Donzi 27ZR
 

How would this boat fair in open ocean? Would it beat me up? Is is a calm day boat in the ocean? Would love the 35 but cant afford it. Also like the Baja 30 or Sunsation 32. Anybody know what these 27ZR's are like in big water? (swells)

I've been a fan of the boat since it came out. One is for sale locally and it appears they are not selling very well. I like the boat and the styling. The drivers seat fits me like a glove but my wife was not happy with the passenger seat location and the small (no headroom) cabin. I was dissappointed with the poor clearcoat work over the "ZR" on the hull sides. However overall I really like the boats and was told they ride very well in the choppy stuff but I have never ridden in one for myself. I was hoping to get more feedback from owners as well but I do not think there are any here on OSO.

I am still working on my wife. I keep telling her she looks good on the ZR but she seems to favor the 288 Sunsation which she feels more comfortable in. I was surprised the 27 ZR had more cockpit room than I expected.

Keep us posted if you decide on a 27 ZR and how it rides.

Thanks for the pictures
 

I see what you mean by no headroom. It appears that your wife is either really tall or basically you cant even sit in those couch chairs in the cabin.
Thats a bummer because I like that boat but if the cabin is useless than I cant get it.

She is 5'5" and yes the cabin is basically useless. On the up side my 8 year old fit in the cabin perfectly. :)

from the rubrail down they are great, but from there up it didn't seem to work out ergonomically as planned.... just my .02

Thats why I like my ZX. It just takes a bunch of power

They are a good boat, but I also wanted a bit more space & freeboard. Thats why we got one of the last 26zx's... However if the lower freeboard & cabin with lower ceiling doesnt bother you much (example you dont use the cabin or want a cabin) then it really shouldnt matter. Also the Zx is a bit heavier than the zr so the zr's are typically a little faster with the same stock power.. Either will respond with adding boost if speed is you concern though.. ;) Jamie

The extra cabin comes in handy:evilb:

I think that the ZR is a pretty boat but love my ZX. There are some great deals around. Go buy a ZX. Then take it to Jamie here and you will have the best of both worlds. A roomy boat that goes fast. They run well in the rough water for a sport boat.

Thanks.. & True that.. ;) I wish I could have more time to run mine.. :) Jamie / Lakeside

I have owned a 26ZX and sold 27ZRs. The 26ZX is a heavier boat but the 27ZR is built like a raceboat, When the ZR was built she was built off a Raceboat design, she flys over swells much better then the ZX but the ZR is also Kevelar so she is lighter. So the saying is Yes she can handle the rough stuff but can your body endure the rough stuff she is only a 27ft boat.

I think I can
 

I handled the rough stuff in my little 22 scarab and it didn't have drop out bolsters. It was fun but sometimes I felt like the boat was going to get ripped apart or myself. On some days when the ocean was calm it was a blast. I always wanted a ZR (preferably 35 or 38) But I can afford a 27. I think the 27 would be a much nicer ride but the worthless cabin is not going work for me.

If it helps, Donzi is making a new version of the 27zr for 2009 as with the 35,38 and 43 but to target a cheaper market. I dont know how much detail i can go into because it still has not been released yet, but its still has the same hull but a new cokpit and cabin are in place and by what ive heard new motor options.:drink:

Will this new model 27ZR be released at Miami?

09 27zr
 

Please keep us posted on the 2009 27ZR. That sounds interesting.

They have done some alterations that are offered on some ZR's. They on the 35 009 for example have a porta potti & cooler set up instead of a galley & pump out. There were a few other changes in the cabin as well offered which shed some more weight & price on some models. It also made some a bit faster than last year with the same power (496 Mag Ho).. You can still however get the Zr's loaded up as well too if you want. Donzi is always usually making changes here & there. Some subtle & others not so subtle.

I wish things were better all over for everyone.. I would love to have no reservations about going and getting myself one of the 35 oo9 editions.. They are *****in' !

Jamie / Lakeside

Yes it will be at maimi and the cabin in along the lines of a 009

I have a 26' 2000 ZX. Bought it in 2007 from the original owner. It only had 66 hours on the all-original boat (that was stored inside during the winters). I have a single 454 that can get the boat up to 65mph easily, although I do not run quite that fast on a regular basis. I run it in the Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis. Usual Chesapeake water seems to be anywhere from less than a foot up to 3' swells. When the water is 2' to 3' feet, the ride can be rough. The boat isn't quite long enough to easily glide across the frequency of the swells. Some members of the Chesapeake Bay Power Boaters Association told me a 33' or longer would smooth out my Bay riding. Some times I run at only 35mph or else I'm soaked and beaten up. But the boat can definitely handle the water regardless.

I know the ZX is a little heavier than the ZR. And I'm not sure what structural or material differences there are between a 2000 model and a newer model.

But I'm extremely happy with my 26' 2000 ZX. It is in excellent shape and I got a really good deal on it. So for now, I'll save some $$$ until the time is right for maybe a 35 ZR?!?

