Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 26 ZF 2009 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 26 ZF 2009 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2007 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Donzi 26 ZF 2009 at 26,6 ft versus Donzi 28 ZX 2007 at 27,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 26 ZF 2009 tips the scales at 655 lbs — 590 lbs more than the Donzi 28 ZX 2007 at 65 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 700 hp, the Donzi 28 ZX 2007 has a 200-hp advantage over the Donzi 26 ZF 2009's 500-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 26 ZF 2009 carries 186 gallons versus 94 gallons in the Donzi 28 ZX 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Donzi 28 ZX 2007 and its 700-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Donzi 26 ZF 2009 with its 500-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 11 in. (2.7 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.72
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches107
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. (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
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.93 m)
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail6,550 lbs. (2,970.37 kg)
Weight - Detail6,500 lbs. (2,948 kg)
Weight - kg2971.03
Weight - kg2948.35
Weight - lbs.655
Weight - lbs.65
Length - Meters8.09
Length - Meters8.41
Length - Feet26.58
Length - Feet27
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 7 in. (8.09 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)
Length overall - Meters8.1
Length overall - Meters8.41
Length overall - Inches319
Length overall - Inches331
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches7
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail186 gal. (704.04 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters704.09
Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal186
Fuel tank capacity - Gal94
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Engine max500 hp (327.85 kW)
Engine max700 hp (521.99 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
HeadPorta-potti
Water capacity7 gal. (26.49 l)
Water capacitynot available
Headroomnot available
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2