Donzi 39 VRZ Event Debut In 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Foreshadows New-Model Plans

Exactly two weeks ago today at the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run in Clayton, N.Y., the general public got its first look at a pair of striking new Donzi Marine 39 VRZ center consoles in action on the St. Lawrence River. The outboard engine-powered 39-footers were part of the 90-boat fleet thanks to Canada-based STAX Performance Marine and Donzi Marine in Washington, N.C., which combined as a Diamond-level sponsor for the event.

Looking good on the St. Lawrence River, a pair of Donzi 39 VRZ models drew plenty of eyeballs during the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run. Photos by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

Not only was Craig Barrie—who was hired by Donzi, Fountain and Baja brand-owner Fred Ross to bring Donzi into the modern era—delighted with the reception of the vibrant center consoles during the 1,000 Islands happening, their presence led to an order for another 39 VRZ footer that will be powered by triple Mercury Racing 500R outboard engines. It will be the second Donzi 39-footer equipped with the triple 500-hp outboards as the company already has one in production at its headquarters.

“From what I can see and what I was told, the reception for the 39 VRZ was absolutely phenomenal at the 1,000 Islands event,” Barrie said. “The boat really does have a lot of functionality, and it’s comfortable and very easy to drive.

“But what was I really happy with?” he continued. “The first one, the orange-and-black boat, already has 80 hours and has had zero issues. The second boat, which is all red, has 22 hours on it now and is the same, zero issues. We have a rigorous quality control program at the factory.”

Even off the water for the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run street display, the 39-footers were easy to spot thanks to bright colors and modern styling.

Would-be Donzi center-console owners seeking something a bit smaller will get their wish this fall, according to Barrie, as the company should have a 34 VRZ model in time for the beginning of boat-show season. The 34-footer will be offered with a range of twin outboards. For those who want something larger, a 41 VRZ is slated to be released in the next year-and-a-half.

Barrie said the company also has a pair of outboard-powered, closed-deck V-bottom sportboats in the works. The first of these, a twin-engine 33-footer dubbed the 33 ZR-F1, will debut at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. Its larger sibling, the 39 ZR-F1, will be released later that year.