28 zx whats it worth?
 

under 200 hrs
350 mag mpi's
full hydro steering
average to better than average gel
average interior, no huge rips or tears
salt water boat
some rust in engine bay, cosmetic only
standard stereo
no electronics
bennett dual ram tabs
trailer included-not fancy alum i beam with steel wheels
transom shower

2000 year

whats a good price? what would you consider a steal?

Nada shows 35k as average retail.

Thanks,

Negatives

11(going on 12) years old
average condition
salt boat
rust in engine bay
no electronics
bennett tabs
Bad economy
Bad time of year

positives

Full hydraulic steering
Trailer included

I would say closer to 25K

Thanks,

Any others?

Anything to look for on this model?

35k is really reasonable based on the description especially if it is the new style. You won't find one in either style for 25k with 350's. You would have a reasonably tough time to find a 26 zx (single engine) for 25k.

The older ones (mid 2000 and prior) tend to pull a bit less money because of the older top half of the boat. Basically, the bottom half of the boat was the same since they came out with the 27ZX step but they changed the top/interior and it's more desirable.

None of the items you are describing are huge red flags either. Hydraulic steering is great. Bennett tabs are fine on a stock 28. Some random rust is not a big deal on brackets, etc. it happens and can be cleaned up.

Most of these boats are asking way more than 35k.

They are great boats, great hulls. The only thing that I have heard problems with is the two part windshield (the fairing, not the glass shield) can separate so check that if it is equipped with that. Mine has the glass shield it's probably better but not nearly as sexy.

vette,

thanks.

How does the 28 ride in the chop? as 1 to 2 footers, real wave hieght?

rides great till 3 footers

I take mine out in rough all the time... actually, I tend to go out when it is calm, it kicks up, and I return in rough slop.

The 28 likes to get on top of the waves. Ride is not a complaint from me at all. The only down side is when we have a bunch of people/kids on board and you want to run slow through the rough stuff and let the bow take the impact you can count on getting wet. The bow is squared off pretty good so the water comes straight up it and at you. It's not bad, but can be annoying. I'm used to the classic lineup... on a Minx or 22 if you throw the bow into the waves there is enough of an angle in the bow to send the water away from the boat Vs. up into you. This isn't a Donzi only feature, it's most of the boats in this size range on up.

you could step it up and buy my 38zx and run wide open in 3-4footers

Step it up huh? How bout jump it up. My ramp at the local lake has such an incline you,d high center the bioth..

I agree with Vette on all the points. We've owned our 28ZX for over 3 years now and really no complaints. The twin 350 mag set up is very fuel efficient, enough power to push you to the 70-72 mph range, and easy to drive in 3-4's. we have been in 5-6's a couple of times and if you use your head you can cruise along on top and feel safe.

as for any possible downsides, there are flashier cabins than what the Donzi has to offer, also I have experienced bigger cockpits in the 28' range. The cabin and cockpit suit us just fine and my wife and I have spent a number of nights on board and have been comfortable.

good luck,

tom

35k Is Fair ?

Went and looked at the boat in question. Almost all gauges were foggy, more dock rash than expexted. Has not been waxed in years. Batteries were dead, couldn't test, motor hatch was down, ect. One area of impact on hull up front starboard side, gel cracks and it prints thru to the storage locker below forwad berth. Trailer is aluminum I beam with boards notched for steps but bearings are junk, breaks are junk, ect. I just don't see how this boat would ever sale.

That definitely sounds like the low end of the market. There are plenty for sale out there. One that looks nice (based on pics), same year, same price in St. Pete but it is the older deck style.

Vette,

Are your water pick ups on the cone?

guess the aggressive x is why this one had the low water pick ups.

Mine has both pickups. I think Merc switched to Dual Water pickups a few years back on all Bravo's.

I just bought my 28 zx this spring its 2001 and only had 76 hours on both engines. with trailer I paid that much. the boat was in like new condition as well. no problems other than the fwd bilge pump wasnt working and it was an easy fix. runs really well. Where do you put in? Im in North bama as well. bought mine out of cape coral. love the boat.

Tug,

We are are usually around in Lewis Smith lake in Cullman, or Orange Beach, but I do want to cruise the tenn up to chatt or pickwick. I am going down to south fla on friday to look at a 2000 with 183 hours at a very good price. We need to hook up and do a run.

Oh yeah if you go out in the gulf or the atlantic be careful and make sure your depth sounder(if its not a thru hull and is mounted to the bottom of the transom) is able to flex. I kinda maybe ripped mine off when I was "testing the limits" in some pretty big swells. The boat is at home in big water and the ride is really smooth.

No Doubt always looking to go burn some gas. havent made it to smith lake in this boat yet but we are on the tennessee almost every weekend when its nice and warm out. hope the boat deal works out this weekend for you. Got a few of us up here wanting to make the chatt run next spring/ summer.

Hey one other thing I would look for. the hyd lines on the outdrive. Mine were cracked from corrosion. it made trimming the outdrives really difficult. had to stand on them to get them to go down. replaced the lines and no problems since though.

Good thing, boat was fresh water for 160 hours and 23 salt so hopefully no major corrosion issues. Boat is supposed to be very good shape will all systems go except of one trim guage. Brand new stanless marine manifolds, water pumps and housings, filters and all fluids.

Is yours full hydro steering or cable with hydro assist?