Both the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 and the Donzi 43 ZR 2009 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Donzi 43 ZR 2009 measures 42,8 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 15,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 at 27,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 43 ZR 2009 tips the scales at 13 000 lbs - 6 500 lbs less than the Donzi 28 ZX 2008 at 6 500 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 2 150 hp, the Donzi 43 ZR 2009 has a 1 450-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 43 ZR 2009 carries 314 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 43 ZR 2009 is rated for 13 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 43 ZR 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 43 ZR 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 13 passengers and at 42,8 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.