DONZI 35 ZF what say you?
#1
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 9
From: Estero Florida
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


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.
#3
Registered

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 569
From: New Smyrna Beach FL/ LOTO MM 21
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
Joe
#6
Registered

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 370
Likes: 150
From: LOTO
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.
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.
#10
Registered

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 370
Likes: 150
From: LOTO
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





