Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2006?

The Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2006?

For trailering, the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 has the edge at 58 lbs dry weight versus 655 lbs for the Donzi 28 ZX 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is rated to a maximum of 700 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 tops out at 500 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 94 gallons and 94 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 are built by Donzi. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2006

Donzi

Donzi 26 ZX 2005

2005

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Donzi

Donzi 28 ZX 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 28 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Donzi 26 ZX 2005 at 26,0 ft versus Donzi 28 ZX 2006 at 27,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 tips the scales at 655 lbs — 597 lbs less than the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 at 58 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 2006 has a 200-hp advantage over the Donzi 26 ZX 2005'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 — 94 gal and 94 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 2006 and its 700-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 with its 500-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeDonzi

Model26 ZX

Model28 ZX

Model Year2005

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2231 kg)

Weight - Detail6,550 lbs. (2,971 kg)

Weight - kg2630.83

Weight - kg2971.03

Weight - lbs.58

Weight - lbs.655

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Meters8.41

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet27

Length - Inches5

Length - Inches7

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)

Length overall - Meters8.05

Length overall - Meters8.41

Length overall - Inches317

Length overall - Inches331

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal94

Drive typeI/O

Engine max500 (470 kw)

Engine max700 hp (521.99 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Operational Info

Headroom4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m)

Headroom4 ft. 9 in.(1.45 m)

Sleeping capacity2

Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)

Headnot available

HeadPorta-potti

Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 28 ZX 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2006?

The Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 or the Donzi 28 ZX 2006?

For trailering, the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 has the edge at 58 lbs dry weight versus 655 lbs for the Donzi 28 ZX 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is rated to a maximum of 700 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 tops out at 500 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2006 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 94 gallons and 94 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and Donzi 28 ZX 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 and the Donzi 28 ZX 2006 are built by Donzi. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Donzi 26 ZX 2005 full specs ← Donzi 28 ZX 2006 full specs