Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 vs Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 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 850 hp, the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 has a 590-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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Donzi Z29 Firefox 1986 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 ZSF 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Donzi 38 ZSF 2005 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 Z29 Firefox 1986 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
MakeDonzi
Makenot available
Model38 ZSF
Modelnot available
Model Year2005
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 6 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters3.2
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches126
Beam - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 6 in. w/ Hardtop 9 ft. 7 in. (10 ft. 4 in. w/ Radar)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise22℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail33 in
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail12,750 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg5783.3
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.1275
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet38
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail38 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail29.00 ft
Length overall - Meters11.73
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches462
Length overall - Inches348
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail410 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1552.02
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal41
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeinboard
Engine max850 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercruiser
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower260 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity55 gal
Water capacitynot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower