Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 38 ZF Open 2013 vs Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 38 ZF Open 2013 vs Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 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 Open 2013 measures 38,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 22,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 2007 at 16,0 feet (2007). At 98 lbs and 25 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 1 050 hp, the Donzi 38 ZF Open 2013 has a 790-hp advantage over the Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 2007's 260-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 Open 2013 carries 318 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 2007. 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 Open 2013 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 2007 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Donzi 38 ZF Open 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 38 ZF Open 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 38,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Donzi Sweet 16 Classic 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model38 ZF Open
ModelSweet 16 Classic
Model Year2013
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.87 m)
Beam6 ft. 11 in. (2.11 m)
Beam - Meters2.87
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Inches113
Beam - Inches83
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m) With T-Top: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m) With Arch: 9 ft. (2.74 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.74
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech
Deadrise24℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (0.64 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (0.30 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (0.74 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches29
Weight - Detail9,800 lbs. (4,445 kg)
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg)
Weight - kg4445.2
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - lbs.98
Weight - lbs.25
Length - Meters11.73
Length - Meters5
Length - Feet38.5
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail38 ft. 6 in. (11.73 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in. (5 m)
Length overall - Meters11.73
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Inches462
Length overall - Inches197
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail318 gal. (1,203.76 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal. (121.1 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1203.76
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal318
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Drive typeOutboard - Triple
Drive typeI/O
Engine max1,050 hp (783 kW)
Engine max260 hp (193.88 kW)
Operational Info
HeadIn console with fresh water shower, sink and Porta-potti
Headnot available
StorageBaitwell: 28 gal. (105.99 l)
Storagenot available
Water capacity28 gal. (105.99 l)
Water capacitynot available