Has anyone ever driven a 45' ZX???

[mjbtx]

I currently have a 33' ZX and am looking to possibly go
bigger. I'm 6'3" and I am considering the 45' for this
reason because I can stand when in the cabin. I
have never even seen or been in a 45'. Has anyone else?

[ChromeGorilla]

I wish I could remember his name, but I met this fella at the owners rally who has a 33zx and just bought a 45zx. Really nice guy. He would probably have some good insight to the differences. His 33 was sharp. His 45 looked awesome on the photos he was sharing at lunch. If you go to donzi's website, the 45zx on the opening page is his boat. Speed-racer on the forums prob remembers his name. (he drove him home to orlando). Forget the 45zx....get the 35ZR..... :biggrin.:

[Mr X]

I currently have a 33' ZX and am looking to possibly go
bigger. I'm 6'3" and I am considering the 45' for this
reason because I can stand when in the cabin. I
have never even seen or been in a 45'. Has anyone else?

Yes I have been in and driven at least 8 different ones.....
I think the cabin height is 6'2" max

[mjbtx]

How did the 45' ZX handle? I have a powerboat test on
the boat from 2001 and they liked it. I'm looking for something
that is comfortable for a weekend and still a go-fast boat.

[Mr X]

How did the 45' ZX handle? I have a powerboat test on
the boat from 2001 and they liked it. I'm looking for something
that is comfortable for a weekend and still a go-fast boat.

They handle very well........and yes you could do the weekend on it in comfort.
They are slower to react than the 38 and much slower to respond than the 33........because its so much bigger.
Try to get as late of a model as you can........are you looking at new or used?

[mjbtx]

It's a used 2000 model....

[Mr X]

It's a used 2000 model....
I would find a newer one........the early ones are not as fast and dont handle as well as the newer ones

[mjbtx]

Who would you recommend for insurance?

[Mr X]

Who would you recommend for insurance?
No idea on that........sorry

[Shanghied Again]

Also Donzi is coming out with a new 42 this year, the 42ZR staggered engines with a cabin stand up bolster seats and set up for performance.

[Greg]

I think that Bald Knob Marina in Fox Lake has one. Being as it's in No. Il. I don't know how much help I am. If it is still there I am sure they are ready to deal. Good Luck.

[mjpcowboy]

I personally dont think you gain much if anything with the 45 over the 38 other than a longer sun pad, slower speeds and more fuel consumption due to the third engine. I would not buy Donzi with their current models over 40 feet, this may change with new model, just my $.02.

[Smooth Z]

I've owned two 33's. one with 502's and one with twin 500 efi. My current boat is the one on the donzi site but it is a 38 Daytona. You definitely feel the boat more on the 33 then the 38. I wouldn't want to go to a 45zx because I think you won't have the driving sensation. I love my 38. It handles better than the 33 and is just as nimble. The 575's are perfect motors. Here's something to think about and is a testament to the Z-tech hull. My 38 at 12,000 lbs tested at the factory at 86.5 mph.(under perfect conditions and mark smith as the driver) I know alot of boats that weigh 2 to 3,000 pounds lighter that only run in the low 80's. The 38 is wider and has more interior room then the others. To me donzi's are like buying a cross training shoe. It might not be the best at any one thing. But it does everything well.
My 33 Daytona is still for sale.

[Scorp]

Bald Knob Marina does have a new 2001 leftover 45ZX that is really sweet.
I keep my Z there, and just happen to have a pic of it to attach.
They are indeed motivated sellers at this point. If I was ready for 45' of Donzi, I would get it myself.

[Donzi38ZX]

Bald Knob Marina does have a new 2001 leftover 45ZX that is really sweet.
I keep my Z there, and just happen to have a pic of it to attach.
They are indeed motivated sellers at this point. If I was ready for 45' of Donzi, I would get it myself.

I had a verbal aggreement to buy this boat before the Racine boat show in 2002. The price changed when I arrived in Racine to water test the boat. So I never drove it however I was on the boat and it was very nice. The 45 is about 5 mph faster than the 38 with HP500EFI's . Of course it has 3 engines instead of 2 which translates to 50% more maintenance and fuel. The cabin is better than the 38 especially the head. The v-berth and benches seem the same. The head room (I am 6'2") was also better than the 38. It is a much bigger boat at 45' vs 37'9". The cockpit is completely different but I liked it, especially the wet bar. As noted the sunpad is huge which to me is very nice. There are three areas I do not like about my 38ZX and the 45 fixes 2 of the three. 1. engine bay is way too cramped, no clearance forward of engines. 2. Sunpad on the 38 is too steep and way too short. 3. access to the deck is downright dangerous due to the slope and lack of railing. This looks to be the same on the 45 though the windshield may make a difference. If you do decide to buy the one at Bald Knob make certain you get your price in writing. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[mjbtx]

Those are all the reasons I'm considering the 45' over the
38'. In addition, if you take you alot of people, you can
comfortably take out eight people and not feel cramped
if up top and driving.