The PERFECT Bass BOAT: NITRO Z Series
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- The search for the perfect bass boat continues with the Nitro Z 20. I met with a friend and had him show us his custom painted Nitro, the fishing features, and do a walk thru to see if this might be the boat we're looking for.
Go check out my buddy Alan @thefishmarshall
Like the hoodie and MB hat??? Grab cool outerwear bit.ly/3hwm83v
Full specs on the Nitro bit.ly/3oZJhOS
So what I have found out about bass boats is that all of them are super nice and way out of my price range.
I never thought I would get one it took 40 years don’t feel bad my friend
Yup. Picked up an aluminum myself. Does me fine. Inexpensive and fuel efficient. Still catch good fish. Maybe one day I will upgrade to a larger aluminum or a fiberglass. Time will tell
@@douglasschmidt6873 I have kids in private school so the kayak will do for now.
dude these are things you just dont decide to buy one day. It took me 8 years of hard work and saving for my Ranger. Plan now.
And 80 percent of the people who buy this stuff I’d say are compensating. You got kayak fishers who would just destroy someone with 50k worth of gear because they have focused on knowledge and practicing skills instead of spending money for bells, whistles, and aesthetics. If these boats are something you like, and you can afford one..then that’s awesome.. get one. But they do not catch fish, and are absolutely not necessary to having fun and getting big bass
2020 Z20 Pro owner here - I have been very pleased. The price point is great, and the boat flat out performs. Is it perfect? No. Neither are Skeeters, Phoenix, Caymus, or any other brand. I bought my boat to fish and fish ability is as good as any out there. Just my two cents.
There are pros and cons to every boat. People will say that more people have problems with Nitros but this honestly is not true. Nitro builds and sells more boat than any other boat. So naturally you will have more complaints because there are more out there. But the numbers show the percentages are no different than any other manufacturer.
The Nitro line are definitely cheaper than any other. However, it does allow you to spend more on accessories to pimp out the boat the way you want it.
So would you rather have the best made boat on the market and no cash left, or spend less on the hull and more on cool stuff?
When all is said and done, whatever brand you buy you're just buying their hull. The motor, electronics, trolling motors, power poles and everything else is the same on every boat!!!
Love my Nitro and if I decide to buy a new boat one day, it'll definitely be a Nitro!!!
While I agree it is totally blown out of proportion with the nitro hate, it is definitely a lower price boat... there are a number of cost cutting materials and design elements.
This boat has some good features. People can crack on nitro all they want, but remember who we're talking about here. Mikey can float a bath tub out into the lake and catch BIGZ! Can't wait to see what you choose, Mikey.
I'll was the first to tell you Mike this is the boat. I could buy any boat and I ended up with a 2021 Nitro Z-19 Pro and this boat is the real deal. Bought mine from Bowers Marine in PA. Fully fully load with a 200 v8 fully loaded I said 67 and it planes in 2.2 seconds watch boat test on this boat fuel mileage is unreal boat rides great and stood the test of the St.Lawrence and Ontario big water and waves. No cracks no nothing I fish hard and if it was crap I would have sent it down the river. $49,749 with custom cover jack plate live well pump outs etc. No power poles is only thing I don't have. I have a buddy just bought in October a 2022 Skeeter FXR Limited 20 foot and $83,000
He and I both agree that his boat is not $23,000 better then mine. I have top of the line Minkota i-pilot ilink etc.
Nitro is at the bottom of the pack as far as quality.... It is the most affordable glass boat but personally I would save a little longer and get something better built...... If you are going to spend that kinda $$$$ get something that's going to last and hold value......
I’m going on my third year on my z20 pro package and have been pretty happy with it. Had to tighten some hardware here and there on the boat and the trailer, but that’s normal with use. Really the only thing that has been bad was the factory agm interstate batteries. Had two bad ones from the factory and replaced with lithiums. Also the carpet is a bit cheaper than a ranger or basscat, it will probably need to be replaced sooner (mine still looks good for now).
The cost of the nitro has gone up significantly, even since mine which I bought in 2019. I believe the skeeter zxr is now cheaper or slightly more than the z20 pro and the zxr has power poles standard. If I was buying new now I’d look hard at the zxr. Also the zxr has rocker switches, which is an upgrade in my opinion over digital switches.
