Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 26 ZF 2009 vs Donzi 29 ZF Open 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 26 ZF 2009 vs Donzi 29 ZF Open 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 29 ZF Open 2007 at 28,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 26 ZF 2009 tips the scales at 655 lbs — 593 lbs more than the Donzi 29 ZF Open 2007 at 62 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 550 hp, the Donzi 29 ZF Open 2007 has a 50-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 18 gallons in the Donzi 29 ZF Open 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 29 ZF Open 2007 and its 550-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
Model26 ZF
Model29 ZF Open
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 11 in. (2.7 m)
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.72
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches107
Beam - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. (2.13 m) w/T-Top: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.38 m)
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 - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.93 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail6,550 lbs. (2,970.37 kg)
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - kg2971.03
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - lbs.655
Weight - lbs.62
Length - Meters8.09
Length - Meters8.71
Length - Feet26.58
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 7 in. (8.09 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)
Length overall - Meters8.1
Length overall - Meters8.71
Length overall - Inches319
Length overall - Inches343
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 - Detail180 gal. (681.42 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters704.09
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal186
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max500 hp (327.85 kW)
Engine max550 hp (372.85 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
HeadPorta-potti
Water capacity7 gal. (26.49 l)
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)