I have owned various boats over the last 15 years including Skeeter, Triton, ProCraft, Ranger, and unfortunately now a Nitro. To be honest, I did not have a real high opinion in Nitro boats prior to making my purchase. I had always commented on how Nitro had a great layout, but did not think the quality was as good as some of the more expensive competitors. On January 12th, I came across a 2008 Nitro Z9 for sale on the TFF. The boat was setup how I wanted, was ready to go, and realistically priced. The seller was up front about his likes and dislikes, but overall recommended it as he had just ordered a new Nitro. I urgently needed a boat as I had to leave that following weekend to begin practice for the FLW Everstart tournament at Choke Canyon so I decided to give Nitro a try, BIG MISTAKE.

I had just sold my Ranger 521 six months earlier so the Nitro Z9 had some big shoes to fill. I practiced out of the boat for four straight days and really enjoyed the layout. My uncle, who is a proud Skeeter owner, also practiced with me several days. He was also pleasantly surprised with the stability and ride of the boat. The FLW Everstart tournament started on January 20th. During practice, I had found a pocket of fish on the main lake that held up good enough for me to score a top ten finish enabling me to participate in the third day. The third day continued to go well for me like the previous two days. I pulled together my largest catch of the tournament earning me a 4th place finish. In addition, I was able to put my two of my co-anglers on a nice limit earning one of them 14th place and the other 2nd place on the co-angler side.

I was very fortunate on that third day, but I did not realize how fortunate until the boat was on the trailer. We finished fishing as the check-in time approached and prepared for the 10 mile run back to the ramp. I proceeded to head back running about 50 mph as I had allowed more than enough time. About 3 miles from the weigh-in, I felt something funny happen and the boat immediately lost speed. I did not dare take the boat off plane in fear than I would not be able to get it back on plane. Initially I thought I had hit something small and damaged the prop. However, upon reaching the check-in boat, I raised the motor and saw no damage. I proceeded to load the boat and head to the scales. After weigh-in, I did a thorough inspection of the boat and discovered that approximately 25% of the hull had completely delaminated. I am not a fiberglass expert, but most contacts I have consulted with in regards to the delaminating hull state that it is usually caused by improper curing or resin application during the manufacturing process. Prior to taking the boat to the Tracker dealer, I dropped it off at a fiberglass shop for an analysis and estimate. They lifted the boat from the trailer and did an analysis on the damage. In their opinion the damage was definitely delaminating fiberglass and there were not any signs of any impact. Although they would love the work, I was told that repairing the boat really was not an option as it would be extremely costly and would never be right again. I picked up the boat and proceeded to take it to the Tracker dealer the following day in hope of a resolution. All manufacturers have problems like this from now and then; what is most important is how they take care of the problems when they arise!

Tracker Marine investigated my situation and responded saying that my boat was no longer under warranty. The Tracker Marine warranty on Z-9 boats states �The limited warranty regarding the hull, interior hull stringers, and transom is transferable to a SECOND owner during the first five (5) years of service from the original purchase date.� Therefore, if a 2011 boat is sold and then title is transferred twice, Tracker Marine no longer backs the boat no matter how old it is. The only thing tracker offered me was approximately a $2,500 discount off of the retail price of a new 2011 boat. They did not want anything to do with my old boat, motor, and trailer. I was stuck with it.

At this point I am very disgusted. I had saved up my money and paid cash for what I thought was a very nice 2008 Nitro Z-9 boat. Less than two weeks later, it is completely worthless and the manufacturer wants nothing to do with me. In the end, I had to go out and buy a 2001 used Triton boat to get me through this situation. Now I have spent $35,000 and am driving a 2001 Triton TR-21 with a 225 Mercury Optimax.

Take this information as you wish. I just want to make sure that somebody else does not have the same problem I have. I have owned boats since I was 16 years old and have never had such a bad taste in my mouth. Please feel free to PM me if you would like more info.

Regards,
Matthew Scogin

That sucks

there is always a lemon somewhere, very surprized at trackers response for sure, gives you something to think about

I was very surprised as well. I prepared several professional letters, was very patient, and tried to work with them. I waited to post anything until I had a resolution. They came back and said you have 7 days to take the $2,500 rebate on the new boat or get nothing.

Not sure if I follow? If you are the second owner then it still should be under warranty. Did you buy it from the original owner? That would make you the second owner.

Wow! I cant beleive that!

I am the thrid titled owner. I transferred the the title on January 13th, it fell apart on the 22nd. This did not matter to tracker.

can you say Attorney. I bet a legal letter would change your options. Just my 2 cents

My buddy will be posting the pictures shortly.

Here are the pics for your viewing "dis"pleasure. WOW!

Thanks for the heads up Mathew, they have never really been on my list or top 5 because you cant even open a compartment at BPS without a hinge breaking.

On the last picture, you can see how deep the delamination is. It is into the bulk layer and would require complete disassembly of the boat to even think about fixing.

So I guess this effected your top end.........................and floatability.

I would pull it through the BPS parking lot or park out on the road just outside of BPS with a little sign about their customer service. That might get their attention. Especially, during the big Spring Classic.

What about insurance? Are you sure you didn't hit anything?