I have a buddy, Gary S., who is a MLF Marshall. I asked him what he felt were the best riding boats out there and he said the best was the Phoenix 921 Elite and next was the Nitro Z21. He has been in them all.
Very interesting…..is that true in rough water or heavy chop?
If your sponsored with a nitro and get a new one every year then they are a great boat. The console on a Skeeter is thicker than the transom on a nitro. The brand new ones rattle like crazy. If you ride in a higher end boat then ride in these you can tell a huge difference. Resale on nitro also sucks and now that they are priced real close to the higher end boats absolutely no advantage in buying one new.
Agree...I have a 2020 FXR 20 with 250 SHO...I love the boat...the SHO is a BMF.....
@@jhondoe6664 I’m sure you’d be saying the same thing about the merc and nitro if you owned them too
@@slimetime4668 I’ve owned a nitro with a merc and 10-1 rather have a skeeter and a sho. Much higher quality than a nitro. I’m not trying to knock anyones boat. Some people love rangers but if they are totally honest then they know that ranger is one of the roughness riding boats around
I have a 2021 z19 pro and I love it for a carpenter from Florida it fit my budget and got me on the water rippin lips also the power switch in the back can be switched to where if you’re cranking battery dies it will pull power from your trolling motor batteries to crank your motor you guys didn’t look but it’s there 😎
I think on the brand new ones they got rid of the jump switch. Saving the money from buying extra wiring.
Mikey word of advice never buy anything Johnny Morris has his hands in he turned Ranger into crap, The trim n finish on his boats are less then par! If you plan on keeping it awhile beware buddy!
Dude, honestly. After watching these boat reviews thus far. I honestly really like the Nitro. Great layout and love the accessibility in the back compartments of the boat.
Exactly, everyone hates on nitro but I really really like the new ones and I’ll be getting one here soon
The new XL line is even sweeter setup. They’re great boats compared to what they used to be.
I have a z21. It's my first boat. It has been absolutely great so far. My one gripe is that the compartments do not keep out moisture. I learned that the hard way. I keep extra clothes in one of the back compartments. A few weeks later, they had mold on them. Toilet paper in the glove compartment was soggy as well. Other than that, it's a great boat. But when I'm ready to trade up, I think I will go with a skeeter.
i never thought of that, one of the downsides of the bins coming out means they're not totally sealed up. definitely something to keep in mind.
Dude that's one of my must haves. That's totally unacceptable for a new bass boat today.
That's one of the reasons I went with Caymas. I've got large raised flanges with good gaskets and I've driven for hours in a thunderstorm and not a drop in any compartment. I've also had rollers wash the rods off my deck and fill up the cockpit ankle deep and still never had a drop of water in any compartment
Now you don’t have to buy wet wipes
Nitro boats are pretty good think the seats sit up a little bit higher than I’d prefer, the trailers are the biggest problem, they are tube framed witch rusts easily especially in brackish water and the axles are basically fence post with spindles welded on the ends, if they came with torflex axles and a channel iron frame I would probably consider buying one
They run boxed trailers
Mike the removable bins are convenient but it's also the cheap way for Johnny Morris to save money by not finishing out all the compartments with fiberglass
True, but as a guy who owns the same boat I appreciate it for wiring and tackle storage.
I still have my 03 Nitro NX 750. Love my little boat. Nitro actually has a worse reputation than their product deserves. My boat has been beat up and put to the test both by myself and the former owner. Gel coat still looks phenominal, transom and stingers still rock solid too. Never been worried about failure other than stuff I cant control like a spark plug coil going out or something random. With that said they really aren't that much cheaper today like they were 10-15 years ago. And other company do edge out Nitro once they start getting into the 40k price point.
I just bought a 2022 Z20 and I love it. I've had it 2 months and not one issue.
Finally dude!! Lol …. My Z18 Pro - hydraulic jack plate, twin power poles. Top speed with just the 150 is 61 mph, net p[placement STD. ULTREX TM std co angler rod storage STD, etc, etc grab rails on seats, etc, etc 30 rods in one rod locker, etc, etc, etc, etc and EASILY $25K less. Don’t buy into the hype of the bigger ‘name’ boats with the big price tag. I have a HELIX 10, 2 HELIX 9s & a Helix 7 & MEGA 360 because I didn’t spend it on the boat. You need your top end electronics!
