Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 or the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007?

The Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 comes in at 38,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 or the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007?

For trailering, the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 1 275 lbs for the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 is rated to a maximum of 850 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 tops out at 825 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 38 ZSF 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 is certified for 11. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 share an 10 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and Donzi 38 ZSF 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 41 gallons and 41 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 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 38 ZSF 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 2007

Donzi

Donzi 38 ZSF 2005

2005

View full specs →

Donzi

Donzi 38 ZSF 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 at 38,0 ft versus Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 at 38,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 tips the scales at 1 275 lbs — 1 259 lbs more than the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 at 16 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 850 hp, the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007's 825-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 41 gal and 41 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 11 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 38 ZSF 2005 and its 850-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 with its 825-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeDonzi

Model38 ZSF

Model Year2005

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam10 ft. 6 in

Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.20 m)

Beam - Meters3.2

Beam - Inches126

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 6 in. w/ Hardtop 9 ft. 7 in. (10 ft. 4 in. w/ Radar)

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m) w/ Hardtop 9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m) w/ Radar: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters3.15

Bridge clearance - Inches124

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise22℃ Z-Tech

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (0.84 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail12,750 lbs

Weight - Detail16,000 lbs. (7,257.47 kg)

Weight - kg5783.3

Weight - kg7257.47

Weight - lbs.1275

Weight - lbs.16

Length - Feet38

Length - Inches6

Length overall - Detail38 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail38 ft. 6 in. (11.73 m)

Length overall - Meters11.73

Length overall - Inches462

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters11.73

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail410 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail410 gal. (1,552 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters1552.02

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max850 hp

Engine max825 hp (615.20 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Operational Info

Water capacity55 gal

Water capacity55 gal. (208.20 l)

Headnot available

HeadStand up with shower, vanity, sink and electric head

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 vs Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 or the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007?

The Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 is the longer of the two at 38,0 feet overall. The Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 comes in at 38,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 or the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007?

For trailering, the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 1 275 lbs for the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005. 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 38 ZSF 2005 is rated to a maximum of 850 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 tops out at 825 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 38 ZSF 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 is certified for 11. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 share an 10 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and Donzi 38 ZSF 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 41 gallons and 41 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 and the Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 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 38 ZSF 2005 full specs ← Donzi 38 ZSF 2007 full specs