Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 29 ZF Open 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 vs Donzi 29 ZF Open 2010 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 29 ZF Open 2010 at 28,6 ft. At 58 lbs and 62 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 550 hp, the Donzi 29 ZF Open 2010 has a 50-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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Donzi 26 ZX 2005 carries 94 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Donzi 29 ZF Open 2010. 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: The Donzi 29 ZF Open 2010 at 28,6 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Donzi 26 ZX 2005 at 26,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
Model26 ZX
Model29 ZF Open
Model Year2005
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2231 kg)
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.62
Length - Meters8.05
Length - Meters8.71
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet28.58
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)
Length overall - Meters8.05
Length overall - Meters8.71
Length overall - Inches317
Length overall - Inches343
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
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 - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681.42 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal94
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Engine max500 (470 kw)
Engine max550 hp (410.14 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)
Headnot available
HeadPorta-potti
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee