Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 23 ZF 2005 vs Donzi 45 ZX 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 23 ZF 2005 vs Donzi 45 ZX 2006 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 45 ZX 2006 measures 45,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 21,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 23 ZF 2005 at 24,0 feet (2005). At 48 lbs and 14 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 2 700 hp, the Donzi 45 ZX 2006 has a 2 400-hp advantage over the Donzi 23 ZF 2005's 300-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 45 ZX 2006 carries 409 gallons versus 14 gallons in the Donzi 23 ZF 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 45 ZX 2006 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Donzi 23 ZF 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 45 ZX 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 45 ZX 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 45,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Donzi 23 ZF 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 3 in. (2.82 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.82
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches111
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 7 in. (1.96 m) w/Arch 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Deadrise24℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (0.46 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail32 in. (0.81 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.81
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches32
Weight - Detail4,800 lbs. (2,177 kg)
Weight - Detail14,000 lbs. (6,350 kg)
Weight - kg2177.24
Weight - kg6350.29
Weight - lbs.48
Weight - lbs.14
Length - Meters7.39
Length - Meters13.72
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet45
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 5 in. (7.39 m)
Length overall - Detail45 ft. 0 in. (13.72 m)
Length overall - Meters7.44
Length overall - Meters13.72
Length overall - Inches293
Length overall - Inches54
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail47 in. (1.19 m) (triple)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.19
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches47
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail140 gal. (530.0 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail409 gal. (1,548.6 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters529.96
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1548.23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal14
Fuel tank capacity - Gal409
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max300 hp (223.71 kw)
Engine max2,700 hp (2,013.39 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Headnot available
HeadEnclosed head with shower & vanity
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity40 gal. (151.4 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (37.9 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal1