Nitro NX 882 SC?

[DerekB]

Hi everyone!  I'm new to the forum, and after an 8-year hiatus from bass fishing to help raise my kids, I'm trying desperately to get back in the game.

I'm currently looking at a 2000 Nitro NX 882 SC with a 175 Merc EFI.  I didn't think I'd be interested in a boat this old, but it doesn't look like it's hardly been in the water.  Transom looks perfect, and there's no rust at all on the trailer.  Typical electronics at the bow and a flasher in the dash.

Does anyone have experience with this boat model?  Is the Merc 175 EFI a good motor?  Is there anything else to look for on a boat this old?  The individual is asking $12,000.

Thanks in advance.

[J.McKnight]

I have a 2001 882DC and It has been a great boat, We have litteraly tourchered this boat tournament fishing the last few years. They are tough boats. I also have a BassCat which we fish on our more open lakes and use the Nitro for the brush busting on the others. My opinion they are great boats and you wont be dissappointed in it. The 175 EFI is a great motor and should scoot that boat around pretty good. I have a 150Hp Merc on mine and she will run about 62 on GPS with 2 guys and full tournament load. Solid boat you will like it......

[cart7t]

A few things.

A 9 year old boat is not old.  A 15 + year old boat is getting old.

2nd, better check the USCG plate rating that's on that boat.  IIRC, the 882's may have been rated for a 150 only.

3rd.  Check the crossmembers on that trailer.  Specifically, poke into them at various points on the underside.  Those tubular frame Nitro trailers were known to rust out from the insides on the crossmembers.

4th.  That boat typically sold for around $20k on their package deals new.  I think 12K is a little high for that boat.  

5th.  The Merc was a good motor.  Have it checked by a pro though.

[DerekB]

Thanks for the replies and advice.  I've already spoke to the local Tracker dealer about checking out the motor if needed.

I checked the value on NADA this evening, and you're right on about the price.  Seems to me the boat should be bought for around $9,000-10,000 after factoring in the pristine condition.

I'm planning to take a closer look this weekend, so I'll be sure to check on the HP rating.  You make a great point, I saw a few of these for sale on various web sites and all of them had 150HP motors.

Thanks again!

[drmnbig]

The 150 was standard on them but 175 is the max.  I test drove a one when buying my Nitro in 99 and absolutely loved it.  being that I was young with good but little credit I couldn't get it so I settled on a 700lx.  I hear basing of Nitros all the time but I can tell you that in the 8 years I owned my Nitro I beat the crap out of it and it never failed.  My brother in law now owns it and he hammers it more than I did.  The price does seem a tad high though.

[Nitro 882]

I bought my 882 in 2005 for 23K. It has a Merc 150 XR6 and I absolutely love it. I had actually signed papers for the 750 but when I took my Dad to see the boat there was the 882 right next to it. He convinced me to spend the extra$$$ and the salesman was happy to re-write the contract. Dad is gone, but I thank him every time I go out for changing my mind.

Its rated for a 175 HP max but the 150 will run over 60mph. More than enough for this ole boy.

Good luck

[DerekB]

Thanks for all the advice, guys! After carefully inspecting the boat a second time and having the motor tested by a mechanic, I was able to purchase the rig for $10,250. The only thing needing replaced was the tail lights on the trailer, everything else works great.

I'll post some pics once I pick it up...unless I'm fishing ;D