Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 boat specs
Donzi
Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005
2005
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Donzi 28 ZX 2008 boat specs
Donzi
Donzi 28 ZX 2008
2008
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Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2008 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 2008 measures 27,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 at 22,0 feet (2005). At 34 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 ZX 2008 has a 230-hp advantage over the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005's 470-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 2008 carries 94 gallons versus 52 gallons in the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 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 ZX 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 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 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeDonzi
MakeDonzi
Model22 Classic "Aronow Edition"
Model28 ZX
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
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 - Detail28 in. (.71 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters0.71
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches28
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (0.41 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.79 m)
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail3,400 lbs. (1,542 kg)
Weight - Detail6,500 lbs. (2,948 kg)
Weight - kg1542.21
Weight - kg2948.35
Weight - lbs.34
Weight - lbs.65
Length - Meters6.86
Length - Meters8.41
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet27
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)
Length overall - Meters6.86
Length overall - Meters8.41
Length overall - Inches27
Length overall - Inches331
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal. (196.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Fuel tank capacity - Gal94
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine max470 hp (223.71 kw)
Engine max700 hp (521.99 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadPorta-potti
Headroomnot available
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2

Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2008?
The Donzi 28 ZX 2008 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2008?
For trailering, the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 65 lbs for the Donzi 28 ZX 2008. 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 28 ZX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 700 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 tops out at 470 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 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 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 28 ZX 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 84" for the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005. 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 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2008?
The Donzi 28 ZX 2008 has the bigger tank at 94 gallons, versus 52 gallons on the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005. That 42-gallon difference translates to roughly 126–210 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 and the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 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.