Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 26 ZF 2007 vs Donzi 38 ZR 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 26 ZF 2007 vs Donzi 38 ZR 2011 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 ZR 2011 measures 38,7 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 12,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 26 ZF 2007 at 26,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 26 ZF 2007 tips the scales at 655 lbs — 560 lbs more than the Donzi 38 ZR 2011 at 95 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 2 150 hp, the Donzi 38 ZR 2011 has a 1 650-hp advantage over the Donzi 26 ZF 2007's 500-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 19 gal and 19 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Donzi 38 ZR 2011 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Donzi 26 ZF 2007 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 38 ZR 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 38 ZR 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 38,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Donzi 26 ZF 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 11 in. (2.71 m)
Beam8 ft. 8 in. (2.63 m)
Beam - Meters2.72
Beam - Meters2.64
Beam - Inches107
Beam - Inches104
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 0 in. (2.13 m) w/T-Top: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.38 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
DeadriseVariable
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail28 in. (0.71 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.71
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches28
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,550 lbs. (2,971.03 kg)
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,308.2 kg)
Weight - kg2971.03
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - lbs.655
Weight - lbs.95
Length - Meters8.1
Length - Meters11.78
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet38.67
Length - Inches7
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 7 in. (8.10 m)
Length overall - Detail38 ft. 8 in. (11.78 m)
Length overall - Meters8.1
Length overall - Meters11.79
Length overall - Inches319
Length overall - Inches464
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail190 gal. (719.22 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail190 gal. (719.18 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters719.23
Fuel tank capacity - Liters719.23
Fuel tank capacity - Gal19
Fuel tank capacity - Gal19
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine max500 hp (327.85 kW)
Engine max2,150 hp (1,603.26 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
HeadEnclosed with Porta Pottie, fresh water sink and shower
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom60 in. (1.52 m)