500 bucks seems like a fair price point for a custom paint job. That paint job is 🔥 and may be something to look for in the next few years. I only recently purchased an 05 skeeter zx195 earlier in January at a good price and this year will tell me and the wife how much we'll get opportunities to be on the water. Love these kind of vids btw
All personal preference......I have a Skeeter FXR 20 with Yamaha 250 SHO......I love it...it is a awesome boat.
If you review a Basscat, do it last, so the rest of the boat reviews aren't disappointing... 100% family owned small business & built in the USA by proud Americans... 🍺🎣
Thank you for sharing this will make boat manufacturers step-up their game...
LOL, you guys lost the coveted "family owned" title in 2015.. And most bass boats are made in the USA
@Bob Enweave Yes, Bass Cat is owned by Correct Craft. Still family operated under Rick Pierce in its original family location, since 1971... Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Mikey, is absolutely right we need to clean up after ourselves and those of us who don't. I was out this morning saw a crane struggling he was wrapped up in fishing line.😡We can do better guys!
74 mph loaded ,ain't to shabby for a 20' boat. He could probably squeeze a little more with a hydraulic jack plate ,different prop and lithium batteries. Z20 pro comes loaded with lowrance graphs and trolling motor , better trailer , etc.
Looks to me like he has a 2020 pro, when they came with humminbird rather than lowrance if I had to guess.
@@MJ_Bass Not sure ,those hummingbird equipped boats had Talon's , his has power poles.
@@John_D2 Good call. You did have an option to swap to poles, but it was significantly more expensive. Maybe he just bought a base and got the other stuff added, not having a jump switch makes me think it might be a new one on second thought.
Look up Team Marine's channel on RUclips. They give a ton of great information on why you should steer clear of Nitros. The quality just isn't there.
If you watch some of his segments when he is “shopping” for used boats he recommends nitros. Not saying they are the best boats, but they aren’t like the junk they first came out with.
@@MJ_Bass I've been in a ton of Nitros over the years as they are the prominent brand that you see around the Ozarks. The newer models sound very hollow as compared to other brands. Gelcoat isn't up to par and tends to show stress cracking around the transom and corners of the compartment lids. Granted these aren't "structural" cracks it's still an issue. Another problem I've seen two people have problems with is a condition known as "hooked hull." The boat wouldn't plane out and jump up on pad. The hull itself was warped which was caused from sitting on the trailer. The boats were warrantied by Nitro, however both of those guys were without their boats for several months. Second is the quality of the trailer. After 1 year I've seen one show major paint peeling issues due to rust. It's a box frame design as opposed to C channel which causes water to pool in the interior of the trailer causing rust and rot. Granted I haven't seen any major transom issues first hand, however I've heard of top cap separation from several owners at the transom when they were running a larger jack plate. Finally the seats sit very high in the boat which leads to a feeling of instability at high speeds. To see what I'm talking about you'd have to sit in one. This is just my .02 from a fair amount of experience in one of them. Granted all brands have their issues, however I'd lean toward going with a smaller less "mass produced" brand such as Phoenix or Charger. This is coming from a guy who owns a pre-White River Marine 2018 Ranger. I'm not married to any brand as long as they bring quality to the table.
@@bassinwithbuck4955 I own a 2020 z20, so I’m likely a little biased. But it seems like the hooked hulls have been solved for a while, you just don’t see that problem noted in the forums from basically the z8/z9 era onward. Also haven’t heard of widespread stress crack issues, not any worse the other brands anyways. I will agree that the trailers aren’t great, honestly though basscat and ranger are really the only brands (off the top of my head) with really nice trailers.
I’ve been eye balling the z19.. my garage wouldn’t hold a 20. Great overview of the boat.
You can build the boat on Bass pro
Pretty sure custom paint is more than $500
Custom paint is $500 when you build a nitro.
The removable bins are great to use to carry your gear back and forth from the house to the boat I don't have a garage so my boats outside and I unload and load it all the time
Brother I know you checked out the Skeeter FXR but you really need to look at the Skeeter ZXR 20 it’s the best bang for your dollar
You and I are on the same mission. I’m looking for my next boat.
