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DONZI 35 ZF what say you?

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Old 03-26-2025 | 07:44 PM
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Default DONZI 35 ZF what say you?

Ive just about decided on a makeover as opposed to selling & buying something newer. Prices & boat sizes are out of control. I'd be happy with my 35ZFX with a few interior mods & upgrades.

Considering twin Mercury 500R's.
I calculate this should get me cruising 65-70 ish efficiently, topping out in the lower 90's. ?? *Top is 59 now with 275's

Has anyone done this yet? I saw a 32 in Miami with triple 450's but didn't get to talk to him, and may have been paint & stickers. Donzi made them with trip 275's. Opinions appreciated

Wondering if the transom will handle it? It will never be beat on. Mainly to update & be able to keep up with runs









Last edited by Sheer Insanity; 03-26-2025 at 08:02 PM.
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Old 03-26-2025 | 07:50 PM
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Go for it. Keep us updated
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Old 03-26-2025 | 09:09 PM
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My neighbor at LOTO has a 2023 32' Sunsation with twin 450s and it runs 85. Not sure how much more your boat weighs Vs. his set up. I have a 34' Nor-Tech with triple 300s and it runs 80 on its best days. I just bought triple 450s and have been told by others (with the same set up) that it will be a high 90s rig in a perfect world. I agree on the cost of going with something new-a million isn't that much money in todays world.

Joe
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Old 03-26-2025 | 09:15 PM
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If go with brand new engines a pair of V10 400 hp will be my choice, also you could find a used pair 450's at good price...
Just my 2 cents

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Old 03-27-2025 | 06:20 AM
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Sold my 35 Donzi ZFO about a year ago, I repowered with 350 Verados. 40mph at 1.8-2mpg, top speed was right at 68 with Bravo FS 23P. Perfect boat and i would buy it back in an instant if I was still in Florida.
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Old 03-27-2025 | 08:19 AM
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Nice boat. I say do the upgrade. Boats like vehicles are stupid priced. Doesn’t matter if new or used they are way overpriced, imo. Our Donzis are built like tanks compared to new boats. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Im not sure what weight difference is with new motors. Can’t remember his screen name. But, couple years ago a guy on here repowered his 35ZFC from triple two strokes to triple 400’s I think. I believe the drains on side of boat went under water a little from the extra weight. Search the Donzi section. Thinking name was outlaw25 maybe. He posted all kinds of pics. Also had waves and wheels redo the seating in back.

We love our 35 ZFC. Ours has 300 Verados and 21pitch props. We’ve ripped out all old analog and smart craft gauges and installed twin Garmin and a vessel view. Still need to do interior.

Last edited by Donziben; 03-27-2025 at 08:24 AM.
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Old 03-28-2025 | 08:45 AM
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Twins, trips never worked well on the ZF's, Sundancekid over on THT has the wealth of knowledge on these hulls, he knows them inside and out.
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Old 03-28-2025 | 09:01 AM
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I’ve wondered how these bimini tops would hold up at high speed. Mine tore off in the hurricane and I ripped one off towing before too.
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Old 03-28-2025 | 11:24 AM
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With some modifications to your existing setup, this would look nice.
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Old 03-28-2025 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by hogie roll
I’ve wondered how these bimini tops would hold up at high speed. Mine tore off in the hurricane and I ripped one off towing before too.


Mine has held up. It needs replaced the rope going around is pretty bad shape and broke in one spot last time I towed. But our hauls are from LOTO to the keys usually at hwy speeds. Ours has the grommets going all the way around it the rope feeds through. Radar, and antennas mounted on top
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