looking for some opinions on the 35 ZR good, or bad. quality, handling, size, can this boat handle bigger horsepower over the 525's ? is the cabin usable as a weekender overnighter.? How would it compare to a 35 fountian lighting? thanks

Both nice boats. I have not ridden in a ZR, but climbed on one in Miami. There are a load of threads on here about them. Do a search. I have spent a good bit of time on my buddy's 35 Fountain. Nice ridding boat as well. But, from what I have read about the ZR hull, it is well proven.

But weekender? NOT! Cabins in both are tight at best. But maybe that's just me. I like to be able to walk into my cabin, not have to basically get down on hands and knees.

Why the limited list? There are so many great boats out there in that size range.

The 35 ZR is a great running boat, she is solid and I ran two of them in poker runs, The fastest I have seen a 35 ZR go was 101mph and that was with 625 Ilmors the boat handles extremely well and is a solid running boat. Room in the cabin is low and the boat is made more for speed she runs flat and has very little chine at top end.

Chad, when I was sitting in one all I could think is that if I'm going
to have a sit down boat, it's going to be a cat.

Something else to consider whatever you get: My Nordic 35 at 8500 pounds
and two stock 575SCi are at the limit of practical reliability for Bravo (XR) drives. If you get anything bigger, more power, or a cat, in my opinion you
need #6 drives.

Pesky Varmint

My 38 Comp is a sit down boat but the 35 Zr has dropout stand up bolsters. The 35Zr is an awesome running boat but does lack cabin headroom. Any 35' boat you will have to make a compromise on however, speed vs. cabin room.

Ditto on the cabin, walked around in one at the boat show. The cabin in my 28 apache feels more roomy and has a lot more headroom.

I'll agree, the cabin is low, had to crouch way down to get in. Ended up buying the 38 ZX instead and glad I did!

Got to love the room in a ZX. Thats why my wife fell in love with our 33ZX not the fastest boat she is roomy.

Everyone has an opinion here is mine, Donzi great boat but the Fountain will walk away from it speed wise, period. With those two boats its going to be a trade off, comfort vs Speed.

Up to you what is more important, as for the 525's, depending on your wallet both can handle more power. 35 Lightening with 525's is hitting over 100mph.

http://www.fountainpower.com/boats/sport/35LTG_over.asp


WILL

Yes the Fountain 35 is a nice boat but not a true 35 in running surface. The Donzi is a true 35 in length and does give you a better ride in the rough stuff. I have drove both the Fountain and the Donzi. When it comes to running Poker Runs I will take the Donzi.