2004 Donzi 38 ZX Boat in Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080 US

2004 Donzi 38 ZX

Freshwater Exclusive | Twin Mercury Racing 525 EFI | 8 Hours Since Block-Up Rebuilds | 2012 Triple-Axle Performance Trailer Included

Born from one of the most storied names in American offshore performance, the Donzi 38 ZX represents an era when high-performance boating was still unapologetically about big-block power, stepped-hull efficiency, bold styling, and unmistakable offshore presence. This freshwater-exclusive 2004 38 ZX pairs that pedigree with significant recent mechanical investment, highlighted by twin Mercury Racing 525 EFIs with just 8 hours of runtime since comprehensive block-up rebuilds.

Donzi's performance lineage reaches back to founder Don Aronow and the formative years of offshore racing and deep-V performance. Four decades later, when this 38 ZX was built, that competition spirit remained very much alive. Donzi's early-2000s ZX series employed the company's Z-Tech ventilated stepped-hull technology, combining serious offshore performance with the cockpit space, accommodations, and usability expected of a substantial performance cruiser. During this same era, Donzi was actively campaigning its 38 ZR to national offshore championships-a fitting backdrop for one of the marque's most recognizable performance platforms.

At the heart of this example are twin Mercury Racing 525 EFI big blocks, recently treated to comprehensive block-up rebuilds by Millenyum Marine in Harrison Township, Michigan. Both engines were bored .030-over, with their internals completely gone through during the rebuilds. Work included new pistons, valves, valve springs, starters, and water pumps. With only 8 hours of runtime since completion, the rebuilds represent a substantial investment in the mechanical future of the boat. The vessel itself has approximately 700 hours of freshwater use, with the drives receiving annual service. Captain's Choice exhaust allows those 525s to deliver the unmistakable big-block soundtrack when desired.

The helm received another meaningful update in 2023 with new Livorsi instrumentation, complementing the original Gaffrig/Livorsi performance throttle and shift controls and preserving the purposeful offshore character of the 38 ZX. A Bluetooth-compatible stereo provides modern audio connectivity without detracting from the boat's period-correct performance character.

Below deck, the 38 ZX offers a remarkably spacious and well-appointed cabin, with comfortable lounge seating and plenty of room to relax after a day on the water. A functional galley, VacuFlush head, and overnight accommodations add genuine versatility, making the 38 ZX equally at home entertaining for the afternoon or extending the experience into a weekend aboard.

The sale also includes both a full mooring cover and cockpit canvas, as well as a 2012 Performance triple-axle trailer, making this a particularly complete package for the next owner.

With its freshwater-exclusive history, unmistakable Donzi styling, twin Mercury Racing 525 power, freshly completed block-up rebuilds, updated Livorsi instrumentation, and included triple-axle trailer, this 38 ZX presents an increasingly difficult-to-find opportunity to own a distinctly analog chapter of American offshore performance history. More than simply a fast boat, the 38 ZX is a true offshore performance machine-built to settle into its stride when the water gets rough, eat up the chop, and remind you exactly why Donzi earned its reputation offshore.

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