Who owns a boat?

[Brenden]

I have been looking at boats for about a month now and have about decided on what I want. A 38 ft Donzi ZF.
http://donzimarine.com/DonziWebsite/Site/Boats/ZF/38zfo/38ZFOpage.html
Does anyone own a Donzi ZF? Are you happy with it? I have been on the boating forums but all the replies I seem to get are etremely slanted to whatever they are selling or have. Just thought I would see what I got here.

 

[jlehigh]

That is a beast of a boat! Looks too big to Trailer.. What are you planning to use the boat for primarily?

I just have a 20' Bayliner and I'm looking at 29' Cruisers for next year but I'll give you a bump.

 

[Brenden]

It can be trailered.
http://images.traderonline.com/img/6/plcnad/4957372/84558823_1.jpg
"If" this is what I get I also plan to purchase a dually diesel crew cab to pull it with. I plan on using it for fishing and recreation at the coast. I will also use it in the local lake.

 

[jlehigh]

As long as you're the one lugging it an launching! lol

Is this an upgrade or a plunge into boat-keeping?

 

[Brenden]

I owned a small boat years ago (10 or so) so it is pretty much a plunge.
I found a place on the coast to store it for $20 a month so I should not have to haul it much.

 

[jlehigh]

wow that's a sweet deal! You can't moore nor store a boat around here for under 300.00 a month anywhere near the city..

I can't help you with specific feedback on that particular boat, but as a 3rd year boat-nut I would be weary going so big right away.. Of course every boat owner has 3' syndrome... We always want 3 more feet of boat I am waiting to upgrade until I am proficient at working on my current boat since maint is a pocket drainer. I also want to make all of the learning mistakes now and not on the future cruiser

Very cool boat. You cant really go wrong with Mercruiser motors. As long as the boat is fiberglass there arent too many issues with the Hull ect ect. Can you test drive one?

 

[Brenden]

Well I see your point about getting a smaller one first but I plan to only buy one boat. Besides my father in-law calls me Mr. Extreme. My first SW tank was 525 gallons, my first house was over 10,000 sq ft. You get the idea. Do it right the first time. I was hoping with a new boat the maint will not be a issue for a few years. I have also looked at a Jupiter boat the same size. http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/8/80110248.htm
When I first started looking at the Donzi's I found out that the guy that lives 4 houses down from me is the sales manger at the local Donzi dealer. So a test drive is not a issue. I have also read of gel coat issues with the Donzi brand.