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Old 09-17-2007, 09:20 PM
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Default Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

I done a bit of research on this forum regarding the Donzi 35 ZF and wanted to see if I could get some more help from folks who have owned this boat. I am thinking of putting in an offer on a 2003 with twin 250 mercury's with 300 hours for 50k. The boat is in fantastic shape, dry stored, and filled with electronics. I guess my question is, aside from the seemingly great price is there any reason I should be worried with the Donzi brand here before I buy?

Looked at other brands but the price keeps me interested here.
Thanks for any input.
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Old 09-17-2007, 09:31 PM
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Default RE: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

They are good boats, but at that price make sure you get a survey. That boat should be priced in the high 70's. I looked at a 1999 30ZF last year and it needed a new transom. It had cracks in the corners and the motors were shaking like mad on the sea trial. I believe the owner had an accident prior and that is why he was offering it at a great price.
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Old 09-17-2007, 09:36 PM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

Survey was done and it came back perfect. This is my third shot at the same size donzi for the same price range. One of the owners said the market is very weak right now and as a result the dealers/sellers are dumping the boats they have on the lot because fall is coming.
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Old 09-17-2007, 09:48 PM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

That is a great price. Was this your surveyor or the dealers? Make sure you have someone working for you. I am guessing that the motors are EFI's they are one of the best Merc built, but they love fuel. My guess is they will get right at 1 mpg. I had a pair of 225 on a 34 Proline that is built off the non stepped donzi hull. Mine would do just over 55mph and at cruise would burn 1 mpg at 34mph at 4000rpms. It was a great boat for the 2 to 3ft chop but not the driest when it would build higher. I am sure the steps will improve the gas and the speed. Best of luck on your purchase. They are good boats.
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Old 09-17-2007, 10:01 PM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

Great boat!!! if it's surveyed and you like it...go for it
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Old 09-17-2007, 10:53 PM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

Trapit

Out of curiosity why are you selling your Donzi?
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Old 09-17-2007, 10:58 PM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

That's a good price.. I paid 45K for my '03 26zf a few months ago with twin 225 opti's.. it only had 170 hours though, and looked brand new.
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Old 09-17-2007, 11:04 PM
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Default RE: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

Quote:
reeljustice - 9/17/2007 8:20 PM

I done a bit of research on this forum regarding the Donzi 35 ZF and wanted to see if I could get some more help from folks who have owned this boat. I am thinking of putting in an offer on a 2003 with twin 250 mercury's with 300 hours for 50k. The boat is in fantastic shape, dry stored, and filled with electronics. I guess my question is, aside from the seemingly great price is there any reason I should be worried with the Donzi brand here before I buy?

Looked at other brands but the price keeps me interested here.
Thanks for any input.

Freakin smokin deal to say the least...I have been looking for about 6 months and have yet to find one in the year range you have found for less than $ 70-75 K ........if it all checks out go for it BUT.......when a deal seems to good to be true it usually is.

Keep us posted, It will be good amo when buying mine in the near future....

Bryan
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Old 09-17-2007, 11:21 PM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

http://boats.iboats.com/donzi_marine/256547.html

Here is another one for sale at 50,000 but its a 2001.
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Old 09-18-2007, 12:20 AM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

That 2001 is under contract as of Sept 10 but the broker is taking back up contracts. I talked to him on the 12th and was kinda bummed. It was listed through the summer for $89,000 and reduced to 50,000. They do have a 29 ZF with cuddy reduced from $79,000 to $45,000 but it has the 2001 Opti's which can cost some money if they need major repairs.
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Old 09-18-2007, 12:21 AM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

Trav

What kind of #'s are you seeing with twin 225's at cruise and top end. Also what kind of fuel burn are you getting at each range?

Thanks for the info
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Old 09-18-2007, 04:46 AM
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Default Re: Donzi 35 ZF Cuddy advice

Quote:
Gillagorilla - 9/17/2007 11:20 P They do have a 29 ZF with cuddy reduced from $79,000 to $45,000 but it has the 2001 Opti's which can cost some money if they need major repairs.
They will all cost you major bucks if a major repair is needed.The trick about older optimaxes is to make sure all updates were done.I have a pair and love them.
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Old 05-07-2009, 06:24 PM
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Reeljustice,

Did you go through with it? What are your thoughts on this rig?

(I know this thread is almost 2 yrs old but its worth a shot!)
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Old 05-08-2009, 07:08 AM
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Default

I had a 2005 w/ 250 Opti XS's. About 1.4 MPG cruise but it used more oil than the stated 50:1. Over all a very good in terms of speed and handling. The only complaint I had was with the factory wiring. I was always chasing problems with poor connections.
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