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Old 06-23-2010, 11:12 AM
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Default Need advice- updated with big news!

Hi Guys,
I am reaching out to all you guys who I consider experts! I am debating between a 35 Fastech and a Donzi 35 ZR. Both seem to have advantages and disadvantages, maybe you guys can help me with which one to go for. Here are what I have for both boats:

35 Fastech-
Advantages:
1- Better fit and finish
2- better resale value
3- deeper cabin and cockpit for my wife, who is not a boater

Disadvantages:
1- more expensive to start
2- much tougher to find
3- slightly slower

Donzi 35 ZR-
Advantages:
1- more availabilty
2- slightly faster, maybe more sexy
3- less startup $$

Disadvantages:
1- Ride in rough seas??
2- not as nice inside, more for wife to complaint about, haha

I only get a few days a month to be able to use it, so i need something that can be run outside even if the winds blowing a little, without making the wife puke!

I am going to post this in both the Formula and Donzi tabs so hopefully I get some unbiased opinions.

Thanks in advance for all of you guys helping, hopefully some of you have owned both and can get me some helpful advice!

Last edited by GoFastScott; 07-09-2010 at 07:10 PM.
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Old 06-23-2010, 12:31 PM
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36 Pantera

Formula is a great boat but the are not smooth in rough water.As for Donzi don't know much about them.

Last edited by Expensive Date; 06-24-2010 at 12:26 AM.
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Old 06-23-2010, 02:31 PM
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I'm a Formula fan and the only time I was in a 35ZR (and the 38ZR) was at a boat show. I literally could not sit up in the bench seats of either Donzi cabin.....the bow was so low into the cabin that I had to cock my head or slide down til my butt was almost hanging off the seat (I'm 6 ft tall).
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Old 06-23-2010, 04:23 PM
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmHJryiJOCk

This is all you.
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Old 06-23-2010, 07:15 PM
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If performance is important you want the Donzi, the Donzi is more than a little faster than the Formula with the same power. If a lager cabin is important you will want the Formula.
I own a 35 ZR with 525s and the best speed i got was 92gps
at LOTO the cabin is short but but the boat is made for speed.
The Formula may keep the wife more happy, both are good boats.
As for fit and finish I realy dont see any problems with the way My boat is put toghter.
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Old 06-23-2010, 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Donzi Dude
If performance is important you want the Donzi, the Donzi is more than a little faster than the Formula with the same power. If a lager cabin is important you will want the Formula.
I own a 35 ZR with 525s and the best speed i got was 92gps
at LOTO the cabin is short but but the boat is made for speed.
The Formula may keep the wife more happy, both are good boats.
As for fit and finish I realy dont see any problems with the way My boat is put toghter.
92 is moving.....having had the 312 and 382 Formula I'm guessing the 353 is going to be an 85 mph boat at best.
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Old 06-23-2010, 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by t500hps
92 is moving.....having had the 312 and 382 Formula I'm guessing the 353 is going to be an 85 mph boat at best.
When I bought my boat at Shogren thay also had a 353 with 525s they said that according to the factory that that boat would run 79mph, that is what they told me, I didn't talk to the Formula factory.
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Old 06-23-2010, 11:12 PM
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My only suggestion is don't mess around with a 35'. The Donzi 38 ZR is a fabulous boat that will hold up to anything. You won't regret it.
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Old 06-24-2010, 07:33 PM
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They are apples and oranges.

They both build a quality boat. I looked closely at the Formula a while back. It has great creature comforts and decent performance. If I was going to overnight on one much I might have bought one.

The Donzi is a good bit faster as mentioned here. Nothing wrong with the fit and finish either.

I decided to get a bigger cruiser and keep my fast but smaller Donzi. I spend way too much time on the water to sleep in a fast boat.

I am not sure where the whole Pantera thing came from. Nothing against them and they build a great boat but I don't recall anyone asking that question.

I could see owning a ZR one day. After I get finished with my Roamer. That will be a long while.

Last edited by ZXXX Donzi; 06-24-2010 at 07:36 PM.
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Old 06-25-2010, 07:57 PM
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dude if you want confort go with the formula. they are both great boats. i live in ft too and let me tell u that u are not going to have anyboat wide open in the ocean for long soooo go with confort....your wife will love u for it
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