38zx Donzi or Sonic 42? Which one????
 

A friend test drove both boats recently and liked both. Went into it tracking 38zx. Now he's on the fence with the main dislike being during the test ride the longer Sonic only got 72-73 while the shorter but still beefy Donzi was lookin' at 78-79 with 3/4-full tanks each and four fairly large gentleman onboard on smooth water. BTW, both had the 525's in them. Hardest part is both are basically the SAME PRICE....:confused:

He really, really wanted a large boat that could hang in the 80 neighborhood but also has always been a fan of the Sonic's trademark looks with arch. But the mph differential that day was dissappointing because of hisd desire for the 80 range.

What are some opinions on his dilemma??...

Someone also pointed out that the 38? Sonic was the same as the 42 except the engine compartment stretched it to 42' for trip setups. Would that boat be an equal speed wise with the 38 Donzi????

Just curious what power was in the Donzi ? From my experience with this boat, getting that kind of speed would require some fairly serious power.

Was that a GPS speed? Sonics are slower but ride very smoothly.

sonic.

no reasoning, just like them better. Sonics are built like tanks I know.

The Sonic will have way more head room.....if speed is what he wants let the GPS decide. If he's married his wife will like the room in the Sonic. and the 25 degree bottom rocks when it rough.....my.02

Sonic!!! Lots of room and great ride. The 38 Sonic is plenty of boat.

Sonic.

Just sold my 38ZX with 525's (85MPH boat)

9 1/2 foot beam make a very nice ride

6'3" head room in a beautiful cabin (which I never used)

575's will give you 90 MPH

I really enjoyed the Donzi. I don't know muck about Sonics, but I hear they are great boats also

Good luck

Yes, the 38 and the 42 with exception of engine compartment (twin vs. trips) pretty much the same.

Absolutely go with a 386 Sonic with twin 525 EFIs. Please see this thread:

http://offshoreonly.com/forums/showt...ove+2003+sonic

Offshore Performance has a boat in stock as described above.

Those numbers are very difficult to believe:rolleyes:

From PowerBoat Mag.

TEST RESULTS

Hull Information
Centerline
37'9"

Beam
9'3"

Weight as tested
11,500 pounds

Pricing Information
Price As Tested
$336,023.50

Engine & Propellers
Engines
Mercury Racing HP600SC

Cubic -inch displacement/horsepower
502/550

Propellers
Bravo One 15 1/4" x 31"

Acceleration
Acceleration Zero to 20 seconds
72 mph

Top Speed At RPM Stalker Radar
83.2 mph at 5300

Manufacturer

Donzi Marine, P.O. Box 987, Tallevast, FL 34270,
(941) 727-0622, www.donzimarine.com.

PowerBoat also did an article on the 33ZX with 575's. The first article appeared in June 2002 with follow up in July 2002. Guess Donzi was not happy with the first set of test results. The June test results were a top speed of 83.6. The re-test results were 89.3 on radar and 88.3 on GPS.

As I said, from my experience in this boat and the results I have seen in PB......78-79 in a 38ZX, which should not be confused with the ZR, with anything less than 575's, is very difficult to believe :eek:

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to stir anything up. I think these boats are awesome. Great head room, amenities.....very difficult to beat. I would rate them right up there with Formula. But they are not as fast as the numbers being posted here would indicate.

What power was in the boats ?

HOLY ****!!!! (sorry for the French Steve) The Sonic 386 is $100K cheaper than a Donzi 38ZX.

Both boats had twin 525's. The guys came back and said the Donzi was running 78-79'ish while the 42 Sonic got 71'ish with anticipation of 73 max with half tank and two persons vice four big guys and 3/4 tank. The Donzi was reported nearly full as well...

Vype340 and Donziman2 was both onboard (I was gonna go myself but had to bail last second) with the potential buyer and OSO lurker, so Dave/Bob give some first hand info...

The 38 Donzi is a nice boat, but my understanding is to get on the deck you have to climb thorough the front hatch. Where the Sonic has a nice walk around.
As far as the speed you can get the Sonic in the 80's with reliable horsepower such as prochargers. Trust me I know I have one.

I use to have a 2000 42 Sonic with arch and all the toys, with 500 efi's I could all day achieve 70, the 525's is good for at least 2-3 mph, if you put boxes on this boat you can add another 2-3 mph.

My uncle owns a 2000 38 Daytona, 500 ef'is , we have managed to get that boat to 76 mph, also a great boat with over 6' headroom.

