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!

36 Pantera

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

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).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmHJryiJOCk

This is all you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Okay, I've read this long enough and now I cast my vote. No doubt the Formula is a quality boat through and through. But I just love the lines of the 35ZR's so much more than the Formula. Don't get me wrong, The looks of the Formula are sharp.......until I see a ZR, then it's all over. If your wife does not get the chance to set in a Fastec, she won't know what she's missing. Good luck, either way you are picking a winner IMO.

[QUOTE=ZXXX Donzi;3144466].

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.

Sorry got carried away its just so much fun to spend other peoples money.:drink:I also thought he was some one else that I knew.

I own a 35zr and have driven both boats. The Donzi is considerably faster and will handle the rough water much better. Although Formula has some nice features with a locker by the swim platform that can hold ice and drinks. The one thing that pushed me from the formula was the boat I drove did not have hydraulic steering. What a miserable ride trying to control the boat a full throttle.
Besides the fact that both boats are 35', they are two really different boats.

Well, I think my decision is made.....and looks like I am taking GK's advice- I found a SMOKING deal on a 2008 38ZR, 25 hours, sea trialed it today (88 MPH, with some left), came to an agreement on money! There are a few things they have to do to it-headliner is hanging and some of the gauges aren't working right- both covered under warranty- then I just have to wait for the survey and financing. Hopefully I will have it next friday, I am off on Sunday and Monday, be back on the water after a 4 yr layoff! I also looked at the Formula 353, and it is definitely nicer with some of the amenities, but the difference in speed is too much, plus the Donzi is soooooo much sexier!
I want to thank everyone for their comments, it was nice hearing from some of you that have experience with both boats! When it's all done and in my slip, i'll get some pics!

Sounds good, what power

staggered 525's w/ ITS

Awesome, good luck with it! I am sure you are going to love it!