38ZX possible power?
 

I am currently in the market for a slightly used Donzi 38ZX and had a few questions. This will be my first offshore boat, and I don't know much about engines and drives. I am wanting a boat that will run upper 80's to lower 90's. Has anyone seen a 38ZX with enough power to reach these speeds? What HP range would I be looking at, and what kind of drives should I run? I will use the boat for pleasure, and occassionally hit a Poker Run. Any help would be appreciated, and anyone with a 38ZX who can tell me a little about the boat would surely help.

Corey

The 1999 - 2002 38 ZX's run around 75 with HP500EFI's. The Daytona edition with extension boxes and labbed props will get you to 80 in ideal water. Adding Whipple chargers (750HP) and beefing up the drives (Bravo Shop or IMCO) will get you in the speed range you are looking for.

90mph in your first offshore boat might be a tad much....

id say start with decent power like 500efis and once you learn to handle the boat upgrade your power. Slap on a pair of whipples keep your efi and have a fast turn key boat. But make sure you can handle it before you start running around at 90.

I agree with Puder. A powerful boat can be very unforgiving to the inexperienced.

Thanks for the input folks. I guess I did lead folks to believe that I was going to try 90 right off the bat. The boat I am looking at is a 99' Daytona, with 500's. I was going to run that for a year or two and then look at upgrading to some whipples or prochargers. I have been boating in 60mph boats since I was 13, Just never an "offshore" boat. I boat at LOTO and in the Dallas TX area. How does the 38 handle in rough water?

Thanks
Corey

the 38 loves the rough water donzi always seems to win the APBA races when the conditions get rough.

My 38ZX performs great in the rough water. Just for clarification of an earlier statement the Donzi's that race in APBA are ZR's. Also great rough water boats.

Thanks for the reply Donzi38zx. I have seen a few 38's on the water, and noticed that nothing seems to bother them. I have not riden or driven one yet, I am going to start looking seriously this fall. Of course I am boating on LOTO in a 27'Crownline Bowrider I guess anything will be an improvement over the ride I get in that boat.:D