Donzi 27 ZR 2008 boat specs
Donzi
Donzi 27 ZR 2008
2008
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VS
Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 boat specs
Donzi
Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006
2006
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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
MakeDonzi
MakeDonzi
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
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)

Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 or the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006?
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Donzi 27 ZR 2008 comes in at 27,0 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 27 ZR 2008 or the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006?
For trailering, the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 has the edge at 6 lbs dry weight versus 55 lbs for the Donzi 27 ZR 2008. 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 27 ZR 2008 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 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 27 ZR 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 measures 108" wide, compared to 1" for the Donzi 27 ZR 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 or the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006?
The Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 has the bigger tank at 18 gallons, versus 9 gallons on the Donzi 27 ZR 2008. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 and Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 and the Donzi 29 ZF Cuddy 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.