To me its very close on ride, in 5-6 footers the Sonic has the slight edge, Beam width and cockpit is nice on the Donzi, quality edge goes to the Donzi, better fit and finish in cockpit and cabin, less caulk in areas, but the bottom line most of the time is price. You personally need to take both boats out for yourself and drive them, especially if spending that coin, both great boats, have fun.:D

I say the 42 Sonic...with 500EFI's and a SC package, like maybe the Livorsi Extreme kit and it should run a solid 80mph.

BTW, I believe both had ITS boxes with those 525's....Also I don't think there will be any intention to modify outside of stock power, at least in the first couple of years...

What about the Sonic 386 comparison to the 38zx? Couldn't you step down in price and kick it back up again with 575's?...:D

I'm the one looking at both boats. the 38ZX and the 42 Sonic both had 525 with ITS. I am looking for a good ride in the lower Chesapeak which is usually 2-4 feet. I am selling my old 311 SRI (Formula) which had a pretty good ride. Both boats are equivalent in the smooth water we tested them in. Some of my concerns are:
1. Will sonic change there bottom design and make the boat obsolete? I heard a rumor at Miami that they are considering a step! I cannot confirm this.
2. Donzi has a 5 year warranty vs. 1 year on the Sonic.
3. How will both boats ride in the lower Chesapeak. The water test was disappointing since the water was so smooth.
4. Steve Simon confirmed that the 04 38 ZX will have a notched bottom with Sportmasters and 5 blade Hydromotives improving the midrange and topend. Will that be enough to help the ride in 4-5 footers?
5. The Donzi is an 04 and the Sonic is an 03. Would that effect resale.
I appreciate all of your input.
"Nauti-Props"

Greg, is the 38 Sonic not in the running? Sounds like that might be a more fair comparison.....at least speed wise.

It's an envious position you are in!

aside from getting into another one of these heated debates about performance....i'll just say this...the donzi just exudes class, design, and a certain lifestyle that others can only try to achieve. from a 16 foot to a world class race boat!

it is an envious position your in!

Sonics intentions are to try and add the stepped hull to the 45' hull only. They believe steps to be dangerous and will not put them on any other boat for safety reasons.

If its your concern that new hull styles will make your boat obsolete , then you should take comfort in the fact that Sonic has changed the hull very little over the years.

I find myself in the very odd position of agreeing with Audacity:eek:

Get the Donzi. It is a year newer, I believe that will affect resale. And from what I have seen the fit and finish in the cabin and engine room are nicer on the Donzi.

The 5 blades will most likely help the mid range, but you usually loose some top end.

I would get the Donzi

A test article on the 38zx Donzi...
http://www.goboatingamerica.com/main/article.asp?id=235

I had to make the same choice in 2000, I now own the 42 Sonic. If I were you I would get gps speed not speedo. I have 500efi's and my boat will do 75 in a nice chop all day, the same as my freind's 33zx with 500's.

And one on the 42 Sonic.....
http://www.powerboatmagazine.com/2002tests/april1.php

I have been in several conversations with Rich and Fred of Sonic as recent as two weekends ago. I know they have plans for big Cobra power, staggers, Poker Run and Factory Racing stripped cabin boats, and a few other tricks, like maybe a sit-down boat, however, I have never heard about a step. It may be the idea some day though. Seriously, why not look at the 386 Sonic? Yes, the year thing is going to affect resale, but holy crap, how much more does that Donzi cost originally compared to a boat with one digit difference in the year, still brand new, and 4 FEET LONGER? That Donzi, even real numbers has to be 15-20% more. Don't get me wrong, I like Donzi, and they have their niche. (See my thread about Neda and the 39ZSC.) But holy crap. I have never seen 5 little letters inflate a price moreso than D O N Z I. I found that out when shopping 26 footers a few years ago. I am already shopping 38' footers, and based on how Rich and Fred are taking the company to new levels, coupled with the new infusion of the hulls, decks, and cabin liners, I know the Sonic will be at the top of my list.
If you are looking for the 'shock and awe' factor, the 42 Sonic would catch my eye much quicker than the 38 Donzi, coupled with the fact that I know the Donzi guy spent more than the guy with the Sonic.

Offshore Performance picked up Donzi this season, and now have, side by side by side, Cigarette, Donzi, and Sonic. I know they like to have in stock, (but not solely, they sell all Donzis), the big crusiers (39ZSC, AMAZING) and the little runabouts (22 Classic, sweet boat).

