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Yachts for sale / Donzi 33 ZX

2000 Donzi 33 ZX

New Baltimore, MI, US 33 ft · 8.5 ft' beam
Asking
$112,900
2000 Donzi 33 ZX for sale
Our Thoughts
Written by The Fly Yachts Team · Brokerage

This 2000 Donzi 33 ZX represents a well-maintained center console platform built for serious offshore and coastal cruising. The 33-foot Donzi, with its 8.5-foot beam, delivers the classic combination of stability and maneuverability that made this model a trusted choice among Northeast boaters for decades.

Power comes from twin 500 HP MerCruiser engines, a proven pairing that provides strong acceleration and reliable cruising capability across the 33 ZX platform. With 580 total engine hours logged, the powerplant remains well within normal service life for this vintage, indicating measured use and thoughtful ownership.

The equipment package reflects an owner invested in comfort and functionality. Drive showers simplify freshwater rinsing after saltwater exposure—a practical addition for serious boaters. K-planes enhance trim control and fuel efficiency by optimizing the running attitude at cruise and planning speeds. Underwater lights add both utility and ambiance for evening operation and docking. The stereo remote at the swim platform extends entertainment to the entire boat, while power seats with foot rests reduce fatigue during long days on the water.

Gaffrig gauges provide clear, reliable engine monitoring—a brand respected across the marine industry for accuracy and durability. The mooring cover protects the boat during storage and seasonal layup, extending the life of gel coat and upholstery. Included Manning trailer storage means convenient launching and retrieval without marina slip fees.

Rack storage indicates professional care and protection from the elements, a significant advantage for long-term hull and hardware preservation. Located in New Baltimore, Michigan, this 33 ZX is positioned in a region with excellent access to the Great Lakes and offshore fishing grounds.

This is a solid, equipped Donzi ready for an active owner prepared to continue the maintenance and operational practices that have kept her running strong.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

Very nice rack stored Donzi 33 ZX. Powered with twin 500 HP MerCruisers with 580 hours. She has drive showers, K-planes, under water lights, stereo remote at swim platform, power seats and foot rests, Gaffrig gauges, mooring cover and a Manning trailer. 

