Nitro

[Justbass11]

I am looking at a 2012 Nitro Z6 from a dealer. Any thoughts that I might want to look at??? Their asking $16,900, This would be my first boat

[slonezp]

What motor? 

[Justbass11]

Mercury 115 ELPT OptiMax PROXS

[JGBassinAL]

If you fish big and rough water then it's not gonna be a very good ride because of how short it is. If you are fishing small water then it would be a good boat. Front deck on that boat is very wide as well.

[Justbass11]

What do you consider big and rough water JGBassinAL???

[fishnkamp]

Where do you fish?  Are they smaller lakes or average size rivers? Then the boat is fine. Large fast moving rivers or tidal rivers like the Potomac River can create trouble when the water flow and wind will run against each other causing you to run through1 to 3 foot waves.  That is when a big 20 footer will supply a much smoother and drier ride.  I have fished lakes like Dale Hollow, Lake Erie, Lake Guntersville and Table Rock. They all can kick up and get nasty.  Since you live in Florida I would think Okeechobee, Lake George and Saint Johns etc  might get that way also just because of their size.  If you think of fishing lakes like Harris, Lake Jessup, Lake Murray, etc. I think you would be happy with the boat.  I am not saying you should not fish bigger water, but it will be important to be aware of both weather and lake conditions for safety!  Some days it will be unfishable or you would have to fish close to the ramp, when a larger boat can go run safely                                                                                         

[Brian6428]

I would advise you to check out some used bass boats. You can get a bigger boat with more horsepower and maybe even upgraded electronics for about what that Z6 costs. You may have to look for a while though. I bought used and am still very happy with the decision I made.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Ohio Archer]

I fished all the lakes mentioned including Okeechobee in my 17' Champion and never had any problems.  Not sure why a 17' Nitro would be an issue.  Probably the worse water I fished was on Lake Kissimmee. 

For the OP, I would ask to see any and all maintenance records.  What kind of warranty, if any, comes with it?  How long will the dealer back the boat and all its equipment?  How many hours on the motor?  Look in all the compartments for evidence of leaks.  Look over the hull for any pin holes, cracks, etc. 

You didn't list all the options and equipment so there is no way to tell if the price is a good one.  You can use the NADA Guides to give you an idea..  http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2012/Tracker-Marine/Z6-SC__/32024091

[slonezp]

Have them pull a computer printout on that motor. You can see how it was run and if any alarms were present.

[Justbass11]

I just want to thank you guys for you incite and advise, Again this is my first boat and am a little nervous  and just want to make sure I look for anything that would make me not want to buy this boat or any other boat, again I thank you

[Bluebasser86]

I've heard too many stories of newer Nitros getting stress fractures and worse from what is claimed as normal use. Even if the warranty covers that stuff, I wouldn't want to have to deal with it. 

[Fishing Rhino]

[Bob C]

5 hours ago, Fishing Rhino said:

I'm sure there's more to that story. A major collision with something.

[BrianinMD]

That kind of looks like the boat from the upper Chesapeake Bay a couple years ago. Hit a stump and had the outboard land in the middle of the boat.

[Fishing Rhino]

The point is, there is a story behind every damaged boat, and it's not always a problem with the boat's construction.

Let's leave out the brand names for the purpose of discussion.

Brand A sells X number of boats.  Brand B sells twice as many boats as brand A.  If their constructions are equal, Brand B will have twice as many problems as Brand A by virtue of the fact they sell twice as many boats.

It is true to say that Brand B has twice as many problems as Brand A.  On the surface, it would appear that Brand B is inferior to Brand A, when in fact they are equal.

I've owned two Nitros, both bought new, and have not had a problem with either of them.  I have no illusions that they are as good as a Ranger, Bass Cat, etc.  But, I have had zero problems.  And as far as fishing goes, I would not have caught one more or one less fish out of any other brand of boat.

What I do have is a several thousand dollars more in my bank account.  I bought the current Z-8 for 28,000 dollars with only three options.  A custom Nitro boat cover.  Trailer brakes on both axles, and retractable tie downs.

[Justbass11]

The one thing I like about the Nitro is the fact they have a bigger deck and being a big guy I like the room I would have, plus it fits my budget better looking at used boats.