New Nitro Z Series boats... anybody running these?

[amishnightmare88]

So, at the moment, i am building a house. After my house is done, I am going to be purchasing a new/used bass boat. I heard when Nitro started out, they were the "cheaper" brand boat. It seems like since the Z series boats came out, they look and seem to be better boats. Of course i called a Ranger dealer and when i heard the Z520 was around 70k starting out, I asked him the difference in the Nitro Z20/21 boat and the Ranger Z520. The salesmen of course laughed and said, "Well that's the difference in a Volkswagen and a Cadillac". I really do want a Ranger but DON'T/ WON'T pay 70k for a new Ranger. The boat i am going to get is going to be a lifer... but i dont want to spend the rest of my life paying for it too. I am a blue collar guy so i can't afford a 70k boat! So i figured i would ask if anyone knows anything about the new Nitro Z boats and see if anyone would recommend a Nitro? Thanks!

[Ohio Archer]

Never owned one but I've seen quite a few of them out on the water.

I hear ya about the costs.  Stopped by the local Ranger dealer for a small part.  Got to talking about how much the prices have risen since I bought a new Champion back in '86.  Back then a $22K boat was a lot.  I about gagged when he told me the MSRP on the Ranger I was leaning against was $100K but lowered to the mid $90's to let people think they were getting a bargain.  At the rate things are going I won't be able to afford a new aluminum boat in 2-3 years.

If I were making the same amount of money at the same percentage that boats have gone up I'd be making well over $100k/yr (and that was while I was in the military).

[amishnightmare88]

Yea man! It's crazy!! When he told me starting price was 75k I about choked on my spit!! Lol it's ridiculous!! For the same size boat and dress up, I can save 30k+ just having a Nitro! It's nuts. Hope to hear good things about them... I know I will have it forever but like I said, I don't want to lay on it forever and never be able to afford payments, insurance, then gas to take it out... The payments would murder me for a 70k boat!!! Sometimes I wish I was a blue collar boy that made white collar money lol... BUUUUT... I don't lol

[amishnightmare88]

Pay on it... Stupid auto correct

[crankbank]

I have a 2014 Z-6.  I do not have a ton of hours on the motor, but have spent a lot of time on the water and have had zero issues.

I obviously would like to have purchased a Z-7/Z-18, but this boat provides me everything I need. I have it packed with tons of tackle and usually 20~ rods between me and my fishing partner, and have no problem going over 40mph to our spot.

[DanQS13]

16 hours ago, amishnightmare88 said:

Yea man! It's crazy!! When he told me starting price was 75k I about choked on my spit!! Lol it's ridiculous!! For the same size boat and dress up, I can save 30k+ just having a Nitro! It's nuts. Hope to hear good things about them... I know I will have it forever but like I said, I don't want to lay on it forever and never be able to afford payments, insurance, then gas to take it out... The payments would murder me for a 70k boat!!! Sometimes I wish I was a blue collar boy that made white collar money lol... BUUUUT... I don't lol

TBH, I would be more scared of my wife than the payments, lol.

[Al Wolbach]

A friend of mine bought a new/used Z520 last year for $87K. It had been used in a professional tournament, therefore used. The title may have indicated new, not sure. But, wow!!! I have heard for a good source that the Nitros are better boats than in the past.

[amishnightmare88]

1 hour ago, Al Wolbach said:

A friend of mine bought a new/used Z520 last year for $87K. It had been used in a professional tournament, therefore used. The title may have indicated new, not sure. But, wow!!! I have heard for a good source that the Nitros are better boats than in the past.

yea. its crazy! That is why i am looking into the Nitro's lol... there is no way i could afford an 80k boat! thats nuts! I could get a 70k boat but it would be a garage ornament because i would only be able to pay the payments  on it and my house... i would never have the $ to use it lol 

[WIGuide]

Nitro's aren't bad boats, they also aren't made like a Ranger either. They are built to be a package boat just like the Tracker aluminum boats. The prices they give you are usually stripped down with a smaller motor than what the boat is rated for. They offer plenty of features as options many of  which come standard on other boats. Things like power pedestals for the seats are considered options. With a few extras I added on the build it part of the Nitro website, I was up over 60K. That's still less of an investment for something that will do the job, and if that's what you're after it's available.  

