Is a 28 Donzi ZX truly an "offshore" boat?
 

I'm not putting down the 28, I am a Donzi fan and would like to get back into one in the near future. With that said, I have been looking at the 28ZX but have never been on one and was wondering if it would be too small to run in the ocean on occasion. I'm not talking huge seas just doing the loop (Barnegat Inlet to Manasquan inlet) and would love to do the NJPPC run to AC. I'll be bringing two small kids and the wife so I really don't want a white knuckle ride that I could deal with if it were just me. Anyway, can a 28 fit the bill or should I be looking for something a little bigger? I currently have a 302 for comparison which seems like a much bigger boat although it's only 2 ft longer.

If 28 ft is your limit, than i advice 28 Pantera, 28 Powerplay, 28 Saber, 28 Active Tunder, 31 Bullet ( a lil bigger).....good luck

28 is only my limit as far as what I can afford if I want a Donzi in good condition. I am pretty sure a 33, 35, and 38 are more comparable to the 302 I have now but the nice ones are more $. Just seeing if I could get away with a 28.

Than go with any of the ones i mentioned above. All of those can take a beating without you or your family feeling it in the water you say you'll be boating in

The answer to your question is: It depends on the weather. Sometimes you'll be fine, but many other times you won't be. Found that out myself trying to run my 29 Advantage in the intercoastal and Gulf around Ft Myers. The bigger you are, the less prone you are to the whims of mother nature.

Of those boats mentioned above the 28 Active Thunder is the deepest followed by the 31 CIG. The saber, pantera and PP are great built and riding boats too. Finding any of those for sale is tough because there weren't a lot made and the guys that have them love them and don't want to sell. Why are you selling the 302?

Thanks for the info. Considering selling the 302 because I'm mad at it. Missed all season because my starboard engine seized up (corroded intake manifold) and spent the whole summer rebuilding it 10 minutes at at time (did I mention I have small kids?) Wife said get something newer that won't need work so how can I argue with that?

Lol..gotcha. unfortunately if that statement were only true. Mine is an 01 with only 350 hours on it and blew the motor in mid July due to an injector leaning out #7 cylinder. If you want reliability and low maintenance buy outboards. The 454 and 502 were some of the most reliable motors built. Some have over 1000 hours and never touched. Salt water takes its toll on everything.

Try to track down Frank Civitano... Shanghied Again. He had a sweet 26zx and a 33zx and has lots of seat time in the 28. He lives/boats in your area.....

Here is the 28zx you need....
Twin Scorpions.
http://www.donzi.org/forum/showthrea...-28ZX-Scorpion

Drock: Or could be like me and let dad have the keys. He went for a "few" joy rides. Did some top speed runs and since I was pulling the heads off I figured might as well pull the 454 out and re-ring and bearing. Well all brass through the main, line hone, and a big bill later. She's going back together. But back to the subject. I would opt for the active thunder. But I do not have any experiences in the others.