Today, I visited 3 dealers in TN. I’m totally in learning mode. I’m fishing out of a 98 hydra sport 270 z that’s in mint condition. So I totally am green to what it’s like what’s available in a new bass boat.
I fish mostly alone and not many big bodies of water. First dealer I stopped was a phoenix dealer.
After I stepped on the deck of a 21’, I quickly realized this is way more than I needed in size.
I the stepped into a 819 pro and I felt at home. Not too big, lots of storage,…but I didn’t pull the trigger. Like I said; I’m green. But seemed right rigged the way I wanted for 60k
Onto next dealer. All they had was skeeters; they must love them, because they were more than my first house in 1994; and minimally rigged.
Then I went to dealer #3. They carry the Caymas and vexus boats; and also suzuki outboards; which are now rigging options for vexus and soon maybe for Caymas. Several thousands cheaper than YamaS and mercs, and by some mechanics better.
But digress, I was interested in looking at the 20’ and 19’ Caymas. Each had their pros and cons. I liked the size of the 19 only because it’s closer to a 20 among many other simple options like switch styles, latches, etc. and price.
But here was the kicker…the vexus AVX2080/1980. Salesman (Joseph) has personally owned two 2080 models, coming out of skeeters and said it’s the best riding boats he’s been in next a Caymas and he wouldn’t be in a Caymas now,’if Caymas hadn’t
Sponsored him a deal.
He said, best boat on the market 20-25k cheaper than a glass boat and you would be
Hard pressed to feel the ride difference. He said depending on load and people with a 200 mid 69’s to low 70’s
I was impressed with the storage, layout and ease of movement around the boat.
It’s now in my list….maybe you should look at with your budget mindfulness
Thanks for advice....
Awesome comment. I'm in the same boat as you no pun intended lol.I also looked at the vexus and I thought it was pretty saweeeet!
@@jamesmilloy2411 I actually pulled the trigger. I ordered a new Phoenix 819 pro. When I stood in one and ran around on the deck like an idiot on the showroom floor….it felt like a larger version of my current boat. When you know you know! That’s all I can add;
Other than. If you feel like a phoenix is the right choice as I.
Call John Webb of marine works of Ky. He set me up right ordering a new Phoenix 819
Pro…ordered it custom with all the options I wanted and needed; trailer too console, colors to electronics, and at a price I was surprised with.
Im going to look at the Phoenix tomorrow morning at 8am. I live in Southern California. Thanks for all your comments. Huge freaken help buddy!
@Matthew Held Im actually going to look at the Phoenix tomorrow morning at 8am. I live in Southern California. Thanks for all the comments and advice. Huge freaken help buddy!
Hey mikeybalzz Ive been watching all your videos and was wondering which boat youre leaning towards? A video with a top 3 would be fire
Thnks for the review I have also been thinking of upgrading my tracker to a Nitro.
i'm an old tracker guy too - had a 175 with a 75hp for years!
I built my 2019 Z21. The build quality just isn't there. I don't need to convince anyone. But my biggest issue was the trailer. WHAT A NIGHTMARE. The 2019 actuator ended up being replaced with a 2020 system. One day after the one-year warranty expired on the trailer. I was heading to a tournament in the middle of nowhere and a leaf spring breaks. Thank God for Thayers Marine in Norwich Connecticut because they fought for me and White Water Marine ended up supplying heavy duty leaf springs. Why weren’t these leaf springs installed initially? A whole season was lost because of these issues. However the 4-stroke Merc is awesome. The boat used to get up to 71 mph with a 23 pitch fury prop. Since installing lithium’s the boat has trouble hitting 65 now. Moved the heaviest tackle to the rear. Nothings changed:/
The only issue with the newer nitros is the unreliable touchpads, if and when they go out you have no bilge or livewells.
Who loves the green machine color scheme? What color new boat should I get?
Stay with the classics, with your rep you need to be a little subtle 😉. The green is cool now but it will get old after a while. Think about the yellow craze a few years ago.