[amishnightmare88]

I didn't know until earlier but, i can finance a new(er)/used boat from my local Ranger dealer.. think i am going to go that route. I REALLY want a ranger but i wont pay/owe the amount they want for a new. They have a 2012 Z520c for 41k with low hours. he said they get them like that all the time and i could get one like that with the lower payment. yea, i don't get the lifetime warranty like the first owner would get but, i bet it will do what i want it to do, for the time i own it.. 

[gulfcaptain]

If you go used, that 41K your looking at, I bet they would take 36k.  It's a used boat and they want to move it.  I bought a used Champion, after all the extras (talon, Lowrance electronics, etc) price was $1400 over the original asking pice (this included tax)  they wanted.  Don't let them tell you the price, a used boat is only worth as much as you are willing to pay for it.  So I wouldn't even entertain their marked price and would offer them 34K and see where they go.

[Puggz]

On 2016-02-22 at 4:44 PM, amishnightmare88 said:

So, at the moment, i am building a house. After my house is done, I am going to be purchasing a new/used bass boat. I heard when Nitro started out, they were the "cheaper" brand boat. It seems like since the Z series boats came out, they look and seem to be better boats. Of course i called a Ranger dealer and when i heard the Z520 was around 70k starting out, I asked him the difference in the Nitro Z20/21 boat and the Ranger Z520. The salesmen of course laughed and said, "Well that's the difference in a Volkswagen and a Cadillac". I really do want a Ranger but DON'T/ WON'T pay 70k for a new Ranger. The boat i am going to get is going to be a lifer... but i dont want to spend the rest of my life paying for it too. I am a blue collar guy so i can't afford a 70k boat! So i figured i would ask if anyone knows anything about the new Nitro Z boats and see if anyone would recommend a Nitro? Thanks!

Yes, Ranger is the undisputed best.  I'm ordering a 620fs this spring and its killing me.

With that being said, you have a few other options.. Triton and Stratos for example are owned by Ranger Boats which is now owned by BPS.  You'll notice that some of the Ranger Technology has crept into those brands and the Triton hulls are some of the fastest on the water.  There's also Skeeter, which is owned by Yamaha.

If you're looking for a boat that will last a lifetime, don't buy used - you have no idea what its been through and a good fiberglass guy can hide anything!  Instead, make sure that is doesn't have any wood used in its construction and its made by a reputable brand.  My 2nd piece of advise is to get it with a Yamaha 4 stroke and be religious about maintenance and don't drive the crap out of it.  Break it in properly, let it warm up before you open it up.. etc.  Don't pound the boat in rough water... etc etc.  You'll be long sick of it before it breaks..lol

I'm moving into my 4th boat, 3rd fibreglass.  PM me if you have any specific questions..

5 hours ago, amishnightmare88 said:

yea. its crazy! That is why i am looking into the Nitro's lol... there is no way i could afford an 80k boat! thats nuts! I could get a 70k boat but it would be a garage ornament because i would only be able to pay the payments  on it and my house... i would never have the $ to use it lol 

The 2016 521c w/250HO G2 with a few options is $115k full list in Canada.  Add a couple of Power Poles and bigger electronics and you're north of $120.. Talk about painful!

[slonezp]

It's quite easy to rig a $45k Nitro to $60k and the out the door price for the Z21 is just that, and that boat could be rigged better.

I don't know how old you are. I was 43 when I purchased my boat with the idea I would be in it for 20-25 years. I had my previous boat for 9 years and the one before that for 4 years.

So, here's my experience. I shopped for my perfect "lifer" boat as you call it. The last boat I will ever purchase. Took me 3 years from the time I started doing research until the time I signed the papers. I looked at many brands including Nitro and Ranger, and spent a lot of time debating aluminum or fiberglass. I wanted a bigger boat than I had previously which was 17 feet. It had to have a dual console at the request of my son. It had to have room at the helm because I'm not a small guy. It had to have a place for my elderly father to sit so  he could easily bobber fish or troll. It had to have enough room for all my crap. It had to be able to handle the Great Lakes as well as smaller inland water. It had to be able to withstand rock and sand bottoms on occasion. It had to have a Mercury on the back. It had to have a good reputation and a great warranty since I was keeping it for life. What I'm getting at is price was the least important thing I thought about when choosing what I wanted. Once I found boats that met my criteria, only then did I sort them by price and what would fit my budget.

