My next boat will be a nitro. That is all I can afford...

I'm not for sure but purchasing a mid 2000s z7 or a mid 2000s triton 21 or possibly a ranger( 519 was very popular) I would try to find one of them. Possibly a basscat (built strong) should be cheaper price.

18 years old, paid 6700$ cash for it 11 years ago, all original switches, pumps, plumbing, doesn't leak a drop, runs 55 mph, uses very little gas, fishes great to me..... Not good in rough water is it's only limitation....... You brand Nazi's are funny suckers......good boats can be found in most brands....and everyone's needs are unique..... If you have an opinion based on personal experience then cool, if you just repeat the incessant diatribe about this brand or that brand, you're an idiot....

That's a fine boat, sir. I think I got off track after reading what Mr. Biggs wrote. He mentioned $25k and I can think of several better ways to spend $25k on a boat than on a Z7.

If you want a mid 2000 used bass rig, decide what size boat and motor, your budget, color preferences, and start looking. Just be patient and don't get too hung up on a particular brand. Focus on what's important to YOU. These boards are very helpful but sometimes you get mixed opinions because of certain brand loyalties like Ford and Chevrolet. You are the one who knows what you want, how much room you have for storage, towing capabilities, and where you fish mostly(lakes or rivers). All brands of boats and motors have had issues....even NEW major brand boats(another story). Check out the motor compression, boat transom, walk on floor and decks feeling for soft spots, and take a test ride. You can inspect the trailer with the boat unloaded and try out depth finders, troll motor, and all switches and gauges on the water. You'll witness owner starting engine and running at different speeds to evaluate performance. Rough idle, engine miss while on plane, or engine cutting out when accelerating can sometimes be found this way. Enjoy your shopping and don't pay much attention to the brand bashing.....

I have a 2010 Z-8 and I like it for the most part.

Pros:
Lots of deck space
Lots of storage
Can fish 3 people
Dry ride for the most part
Awesome price

Cons:
I do not like all the plastic in places I think should be some form of metal or fiberglass.

Mine is not wet, rough, or unstable. Dill obviously has never owned a Nitro Z7....I have been wet in rough water and felt unstable, but I was in a major brand on Rayburn...lol.

there's a reason they (Nitro) are less expensive, quality! Do you think they just build a better quality boat and sell them for a lower price? I bet KVD cant wait for the day to be sponsored by Ranger or Triton!

Well, I've been with a guide in one on Fayette. It was fine, small lake. Then I fished as a coangler twice on Rayburn, this year, in big water. It was the most miserable ride I have ever experienced. I was soaked from head to toe. Literally. So you're right... I've never owned one. Both of those guys would have a different boat if they could've afforded it or sucked it up and spent the extra cash. So, that's good enough for me to form my opinion. Right or wrong. I guess I could go make the mistake myself and then my opinion would be more valid?

I'm sure if KVD wanted to fish for any of these companies he would have switched years ago... I'm sure that brand new Z21 is setting pretty okay with him.

I have to agree with B. Dill. Small lakes with a stiff wind and my Z7 does just fine. Anything above 15 on big water and the ride becomes uncomfortable and damp in my opinion but it is only a 18'8" boat. My son and I fished Fork for a couple of days a week ago with a 15+MPH wind out of the south and we were both pretty sore the next day.

No complaints on quality and boat has met or exceeded my expectations. When time comes to upgrade I will let you know about resell.

Seriously guys?? Biggs has run Nitros for a few years. Remember he won the living the dream tournament where he got a truck/boat/entries paid for the year? He is probably just going back to his Nitro after his year is up.

I previously owned a 2009 Z-7 with a 150. Absolutely the best 18 foot boat on the market. Some guys complaining about the ride might be comparing it to larger boats. I ran this boat on Rayburn, Toledo, Livingston, Conroe, Falcon and never had a complaint. It's not a 20 footer though so understand that going into it.
Huge front deck, ample storage, and fishes well. If you prop it right the whole shot is great with 2 people. 3 and live wells filled it starts to struggle. The older Z-7s are rated up to 200 so you may want to consider that. Mine ran 60mph brand new and then once loaded down I was around 55-56mph. Jack Plate is a good idea too; never added one on mine but wanted too.
I sold the boat on TFF in the first day it was on the site. Paid 26k total and sold 4 years later for $18k with multiple offers.

If you don't want to spend a fortune or deal with heavy larger boats then the Z-7 is going to treat you well. If you want a tandem trailer it was $2600 from Nitro.

Good Luck!

Kvd can get a sponsor from anyone he wants...... If he wanted to be sponsored by tampax he would have it.

I'm out here on Lake Ouichata practicing for the Forrest Wood Cup idling for hours so I decided to see what's new on the Ol TFF. I was not expecting to cause this kind discussion with my comment. He asked about a Z7. I believe the older ones with a 200XS & new enough to still have a couple years of warranty are the best buy out there for 25k or less. As far as the cons above.... Wet? It is not wet at all, because it has great nose lift. Unstable? It has a 94" beam. There are 20' boats with a 94" beam. Leg room? I'm over 6' and it's fine for me. Cons? You better know how to drive a boat. It's very quick and overpowered with a 200. Same goes in rough water, you had better drive it. Resale? It's a lot easier for a guy to get a used boat bank loan of $20,000 than $60,000. There are many good ones out there. I've ran 200 miles in a day in my Z7. For me it is a tool to make me $. Bottom line is a boat is a tool. It's not about looking like a pro, it's about being one. I do think Ranger & Phoenix make a great boat as well.