Can't go wrong with the classic color schemes. I definitely think fish can see the bright colors and it could possibly effect the bite especially on those tough bluebird days. The basic colors like black, blue, white, and Grey would my choices
@@bradleyflowers8541 I was actually looking at a black blue silver in the Nitro that looks pretty cool and super simple
@@nunyabusiness102 agreed the yellow banana craze did not go over too well
@@mikeybalzz as far as boats go. I've fished from skeeter, ranger, Phoenix, and nitro and honestly couldn't tell much difference in the ride. I liked the handling of the Phoenix a little more but over all the nitro was the better option due to the versatility and add on ability
NAILED IT!!!!!!!!!
First, I was skeptical of this video given the title of this video, given my own recent personal shopping experience, trying to find boats such as these. But there is no doubt that these new Nitro Z Series boats fit a gap in the marketplace that I have been trying to find for a while now, in new condition, without having to dip too low into a more ratty used vessel, that would be more in my price range.
I am SO glad I watched this video, for now I know these types of bass boats exist. Coupled with the fact that KVD endorses these boats (A fact I learned by using your Nitro link found within the description of this video.), I AM SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!
Alan is a way cool Dude. Understated, yet capable. I think I am kind of like that, too.: I'll spend money to get to the quality item I am looking for, but I'm not flashy or stupid about my purchases, and I want value, without overspending. This Nitro is a true reflection of its owner. I AM STOKED!!!!!!!!!!
well said man!
I love my nitro alot of people bag on them but I honestly have no complaints but I do get compliments at the ramp on looks 👍
As a weekend fisherman no tournaments I think I’ll just stick with the aluminum
When your running 40 to 6 where do you keep your trim and jackplate settings
I've been running nitro for 20 years, in a 2016 z21 at the moment. Great ride plenty of storage and buy a moderate options package and build it up yourself.
that's what i'm liking - customize it to the way you like with the lower price point.
Really like this series, been looking at buying a new boat so it's nice to see the different brands. Love my HP21 Triton but getting some age on it and the engine.
I could never own a fiberglass boat because I’m always hitting something in the water. Can you review some tin rigs? 👍🎣
Bro all your videos are in all the marinas I fish. If you live in North Alabama let’s connect dude. I’m in the Huntsville area
That hull is like being hooked on a rail in the turn..!
Nice boat……. I seen the bait shop flippers you did a video on is going out of business I seen it on their fb
should really check out blazer boats just bought a 625 pro elite brand new 62k boat is just meant to fish and get there fast none of the non essential stuff that just brakes love the vids
It's a hard choice between the nitro, blazer and skeeter! But if I could start over I would've went nitro for abso freckin LUTLEY sure!!! Not because of this video but because I know personally that those boats are everything he said they are and more. My cousin has the same boat n i've fished out of it so many times it was hard to take back. But he knows my addy and definitely would've pulled up for it😂.. so I always had to take it back!.. lol.. but this is a kick ass boat and base to do all the Goody's too without given your first born for..
Sweet...now I just need to win the lottery
🔥🔥Beautiful boat,good luck with finding your perfect boat Mikey 👊
I just order a z20 and I’ve been curious what top speed people have been getting out of them with just factory jack plate
i have the same boat man. i absolutely love it
2021 pro 195 tx tracker. Not real fast but plenty of room
No-tro
You said triton you used to have ? What up Mikey you get a new boat ?
Perfect coffee break content,
Can't wait to see what you choose man, these boat video are awesome, you really learn all the little things that for me I wouldn't think of while buying it, I'd think of it 2 seconds after I pulled off the lot with the boat,
Good content Mikey
I'm pretty sure Rick clunn fishes the z20 nitro just saying nice boat
yeah man i'm finding it very insightful to talk with these guys that own them and have them answer my questions and walk me thru their boats. it's a lot like a fishing rod or reel, everybody is looking for something that's a perfect fit for their style and these bass boat vids really highligh t that. truth be told though, i want every one of them 😂
Love the boat and the price !!! I would personally like to look at one too !! weekend fisherman sometimes I get lucky and even catch a few !!!And the best part was the 10 lbs line !!!! YEA RIGHT !!!lol just messing with ya I have seen all your videos for years love m !!!
Hey Mike I'm headed down to lake istopokaga at the end of the month. Wondering if you could give a little advice??
