Nitro's seem to have negative connotations associated with them anytime there is a discussion about Bass Boats
Looking at changes in the 2016 Z series and assuming same TM, electronics, etc.. are they not comparable to Skeeter Zx, Phoenix, or others??

I have owned Skeeter, Ranger, Champion, Triton & Nitro. At the end of the day I keep going back to Nitro. I think they are the best value $ for $. If money is no object I'd buy Ranger.

I have a nitro. It's a 99 model. It is in FAR BETTER condition that most every other boat that I have seen that is similar year. Mine is used 3-4 times a week prefishing and tourney fishing. I'd say, for the money, it is the best choice. Like said, at the end of the day, the only thing different about the boats is the shape of the hull and the price. Everything else is pretty much the same on the boats. Mercury, MinnKota, Flowrite, ,Atwood, etc.

Some of the other brands are prettier. But pretty doesn't catch fish. It catches buyers.

To answer your question, No, they're not comparable. The fit and finish is poor at best and yes, I have owned one and I have known several who's are basically poor quality. Carpet coming up within a year or 2, seat seams splitting, screws falling out, fiberglass blistering ....it's poor. They are basically the Hyundai of bass boats. And Steez, I agree, Nitro is a good looking boat, but a boat falling part doesn't get on the water to catch fish. Yours is the exception, not the rule. I'll pass on the Hyundai of bass boats and buy something that was quality made and I won't lose my shirt on resale value.

Although I've never owned a Nitro, I've fished out of one many times, and I have nothing negative to say about Nitro. Solid boats IMO.

I'm happy with my Nitro. 2016 Z's are nice looking boats!

I don't think they are the Hyundai of bass boats. Years ago maybe, the last 10 years they have steadily gotten better. Point A to Point B is all a bass boat really is.

If a nitro is a Hyundai then a skeeter is a cavalier. They aren't that much better.

My boat is a 2008 "garage kept" 898 model. I don't have any those issues. I've seen some newer "other brand" boat at the ramp in poor condition. To me it's about taking care of your equipment.

I'm not trying to start a war, and I'm sure Nitro has changed some things recently (they had to), but mine was not good.

Not gonna argue. Your points are mostly valid. Yes, my nitro is screwed together with silicone squirted between the top cap and hull. Yes, it isn't gel coated inside the battery/fuel compartment. My seats and carpet have been replaced once. With VERY high quality carpet and seats. In fact, the carpet is the HIGHEST quality made for boats. Better than what comes on the Z series Rangers. The seats are the same design as Tritons, but with very high grade, UV stable vinyl and thicker poly thread. The figment of parts could be better. But, as a custom high end car builder by trade, the fit and finish is something that I have improved over the years.

End the end....the boat has been very good. Has never had an issue that was caused by Nitros quality. It is always something that is the same identical make and model part that is available on every other boat.

If I had it to do over again, I would choose the same boat. When I buy a new one, it will be another Nitro. I can afford any boat brand available. I just choose to not to spend excess money on a boat that doesn't justify the money. If I can spend $25,000 less than a comparable Ranger by buying a Nitro. Then sell it 5 years from now for $25000 less than a comparable Ranger.....How did I lose? What did I lose?

I've had 3 nitros beginning with an '88 that was made in Longview if I remember right. None of them gave me any problems, looked great, rode great and never gave me any problems. are they the best? I doubt it but for the money it's really hard for me to have any negative feelings about them

Hahaha.


Read TonyTigers thread right below this one. His new Skeeters gel coat is cracking like egg shells.


Not my 17yr old Nitro. It looks as good as day one.

Sorry TonyTiger. Not trying to be mean.

Mines a 97....still has every original switch, pump, hose, and carpet..... Must be another exception...