Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 22 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 22 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 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 29 ZF Cuddy 2008 measures 28,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 22 ZX 2005 at 22,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2008 tips the scales at 6 000 lbs - 2 200 lbs less than the Donzi 22 ZX 2005 at 3 800 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2008 tops out at 550 hp. Engine specs for the Donzi 22 ZX 2005 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2008 carries 180 gallons versus 51 gallons in the Donzi 22 ZX 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 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 22 ZX 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 29 ZF Cuddy 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2008 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 22 ZX 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 ZX
Model29 ZF Cuddy
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches93
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (0.43 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail3,800 lbs. (1,724 kg)
Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. (2,722 kg)
Weight - kg1723.65
Weight - kg2721.55
Weight - lbs.3800
Weight - lbs.6000
Length - Meters6.78
Length - Meters8.71
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 3 in. (6.78 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)
Length overall - Meters6.78
Length overall - Meters8.71
Length overall - Inches267
Length overall - Inches343
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 2 in. (2.18 m) w/T-Top: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) w/Arch: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail51 gal. (193.1 1)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681.42 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters193.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal51
Fuel tank capacity - Gal180
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max550 hp (372.85 kW)
Operational Info
Headroom3 ft. 9 in. (1.14 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)
Headnot available
HeadPorta-potti
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee