Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 22 Classic 2006 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 22 Classic 2006 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 2006 at 22,0 feet (2006). 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 2006'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 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 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 22 Classic 2006 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 2006 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
Model28 ZX
Model Year2006
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)
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