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Random Quote: Wemon, wine, wealth and deciet, make the heart submit and wallet weak. What it takes to maintain one vice is enough to fuel my boat for life. Capt Clayton
Did a search on the optis and got a lot of info. So, now I'd like to ask for opinions. I'm looking a three different 2000 Donzi 23 zf's. One has a 250 efi and the other two have twin 150 opti's. The three boats are $3k apart in price, so that is not an issue. I like the idea of having twins, because the bay (chesapeake) can get pretty snotty, and I don't mind going out when things are less than ideal. Having another motor to limp home on if something happens would be a good thing, because stupid things happen at the worst times. Before I buy anything, it will be surveyed and the motors checked by a merc tech. Also if anyone knows, how much does this boat weigh? The Donzi website says 4800 lbs, sounds heavy to me. Thanks-Joey
From what I understand, the EFI's are real thirsty engines. I would think (not 100% sure) that you would get better gas mileage with the twin Opti's. Plus, you'll have the redundancy of twin engines. Just keep in mind that with the twin engines comes double the maintenance costs (2 fuel filters vs one, 2 impeller changes, vs one, etc, etc).
You also may want to read up on the Opti's. From what I've heard the older Opti's had some issues. I've got 2003 Opti's (225's) and they're great, but when I researched before purchasing I had read a lot about the older Opti's having issues. Just an FYI.
there is a guy on the forum named finbox who can give you the scoop on the 23 donzi with a single 250. Long story short, he blew up the 250 and put twins on it. Much happier with the twins.
If you buy with twins make sure the transom has reinforcement knee's built in. I think they started adding the knee's around 2001, mine is a 2001 and has them. some of the older hulls had a problem with transom cracking under the weight of the twins with out the knees.
With the 250 efi hole shot is slow and you will get around 49 mph loaded, with the twins you will get around 53mph
and a better hole shot.
I have 200hpdi's so I don't know much about the Merc's but it is a much better boat with the twins.
I so nearly bought a 23ZF and so got caught up in research and ended up speaking with a very cagey factory. Donzi did a bit of a redesign in about 2001 as Finbox says, and part of that included strengthening the transom. Up until then twins had a habit of cracking the transom and the factory apparently did not want to hear of it. Some owners took matters into their own hands and added strengthening themselves, but regardless if you go for the twins, check the transom. Also, speaking with owners with the single 250, they rate it as underpowered, so definitely the twins. Also, I doubt you will get better mileage with the single.
250efi vs 2 150 opti's on a Donzi 23zf 
