Well we have decided we are gonna look into a new boat. I am thinking Nitro cause it would be the easiest to get to dealer wise, and I think the new ones are pretty nice. Might look into some other brands in the same price range though, but I'm NOT trying to start a brand war. Just wanted to hear from some guys who own z6's and z7's. I have a 16.5ft nitro currently and I'm worried the z6 won't really be a step up. Just better quality. How do they both ride? What are top speeds? How is the durability? My 02 has held up well and you don't hear much bad about the newer Nitros so I'm guessing it's good. Thanks!

Go with the Z7 the ride is nice and you have alot more storage.I have a 2010 Z7 with 6 inch jack plate and top speed is 60 with 3/4 tank of gas and all my fishing gear.and it is easy on the gas

A year ago I had that same question and bought me the z7. I love the z7

the z 7 will fish an ride much better.

So it seems the Z7 is the popular choice. I was just in BPS looking at them. I think I like everything about the Z7. The Z6 is nice though and a good bit cheaper. Huge front deck for the size boat it is.

Bought a z-7 first of July love it.Have 175 pro xs not broke in yet but will run mid 60's.Boat fishes great and rides very good. Do'nt think you will be unhappy with it at all.

What is the price difference @ BPS?

Bruce 12 is correct, I,ve been in his boat a couple of times. This boat screams, fishes good, and looks great and has a ton of storage. I,m even thinking about tradin' in my ole' Champion for one.

Good as long as your not in "BIG" water!

Z7 is a nice boat....good layout, seems huge for a sub 19' boat.

I purchased a new Nitro Z7 with 150 ProXS in 2013 and it has been great. Tons of storage, good looks, runs about 60 and sips the gas. I compared the Z6 and considered it due to the price and I knew it would be fine for most of my fishing. But finally decided on a Z7 so I wouldn't have any regrets when I fished Rayburn or Toledo Bend. After 1.5 years, absolutely love it.

Thanks for all the responses! To answer your question patriot07 the difference is about $6000. With that said is there anyone who has a z6? How is the rough water ride? That's what I'm concerned about most. I looked at them today and they both got good storage. I really like the z7 but it is more expensive.

If you SETTLE for the Z6 you will wish you got the Z7. If the $6000.00 price difference of the Z7 is out of the question then there is no question. Once you get the boat out on the water in not so preferable weather you'll enjoy the extra real estate of the Z7.

Brian

Buy A USED Z7 with warranty for less $$ than a new Z6.

Z7 for sure unless you have limited boat storage space then its a Z6. I believe Z6 also has a 12 volt trolling motor system but can be upgraded to 24 volt as an option. Z7 is 24 volt......I ran 17 and 18 foot boats for years in the roughest conditions and never had issues except for ride quality but that was 300 series Rangers and they all rode rough. I ran a Nitro; which was my last rig, and they have such a deep V they run rough water really well at any length......the one I hade worked best in rough water with no trim what so ever. It felt like I was flying over the water in a helicopter and not even touching it in the worst conditions.

For $6k, I think the question is how long you plan to have the boat? If it's a long time, go ahead and make the ugprade to the Z7. Short time, either get the Z6 or buy used so you're not taking a huge depreciation hit. Just my $.02

Someone mentioned buying slightly used and that might be the better deal for you "if" you do plan on upgrading later. All new bass boats take that out the door dive just like new cars. A slightly used one will already have that factored in and will be easier to move down the road.

A Z-7 is the only boat I've ever fished out of that is as easy to fish as a Ranger 521. I love the deck on them. If I weren't a Ranger man I'd go with a Z-7.

I picked up my 2010 Z-7 (Pro 150/no jack plate) in December 2012 for $17,500 with 27 hours on the motor (and have the extended Mercury GOLD warranty until 03/2015). That was a HUGE savings over new. Took it to BassPro to have them do a routine service on it and after finished, they said 'see you in 3 years'. The Nitro has never missed a beat and still runs and looks like a brand new boat. If you can find a couple year old model with low hours, that is definitely the way to go.

I echo everything all the other Z-7 users have mentioned above... handles rough water (2' swells is all I really see) with no issues, yet can still get into some pretty skinny water. Goes faster than I need and is very fuel efficient... seems like I rarely ever fill up.

I love the wide beam and it is really nice not to feel like every step may be your last when using the bow seat... lots of room to have rods laying around and not step on one. The only thing I wish it had was a higher gunwale... the Z-7 has like a 1/2" lip and it is pretty easy to lose something over the side if you are not careful.

Easy loading and unloading is another plus... the Z-7 falls right into place every time I load, and often do alone. Never had anything break on it (people are constantly bashing Nitro on here for 'cheap' hardware/components/etc...). I am guessing they have never owned one of these new models as absolutely nothing has ever snapped or broken on mine. It takes a beating well...

Another big plus... It fits in my standard garage at the house thanks to the breakaway trailer tongue. Granted, I have about 1" to spare, but it fits! It's great not spending on monthly storage rental.

Would I buy another one based on my experience? In a heartbeat... wouldn't even consider another boat.

I've fished out of both and I have to say the Z-7 is much nicer in terms of utility and space.