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-   -   Donzi 38ZX vs. Black Thunder 43 (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/307735-donzi-38zx-vs-black-thunder-43-a.html)

Pwraddr 02-04-2014 09:51 PM

Better have diesel dually for both....see ya at Boyne with the Donzi!

scarabman 02-05-2014 07:26 AM

The BT has got all the good stuff, creature comfort wise, thats for sure. Genny, AC, power bolsters, and a fantastic cabin. Ist time I was in one I was very impressed.

One other thing to consider between both boats. The Donzi has a bolstered back seat. I had one in one of my 33avs's. While I liked it, the look of it, etc., when it came time to hauling people, sometimes it was an inconvenience and would get in the way. The wife couldnt lay down and sun on the backseat while underway, when not allowed on hatch, and it wasnt very kid friendly when rafted up and they wanted to move around. Just throwing it out there.

glassdave 02-05-2014 12:18 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by 32 Active Thunder (Post 4062835)
I know where there is a 38zx yellow and black in Cleveland Ohio 525 sc motors 1 owner dry stacked its whole life pm me if interested I can get you in touch with the owner

This boat would be worth looking at, it was on the showroom floor next to mine and i did some minor touch up and detailing for the owner back when it was brand new. Always impressed me with how well the boat was cared for. Saw it last year (pic) out on the cleaning rack when i was looking at another boat in that marina. Looked good . . ..


Originally Posted by scarabman (Post 4069435)
The BT has got all the good stuff, creature comfort wise, thats for sure. Genny, AC, power bolsters, and a fantastic cabin. Ist time I was in one I was very impressed.

One other thing to consider between both boats. The Donzi has a bolstered back seat. I had one in one of my 33avs's. While I liked it, the look of it, etc., when it came time to hauling people, sometimes it was an inconvenience and would get in the way. The wife couldnt lay down and sun on the backseat while underway, when not allowed on hatch, and it wasnt very kid friendly when rafted up and they wanted to move around. Just throwing it out there.

I agree with the bolstered rear bench. Looks cool but in function its a bit of an obstruction (ilke a lot of things on the boat :D). I mostly didn't like it while docked and hanging out on the boat. A friend of mine has a 38ZX without the partitions and the rear bench is super comfortable to lay on without them.

Man that BT has a cavernous cabin, pretty cool. I still vote ZX all the way, like i said despite my whining about the little things you will love the boat.

s022mag 02-05-2014 12:25 PM

My tow rig is a 2500HD SRW Duramax. That's the other issue, I would be at ease a lot more with the ZX. My gf loves the BT cabin, camper top and genny. I just need to find a reason she would want the ZX more.

MINK 02-05-2014 12:39 PM

If I remember correctly your truck is also a short bed? I wouldnt want to tow the BT any long distance with that short wheel base. Both boats look super nice but I would pick the Donzi and it should tow OK with your current truck.

machloosy 02-05-2014 01:07 PM

I'd probably be one of the rare guys pulling for the BT, but you already answered your own question. If you aren't upgrading your truck, the BT is a non starter. Even the ZX is going to be on the edge I think.

But I'd bet you know the pro's and con's of each already :angry-smiley-038: don't need our help.
ZX: looks, speed, trailering, less crowd/family friendly
BT: comfort, unparalleled ride, lots of room to entertain

ealesh33 02-05-2014 01:18 PM

I would go with the ZX personally, for pretty much all of the reasons everyone has said. Towing, looks, speed, etc...

Captain YARRR 02-05-2014 02:15 PM

On the performance side: are you doing any poker runs? If so, you're going to be left wanting with the speed of the BT.

When it comes to comfort the Donzi is better than 80% of boats out there. So it's quite good. Just tough when you compare to the BT.

bigboat28 02-05-2014 05:48 PM

Once you get to 38' what is 5 more Matt? LOL. Decisions decisions can't wait to see which boat you get to see who wears the pants in the house.ROTFLMAO:daz:

RT930turbo 02-05-2014 06:52 PM


Originally Posted by bigboat28 (Post 4069780)
Once you get to 38' what is 5 more Matt? LOL. Decisions decisions can't wait to see which boat you get to see who wears the pants in the house.ROTFLMAO:daz:

Are we taking bets? :party-smiley-004:


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