Like a woman, if this is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, don't settle. Its got to look good, feel good, and be able to accommodate your junk.

 

If I were to have to choose between Ranger and Nitro, it would be Ranger because of their stellar reputation and they sure are beautiful boats. 

 

[amishnightmare88]

10 hours ago, slonezp said:

It's quite easy to rig a $45k Nitro to $60k and the out the door price for the Z21 is just that, and that boat could be rigged better.

I don't know how old you are. I was 43 when I purchased my boat with the idea I would be in it for 20-25 years. I had my previous boat for 9 years and the one before that for 4 years.

So, here's my experience. I shopped for my perfect "lifer" boat as you call it. The last boat I will ever purchase. Took me 3 years from the time I started doing research until the time I signed the papers. I looked at many brands including Nitro and Ranger, and spent a lot of time debating aluminum or fiberglass. I wanted a bigger boat than I had previously which was 17 feet. It had to have a dual console at the request of my son. It had to have room at the helm because I'm not a small guy. It had to have a place for my elderly father to sit so  he could easily bobber fish or troll. It had to have enough room for all my crap. It had to be able to handle the Great Lakes as well as smaller inland water. It had to be able to withstand rock and sand bottoms on occasion. It had to have a Mercury on the back. It had to have a good reputation and a great warranty since I was keeping it for life. What I'm getting at is price was the least important thing I thought about when choosing what I wanted. Once I found boats that met my criteria, only then did I sort them by price and what would fit my budget.

Like a woman, if this is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, don't settle. Its got to look good, feel good, and be able to accommodate your junk.

 

If I were to have to choose between Ranger and Nitro, it would be Ranger because of their stellar reputation and they sure are beautiful boats. 

 

I am a whopping age of 28 years old Lol...So, i can afford a 70k boat lol... right now anyway. i had a guy tell me a few years ago that its best to start with a used boat that you can afford and then as time goes on, you can always sell it/trade it in for a new or newer one... i wish i could afford brand new, but right now, i cant. What i would spend on a new boat would be over half of what it is costing me to build my house... I dont want a used but i want something that can get me on the water...

[RyneB]

I was set on a new ranger, until I rode in a skeeter. Much better ride imho. You can find good deals on them.  I was always a Mercury  guy, but I'm loving the Yamaha it has. Good luck

[slonezp]

9 hours ago, amishnightmare88 said:

I am a whopping age of 28 years old Lol...So, i can afford a 70k boat lol... right now anyway. i had a guy tell me a few years ago that its best to start with a used boat that you can afford and then as time goes on, you can always sell it/trade it in for a new or newer one... i wish i could afford brand new, but right now, i cant. What i would spend on a new boat would be over half of what it is costing me to build my house... I dont want a used but i want something that can get me on the water...

So, at 28 I had gone thru a divorce and was still fighting a custody battle. I had filed bankruptcy and didn't have 2 nickels to rub together I bought my first boat. I paid $3000.00 and sometimes couldn't afford gas to even get on the water. So, kudos to you for being financially secure. I have to correct something I made in my first post. I kept the first boat for 7 years, not 4 (I guess it's true what they say, the mind goes first ...) 

[amishnightmare88]

3 hours ago, slonezp said:

So, at 28 I had gone thru a divorce and was still fighting a custody battle. I had filed bankruptcy and didn't have 2 nickels to rub together I bought my first boat. I paid $3000.00 and sometimes couldn't afford gas to even get on the water. So, kudos to you for being financially secure. I have to correct something I made in my first post. I kept the first boat for 7 years, not 4 (I guess it's true what they say, the mind goes first ...) 

Lol!!! Yes sir, been married for 7 years this Sunday. Have 2 boys and the crazy women is already talking about putting another one on the ground when our house is done... But I told her that we have 2 kids already and I'm getting a boat before we have another! Lol priorites lol

[FryDog62]

I have been going through the same dilemma... and IF I went pure bass boat glass hull here is what I have been contemplating:

• 18 foot Nitro Z-18 $29k (approx base price)
• 18 foot Phoenix 618 $35k (approx)
• 18 foot Ranger Z518 $39k (approx)

I think the reputation of the Nitro in the past I would have said - no... probably not.  But I do think the new head of Tracker Marine (7 years now) brought in some good technology, new discipline, etc and their hulls/boats are much improved.  They did a heckuva job on the new Nitro deep V series IMO.  I also like what I'm hearing about the improvements in the Z18 over last years Z-7 model.  Have I been in one?  Only at a boat show.  Time will tell if they hold up over time and if TMG honors their warranty like other brands.  That being said, I bought a new Ranger in 2008 and it was a HORRIBLE experience.  Quality problems can happen with the "best" too ~

I've also heard outstanding things about the Phoenix and at $5k more than the Nitro I would really give it a hard look too.  Especially if you are looking at a long term, 10+ year ownership - the $5k is less of an issue.  

