The latest 39 VRZ center console highlights Donzi Marine’s legacy of performance.
By Gregg Mansfield
With marine industry icon Craig Barrie back leading Donzi Marine, the company aims to introduce four new models in the coming year. The debut model is the 39 VRZ, a sporty center console that Barrie hopes will help revitalize the brand.
“We don’t want another center console unless it offers something unique,” Barrie stated. “The market for center consoles has historically focused on speed, driven by customer demand for high performance.”
Barrie recognizes the competitiveness of the center console market, yet he is confident that the 39 VRZ will differentiate itself. The initial boat from the mold features a stunning orange and black custom paint job that pays homage to Donzi Marine’s performance legacy.
The 39 VRZ incorporates a newly designed running surface and is powered by triple Mercury Racing 300R outboards. With base power configured, the 39 VRZ can reach speeds of 75 mph, and with an additional 450 horsepower, Donzi anticipates achieving top speeds of over 92 mph.
The hull of the 39 VRZ is engineered to support up to 1,350 horsepower. Engine options for the triple setup include Mercury Marine’s 300- and 400-hp Verados, as well as 400- and 450-hp outboards from Mercury Racing.
“Donzi’s center consoles have always had fast hull designs,” Barrie noted. “With improved technology, this model is faster than its predecessors.”
In developing the new wicker bill for the Performance Vented Attack hardtop on the 39 VRZ, Donzi Marine utilized aerodynamic technology from the automotive sector.
“This design helps the air curve around the windshield rather than pushing it like a brick or parachute, as seen in some other hardtops; it channels the wind efficiently out the top,” Barrie explained.
The 39 VRZ features a custom orange and black exterior, complemented by the cockpit design.
The interior continues the black and orange theme with optional charcoal Alcantara suede and orange stitching. The cockpit has a go-fast boat aesthetic, including carbon-fiber dash panels and 24 JL Audio speakers and subwoofers throughout the 9’10” beam cockpit.
Under the hardtop, seating arrangements comprise a two-person bolster at the helm and a three-person second-row bolster. The first 39 VRZ integrates the throttle and shifter into the seat, but this can be relocated to the dash, allowing for a three-person bolster option at the helm.
“With the double bolster, it’s convenient to have the throttle right in the seat,” Barrie explained. “You can operate the boat with your hand on the steering wheel without needing to reach for the dash.”
The 39 VRZ’s helm displays a sleek, contemporary design with side-by-side Garmin 16” displays and an upper Mercury Marine VesselView screen. Apart from the Fusion audio touchscreen, a joystick for the bow thruster, and four push-button switches, the helm maintains a minimalist aesthetic. Donzi offers night vision cameras from FLIR and Nite Track as optional additions. The boat is equipped with 12 USB ports to ensure smartphones remain charged during excursions.
Donzi Marine has outfitted the head compartment with a porcelain toilet and a sink with faucet and shower features.
The head compartment is accessed to starboard, finished in smooth gelcoat. Along with the porcelain toilet, it also includes a sink and faucet with a shower. An optional freshwater shower at the transom is also available from Donzi.
Customers can equip the spacious bow with a table and filler cushions to create an expansive sun lounge.
In our opinion, the standout seating options (besides the driver’s seat) are two loungers located in front of the console. These loungers, upholstered with plush Alcantara suede and equipped with two cupholders and a movable center armrest, offer a great place to relax.
The two loungers in front of the console provide a cozy setting for sunbathing.
The bow area includes abundant seating with dedicated forward-facing options on each side. The backrests are upholstered and feature the Z logo, indicating the 39 VRZ’s place within Donzi’s Z Series lineup, which symbolizes the company’s focus on performance and lifestyle. An optional table and filler cushion for the bow are available from Donzi.
Base power consists of triple Mercury Racing 300R outboard motors.
The transom features two completely upholstered bench seats with a center walk-through to the swim platform and color-matched Mercury Racing 300R outboards. Additionally, 29 LED lights in the cockpit and underwater sync with the music for added ambiance while docked.
Donzi equipped the 39 VRZ with standard features typically found as extras on other center consoles. This includes a custom soft-step flooring cover with the Z logo across the sole, hatches, and swim platform, as well as the tops of the gunwales.
Barrie was recruited by Donzi Marine owner Fred Ross in April 2022. Ross’s Iconic Marine holdings encompass Fountain Powerboats, Baja Marine, NauticStar boats, marine dealerships, and marinas. Both Barrie and Ross concurred that Donzi needed to redefine its identity, prompting a move from the Fountain facility in Washington, North Carolina, to Caldwell Marine Designs nearby.
The optional upgrade for the 39 VRZ includes a stainless-steel Delta Anchor.
Barrie views collaboration with the team at Caldwell Marine Designs positively, noting they designed the running surface for the Donzi 38 ZRC twenty years ago.
“Having our own team means, even though they might not be producing identical products, they create similar ones,” he mentioned. “This fosters not only comfort but also a focused direction toward producing an exceptional product.”
Specifications
Length: 38’8”
Beam: 9’10”
Dry weight: 12,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 320 gallons
Base power: (3) Mercury Racing 300R outboards
For more details: www.donzimarine.com, 954-614-2591