.