Now if I can just be patient the rest of this winter.....

On your 26ZX if you change out the cheaper tabs to K-Planes it helps the ride of the boat. The 26ZX is a heavy girl and the biggest problem is the short nose compared to the 28ZX that is the same boat but longer in the front then the 26. When your talking 2-3ft chop its hard to get on top with a 26 without feeling the water. Length in a boat is everything. I ran my 33ZX in Rock The Bay and I know how rough the Chesapeake can get, I felt in my 9800lb boat. I have run my 26ZX through some rough waters "Hudson Poker Run" and she can be a handfull but I would take that 26ZX over any boat in that size.

I'll throw in my .02 here. I know you're talking about a 27ZR, but seeing as how you are in Ventura, have you looked at some of the west coast Vs? Namely 2750/29 Lavey, 29 Shockwave, 27 Advantage, etc? I personally think these boats have great styling like the ZR, but have been tested in the pacific and they all handle it well. Some pretty good deals going on these as well. Sorry to be that guy that throws in different boats than the thread...

Your wife has good taste the 288 Sunsation is a much better boat. It handles the rough second to none. Talk to the guys from Mahopac Marine they can hook you up with a great 288

You have an exceptional 288. I think the best I could afford is a performance series possibly with a Raylar 525. I checked our your vids. the boat looks and sounds great!

The last I checked the 288 with a 525 cost about $100k and runs 78. Nice looking boat though.

My ZX on the other hand, it runs well into the 90's.:food-smiley-007:

I am a Donzi lover.

This is my thought to you and do your homework very well before you impulse buy.
1) What boat has the better resale value in your area? Most desired.
2) Some boats that sell well on the east coast do not sell well on the west coast.
There are some boats that are really great boats like on the east coast. Superboat, Progressive, Kryptonite, that will only sell in NY.
How many Donzi's, Sunsations are in California.

The big thing is we all look to up-grade somewhere down the road and if a boat is not big seller in California you will be married to her. Just a thought to consider when choosing the right boat for yourself.

why not just buy my 28 zx?

i have had my 2008 288 SSR MCOB w/ 525 efi clocked on GPS at around 82 mph. This boat is one of the fastest boats under 30' with a single 525efi. The boat eats up the rough. Personally if you like the 525 raylar pay a little bit more and get the regualr merc 525, it seems to be faster. look at the videos on youtube under eagledm44 and you will see sunsation is the way to go.

I think it is a way to go but not necessarily the way to go. Frank's point is pretty good. I would go with a combo of what works for both you and your area. If I was stomping around a nasty bay I would consider a Pantera. If I ran in big water, I would get a twin. If I was out west I might consider other options. I live in Tn. Cumberland, Center Hill and the other lakes I frequent get kind of choppy but not big water nasty. My 26ZX will crush anything that comes my way here. And it goes a lot faster than 82. There are many ways to go depending on your path.

Its a nice looking boat. 82 is pretty good. The ZR does those types of numbers with a blue motor. Yes, I would get the blue motor. Actually I would probably opt for big power. Isn't this the Donzi section?

Please post some pictures when you go

Check out the sneak peek pictures of the new 27 zr at donzimarine.com

Changes for 09
 

I like the addition they added in the rear seat but I didn't notice anything really different on the 09' 27ZR on the website. What are they changing?

Major enhancements include:

New engine hatch treatment featuring integrated scoops with stainless steel grills and new "ZR" sunpad
New, streamlined cockpit upholstery featuring contoured aft seat with low profile backrest, restyled helm seats and coaming pads with more generous application of accent colors
Upgraded helm now features carbon fiber dash panels and improved ergonomics thanks to new location for throttles and upgraded driver/passenger footrests
Greatly expanded cabin (headroom was previously 48" max, is now 55" max) with forward vee-berth, porta pottie, starboard love seat and large, port side removable cooler.

the hood scoops are very magnum like ;)


would like to see the whole boat hopefully we'll get pics from the show

Any photos from Miami ? Anyone?...

i have a few but there on my shop's computer. i wil post pics monday

what is your impression of the new 27ZR?

I heard that a guy from South Africa ordered a 27zr with a 600at the miami boat show.

I like it, Donzi did a great job on the boat. They kept the customer in mind, Even in a down market. Not to flashy not plain jane just a well rounded (OEM) boat. nice 496 motor package. The clasic donzi graphics we are all use to and the little things you cant see like the new throttle position. If you get a chance to sit in the boat it just feels good. One thing i would like to remind everyone is donzi is a oem company. so when people want to compair it to a custom builder there forgetting the customer service, waranty, and the staff to back there boats. A+:ernaehrung004:

Damn
 

I just saw the new 27ZR on the website. I want one of those bad.......I wonder what the MSRP is on that boat.

The retail on a 2009 27 zr with a 496 ho is $117,000.

who pays retail?