The only Donzi worth owning is the 22 Classic 2+3. Absolutely gorgeous boat. The "Z" series look like too many other boats. The Classic is sooooo good looking you will get your money's worth just looking at it.
These are good starters. My starter boat was a 25-foot cougar MTR with twin highly modified V8 Johnson outboards (almost 400 HP each), but my dad had performance about so I was sort of used to being in fast stuff, but you definitely do not want a triple-digit Boat your first foray into performance boating. This looks like a nice boat, the 22 classic is really nice and holds its value well.
The little zx22’s don’t get the attention they deserved! Mine was 2000 stepped hull with the 454 mag 385hp/ bravo one, best I got was 72mph. Sold last year only to step up to a larger go fast boat! If anyones questioning one, they are awesome for the size!!
Great review. I've been torn between this and the 22 classic, but these offer a cheaper price and more practical if you have a family. I think either boat is a win though
I'm tossed between the Donzi 22 Z or a Scarab 22. Not my first boat but I wanted a performance boat from these brands since I was a kid. Those or maybe a 22 Pachenga.
All very nice, Sea Ray is a softer option, scarab’s lovely and a classic. If you look at any of these, check for stress cracks around the deck joints and around the the wind shield, they get driven hard. Also check the steering and drive is rock solid. If a cable comes away or snaps it can deadly at speed. Happy hunting
I’ve got a 22 classic with 502 and 502 ho with Mazco ho 4 at 25 p and it’s easy 80+ mph on GPS and the best speed 2 people was 84 mph and you have to use tabs and trim to make bat turns ! It’s a 92 white with red stripe and bought it in 94 blew up the 454 and put in a crate motor 502 and 502 ho and has only thru haul exhaust and that’s the way it came from factory. And this boat is light and if you slap the throttle down it will leap out of the water .
I don't know what people mean by starter boat. Could be a starting boat, could be your last boat. I prefer a boat with more space on board. I also like slow displacement boats. I have a 27 footer that will go throu water some 40 footers neat can't. I like to take long days and weekends on the water, I like to hear the water and look at things, so I prefer to chug along.
Depends where you are boating, time you have and what you want. Will be doing some other small boats shortly. Probably Lymans which are direct opposite to the Donzi. Lovely boats to own though
Is the 22ZX the same as the 22 Classic? I have heard and dream of the 38 ZX but have never heard of the 22 ZX? I am running a Black Hawk with a Blown 502 and other mods to the engine this year I will be changing props again but this will be the end its going fast enough now that honestly I just dont want to go any faster! Love the Donzi line but have never heard of the 22 ZX?
No it’s a different boat, much deeper v hull. Not as fast, but a lot more usable. Will run high 70’s a with a 454. Classic 22 will run over 90 with a 525.
Bravo 3 will be a much smoother gear change, Hydraulic steering also. Should be a great boat, check for stress cracks around the bulkheads, that is a lot of power for the boat, but it can definitely handle it. Have fun
The boat has trim tabs, but they are only needed to level the boat if more weight is on one side. The leg trim adjust the attitude of bow and really gets the boat flying. Same with most deep v stepped powerboats.
@@thebritishboatguy3130 I thought so.... dang I was watching it yesterday and saw the McDonalds and the docks and thought this looks like castaway bay marina. Too cool!
@@DavidThomas-fr7fd Sorry Bud no BS it was probably closer to 47 mph on GPS speedo showed 50 mph and those early models were lighter than the later ones mine had a 22-inch stainless prop and this was with a quarter tank under normal conditions with me and wife full tank it would show 47 on speedo consistently so no BS but you can believe what you want. I surprised many snobby people in their boats that cost 3 times more by passing them in the water lmao. There is a review on a 2007 showing 48 mph as the top speed by boat test magazine maybe you can believe that so 50 is not a stretch the new ones only go 43 due to the fact they gained 385 lbs. -450 lbs.
@@thebritishboatguy3130 Lol I was told it was 6ft7 inches long sorry my mistake. If it is only 5 ft. my wife could fit but barely. I guess it's good for storage only so I do not see the point. It looks like a cuddy cabin for midgets on the second watch.
Never put music over the video again....The engine sound is way better than the music ;)
The only Donzi worth owning is the 22 Classic 2+3. Absolutely gorgeous boat. The "Z" series look like too many other boats. The Classic is sooooo good looking you will get your money's worth just looking at it.
Nice rig.... Whatever Gets you out onto the water . My 1952 Lyman 23 utility has gotten many a woman damp at 35mph...
These are good starters. My starter boat was a 25-foot cougar MTR with twin highly modified V8 Johnson outboards (almost 400 HP each), but my dad had performance about so I was sort of used to being in fast stuff, but you definitely do not want a triple-digit Boat your first foray into performance boating. This looks like a nice boat, the 22 classic is really nice and holds its value well.
The little zx22’s don’t get the attention they deserved! Mine was 2000 stepped hull with the 454 mag 385hp/ bravo one, best I got was 72mph. Sold last year only to step up to a larger go fast boat! If anyones questioning one, they are awesome for the size!!
