I'm shopping for a used boat and a newer model nitro is now on the Short list. Nitro really has seemed to step up their quality in the past few years....which in my opinion wasn't always the case. QESTION: Anyone know what year they things turned the corner? Trying to avoid some of the older models with all the plywood etc. I'm looking in the 19-20' range 200-225hp.

I know I know....nitro ain't no basscat, ranger, Skeeter, triton, insert high end bass rocket here. Not trying to get that debate rolling. Just a question about nitro.

I just traded in a 2012 Z7(18'8")with 150HP(174 hours). I have no complaints what so ever with the boat and it's quality. I simply wanted a bigger boat for a more comfortable ride since I am getting older. My boat was almost 5 years old when I traded it in and there were no stress cracks, carpet and seats still in great shape and everything still worked as it should.

Not sure what year they turned it around but my 2012 did me right.

Ran a 2015 Nitro before I switched to Phoenix. I didn't have any complaints.

It isn't the fastest or most comfortable boat out there (as you stated), but the fish don't seem to mind.

Curious about this as well. Used to hear a lot of 2nd hand horror stories, but here lately it seems the nitro bashing has slowed down some. Any complaints about newer models? I am in the market for a new to me boat, and you can get such a good deal on slightly used Nitros. But on the other hand, I do believe to a certain degree that you get what you pay for. They have to still be cheaper for a reason?!?!?!

Here is more of my opinion...

Purchased my Nitro new and within the first year had to replace rotted trailer bunk boards, dead battery charger and both completely worn out tires(less than 500 miles). I had no choice but to replace those things and did not even try to have them covered under warranty. I also replaced the stock electronics but that was my choice.

Yes, the boat was cheaper off the show room floor but in the long run, after I up graded everything the price would have been about that of most other similar size boats. Once I did the upgrades, the boat gave me zero problems and in all honesty was a very good boat. Most things I mentioned above are minor and knowing what I know now and how well the boat held up I would not hesitate buying another if a Nitro was what I was looking for.

My biggest decision in going with a Skeeter for my new purchase was comfort and I wanted a Yamaha SHO.

Got a 2008 z -7 never done anything to it except replace the water pump annually - had a 2012 z521 new and had more trips for warranty work than anything else I've owned

I run a 2005 Nitro 901 CDX that I purchased in 2011. Great fishing platform and the boat is put together well; however, it beats you up in rough water (2'-3' footers).

I had an 884 savage nitro for 12 years and took it to the shop every year for water pump, lower unit , plug's and regular service and that was one of the best boats, I have a nitro Z-8 now and do the same service as I did with the 884 savage. I keep it in the garage and wash it after every trip like what was recommended. It's been a good boat in rough water so far and really no complaints and will buy another in a year. Yes on the new boats the trailer's use the cheapest boards out there and they do not last and the tires I went a head and bought new tires when my bunk boards went out but other than that it get's me out and back with no problems.

Mine is a 2012. The tires and battery charger shot within a year. I haven't replaced the bunks yet but I need to. Seems like I need to check all the fasteners pretty regular and have had to repair a few bad screw holes.
If they still use those EZ-Lube hubs it will tear up the seals if you seat them flush because that hole where the grease comes out of the spindle is real close to the seal and that rubber plug will let water in if you don't put some sealant on them.
The locker latches are junk.
Mostly just being a boat.

First time poster here. I have a 2014 Z-9. I run the Great Lakes (yes I'm a damn yankee) quite a bit and she has seen some rough water over the last 2 years. Zero complaints except the livewell pump housings. They are cheap plastic and crack. I've replaced 2 of them and repaired and sealed the other 2. Boat rides well and fishes very comfortably IMO. I did a "middle seat delete" to make the back deck easily accessible without my buddies stepping on my middle seat. Ample storage and good layout.

In 98 the 9 series came out, and this was the first step in the right direction. Course the Fusion Hull in 2007 did not help matters, wish they would have worked that out a little more. It was an excellent idea. Had 2001 911 that was a great boat. No real issues but did have a few stress cracks after 4 years of use.

Latches, pumps and mechanical pieces all go out from time
To time. I had to change the livewell pumps on my Triton. Plus the latches I had at the time were junk and the windshields liked to work themselves loose. But my hull was spot on solid and fast. It took many a stump! My main concern with nitro is the structural pieces. The nitro horror stories I all read are all hull related. Delamination, stress cracks, etc within the first year of operation. it all seemed like stuff they didn't want to back up. That is the big concern.

I had a 2008 Z7 and I can tell you the fit and finish on Nitros has improved a great deal since then. I looked over the new ones last week at Bass Pro, they are doing a good job. I had my boat for 4 years before trading it in, great boat but I wanted a longer boat, tried to get a trade at Tracker but no dice, ended up in a Phoenix.

First boat i ever bought was i think a 2004 Nitro 591. Could have been a 2003 model. Bought it brand new and drove the [censored] out of that boat. That Nitro didn't owe me anything when i traded up 5 years later. In all honesty the Nitro held up better than the Ranger and now Phoenix i own. Never had to do not one thing to that Nitro. Now granted back then the fit and finish was severally lacking to that of the Ranger or Phoenix.

You will never see me degrading a Nitro.

2013 Z8 purchased as new in 2015. only issue i have had was with the Merc motor when brand new. Fixed under warranty and haven't looked back. Looking for many more years of good service and right now would certainly consider buying another if i was in the market for a new boat. As mention above, do your homework on all the upgrades..Once you add the upgrades that others come with the pricing is much more comparable...Guess how i know....