2000 Donzi 33 ZX: Twin 500 HP Performance Center Console with Proven Offshore Capability
Overview
The 2000 Donzi 33 ZX represents a significant chapter in American performance boating, combining the brand's legendary hull design with substantial twin-engine power and thoughtfully integrated amenities for extended cruising and entertaining. This 33-foot center console has been maintained in rack storage, preserving the structural integrity and mechanical condition that serious offshore boaters demand. Powered by twin 500 HP MerCruiser engines with 580 hours of documented operation, the vessel delivers the acceleration and sustained performance that defined Donzi's reputation during the early 2000s performance market. Donzi has long been recognized for engineering center consoles that balance rough-water capability with day-boat comfort, and the 33 ZX exemplifies that philosophy. The model emerged during a period when the brand was refining its approach to mid-sized offshore platforms, integrating features typically reserved for larger sportfish vessels while maintaining the responsiveness and fuel efficiency that appeal to serious anglers and cruising enthusiasts. With a beam of 8.5 feet, the 33 ZX achieves a stable, predictable platform in following seas while maintaining the relatively narrow profile that allows efficient planing and directional control in variable conditions.
Hull Design and Seakeeping
The Donzi 33 ZX employs a deep-V hull form that has proven effective across diverse water conditions, from the Great Lakes where this example is located to offshore Atlantic and Gulf applications. The deep-V design provides a natural soft entry into waves, reducing impact loads on the structure and crew while maintaining directional stability in beam seas. The hull's deadrise and chine configuration work in concert to manage water flow, prevent ventilation during hard cornering, and maintain predictable trim behavior across the speed range. Rack storage, as this vessel has been maintained, is among the most effective preservation methods for fiberglass center consoles. Elevation above ground prevents moisture accumulation in bilge areas, minimizes UV exposure to non-protected surfaces, and eliminates the corrosion vectors associated with wet storage. For a boat of this age and value, rack storage history is a meaningful indicator of owner commitment to long-term preservation.
Power and Performance Architecture
Twin 500 HP MerCruiser engines represent substantial, proven propulsion for a 33-foot center console. MerCruiser's inboard-outboard configuration provides the thrust and maneuverability characteristics that center console operators expect, combining the power delivery of a true marine engine with the directional control and trim range of outboard-style lower units. At 580 hours of cumulative operation, the engines are well within the service window for their generation, suggesting moderate use over a two-decade ownership span. The MerCruiser platform is widely supported across North America, with extensive parts availability, dealer service networks, and aftermarket expertise. This accessibility is particularly valuable for owners in the Great Lakes region, where seasonal operation and winter layup are standard practice. Fuel consumption, range, and speed characteristics are determined by load, trim, sea state, and throttle management, but twin 500 HP engines in this configuration typically support cruising speeds in the 25–35 knot range with adequate fuel economy for day trips and overnight runs to established cruising grounds.
Helm and Operator Experience
The 33 ZX center console layout places the helm station forward of the console structure, providing unobstructed sightlines, direct access to engine controls, and proximity to the windscreen and hard top common to this model. Gaffrig gauges—a respected brand in marine instrumentation—provide clear, reliable readouts of engine parameters, fuel status, trim, and system health. Gaffrig's analog gauge aesthetic and robust construction have made the brand a preferred choice among performance boating enthusiasts who prioritize legibility and mechanical reliability over digital complexity. Power seats with integrated foot rests represent a practical upgrade for extended helm operation, allowing the operator to adjust seating position and lumbar support without leaving the wheel. This feature is particularly valuable during long cruising days or when negotiating variable sea states that demand active weight management and postural adjustment. The ability to fine-tune seating position directly impacts fatigue reduction and operational comfort during multi-hour offshore runs.
Onboard Amenities and Comfort Features
The Donzi 33 ZX accommodates the cruising and entertaining functions that justify a center console's appeal beyond fishing applications. Drive showers—mounted at the transom or alongside the console—allow crew to rinse off saltwater, reduce corrosion on equipment and clothing, and maintain basic hygiene during extended trips. This seemingly modest feature significantly enhances the practical usability of the boat for day cruising, fishing expeditions, and social anchoring. Underwater lights installed in the transom or through-hull fittings create ambient illumination below the waterline, extending the visual appeal of the boat during evening anchoring and entertaining. While not essential to operation, underwater lighting has become a standard expectation among buyers seeking to maximize the social and recreational value of their investment, particularly in anchorages where multiple boats gather. A stereo remote located at the swim platform allows crew to manage audio entertainment without returning to the helm console, supporting the natural flow of entertaining and social interaction that occurs at the transom during anchoring and docking. This thoughtful placement reflects an understanding of how modern boaters actually use their vessels—not always centered at the helm, but distributed across the deck for entertaining, fishing, and casual cruising. K-planes, or trim tabs, provide dynamic hull attitude adjustment independent of engine trim. These hydraulic or electric devices improve planing efficiency, reduce porpoising in certain sea states, and allow the operator to fine-tune the vessel's running angle for fuel economy or comfort. In a 33-foot twin-engine center console, K-planes are a valuable upgrade that improves both performance and seakeeping characteristics across the speed envelope.
Deck Layout and Functional Design
The center console configuration provides 360-degree sightlines from the helm and creates open deck space forward and aft for fishing, entertaining, or simply moving about the vessel safely. The 8.5-foot beam provides sufficient width for comfortable seating, rod storage, and crew movement while maintaining the hydrodynamic efficiency that narrower designs provide. The transom design supports the drive shower, underwater lights, and stereo remote—all integrated into the aft entertainment and functional zone. This area naturally becomes the social and operational hub during anchoring, docking, and entertaining, and the amenities installed here reflect an owner's commitment to making those activities pleasant and convenient.
Storage and Vessel Preservation
