Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 28 ZX 2008 vs Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 28 ZX 2008 vs Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 measures 38,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 at 27,0 feet (2008). At 65 lbs and 98 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 825 hp, the Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 has a 125-hp advantage over the Donzi 28 ZX 2008's 700-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 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 carries 325 gallons versus 94 gallons in the Donzi 28 ZX 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 38 ZF Cuddy 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 38,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Donzi 28 ZX 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model28 ZX
Model38 ZF Cuddy
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.86 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.87
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches113
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (.63 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (0.97 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,500 lbs. (2,948 kg)
Weight - Detail9,800 lbs. (4,445 kg)
Weight - kg2948.35
Weight - kg4445.2
Weight - lbs.65
Weight - lbs.98
Length - Meters8.41
Length - Meters11.73
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet38
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)
Length overall - Detail38 ft. 6 in. (11.73 m)
Length overall - Meters8.41
Length overall - Meters11.73
Length overall - Inches331
Length overall - Inches462
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.64 m) w/ T-Top: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.65 m) w/ Arch: 9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.74
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches108
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail94 gal. (355.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail325 gal. (1,230.26 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters355.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1230.26
Fuel tank capacity - Gal94
Fuel tank capacity - Gal325
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max700 hp (521.99 kW)
Engine max825 hp (615.20 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
HeadEnclosed in console with fresh water shower & sink
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacitynot available