Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 26 ZX 2006 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 26 ZX 2006 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 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 2006 at 26,0 ft versus Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 at 28,0 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 500 hp for the Donzi 26 ZX 2006 and 500 hp for the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Donzi 26 ZX 2006 carries 94 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005. 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 26 ZX 2006 and Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
Model26 ZX
Model29 ZF Cuddy
Model Year2006
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (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. (2,231 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
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches7
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/Arch 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) w/T-Top 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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max500 hp (470 kW)
Engine max500 hp (372.85 kw)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
Headnot available
Headroom4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)