A mooring cover—specifically fitted for the 33 ZX profile—protects the helm station, console electronics, and interior surfaces from UV degradation and weather exposure during storage or extended mooring periods. Quality mooring covers are often underestimated by buyers, but they represent a meaningful investment in long-term preservation, particularly for vessels stored in climates with significant seasonal variation or intense UV exposure. A Manning trailer—a recognized manufacturer of marine transport equipment—provides the infrastructure for rack storage, dry-stacking, or seasonal relocation. Manning trailers are engineered for the weight and balance characteristics of center console hulls, with proper support geometry to prevent stress concentration or hull distortion during storage or transport. The inclusion of a matched trailer adds practical value, eliminating the need for buyers to source compatible transport equipment.
Why This Vessel Merits Consideration
The 2000 Donzi 33 ZX offers a proven platform that has aged well within its category. Twin 500 HP MerCruiser engines at 580 hours represent a mid-life powerplant with substantial remaining service life, supported by accessible dealer networks and established aftermarket expertise. The integrated amenities—drive shower, underwater lights, power seating, K-planes, and stereo remote—demonstrate an owner's understanding of practical cruising and entertaining functionality, moving beyond bare-bones fishing configuration into genuine lifestyle utility. For buyers seeking a capable center console with documented care, established performance characteristics, and the flexibility to fish, cruise, or entertain, the 33 ZX deserves serious evaluation. The combination of proven hull design, substantial power, and thoughtful feature integration positions this vessel as a functional platform for Great Lakes operation, coastal cruising, and offshore application.
Length
33 ft
Beam
8.5 ft'
Year
2000
Builder
Donzi
Model
33 ZX
2000 Donzi 33 ZX **Q: What type of boat is a 2000 Donzi 33 ZX and what is it designed for?
The 2000 Donzi 33 ZX is a 33-foot center console performance boat built for high-speed recreational boating and coastal cruising. Donzi has a strong reputation for building durable fiberglass center consoles with solid construction and practical layouts. The 33 ZX model is designed as a day-boat or weekend cruiser that balances speed capability with functional cockpit space, making it suitable for anglers, watersports enthusiasts, and boaters who want a responsive, maneuverable platform in the 30-foot range.
What engine setup does this Donzi 33 ZX have and how does it perform?
This vessel is powered by twin 500 HP MerCruiser inboard/outboard engines, delivering a combined 1,000 horsepower. With only 580 hours on the engines, they are relatively low-time and well-maintained. The twin 500 HP configuration provides strong acceleration and cruising capability typical of performance center consoles from this era, allowing the boat to reach and maintain higher speeds while offering good fuel efficiency at cruise throttle compared to single-engine alternatives.
What is the beam and overall size of the 2000 Donzi 33 ZX?
The Donzi 33 ZX measures 33 feet in length with an 8.5-foot beam. This beam width is moderate for a 33-foot center console, providing a good balance between interior volume and fuel efficiency. The overall footprint makes the boat manageable for trailering and storage while maintaining enough beam to create a functional cockpit and helm station without feeling cramped.
What helm and seating features are included on this Donzi?
The helm station is equipped with power seats and foot rests, allowing the operator to adjust position for comfort during extended runs. Gaffrig gauges provide reliable engine monitoring and performance data. These features indicate a captain-focused helm design that prioritizes comfort and visibility for the person operating the boat, which is important during longer cruises or when navigating varied water conditions.
What comfort and convenience features does this boat offer?
The boat includes several comfort-oriented features: drive showers for rinsing off after water activities, underwater lights for ambiance and night-time visibility, a stereo remote at the swim platform for entertainment, and a mooring cover to protect the boat when not in use. These additions suggest the boat has been maintained with an eye toward owner convenience and the practical needs of recreational boating.
What are K-planes and how do they benefit this boat's performance?
K-planes are trim tabs or hydrofoil devices mounted on the transom that help manage the boat's attitude in the water by reducing bow rise during acceleration and improving ride quality at various speeds. On a twin-engine center console like the 33 ZX, K-planes allow the operator to fine-tune how the boat sits in the water, which can improve fuel efficiency, reduce spray, and make the ride more comfortable in choppy conditions. They are a practical upgrade for boats that will see varied water and weather conditions.
Is this Donzi 33 ZX suitable for fishing?
While the listing does not specify dedicated fishing equipment such as rod holders, livewells, fish boxes, or outriggers, the center console layout and open cockpit design are inherently practical for fishing applications. The boat's 33-foot length, twin engine power, and open deck space provide a functional platform for inshore and nearshore fishing. Any fishing-specific upgrades would need to be confirmed with the broker.
What storage and transportation options are available with this boat?
The boat comes with a Manning trailer, which is a significant advantage for owners who want to store the vessel on land or transport it. Rack storage is also mentioned, indicating the boat has been professionally stored and protected from the elements. These storage options extend the life of the boat and reduce exposure to weather-related wear, which is beneficial for long-term ownership.
What type of buyer would be a good fit for the 2000 Donzi 33 ZX?
This boat appeals to buyers seeking a mid-sized center console with proven twin-engine power, moderate hours on the engines, and practical comfort features. It works well for recreational boaters who want a capable day-boat or weekend cruiser, anglers looking for an open-water platform, and owners who value the combination of performance, functionality, and ease of storage or trailering. The boat's age and engine hours suggest it is suited to buyers comfortable with a boat from the early 2000s rather than those seeking newer construction.
How does the Donzi 33 ZX compare to other center consoles in the 30-to-35-foot range?
The Donzi 33 ZX represents a solid mid-range center console option from a manufacturer known for practical, well-built fiberglass boats. At 33 feet with twin 500 HP engines, it occupies the performance and size sweet spot for recreational boating—large enough for overnight capability and open-water use, but compact enough for trailering and single-slip storage. Donzi's reputation for durability and the boat's low engine hours make it a practical choice compared to some competitors, though buyers should evaluate it against other 30-to-35-foot center consoles based on specific features, condition, and intended use.
What should I know about the 2000 model year and the condition of this boat?
This is a 2000 model, which means the boat is now over two decades old but has been maintained with attention to detail—evident from the low engine hours (580), the inclusion of upgrades like K-planes and underwater lights, and professional rack storage. Buyers should have the boat surveyed by a qualified marine surveyor to assess the condition of the hull, systems, and components. The age and hours suggest a well-cared-for vessel, but a thorough inspection is essential before purchase to confirm the boat's seaworthiness and identify any maintenance needs.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Boattown Boat Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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