Z-8 Nitro Or Basscat

[bobdi]

hi everybody , I have a question, I am going to buy a bass boat this year. I brought it down to two . 20' 1" Z-8 or 20' 4" BasCat . I known that all bass boat on mirror like lake ride nice. I also know any bodywho spends 60,000 on bass boat isn't going to bad mouth his boat. so what I am asking is since all bass boat on nice on good day's. out of these two boats , which one rides the best in rough water . really appreciatesome good advice . thank you

[slonezp]

See if you can take a test ride in both. If you have dealers or reps near you I'm sure they would be more than happy to take you for a ride. There is a thread on here somewhere with key input from some retired USCG who are members here, and I quote "Bass boats are not designed for rough water". A 20ft boat will ride better than a 17ft boat.  The ride should not be your only concern. Deck layout and fishability are other things you should look at as well. Basscat fishes bigger than other boats in its class because the placement of the trolling motor. Z series boats have a lot of deck as well. Ranger, Charger and Phoenix also have good reps as far as a better ride.  I recently bought a new boat with big water in mind, after researching boats for 2 years, and got a Lund Predator which is a multispecies boat with a bass boat layout. I sacrificed a fiberglass hull and rear deck space but felt it was the right boat for my needs. 

[BrianinMD]

No contest, get the BassCat. Can't think of anything that is better on the Nitro except for price. Customer service from BassCat is outstanding.

[J Francho]

I'd looking at a Basscat, if those were my two options.  My three top picks would be Gambler, Stroker, or Bullet.  I currently own a Bullet.

[Bass Dude]

NO QUESTION-----BASS CAT.  Nitro would be a last resort option for me. 

[KevO]

Nitro and Bass Cat aren't even playing the same game.  Get the Cat they are sweet and a superior boat!

[Downeaster2010]

I had a number of Ranger bass boats, and when I encountered my first Bass Cat, I wish I had bought one

of them.  Much more bang for my buck.  Bass cat all the way.

[S Hovanec]

Cat.

[bobdi]

First I want to thank everybody for getting back , I think I'm leaning to BassCat . I know the Cat is good .ends so it is all bass boats in mirror lake water. it was the rough water that I am concerned about. I know Champion is excellentin rough water.I have been told they are not made anymore. Any way thanks everybody for getting back.

[retiredbosn]

How rough are you talking about? 3 foot chop or 8 footers?

[South FLA]

First I want to thank everybody for getting back , I think I'm leaning to BassCat . I know the Cat is good .ends so it is all bass boats in mirror lake water. it was the rough water that I am concerned about. I know Champion is excellentin rough water.I have been told they are not made anymore. Any way thanks everybody for getting back.

 

Champion is now owned by the same company that makes Stratos Boats.

[Koofy Smacker]

Champion is now owned by the same company that makes Stratos Boats.

I believe the Stratos 210 Elite is on the same hull that the later champions were built on

[bobdi]

Hi, I am talking about 3 ft Chop, I finished Lake George, St Lawrence, Lake Ontario , now I must explain I did do bass trails. 1997 to 2002 . I had a champion love it.I got out in 2002 and I sold the Boat. I regretted had two. I have a friend of mine keeps telling me BassCat BassCat .I have two omit he does know his boats. the one thing that I can not get a real answer. is the Stratos 210 as good as the champion was .they say it's the same hull but how is the boat it self . lot of money and it's a one time deal for me. just want to make the right move. thank you any input would be great.

[South FLA]

Hi, I am talking about 3 ft Chop, I finished Lake George, St Lawrence, Lake Ontario , now I must explain I did do bass trails. 1997 to 2002 . I had a champion love it.I got out in 2002 and I sold the Boat. I regretted had two. I have a friend of mine keeps telling me BassCat BassCat .I have two omit he does know his boats. the one thing that I can not get a real answer. is the Stratos 210 as good as the champion was .they say it's the same hull but how is the boat it self . lot of money and it's a one time deal for me. just want to make the right move. thank you any input would be great.

 

3 foot chop in a bass boat is no fun, regardless of what boat you are in, yes some boats with deep V hulls that slope in to a modified V at the back are better, but if I were you and expect to fish those conditions regularly consider a "walleye/mulitspecies boat or better yet a Bay boat. 

 

As far as fit and finish on the new Stratos Champion lines vs. the old Champion, I could not tell you since the only Stratos Elite I have seen was Skeet Reese's during a Bassmaster event. 

 

Stratos Elite 210 Link:

http://www.stratosboats.com/models.cfm?name=210elite

 

Bass Cat

http://www.basscat.com/

 

 

As far as Bass Cat, if I were in the market for a 100% pure bass fishing boat, not the intracoastal type bass boats I own (Ranger/Bullet) I would say that Bass Cat would be very high if not the top on my list.  They are built well, have great trailers, and have a a good reputation as a company.  Take at look at the Puma, Cougar, and Jaguar if you are going to be doing some offshore fishing with the Jaguar being the BATTLESHIP model.

[Jig Man]

I run a Champion 206 and my partner has a 19' BC Pantera II.  I love the way my boat handles but being honest his Cat is as good as my Champ in the chop.  My advantage is the size of my decks as my boat is 1.5 feet longer than his Cat.

 

I live in Nitro country and have seen thousands of them.  I have never owned one and don't plan to.

[Sam]

Please consider how you plan to have your new boat serviced.

 

Bass Cats are serviced by Bass Cat dealers or other reputable service shops.

 

Nitro's are serviced at the Tracker service centers at the various Bass Pro Shops.

 

My experience with Tracker service departments is not good. As stated in this Forum previously, your service is only as good as the technician and the tech turnover at the Tracker service centers seems to be on the high side.

 

Right now my new well pump is not working. Never has worked this year and I plan to bring it back to the Tracker service center to have them take another "whack" at it. Of course they will charge me even though they failed to properly hook it up the first time.

 

If I was in your shoes I would go with the Bass Cat after I make sure there is a service center for your motor and hull, especially if you are going to update and make modifications to your watercraft.