Once the backbone of the production-built high-performance V-bottom market, Baja, Donzi and Fountain manufactured thousands of sportboats from the early 1980s to the early 2000s. And thousands of them are still in action on waterways across the country. Though all three brands are dormant at the moment, they still have plenty of rabid followers nationwide.
Come July 17-18, fans of the brand-trio will again descend on the Lake of the Ozarks for the Big Thunder Marine Baja, Donzi and Fountain Fun Run. Dubbed the BFD Fun Run for short, the Central Missouri event will celebrate its ninth anniversary.
Last year’s BFD Fun Run attracted 90-plus boats.
The event will follow its traditional format starting with a Thursday night Welcome Party and Dinner at Big Thunder Marine’s Speed & Luxury Showroom. Saturday’s main begins in the morning with a meeting for drivers and breakfast at the Camden On The Lake Resort. The plan calls for participants to depart for the fun run in 10-boat groups.
“BFD is more than a fun run,” explained Sage Rush, Big Thunder Marine’s marketing director. “It’s a gathering of the brands that built performance boating and the owners who continue that legacy every time they hit the water.”
Registration for the event is open. Though sign-ups are required, there is no entry fee.
“At Big Thunder Marine, we’re proud to continue this tradition of bringing together the Baja, Fountain, and Donzi families for another unforgettable weekend at Lake of the Ozarks,” Rush added.