22 Classic vs. 22 ZX

[Zinger]

Hello everyone, just sold my 18ft. classic and looking to upgrade to a 22 Classic or 22 ZX . What are some of the pro's and con's on both of these fine boats. ie performance , ride, weight and price . And any leads would be grateful. Thanks Jeff

[roadking]

I can only speak for the 22ZX. It's fast, fun,has a cabin,sunpad is a pro, and is probably better in rough water. I have to say the Classic's are beutiful though! BTW I have a '99 22zx that will be for sale at a great price. I'm movving up in size.

[Woodsy]

Hey Zinger...

Give me a call... I might be able to arrange a side by side comparo this weekend up here at Winni... I don't think Pistol Pete's 22ZX has been winterized yet, and my 22 Classic definitely hasn't been winterized... 978-502-5465 The weather is supposed to be pretty nice!

Woodsy

[RICPAZ]

I just sold my 1999 22ZX a couple months ago. I loved it and had no complaints. I live in Stratford (right next to Milford!) and used my 22ZX on the sound and on the rivers. It was great. A very solid boat, and handled the waves very well. And not too mention fast! Around 80 mph with the 502 Magnum. I think you can do more with the ZX because of it's cabin, swivel seats and large sunpad. I enjoyed many overnighters in it. It can sleep two comfortably in the cabin. But the Classic is also a very cool boat. I've never ridden in a classic before so I can't compare the rides, but I know you won't be disappointed with the ZX. I'm actually looking to upgrade to a 26ZX or 28ZX now. Good luck!
-Rich

[RICPAZ]

Zinger,

By the way, I noticed in your profile you're a boiler operator. Which plant??? I sell TODD Combustion burners.

-Rich

[bakker]

I have 97 22zx in top condition for sale. 454 mag with a B&M 250 blower and lots of other goodies bottom line $25,000 and I'll pay half the shipping cost.send me a email to bakk@spectre.com and I'll send some photos and a list of the extras

[HyperDonzi]

99-up 22zx will not hav BB unless they were swapped in.

Do a search, there are a ton of threads on 22zx/22classic

[BigGrizzly]

Hyper, Refrase that, There were many big blocks in 1999 that were not special order. my son has one and there were a few at the Home town Ralley again this year.

[RICPAZ]

I ordered my '99 with a 502 magnum direct from the factory. I beleive '99 was the last year for the 502 Mag., then in '00 the biggest engine was the 454 (not sure if you could get a Mag or not) and then no more big blocks in '01 and up.
-Rich

[Barry Phillips]

I'm a 22 Classic owner so I'm biased; the 22 Classic is a traditional deep vee, sit down sport boat, usually with big block power. Deep vees tend to need a lot power because the hull dose not aerate as effectively as stepped bottomed hulls or cats. The Classics are about style and getting noticed, they are low slung hot rods like a Corvette, not very practical, but fun. And good in in the rough stuff if you trim it properly.

I have no experience with any ZX and have little passion for the line, but again I'm biased,
Sorry ZX owners. I think any 22 footer is a little short proportionately for a stand up cabin, but if you overnight it can come in handy. I would look for a big block version to realize real go fast potential. I guess Donzi felt that with the ventilated bottom, that a small block was enough, I disagree, and the Scorpion package would make this boat cost more than it's worth. Look for at least a 6.2 small block liter at least.

So it boils down to your needs, Do you need a family sport boat which offers plenty of freeboard and a place to change out of wet bathing suits etc., or a low slung day cruiser with little practicality but loads of style. I would like to see Donzi put at least the 375hp 496mag in the 22 ZX though. They are 3 to 4 hundred lbs heavier than the 22 Classic.

SO-SLO

[HyperDonzi]

Grizz- I thought in 98 they went to small block only, then last year offered the scorpion 377?
How did it really go?

[BabyDonzi]

big Griz, you got it.
2000 22ZX, 454 MAG MPI BB stock from Donzi


fast, oh so fast!