Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 18 Classic 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZXO 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 18 Classic 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZXO 2007 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 ZXO 2007 measures 27,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 9,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 18 Classic 2005 at 18,0 feet (2005). At 27 lbs and 65 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 700 hp, the Donzi 28 ZXO 2007 has a 350-hp advantage over the Donzi 18 Classic 2005's 350-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 ZXO 2007 carries 94 gallons versus 41 gallons in the Donzi 18 Classic 2005. 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 ZXO 2007 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 18 Classic 2005 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 ZXO 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 28 ZXO 2007 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 18 Classic 2005 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
Model18 Classic
Model28 ZXO
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 0 in. (3.13 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches84
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] - Detail14 in. (0.36 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches14
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 - Detail2,700 lbs. (1,224.7 kg)
Weight - Detail6,500 lbs. (2,948 kg)
Weight - kg1224.7
Weight - kg2948.35
Weight - lbs.27
Weight - lbs.65
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Meters8.41
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet27
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters8.41
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches331
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches7
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal. (155.2 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Gal94
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max350 hp (261 kw)
Engine max700 hp (521.99 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadPorta-potti
Headroomnot available
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)