Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 or the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986?

The Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Donzi 27 ZR 2008 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: 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 Z29 Firefox 1986 tops out at 260 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 27 ZR 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 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: Are the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 and Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 and the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 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 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986

Donzi

Donzi 27 ZR 2008

2008

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Donzi

Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986

1986

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 525 hp, the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 has a 265-hp advantage over the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986's 260-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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 Z29 Firefox 1986 with its 260-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeDonzi

Makenot available

Model27 ZR

Modelnot available

Model Year2008

Model Yearnot available

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)

Beamnot available

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Inches1

Beam - Inchesnot available

DeadriseVariable

Deadrisenot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail32 in

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (approx)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg2494.76

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.55

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Meters8.24

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet27

Length - Feet29

Length - Inches2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 2 in. (8.24 m)

Length overall - Detail29.00 ft

Length overall - Meters8.28

Length overall - Meters8.84

Length overall - Inches326

Length overall - Inches348

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 - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal9

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Drive typeinboard

Engine max525 hp (391.49 kW)

Engine maxnot available

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercruiser

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower260 hp

Operational Info

HeadPorta-potti

Headnot available

Headroom48 in. (1.21 m)

Headroomnot available

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

Donzi 27 ZR 2008 vs Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 or the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986?

The Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Donzi 27 ZR 2008 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

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 Z29 Firefox 1986 tops out at 260 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 Z29 Firefox 1986 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.

Are the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 and Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Donzi 27 ZR 2008 and the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 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 27 ZR 2008 full specs ← Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 full specs