I think it’s a great boat overall. Fractional ownership costs compared to the bigger stuff also
i have a 97 22zx with a 485hp 454 bravo drive with external steering trim tabs runs 75 tops
Great review. I've been torn between this and the 22 classic, but these offer a cheaper price and more practical if you have a family. I think either boat is a win though
Both great, as you mentioned, the 22 classic is more hardcore. Also you sit very low. Super cool boat though, particularly in Shelby Color’s
Great video
Thank you
Well done, thank you
Thank you sir
I have a 1999 Donzi 22zx and i love it but its been my only performance boat. I have the 7.3 and bravo 1.
Great boat, plenty of power with the 7.3 also
I'm tossed between the Donzi 22 Z or a Scarab 22. Not my first boat but I wanted a performance boat from these brands since I was a kid. Those or maybe a 22 Pachenga.
All very nice, Sea Ray is a softer option, scarab’s lovely and a classic. If you look at any of these, check for stress cracks around the deck joints and around the the wind shield, they get driven hard. Also check the steering and drive is rock solid. If a cable comes away or snaps it can deadly at speed. Happy hunting
@@thebritishboatguy3130 cheers.
I’ve got a 22 classic with 502 and 502 ho with Mazco ho 4 at 25 p and it’s easy 80+ mph on GPS and the best speed 2 people was 84 mph and you have to use tabs and trim to make bat turns ! It’s a 92 white with red stripe and bought it in 94 blew up the 454 and put in a crate motor 502 and 502 ho and has only thru haul exhaust and that’s the way it came from factory. And this boat is light and if you slap the throttle down it will leap out of the water .
I don't know what people mean by starter boat. Could be a starting boat, could be your last boat. I prefer a boat with more space on board. I also like slow displacement boats. I have a 27 footer that will go throu water some 40 footers neat can't. I like to take long days and weekends on the water, I like to hear the water and look at things, so I prefer to chug along.
Depends where you are boating, time you have and what you want. Will be doing some other small boats shortly. Probably Lymans which are direct opposite to the Donzi. Lovely boats to own though
what an amazing video. Lmk if you decide ever to sell.
Maybe August
Is the 22ZX the same as the 22 Classic? I have heard and dream of the 38 ZX but have never heard of the 22 ZX? I am running a Black Hawk with a Blown 502 and other mods to the engine this year I will be changing props again but this will be the end its going fast enough now that honestly I just dont want to go any faster! Love the Donzi line but have never heard of the 22 ZX?
No it’s a different boat, much deeper v hull. Not as fast, but a lot more usable. Will run high 70’s a with a 454. Classic 22 will run over 90 with a 525.
I am looking at buying a zx22 1997 with 7.4 Mercruiser and Bravo 3 leg.
Bravo 3 will be a much smoother gear change, Hydraulic steering also. Should be a great boat, check for stress cracks around the bulkheads, that is a lot of power for the boat, but it can definitely handle it. Have fun
Was the trim all with the lower unit or does it have trim tabs?
The boat has trim tabs, but they are only needed to level the boat if more weight is on one side. The leg trim adjust the attitude of bow and really gets the boat flying. Same with most deep v stepped powerboats.
@@thebritishboatguy3130 Yes. I like side views when boats are trimmed out. Only about 4 feet of spray visible.
Hello. Was your location in Ohio? It looks a lot like our old marina.
Yes, Sandusky
@@thebritishboatguy3130 I thought so.... dang I was watching it yesterday and saw the McDonalds and the docks and thought this looks like castaway bay marina. Too cool!
"Testing" one of these on flat water is like testing a sport bike in a parking lot. 🙄
You’re better off buying a stv eliminator liberator tunnel boat. Light and can hit 85+ on a stock 300hp outboard
That’s a significantly different price bracket, and totally different level of boat
@@thebritishboatguy3130 you got a point but if you buy everything second hand you’ll be $20k-$30 in a boat that seats 5-6 and can cruise at 65+
Well I’m looking for a zx now
The boat is for sale through True North yacht sales 419 626 0883 ask for Ryan
The boat is for sale through True North yacht sales in Sandusky, Ohio. Their number is 419 626 0883. Ask for Ryan
For Gods sake clean that hull!
My 2008 Bayliner can do 50 with just me in it with a 3.0 merc no BS. I was surprised as hell but it weighs only 1800 lbs.
BS
@@DavidThomas-fr7fd Sorry Bud no BS it was probably closer to 47 mph on GPS speedo showed 50 mph and those early models were lighter than the later ones mine had a 22-inch stainless prop and this was with a quarter tank under normal conditions with me and wife full tank it would show 47 on speedo consistently so no BS but you can believe what you want. I surprised many snobby people in their boats that cost 3 times more by passing them in the water lmao. There is a review on a 2007 showing 48 mph as the top speed by boat test magazine maybe you can believe that so 50 is not a stretch the new ones only go 43 due to the fact they gained 385 lbs. -450 lbs.
Of course, you can sleep in it. What's this guy talking about?
You can sleep on a park bench. I would not advocate it however, as I wouldn’t with a berth only 5ft or so long. Perhaps if a person was very short.
@@thebritishboatguy3130 Lol I was told it was 6ft7 inches long sorry my mistake. If it is only 5 ft. my wife could fit but barely. I guess it's good for storage only so I do not see the point. It looks like a cuddy cabin for midgets on the second watch.
@@thebritishboatguy3130 You did a great job on the review sorry for the misunderstanding on my part. I just removed my foot from my mouth sir.
@@erics9754 thank you sir, appreciated