Soon to be first time bass boat owner questions

[KLoell]

I'm sure there are thousands of posts like this but none the less I am in the market for a new bass boat this spring.  I would like to pick everyones brains on any advice or things you wish you did when purchasing your first.  I am currently looking at a Nitro Z18.  The only things I'm certain I want to add is an Ultrex and better Electronics.  Are there other things more important to upgrade first before those two things?  Would a Nitro Z18 be a good first time boat?  Am I overthinking all of this? lol Any advice and help is much appreciated.  

[Jig Man]

Do you have a Nitro dealer close by?   If not do you have any other brands with dealerships close?

 

Lots of new boats have to go back for warranty work so a close dealer can be a big deal.  My Nitro Z20 had 2 minor and 2 major warranty issues.

[Bird]

And do you have water in proximity of your house to justify the purchase. 

 

Not to be Debbie downer, just honest.

I had an 18ft Skeeter and continually had to drive a minimum of 90 minutes to nearest lake, which I did and even further. 

 

Years later, sold it for a very formidable fishing kayak and drive 15 minutes to 10 different " electric motor only " lakes and fish 3-4 days a week now.......just throw and go.

 

If you have a reputable lake close by, disregard and congratulations as Nitro makes a really nice fishing platform. 

 

 

[WRB]

Nitro means Johnny Morris and BPS. After what JM did to Cabela's I never buy anything from them.

A bass boat needs to be rigged properly and that is up to the dealers expertise, very important. 

If looking at a new boat, motor and trailer take your time and look at Bass Cat for example, they do a very good rigging and work with you.

Tom

[Logan S]

Z18 is a nice boat, good for a first bassboat for sure...Ultrex and electronics also good options to start.  

 

A couple things you may not realize are nice to have are a hotfoot and jackplate.  It's much easier to have these on the boat from the start than it is to add them later.  I'd also throw in the blinker-trim switch, very convenient and relatively low cost.  Not sure if any of these are standard on the Z18 or not, but if not I'd consider adding them.  

 

If you keep it outside or see yourself taking overnight/multi-day trips....Getting the factory custom cover is also something I'd highly recommend.

 

I'd also max the HP at 175 (I think the Z18 is rated for it?).  No one has ever regretted getting more HP but a great many regret getting less .  

 

Enjoy!  

[BigAngus752]

2 hours ago, Jig Man said:

 

Lots of new boats have to go back for warranty work so a close dealer can be a big deal.

This is the best advice you have received so far.  

[KLoell]

Great point about the close proximity to a dealership.  I have a Cabelas and another Nitro dealer close by which along with the price of the Z18 are the two major factors in why I'm currently eyeing the Nitros.  Unfortunately those are really the only two dealers close to me.  I live within 45 min or so of two or three decent sized lakes and take a week long fishing trip each year.  I currently have a Sun Dolphin little plastic boat that I've been fishing out of for years that is perfect for little strip pits but is a chore to load up by myself and fit everything in.  I think I could justify buying a full sized boat but time will tell.  

 

Would an aluminum boat like a Tracker be a better first time full size boat to get a feel for things?  Or is there not really that much of a learning curve making the move to a full size boat?    

[Dirtyeggroll]

Spend a little time to find and save whole lot of money and buy a used one.

 

No need to start with an aluminum boat, unless it fits your budget or water needs better. I went from a BassHound 10.2 (same as sundolphin) straight to my Ranger. If you're worried about the potential to put some learning curve wear on it then thats all the more reason to go used. Just got to do your homework.

 

Z18 would be a good first boat. I'd make sure to get a keel guard on it ASAP. Ultrex will be a very useful addition. Electronics are nice too! Good batteries, but those can wait until the ones that are in it are done.

 

A 5 gallon jug of Bass Boat Saver or some kind of equivalent and some rags to wipe the boat down after each use. Its just a good habit to get into, and if you start out doing it with everything needed its much easier to keep it up.

 

Lots of people like a jack plate, a Hot Foot, and a blinker trim. Personally, I think those things come down to personal preference, but I think most people prefer them.

 

 

 

[Jig Man]

Ok it seems like Nitro may be the way you are going.  I recommend that you decide what all you want on one before you buy.  It is a lot easier to have it rigged the way you want before you get it than going back later for ad ons.

 

With your Ultrex option you will get the maximum with Humminbird units.  If you aren’t familiar with them take time to learn which do what.  The Helix is the go to work horse.  The Solix is the touch screen model.

 

I don’t know how you fish but I’m pretty sure you will want to get the ipilot link with bluetooth connectivity as well as a gps heading sensor.  A good option will also be to get the micro remote.

 

How far are you willing to drive to get a good deal on your purchase?

[KLoell]

I’d be willing to drive a good ways if it meant getting a better deal. I’m currently located around central Indiana. Should I be finding other nitro dealers for a cheaper price?  

[J Francho]

Unless it's a boat on the showroom from last year, their prices are pretty well set.  You want a service department with a good reputation.  It's pretty much the same with cars.  Some dealers might have a particular car in stock at a discount, but they're pretty much the same for similarly equipped vehicles.  It's always the service dept. you want to look at.  The Z18 is a fine boat, and going with upgraded electronics, trolling motor is a good move.  I see the jack plate as less important than a hot foot and blinker trim, but still would be on my must have list.  Next would be shallow water anchoring system.

[WRB]

 Nitro Z18 with 175 Merc top speed with 1 passenger and normal load of stuff is about 60-62 mph, add livewell water and full tank of gas it will drop a few mph. Why have a hot foot and jack plate? 

Do you have garage space? If check the 0/A length of the boat and trailer. Foldng tongue trailer is a good option I'd space is an issue.

Tom

PS, quick check there are lots of 2018-2019 Z18's on the market.

 

 

 

[Jig Man]

4 hours ago, KLoell said:

I’d be willing to drive a good ways if it meant getting a better deal. I’m currently located around central Indiana. Should I be finding other nitro dealers for a cheaper price?  

There is a guy here in MO who sells lots of them.  He makes some really good deals.  If you would drive 500 miles you might save some significant coin.  I bought mine over the phone from him.  You should decide what you want, check some prices, then you could give him a call.

 

If it were me I’d wait for warmer weather so I could have some time on the water before I took it home.

 

One thing mentioned was shallow water anchors.  Once I got a trolling motor with spot lock I didn’t need mine so I sold them and got rid of 84# of excess weight.

[KLoell]

Solid points again.  I appreciate the time and info.  I plan on storing this next to the garage as there is no room for it.  Is storing this year round for 3-4 more years going to leave a lot of wear and tear on the boat?  Also, I understand WRB isn't a fan of Cabelas but with it being one of the two closer Nitro dealers I'm still curious to see if anyone has had any experience with their service department? 

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, KLoell said:

 I plan on storing this next to the garage as there is no room for it.

Two items

1) Get a fitted cover for everyday storage

2) Get a carport canopy to protect against hail/snow/etc

[WRB]

23 minutes ago, KLoell said:

Solid points again.  I appreciate the time and info.  I plan on storing this next to the garage as there is no room for it.  Is storing this year round for 3-4 more years going to leave a lot of wear and tear on the boat?  Also, I understand WRB isn't a fan of Cabelas but with it being one of the two closer Nitro dealers I'm still curious to see if anyone has had any experience with their service department? 

I am not a fan of BPS closing Cabela's headquarters in Sidney Nebraska with 2,000 jobs lost killing the towns major source of employment.

You have both Bass Cat and Skeeter dealers around the Indianapolis area, might want to check and see what they offer.

Weather is hard on stored boat and the shelter suggested looks good.

Good luck with your decision, 

Tom