Donzi 18 Classic 2007 boat specs
Donzi
Donzi 18 Classic 2007
2007
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VS
Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 boat specs
Donzi
Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005
2005
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Donzi 18 Classic 2007 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Donzi 18 Classic 2007 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 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 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 measures 28,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 at 18,0 feet (2007). At 27 lbs and 62 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 500 hp, the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 has a 150-hp advantage over the Donzi 18 Classic 2007'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 18 Classic 2007 carries 41 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 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 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Donzi 18 Classic 2007 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
MakeDonzi
MakeDonzi
Model18 Classic
Model29 ZF Cuddy
Model Year2007
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 0 in. (3.13 m)
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in. (0.36 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches14
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (0.74 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail2,700 lbs. (1,224.7 kg)
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - kg1224.7
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - lbs.27
Weight - lbs.62
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Meters8.71
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters8.71
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches343
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 2 in. (2.18 m) w/Arch 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) w/T-Top 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches7
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal. (155.2 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681.42 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max350 hp (261 kW)
Engine max500 hp (372.85 kw)
Operational Info
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)

Donzi 18 Classic 2007 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 or the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005?
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Donzi 18 Classic 2007 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 10,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 or the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005?
For trailering, the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 has the edge at 27 lbs dry weight versus 62 lbs for the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 18 Classic 2007 tops out at 350 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Donzi 18 Classic 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 measures 108" wide, compared to 84" for the Donzi 18 Classic 2007. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 or the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005?
The Donzi 18 Classic 2007 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005. That 23-gallon difference translates to roughly 69–115 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 and Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Donzi 18 Classic 2007 and the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 are built by Donzi. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.