BOAAR TT S
Life on the Fast Lane
Donzi Classic 22 Donzi 18
The thrill and excitement of speed, the quenching of
blue waters, good ole Florida sunshine and a passion
for boating is what drives David Petrantoni, owner of
Outpost Marine and Donzi-Baja of Tampa Bay in Holiday.
David has owned several Donzi boats himself and often refers
to them as “The Ferraris of Power Boats.” A Donzi Classic 22
proudly sits in his 6,000-foot showroom next to his office, as
it is one of David’s all-time favorites.
“As the owner of Outpost Marine, I choose the boat brands
that I want to represent, and when I had the opportunity to
add Donzi and Baja boats to my selection, it was my dream
come true,” David said. “We are elated about representing
Donzi and their new ownership, Iconic Marine Group, as they
are known for their continued forward thinking, innovation,
and design. Iconic Marine Group has plans to take Donzi to
a new level by building a 50-foot-and-up boat, adding to this
American Classic that was created by Don Aronow.”
In 1966, Aronow built the Magnum Marine in 27-foot and
35-foot options. When he first saw it, David decided he had
to have one. Finally, in 1977 he purchased a 27 Magnum and
raced it successfully. Since then, David has personally owned
several of Aronow-built boats including a Cigarette, a Magnum,
a Formula and a Donzi.
David and his staff recently had the opportunity to interview
screenwriter Paul Castro and ask him some behind-the-scenes
questions about Don Aronow, his beloved Donzi, and the
upcoming movie Speed Kills that will star John Travolta.
What did you learn about Don Aronow while doing
your research?
Castro: He was a larger than life character who celebrated
life and championed the winning spirit in all. He was
fiercely discerning, tough, and meticulous. He demanded
the best from his team on and off the water. People were
better off, empowered, and evolving, because of their
experiences with Don Aronow.
Have you met any of the Aronow family to discuss your
script?
Castro: A number of years ago I wrote a screenplay based
on my research on Don Aronow and the turbocharged
60 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
life that he lived. Although many loved the story that I
wrote, something told me that unless Don Aronow’s son
Michael Aronow read it, I’d never know if my story was
authentic and truly honored the man I had grown to have
so much love and respect for even though I had never met
him. I contacted Michael and he couldn’t have been more
accommodating and wonderful.
What intrigued you most about Donzi while writing
the script?
Castro: Don Aronow created and launched a plethora of
amazing boat building companies one more successful than
the next. Donzi seems to be a gem among the many jewels
that came from the deep vault of invaluable contributions
of Don Aronow. In 1964, the world was rapidly changing,
which is when Don Aronow introduced Donzi. The offshore
powerboating world would never be the same. The Donzi
Sweet 16 was almost like black-and-white films evolving to
color. Even today, the Donzi is as timeless and as seaworthy
as the most technologically advanced, big-dollar powerboats
on the market today.
Who will play Don Aranow in the Speed Kills film?
Castro: It is my understanding that the truly gifted John
Travolta has been selected to perform in the movie after he
read my screenplay and explored Don Aronow’s life and
character. I think John Travolta is a rare talent of great depth
who has all the ability to bring this larger than life character
of Don Aronow to the big screen. Like Don Aronow, John
is charismatic, charming, competitive, evolved, a visionary,
and cares deeply about the details of creativity and
innovation. I look forward to seeing the energies of these
two giants in their field as they unite on the big screen. John
Travolta will become Aronow.
EDITOR’S NOTE: David thanks Paul Castro for contributing
this behind-the-scenes look into the world of Donzi and Don
Aronow. Donzi boats will be at the Tampa Boat Show September
8-10 at the Tampa Convention Center, Booth H-60. To schedule a
private showing of Donzi Powerboats or any of the other 200 boats
in stock at Outpost Marine, please call David Petrantoni,
(727) 638-7879.