Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 16 Classic 2006 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 16 Classic 2006 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Donzi 28 ZX 2006 measures 27,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 16 Classic 2006 at 16,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 tips the scales at 655 lbs — 630 lbs less than the Donzi 16 Classic 2006 at 25 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 700 hp, the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 has a 440-hp advantage over the Donzi 16 Classic 2006's 260-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 carries 94 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Donzi 16 Classic 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 16 Classic 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 27,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Donzi 16 Classic 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model16 Classic
Model28 ZX
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 11 in. (2.11 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches83
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail26 in. (.66 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters0.66
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches26
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (0.30 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (0.74 m)
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg)
Weight - Detail6,550 lbs. (2,971 kg)
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kg2971.03
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.655
Length - Meters5
Length - Meters8.41
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet27
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in. (5 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters8.41
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches331
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal. (121.1 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Fuel tank capacity - Gal94
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max260 hp (193.88 kW)
Engine max700 hp (521.99 kW)
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadPorta-potti
Headroomnot available
Headroom4 ft. 9 in.(1.45 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)