Granite. That’s what came to mind each time we hit a wave or ran over a wake in Bob Roscioli’s new 58-footer. Not that this 58 is heavy, mind you. At 72,000 pounds with a half-load of fuel and water, this 58 is lighter than most production boats of comparable size. Its performance merely gives the
sensation of heft.
The Z-58 offers a very comfortable cruising speed at 1,850 rpm, running 29.6 knots according to the Northstar GPS. Top speed proved to be 36 knots at 2,246 rpm in relatively calm water.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this Donzi’s performance can be found in its turning ability. First, each rudder has a separate Hynautic hydraulic ram rather than one for both. Second, the wheel takes but three-and-a-half turns lock to lock. And third, at top speed the Donzi carves a 180-degree turn in about three boat lengths. The astounding part is that it loses only about 3 knots in the process. And steering is a one-finger effort. Stopping from full speed when you chop the throttle happens in just over five boat lengths – another testament to the slipperiness of the bottom. Few other 58-footers can get up on plane with only one engine, but this Donzi did and ran at 11 knots.
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Flybridge**
Perhaps the cleanest, best laid-out helm station I’ve ever seen on a sport-fisherman can be found on the Z-58. This command island, open to forward seating on both sides, has a modest wraparound to the console and the overhead instrument boxes. Consequently, the helmsman can sweep every instrument and display on the bridge without ever moving his head.
Forward of the console Donzi has placed a unique island seat on centerline and a corner seat in each forward corner. I can’t imagine owning enough gear to fill the available storage area on the flybridge, let alone the rest of the vessel. Several other features particularly impressed me. Rod storage has been provided in the side coamings behind clear Lucite hatches, and the access ladders to the tuna tower are inside the flybridge rail so you don’t have to feel like you’re hanging out over oblivion to climb upward.
Every silver lining has a cloud, however. I don’t care for having the hatch for the flybridge ladder directly behind the helm seat. Though it sports a rail around two sides, I couldn’t get over the feeling of an accident waiting to happen.
Cockpit
Along the forward edge of the cockpit you’ll find all the expected amenities such as freezer, bait-prep center, tackle-storage drawers and engine-room access. Donzi has thoughtfully placed all the switches for cockpit lighting, wash-downs and bait wells, as well as all fuel transfer valves, right at the top of the ladder when entering the engine room.
Roscioli customizes each vessel according to the owner’s requirements. Just about any size fish box and bait well – oriented in any direction you wish – can be fitted. Standard equipment includes a small fish box in the transom as well as a tuna door. The crew will greatly appreciate the substantial flybridge overhang that provides plenty of shade.
Interior
Our test boat boasted a light and airy ash interior. The starboard-side galley has been designed to not block visibility aft or separate the chef from the passengers in any way. A crescent-shaped dinette settee to starboard and an L-shaped settee to port along the aft bulkhead provide enough seating for eight to 10 people.
Belowdecks, the largest full head with shower can be found by the over/under berth midship guest cabin. In the bow, the master cabin has a queen-size island berth, a sizable cedar hanging locker and its own head and shower. The entire master berth raises on gas cylinders to access a mammoth storage area. Rounding out the accommodations is a third cabin with right-angle over/under berths and another full head with shower.
Engine Room
The Donzi Z-58 engine room makes working on your power plants downright comfortable, even for large crew members. The forward bulkhead has a transverse door leading into a separate pump room, which contains electrical panels and workshop space. An overhead hatch in this pump room leads to the galley.
Construction
Each Donzi uses biaxial and triaxial fiberglass, top-quality vinylester, orthophthalic and epoxy resins, honeycomb and end-grain balsa coring throughout. The wood and veneers are top-quality and the joinerwork and finishing flawless.
