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BOBMX
09-01-2011, 08:24 PM
Anybody have any experience with the 27 ZR with the 525? Top speed, handling, etc. Seems like alot of boat for the stock setup with the 496 HO. I've got a 496 HO in my 22 Classic and top out 74-75 and dont see how the claims of mid 70's can be possible with all that extra boat. Does the step make that much difference?

tomahdonzi
09-02-2011, 11:34 AM
I have the 2008 27ZR with the 496HO. The steps obviously make a big difference with this boat. 496HO is a good motor for this boat. But, when you get 5 adults on board, and full fuel, getting on plane can be a challenge. The stock Bennett Trim Tabs don't help much, so you usually have to shift people forward. Once on plane, though, it runs great. Top end for me is 72 at about 5,050 rpms. I have the 1.65 gear ratio Bravo X drive with 28 pitch prop. I'm also in Wisconsin on fresh water, where performance numbers I think will lag salt water numbers. The boat can get pretty squirrely at WOT (chine-walk), and the Bennett's do help to control this. But I am putting on 280 K-Planes this winter, which will totally calm the boat down at WOT, and should help with take-off. But that's also a $9,000 investment with mechanical indicators and labor.

I've seen top speed numbers from others around 74 as the weather gets cool. I've heard that the 525 will give you about 80-82mph. And I've spoken with Donzi about this motor, and they indicated that the extra power from the 525 will not really improve the take-off and time to plane performance. Think it's just the way the boat is balanced that it can be a struggle getting on to plane with full load.


All in all I love the boat. Great looking boat. Gets lots of compliments. And I like the ride. Buying a new 27ZR with 525 is pretty outrageous price. 2012 MSRP for 20111 starts at $164,00 with 525. And while the sale price would be lower, that's still a ton of money, especially when you can get a used 2008 35ZR with twins for around $130,000 or even less.

I still might bump up to the 525 someday, but we'll see.

There is one 525 that I know of. He's commented in this thread if you want to see what he has to say

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?63799-zr-27-trim-tabs&highlight=k+planes





67722

BOBMX
09-02-2011, 09:22 PM
I was looking into the 525 package and its about a $20-24K upgrade from the 496 HO but the good thing is it includes 280's instead of Bennets according the the Donzi brochure. Thats helps to ease the pain a bit anyway. I love the 35 ZR and the deals are out there but the fuel burn on it is getting nasty at that point. The 27 sounds like it will handle the bigger water just fine and you can still run it without financing the gas. I like the setup with the 525 with the 280's but doesn't seem like theres much available on the used front. New i was quoted a little over $140 K with the 525. Ouch!

WifeHatesMyDonzi
09-03-2011, 05:31 AM
If you boat in a group, or if you do any poker runs, your "cool" factor is going to be about X 100 with the 35 instead of the 27. :pimp:

BOBMX
09-03-2011, 06:39 PM
good point!

oledawg
09-04-2011, 05:03 AM
Personally IMHO if you have the time and money for a Donzi, fuel is not going to stop you... go for the used 35! The "smiles per gallon" have to be outrageous :wink:

BOBMX
09-04-2011, 06:17 PM
another good point! i'm getting ready to pump a bunch into the 22 and the 35's rigged the way i want it is out of my price range for now. i'll hold on the sidelines until i can do it right. this is probably why the 27 hasn't caught on to the market!