I'm looking at getting a Z8 (2011)... Would like some reviews of the boat if possible. I know all you Ranger guys are going to say "nothing like a Ranger" so I got that before hand. Just would like some pros vs cons on the Z8 only. Thanks guys.

My BIL has a Z7. I really liked it the first time I fished with him. His is a 2010 model. When I fished with him last summer in just a years time carpet was coming up, both seats had seams coming loose and the casting deck was sagging where he fished. He is a former military guy and pretty type A to begin with and takes super care of his boat. Just something to think about. I am not pushing you towards any other boat but my boat is a 96 model Champ and is in much better shape.

As far as a Z8 goes, I cannot help you. My first boat was a Nitro 882 with a Merc 150xr6. This was an outstanding setup for me. I purchased it new in 2000 and loved it. No outstanding maintenance issues with boat or motor. The carburated Merc was a mother to start on really cold mornings but once it started no problems running or starting the rest of the day. The Nitro was a really good boat and served my purpose as a start-up tournament boat. Have the hull checked for damage and have qualified mechanic check out the engine. If you like it and the price is right, go for it. I currently own a 2006 BassCat Puma that I traded the Nitro in on and the current owner of the Nitro still says that it is a good boat.

That boat will fish good. As long as the important items check out, (hull, transom, motor ) it should be good to go. I am not impressed with the carpeting or the upholstery quality but it can still be a functional rig.

Fished out Z8 for last couple years. Z9 couple years prior. Ranger prior to that. Only thing different is price, both catch fishing and had zero issues with any Nitro i fished out of. If boat setup right no diffference in ride.

I have a z-8 and I love it. I USE IT too! But I also take care of it. It gets stored inside, not out in the elements.I dont care what name is on the side of a boat or how much it cost , if you leave it out in the weather the upholestry will go to #@#/ with the quickness. Nothing wrong with the z-8.

I purchased a 2010 Z8 about 2 years ago today. I friggin LOVE it!!! Feel free to PM me any questions you might have and I'll be glad to share anything you want to know. GREAT boat, GREAT ride, HUGE deck, and awesome storage and layout. I've got the dual console, but my passenger console is bolted in. Didn't think I'd ever remove it and I'm really happy with it that way. Just know that if you're buying used, electonic choices ARE your bargaining chip, get the best! Electronics don't draw much of anything for the seller, so seek 7-10 inch monitors.

i have a 00 nx882
and ive done a lot of research on the newer nitros..
ive looked at tons and tons of boats..
fished from tons and tons of boats..
i still want a nitro..
mostly because yes it is more affordable
but also because i like the layout better than everything else
with the exception of the rangers everything else on the water has considerably less deck space
although i do think the legends are probably the best looking boat out there

biggest issue on all the nitros regaurdless of year seems to be carpet and seats..
and i need to replace both of mine lol
aside from that i havent run into too many issues other than one boat that had a delamination issue.. even if you get one out of a million and have that issue thats what insurance is for
and to everybody that says they are garbage i bought the boat 2 years ago out of a guys back yard said it sat for 4 or 5 years no cover no shelter (probably why the carpet and seats are bad)
spent about 3wks cleaning it up goin through the motor
buffed her out never had any issues and we are pretty rough on her
and on top of that my fishin buddy weighs 360lbs and hasnt fallen through anywhere even in rough water so i have no complaints
the Z8 is what i will be buying next when the funds are available

I've had one for 2 years and love it. It's the best boat I've had. I've ran trition, skeeter, & champion.

i have had 3 of them the newer the year model the better the fit an finish they come with base trolling motor graphs an battery chargers its not that much to change them out. the boat sits flat on the water an resonds well to the trolling motor for the price you pay they are a good value.

I have a 2011 Z8, absolutely love it. Only thing I would do differently is the trolling motor. I did not like the 24v motorguide that came standard on it. Have since replaced it with a 36v Minn Kota Terrova I-pilot. The boat rides dry and as smooth as any other in rough water. I get 72mph(gps) with just me and full tank of fuel with the 225hp on it.

As a side note though, mine doesn't seem to catch fish as well as others on here. Surely it's not the operator, maybe I will trade it in for a Skeeter or Ranger.....NOT!

As a side note though, mine doesn't seem to catch fish as well as others on here. Surely it's not the operator, maybe I will trade it in for a Skeeter or Ranger.....NOT![/quote]

Lol....

Here is a sweet run in a Z8:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XP6S31NWrk4

I've heard Nitro has come a long way in quality. I almost bought one until I found my Ranger.