Nitro Problems

[basshunter81]

I purchased a 2010 Nirto Z-7 from Bass Pro Shop 2 years ago. I have to say I'm very disappointed with the attention to detail in Assembly. I have found several problems and issues that could have been avoided. I have called several times to complain but you just get the run around. I have screws falling out all over the place because they are stripped and that just one of many things! Just burns me up after spending that kind of money! Any one els having problems with Nitro?

[aavery2]

Sorry you are having problem with your Nitro, I own an 2006 Nitro 882 DC and it has been a good boat for me.

[Fishing Rhino]

I had a 2009 Z7, and a couple of screws in the cockpit would back out. However, they were not stripped. I put marine silicone sealant in the hole, snugged down the screw and let the sealant set up. No more problem.

Because yours are stripped, you'll need to go to a larger size screw. It's critical to use the proper size drill. Too large and the screw is easy to strip. Too small, and you can crack the gel coat, and possibly the composite. You'll have to do a little trial and error. Start out with a smaller drill bit that will not let you install the screw using normal force on the driver. Drill a clearance hole through the outer piece that will allow the screw to be inserted without screwing it in. You can use a piece of scrap wood to find the correct size screw. Start with a small bit, and gradually enlarge the test hole until the screw can slide in without turning it. Then go down three screw sizes, and drill through the inner piece.

Chances are you will not be able to screw it in. Keep in mind, a screw is a wedge, so do not force it. Increase the size of that hole until you can tighten the screw without forcing it. Remove the screw, fill the hole with marine grade silicone sealant, and reinstall the screw. Do not over tighten or you may strip the hole. Allow the sealant to set up overnight and you should be good to go. You should not have to make this repair, but you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

There is an easier, cheat fix, that may not last, but it's worth a shot. Get some round toothpicks. Insert a toothpick into a stripped hole to half of its length, along with silicone sealant, and screw them together. If the hole is badly stripped, it may take a couple of toothpicks. Partially insert the screw until it is snug, then use a utility knife or something similar and trim off the toothpick(s) flush with the surface, and finish tightening the screw After the screw head contacts the outer piece of the assembly, tighten it just a tweak more, and you should be done. Let it set. If you're lucky, the "fix" could last several years. It's worth a try.

[tritonguy]

The vibration and beating a boat takes, a few loose or stripped screws is very minor. I use a 2 part epoxy and fill up the hole, let is sit overnight and start over with the same size screw. There is no reason to use a bigger screw. Not defending Nitro but some problems occur because of the vibration, I have had to go through and retighten things on all new boats I have bought.

[HookSetDon]

yea, a few screws falling out is a small price to pay when youre saving all the money you do purchasing a nitro! I have a 2008 z6 and its been great so far

[basshunter81]

Like I said that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The lower unit was already replaced (factory Malfunction). Yes I realize the engine is not made by Nitro. All of the batteries wiring was improperly installed. Back up oil reservoir was improperly installed and drained oil all over the boat. I received the boat with two gouges from shipping straps. Plus much more! I have brought it back several times and I get the run around or a quick band aid on the problem. The point of this was to see if anyone else was experiencing similar problem. In my opinion it appears that the craftsmanship and quality control is slipping. I owned an older nitro it just seems it was build better.

[Nitrofreak]

I have a 1990 Nitro and to this day still no issues other than the ones relating to old age, I have friends that have newer Nitros and none of them are complaining about anything.

I would venture to say that your selling dealer is not a good dealer, nor would they be a good rep for Nitro boats in general, if it came off the truck with issues you should have declined the sale until you were satisfied with the repairs or someone made it right imo.

Sounds like the dealer is not holding up to their end, I am sorry to hear of your issues and I wish you the best of luck in getting them resolved !!

[Fishing Rhino]

I had an '09 Nitro Z-7 which I traded in on an '11 Z-8. The Z-8 is finished much nicer that the 7. The front storage locker in the 09 was plywood tabbed in place with fiberglass. The locker on the 11 is molded fiberglass with the same metalflake finish as the top of the hull. The "rigging area" where the batteries, charger, and oil reservoir are located is also a nicely molded and finished white fiberglass unit. On the Z-7 the cockpit was screwed together in places, primarily where the front of the seats joined with the deck of the cockpit. The entire cockpit on the Z-8 is basically a molded tub which is dropped into place.

I guess the question I have for you is that if the boat had the gouges from the shipping straps, why did you accept it in that condition?

I had some issues with my Z-7 and the Z-9 trailers. I didn't like the wires passing through the frame of the trailer without grommets or some type of chaffing gear to protect the insulation from wearing off at the edges of the metal holes creating a short. I took care of the problem myself on both trailers. A couple of bucks and less than a half hour of labor corrected those problems.

All in all, I still feel I got good value for my money.

Have you contacted the home office of Tracker Marine about your problems?

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the service I've received from the Tracker Marine in Foxboro, MA.

[Fishing Rhino]

I was just out in the garage, so I checked out the Z-8. Actually, the rail tops, rod lockers, front compartment cockpit and rear deck are all a single molded piece of fiberglass composite. Regarding the rod lockers, it's not the innards, it's just the top where the lid attaches that is fiberglass. The innards are lined with carpet, so I cannot quickly determine the construction of the walls. The only fasteners are for the lids, the seats, the console, and maybe a few other parts and pieces. But the major component (cockpit, decking and front storage locker, is a single piece.

[robdob]

I have a brand new Z7 and I've gone over it with a fine tooth comb and everything appears to be perfect.  If your batteries are rigged improperly that is a dealership issue not a nitro issue.  If you have damage on the boat from shipping straps why in the world would you accept the boat that way, didn't you inspect the boat before buying?  Screws are going to back out of any bass boat, that's just part of owning a bass boat and is such a minor, and easily fixed issue it's not worth complaining about.  You paid at least 5 grand less for your boat than any other manufacturers similar model so a few minor issues along the way seems like a small consulation to me.

[flicker1]

I have used rivets to replace screws that loosen up on boats before. Depends on the application, but they don't back out.