My best friend has a Z9 and I fish out of his boat frequently. It rides like a heavy boat. It is relatively dry and the storage and fish ability is fine. The finishing touches aren't perfect like to more expensive boats but the fish don't care. It is not as good a ride as my boat and I remind him of that every so often!

Thanks for most of the feed back. Again...NOT COMPARING ANYTHING EXCEPT 202 TO Z9. Don't care what Nitro vs Skeeter/Ranger/Triton...etc. If you personally had one or have a good amount of time in one tell me good/bad points. Thanks!

I have a 2010, still run it like I stole it, I usually don't lift. In big waves it will jar you once in a while, but all in all, I would definetly but another one. The new ones appear to have a new hull design, hopefully the ride is a little smoother in rough seas. Mine runs 66 top speed with partner, fish in live wells (or not), try to keep around 30 gals in tank, talons, and odessy batteries.

Well I can tell you this because I've owned a Champion 198,202,203, and 210. My partner bought a new 2013 z9 and we fished out of it until he sold it last year and let me first brag on its nice wide flat front deck, the boat fished great. Also the interior layout and storage was great.
Now the downside. It is the roughest riding boat i have ever been in. If the wind blows over 10mph you're in for a long ride. If you fish on smaller bodies of water no problem, Toledo and Rayburn it was bad. They are built cheap, cheap interior components. We would use my boat until May when the wind started laying then use the z9. If you get a deal on one it can still be a good buy but you need to know what you are getting.
We both run Phoenix now. Good luck.