Boats

2020 Donzi 38ZRC

The 38ZRC will command the attention of all who happen to see it.

By Boating Tech Team

Updated: December 2, 2019

Double-stepped hull provides a great running attitude at high speeds. Courtesy Donzi Marine

With the reintroduction of the 38ZRC, Donzi is bringing back a modern performance-boat classic. When we reviewed the last version of the boat in 2008, our intrepid boat tester wrote, “Donzi got it right with the latest incarnation of its 38ZRC.” Those words still hold true today.

The first thing that stands out is the boat’s style. It is long and slender—with a narrow 8-foot, 3-inch beam—and sports a glossy gelcoat finish and eye-popping performance graphics. Donzi uses multi-axial laminates with 100 percent VE resins. When you lower the throttles. Donzi reports a top speed of over 120 mph with the staggered Mercury Racing 860 engines paired with M6 drives. (If you want to tone it down a little, you can opt for the Mercury Racing 565 engines.) Its double-stepped hull rides with a level attitude for excellent handling at high speeds.

The carbon-fiber dash houses Livorsi analog gauges as well as a Garmin 8610 and Vessel View screen. Courtesy Donzi Marine

This Donzi is lightweight for its size yet solid thanks to its composite stringer system with a fiberglass inner liner and high-density cored hullsides. The finished and highly organized engine compartment makes it easy to maintain your choice of performance power.

At the helm, the carbon-fiber dash houses Livorsi analog gauges as well as a Garmin 8610 and Vessel View screen. A matching set of gauges sit on the passenger side, along with a second Vessel View display. The Livorsi controls for the throttle and F-N-R are easily reached from the console in between the seats. The driver and throttleman are protected by jet-canopy-style windscreens that help the boat keep its aerodynamic shape. Three plush and secure passenger seats behind the helm round out the cockpit seating for your crew. There are grab bars for safety and cup holders for convenience.

The Livorsi controls for the throttle and F-N-R are easily reached from the console in between the seats. Courtesy Donzi Marine

As for bling, the 38ZRC has it in spades. The Shadowcaster system will make the boat come alive with light . And the custom stainless-steel hardware looks great any time of day. The JL Marine sound system provides premium entertainment with clean, crisp audio. Whether you’re rocking out at the dock or blasting along at top speed, the 38ZRC will command the attention of all who happen to see it.