I would like to hear everyones opinion on Nitro boats.. I have heard some horror stories and would like know what everyone thinks about them and how they compare to other brands.. Any information will be appreciated..

Nitro boats are pretty nice. They are great for the price. They are not as nice as ranger or skeeter but close and less expensive. It also makes a big difference by model. The z-8 and z-9 are real nice and ride very well. I would go with a Optimax, vrs a Mercury Pro XS. Very similar motor.

Remember you get what you pay for! I personally would never own one. This decision is based on all the facts that I have either read about or even seen for myself. I truly believe that a little more spent on a bass boat is WELL worth it.

Here's the scoop...
Newer ones are way better than older ones. 2004 and later will be your preferred models. Why? They hired the ex champion plant manager and resin manager to run the Nitro plant.

There is a big difference between the 900 boats and the smaller numbered boats, wood stringers, transoms and floors on the smaller numbers.

Are they equal to a Bass Cat or Bullet? No Better than a Bayliner or VIP/Stealth? Yes.

If you are buying new, the service from the dealer will be where they get the biggest black eye, some are good, some not so much, so that's where you gotta watch em careful.

Ive heard lots of stories about the hulls being bad and transoms busting a things like that... I looked at a 2008 z9 and the price is good and the boat looks good but Im kinda afraid to buy it... Most companies like triton, ranger, skeeter etc give a lifetime warranty on the hull and when he said it has a 5 yr hull warranty a red flag just went up

In my opinion, there are far too many Rangers, Tritons, Skeeters, BassCats, etc...out there at good prices to buy something you already have reservations about. Look around, take your time and you will find the boat you really want.

If you listen to all the Nitro bashers, you're doing yourself a disservice. Modern day Nitros are excellent boats. I'll put my Z-9 up against any boat on the market. Not only that, but Nitro has improved the efficiency of their production process which allowed them to cut back the prices of their boats. You can pay $65,000 for a top of the line competitors model or less than $50,000 for a Z-9, which is just as good of a boat. I guess it's all right if you have plenty of money and need to have that "name". Do yourself a favor, check out the new Nitro's along with the other brands you're interested in. Try to take a demo ride in one or talk to some people who have them. Then pick the boat you like the best.

I have a 2008 nitro 898 with 225 optimax. I love the boat. Huge decks, lots of storage, DRY SMOOTH ride. I have also owned a skeeter, i personally like the nitro a lot better. I have never had a problem with service, I take it to bass pro in Grapevine and they take care of anything very quickly, they will go the extra mile to get you in and out as fast as they can. I have been to other places for service and ben given a minimum of two weeks before they can even look at it, bass pro usally looks at hours after i drop it off and are letting me know what is going on. Love my nitro!

There is a reason those places are staying busy!

It is because your boat is taking up all their time!joke

It's your money

Warranty on a Nitro is the same as most manufacturers except one. And I have been very impressed with my dealer and there service. Nitro has done some things in the past that I have not liked, but they do listen to customers and team members about there boats. And I appreciate that. Check out the 2011 products they are just getting better every year.

Make no mistake I am not bashing anything or anyone. My advice is do your homework and choose the boat that is right for you. Let this be part of the advice you are looking for, also go and talk to your local fiberglass shop and ask what brand of boats they see the most of.

The problem with boat hulls is that it can take years for bad quality and materials to surface. It is a much different situation form a mechanical object like a car or truck. Personally after owning a couple of very bad boats I would do a lot of homework and probably rule out anything with any kind of bad reputation. I have had people try to tell me that Procraft changed too. I am like the people from Missouri - "show me". I currently own a Ranger that will be celebrating it's 26 bday in November. I probably could not afford a new one of the same style so when I buy the next time I might have to consider something else. I bought the Ranger because I could not afford to keep fixing the junk I had before. The best advice I can give is just to be careful.

I agree with what most every one has been saying. The 2011 Nitros I have no idea about and are probably made as good as they get. The best advice is like said above do your homework and talk to others and hold out for the boat that is right for you. Good Luck