I currently looking to purchase a new boat to start fishing local tournments. Is Nitro a good choice? Nitro boats seem to be cheaper than others. What size boat and motor should I start with? I'll mostly be fishing Conroe and Livingston. Thanks.

Size of boat and motor,etc is going to depend a lot on what ($$$) you want to spend...Those two lakes can get big and rough so I wouldnt recommend less than an 18ft boat that would probably come with a 150HP motor if you plan on fishing in all conditions and getting out in rough water.

Some of the other guys can chime in on Nitros, I have never owned one...I would recommend looking at a Champion though!

I looking to spend less than 30k

I have owned 2 nitro's. It's all what you want out of a boat. They are priced lower,I don't know how the z" ride, but my last one would not take rough water and those lakes can get rough... I own a Champion now and would not go back...just my thought...

my advice is to get the "deep-V" model

They look cheaper but once you put a few required extras, they're not. I mean this, look elsewhere. I'm sure the other big boats have similar priced models but most of what I know is BassCat. Look at a Sabre (18ft) or a Pantera Classic (19ft).

Compare the detail (hinges, wiring, etc.) with Ranger, Skeeter, Basscat, Legend, with a Nitro and you'll see what I mean.

nitros are priced lower becasue they are underpowered and do not include alot of the options or standard features of other boats...

To me they are geared towards the average joe walking in bass pro or where ever not knowing much about boats and wanting to purchase a boat and not looking for the full potential of the boat... In the end if u max the power out and add the stuff u want ur not getting the boat for the advertised price..

Should I buy new of used?

you can get a nice new nitro or a really nice 3-4yr old ranger, triton, etc. buying a used boat is another conversation, but i have considered nirto as well as my 1st real bass boat. i guess it depends on if this is the only boat you consider purchasing. and i think nitro's dont have as good of resale as other bass boats.

You can get an excellent boat in your price range that is used and still has factory warranty, etc. Just do your homework and have the motor, etc checked out before purchase.
JR

i guess ill be the first one to say that there are a lot of better brands out there than nirto, if you go small i would look at legend or champion because they are going to give you the best ride.

I would look used. CHAMPION

You can buy Ranger market boat for that or less. You can even buy a good used premium one for that price and still be better off....my .02

There's a reason Nitro resale sucks.

look for a used champion iam sure there is a ride and decide on used boats. ride in as many boats as you can.