Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 2009 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 38 ZSF 2009 measures 38,5 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 16,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 at 22,0 feet (2005). At 34 lbs and 15 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 900 hp, the Donzi 38 ZSF 2009 has a 430-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 22 Classic "Aronow Edition" 2005 carries 52 gallons versus 42 gallons in the Donzi 38 ZSF 2009. 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 38 ZSF 2009 is rated for 11 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 38 ZSF 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 38 ZSF 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 38,5 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
Model22 Classic "Aronow Edition"
Model38 ZSF
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 0 in. (3.13 m)
Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.19 m)
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters3.2
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches126
Bridge clearance - Detail28 in. (.71 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 6 in. (1.97 m) w/ Hardtop 9 ft. 7 in. (2.91 m) w/ Radar: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.14 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters0.71
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Inches28
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (0.41 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.6 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] - Detail33 in. (0.83 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail3,400 lbs. (1,542 kg)
Weight - Detail15,000 lbs. (6,208.5 kg)
Weight - kg1542.21
Weight - kg6803.88
Weight - lbs.34
Weight - lbs.15
Length - Meters6.86
Length - Meters11.73
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet38.5
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)
Length overall - Detail38 ft. 6 in. (11.73 m)
Length overall - Meters6.86
Length overall - Meters11.73
Length overall - Inches27
Length overall - Inches462
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal. (196.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail420 gal. (1,589.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1589.87
Fuel tank capacity - Gal52
Fuel tank capacity - Gal42
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard - Triple
Engine max470 hp (223.71 kw)
Engine max900 hp (671.13 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadStand up with shower, vanity, sink and electric head
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity50 gal. (189.27 l)