Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 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 27 ZR 2008 at 27,0 ft versus Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 55 lbs and 6 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 525 hp, the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006'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 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 carries 18 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Donzi 27 ZR 2008. 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 27 ZR 2008 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 with its 500-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model27 ZR
Model29 ZF Cuddy
Model Year2008
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches1
Beam - Inches108
DeadriseVariable
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail32 in
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (approx)
Weight - Detail6,000 lbs. (2,722 kg)
Weight - kg2494.76
Weight - kg2721.55
Weight - lbs.55
Weight - lbs.6
Length - Meters8.24
Length - Meters8.71
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches2
Length - Inches7
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 2 in. (8.24 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 7 in. (8.71 m)
Length overall - Meters8.28
Length overall - Meters8.71
Length overall - Inches326
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
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal. (340.68 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681.42 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal9
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max525 hp (391.49 kW)
Engine max500 hp (372.85 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
HeadPorta-potti
Headroom48 in. (1.21 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity7 gal. (26.5 l)