The seats on the new longer Z-Series look and feel much more supportive than the 2014 and prior Z-9s. Those Low-Back seats were a turn-off. I also was not happy with the potential for problems with the balsa on the deck. It was fiberglass encased, but if one were to drill it to mount something, and not treat it properly, it is a failure point in my mind. Maybe one day they'll get away from their 'plywood is just a composite' mentality of boat building.

The new Z series are completely different boat than the Z8 or Z9. Nitro has really stepped up from the old nitro model (Z8 and Z9) to the 2016's. I'm very happy with my Z21 that's for sale compared to my 2015 Z8 I had its a completely different boat that just fishes great and nitro staff listened to people and improved overall

Haha. Nitro doesn't make the switches, pumps, and hoses....they are the same brands as the super high dollar boats.

Just kidding. My nitro switches, gauges, and wiring is perfect. I "upgraded" my hoses an pumps to have a real recurulation system and pump out years ago. But the original stuff was working fine when I made the mods.

I just meant they built it right Chief......I've upgraded electronics, steering, and trolling motor over the years..... That's it

You will always have guys like this I would take his wisdom with a grain of salt. I have own them all from triton to rangers, Skeeter and two Nitros, I am running a 2015 z9 and have had it in big water with nothing tearing up but what I do have is about a extra 15 grand in my pocket lol

Exactly. I do "get it". I also find it funny. Once I get to my spots and put down the trolling motor, turn on the graphs, and get out my Steez/Megabass combos, all the advantages of a competitors high priced boat to them become my advantages. I have tons of money to spend on the best tackle, baits, and graphs because I didn't spend it on a new boat with powerpoles that match my seat stiching. I didn't take out a second mortgage to buy my boat so I often will take my boat to spots that I'd be hesitant to go to if I had a $1000 a month payment on it.

I have a 2000 929cdx it is built very well and seldom has issues. I run a auto repair shop in Lewisville, so I fix whatever it needs right away. Engine has about 450 hours on it and is strong as an ox. I always get compliments on how clean and how good looking of a boat I have. My buddy just bought a new Basscat, it's much nicer than mine, goes a few miles an hour faster, but that's not worth sixty grand more, to me. YMMV

My O8 z6 is doing great. The heat and drought of summer 2010 and 11 took a toll on my seats. The carpet is still original and doing great. I have had zero issues with any gauges and pumps. It is easy to run, very stable for a 17 and a half foot boat. I have two keyed locks that don't work on the deck and new seats. I spent way less than the next companies 17' boat and wont have to worry about getting a pile of money if I decide to sell it. I have already got what I paid for. I'd buy a new 20 footer in a heartbeat and never look back. If I buy a new boat it'll be a Nitro.

I say go with what you know...if they are what fits your needs and it works, then good...I wish any boat was as dependable as a Hyundai...absolutely the stupidest comparison to something bad I have ever seen..I have had two in the past, and they NEVER saw the shop except for oil change..most dependable car I have ever had. I have A Nissan Z and Infiniti G and a Chevy truck from 2001 and if I were going to buy a "normal" practical car, it would be that hated Hyundai...lol. I run a Champ from 05, so I can't be a return customer to my brand. My buddy just got in a Nitro. No problems yet, but I will be watching and listening.

I don't believe you have looked at the new Nitros, especially the Z21. Fit and finish on the new Nitros are no where near the older models. Vast improvements and the performance is great.

why are you "hating" on the Skeeter for ? I'll put my 2000 ZX185 up against any boat for fit finish and ride.



this is exactly right ..... it is about HOW you take care of your boat.

Now,,,ride....that's another story......but to each his own.

I have rarely seen issues with the Nitros. Own my Nitros for 2 years, then I sell. Carpet dont come up. Had a gel coat crack or 2 by a cup holder but that is it. But when things do happen they get publicity, way more then others.

Reality is they are all good boats these days. U can spend more if u want. But the diff between spending 8 to 15k more just is not there.

I think its a matter of who owns the boat too. Take care of things and they will last.

Love mine ,but I buy on a budget and feel I get more bang for the buck. My boats are always garage kept and regularly maintained. I can use the money I saved on other things. The fish don't seem to care.

Calm down Nutman. I'm not hating on skeeter. The guy made a comment about Nitro and he has skeeter in his sig line. You can say what you want about the fit and finish of your skeeter, but it isn't a Mercedes (ranger). I don't own a ranger either, but that is the one boat that year in and out stands out and has the resale to prove it. Like many others here, I've been in many different brands of boats, and at the end of the day the skeeter isn't a world above a nitro.