Just my .02

 

[stfreed]

I shopped them all and even Marshaled several Elite events so that I could ride in several different brands before upgrading.  I owned an 18' Javelin with a 175 at the time.  I was shopping for a 19-20 footer due to garage size. The Triton I could not comfortably drive due to the console hitting my knees (6'2"), the Bass Cat ride sucks (K-Pink about killed my back in 1 footers on Onieda), and the Nitros lack of storage and low gunnels on the front deck bothered me.  The Ranger's ride is above all others and I spent several days running the roughest waves Erie and St. Clair.  Rode in Skeeter and Tritons that week too and the Miracle Mile is rough no matter what brand you run it in.  Ended up with a Z119c Ranger.  It was a step down in fanciness from the 500 series and came with a lower price tag.  Lifer boat is my plan and the life time hull warranty was the sealer for me.  My Javelin was a 1995 and the transom was rotten.

Given all that each person has his own needs and priorities in a boat.  My opinion is if you can not afford a new Ranger buy a used one.  :-)

[GTHenson]

I currently run a nitro Z-8 2014 model with a 250 pro xs. I can honestly say ntiro is the way to go for me. I just ordered my Z-20 for the 2017 year and I cant wait to get behind the wheel of it.

[Further North]

Keeping in mind that I recognize that Ranger builds great boats and that their quality is undisputed...

...there isn't a single thing I can think of that'd make me cough up an additional $30K for a boat...

Regarding new vs. used:  I'll buy used every time, all time.  the folks that worry about getting "someone else's problems" should buy new boats so I can buy their used boats a few years down the road for 40% - 50% of what they paid.

Do a thorough vetting of a used boat with a dealer you trust and then write the check...you can buy a (used) vehicle to tow it for the difference in price.

[crypt]

would buy/pay the extra money for a Ranger any day………but wait I have a Ranger…..and yes I bought it new from a dealer that was retiring and gave me a great deal. but have never had a problem with it or Ranger themselves,even got the deck extension thrown in along with a cover. but Nitro does make a rally good boat. have been in the new Z20 and it is a sweet riding,nice boat to fish out of. but choosing a boat,I think is harder than choosing a wife/girlfriend.     you don't mind paying for the boat……...

[Airman4754]

I was running an aluminum boat for a long time, but I wanted a 21' glass boat. 

I was really patient waiting on Craigslist and I had a range of 1,000 miles. So, the boat I have now pops up for $18,500. It was nine years old, the motor had 52 hours on it. 

I call Triton and ask them how a 21x from 2004 was different from a new one. A new one was $71k at the time for the same options. Once I waded through the BS I found out the newer model was 1" wider, ONE, and the front compartment came with a really slick plastic organizer that I could just buy and put in the 2004 for $275.

Pretty easy choice. I could buy the 2004, replace every single thing on it and still be up $30k. 

[iabass8]

Just sold my old Ranger yesterday and am in the process of buying a 2016 z18 /w the 150 4 stroke. I found out the new black/grey 2017 color scheme is available on the 2016 z18 as well. Saw one down at bass pro in St. Charles, MO and that was it for me. Pretty excited.  I'm more of the computer savvy type and not outboard mechanically inclined. I do my own water pump/impeller/plugs/LU oil/ etc but beyond that I'm lost. One of the reasons I'm going brand new is the Merc 3 year warranty and the 6 year extension on top of the 3 is $1200 or less if you shop a bit. I also loved the ride in the z18 and the storage lockers and center storage is EXACTLY what I wanted in a boat. No brainier for somebody like me. I'm going a few adds on like a powerpole, graphs, different 3 bank charger, hot foot, but those are minor. I really, really like the Z18. 

[zeth]

Look into other options as well. Charger for example...