(Now watch me end up with a sweet Donzi dropped in my lap next season. I will eat my words.) :D :D :D :D

Well as a Donzi owner I guess my vote is obvious. As far as price list on Donzi's is high but real world paid prices for the boat are very competitive with the competition. On our sea trial is sticky Jacksonville we regestered a solid 75 on GPS on the glassy river. My boat has HP500EFI only like 30 hours and so extension boxes. I spoke with the owner of the Donzi APBA pace boat in Daytona and he is seeing just about 80 with HP500EFI and extention boxes, labbed 30 pitch Bravo I's in a Daytona edition (about 1,000 lbs lighter kevlar hull). BTW my boat is propped with 28 pitch bravo 1's no labbing and I only got 4900 RPM out of the motors. I should see a few mph with some prop work. The cabin is very roomy with 6'2" of headroom. Both are very nice boats but I really like the style of the Donzi and the 9'3" beam is a big plus.

A truly biased Donzi owner. :) :) :)

Based on our sea trial in 3- 5 foot ocean rollers the Donzi needs no improvement in ride. Landings were soft and ride was comfortable and very stable. I believe the notch is for speed, the sportmasters will raise the X dimension (more speed) and the five blades will improve bite to get on plane with the higher X dimension. At least that is my understanding.

donzi has gone to great lengths to improve their boats...from the smallest detail of knocking down the db level in the cockpit, which required some major tooling changes...to large ones such as increasing performance everywhere without taking form the wifes comforts...

yes i'm bias...but i have also had the amazing opportunity to see what this company and their boats are all about from the inside out. it's no wonder why donzi owners have such pride.

Excellent insight guys. Hey Nauti-Props I hope this post is helping shed some light on your decision.....;)

btw, last I knew, Sonic had a 5 year hull warranty too.

Donzi has that "Z-care" warranty which I believe is just a factory sponsored extended warranty and is built into the cost...

Sonic definitely.

The 358 and the 386 Sonic are the same cabin wise just a larger cockpit in the 386 for the possible triple engine installation. The 42 and the 45 are the same cabin same with the cockpit but with longer engine room on the 45.

Good luck

:D :D

Sonic has my vote hands down! Both were very nice but the 42 was MUCH nicer, had better build quality, awesome graphics (made the Donzi look vanilla envelope in comparison), and sounded better because the sound did not go through Corsa mufflers.

Sydwayz - the 42 that you mention at OP was the one we all saw in Miami and the one that we tested last Friday. It was AWESOME!!!

To all - As I said during and after the Miami show this past year, the 42 Sonic was my #1 choice with Active Thunder in close chase for my next boat. Naturally I would like a Cigarette but I don't want to spend $300k plus on a Top Gun, but that's not reality to me when I have so many other expensive toys/habits.

Good luck with your decision NautiProps (Greg)!

I sold my formula today, so its time to make the decision. If I can get the right numbers I will be placing my order for the 38ZX next week. Thanks again to everyone who gave their opinions. The decision to go with Donzi was determined by several factors:
1. Overall styling
2. Contemporary proven hull design that has been reengineered to offer an even better ride, midrange and topend.
3. Donzi reputation which also includes better resale.
4. Transferrable 5 year Z Care warranty.
5. Steve Simon and the rest of the gang at Donzi. Among the high performance ownership/mangaement Donzi clearly has some outstanding individuals running the show. They have always answered their phones or promptly called me back whenever I had a question. Jerry McCollough was also great to work with to design the color scheme.
6. The chance to beat Vyper 340 (especially in the rough stuff)

I am looking to have delivery by mid July and I will post some pics then.
Nauti-Props

NP...your going to be VERY please in every way with your purchase!!!...if ya get a chance come on out to a race!!!

knowing what i know now....i'm even more envious of your purchase!

one thing that i do not agree with........your #5 should be moved to #1.....the people behind the products are more important than the product sometimes!!! and #6 is moot! LOL

Audacity,
I agree with your comments about moving number 5, but number 6 has a long, long history. Someday I'll explain...for now my new Cayenne S can kick his X5, now I need something for his M3.

I look forward to seeing you guys on the race course. I am an avid fan of Donzi race efforts and I know Steve is proud of your initial race results. Congrats and I hope you get a National Championship in F2

Nauti-Props

NP,

Congratulations. Next time you talk to Steve Simon tell him we need some Donzi gear.

Steve