Mikey I remember you saying you were looking for a power fishing reel that is priced fair. I bought 3 Shimano slx xt over the weekend they are by far the best reel I ever used ☕☕☕
Hopefully you caught more on Wheeler than you did when I met you in April. 😁. What did you think of the ride of the nitro and how does it compare to the other boats you have been in?
Isn’t Nitro made by the same people who make bass trackers?
Owned by Yes. And the same people own ranger and Triton
I’m very new to the bass boat world. Everyone tell me to stay away from nitro. They look great to me and seem “affordable” can anyone tell me why the bad reputation from other anglers
Absolutely great content, excellent boat a a decent price point
Everyone keeps talking about the price...well what is the price with out all the addons, like fish graf exct.
I think i just find my dream boat with axfew personal mods but yea itts got prettymuch all you need i like
How’s towing with that Tacoma though?
very nice
I like these vids....check out an Xpress x20 or x21 if you can, they're bad ass...just remember bro, in this process, you get what you pay for.
Get that skeeter your set for life
Great job again!
Really enjoying this series. Would LOVE to see you get into a FALCON for a review and ride.
I have a Falcon F205 and it’s the same price or cheaper than a Nitro and it’s simply awesome!
@@jasonrutherfordbassfishing after a 13 month wait for a motor. Our F185 is simply amazing, I love it and I'm happy to hear you got into one as well.
I bet half of the people on here bashing nitro don't even own a boat lol my nitro is 20 years old and still going strong
The boats are just ok but trailer is garbage, very thin metal, had to weld mine a couple of times because fenders crack from road vibration
But its still a Nitro...next!
Hydraulic steering, yea one finger. I guess he has never driven a Verado with power steering. LOL. Mikey, come get in my boat
NO TO NITROS 🤦♂️
Checkout the new Caymas😉
Can we just get Mike back in a tin rig?!?!? Give the people what they want!
Yes yes. OK one more yes.
Hi is that a Tacoma that he pulls this boat
"metal flake" you mean glitter?? You know boats are pointed with regular glitter?
No Skeeter? Huge mistake.
Nice boat but go with the SKEETER !!! You won't regret it!
Looked in to skeeter. For the quality way over priced.
Please check out and do a video on a Bass Cat!!! I checked them out at Airport Marine and was very impressed with the quality they put into their boats. They offer a lot of model options to fit your budget and fishing needs.
The are about 20 grand more for the same 20ft boat I have had both brands
Question unrelated to the video, what Costa's are you wearing?
These guys bit.ly/35X3gEP
Thank you so much!
Nooooo kidney killers. Lmao
I’m going to call BS on the seats! I have a friend that has a Z21 2020 and twice we hit wakes and my spine about shattered!! The boat fishes great but the seats suck ass
cheap hardware, Cheap carpet, even cheaper trailers. chopper gun hull and top cap. They are really over priced for what they are.
Bottom line is most folks don’t care. The boat looks good and gets the job done and may cost less money new. It’s the most popular boat on the water.
Had zero interest in the Nitro before watching the video. Know I’m going to look at one. Some really nice features
SKEETER FXR.......
You do you, Basscat for me.
Basscat, 🍎 & 🍊 he's saving the best for last. There are used Basscats worth more than most other boat brands new. Basscat is more than a name... I'm not saying other boats are bad. There are great new boats to select from, then there are Basscats... 🍺🎣
Looks like dido landing
I used to sell Nitros for a Tracker store in Midland, TX. The fit and finish on a Nitro has to be the worst in the industry. Resale is awful. The hulls are paper thin. They also have awful stress fracturing in the gel coat as a result of the thin fiberglass. They’re a decent ride, but I would never buy one because they won’t last and no one wants to buy them second hand.
They all have pro's and con's. When it comes down to it...they are made about the same. They are all within the same price range. I say... buy what you want because your the one paying for it.
👍👍👍👍
Look at a falcon
I drives me nuts when people call nitro an economy boat. People on a budget can't afford a 50k boat let alone 70+
Jesus Christ loves you so much!!!!
Dude not a Nitro bro! 🤦🏼♂️
Its not an economy boat, its a not rip u off boat! Lol your paying for a name with all those other boats with same ole issues except they ate 20,000 more
It isn't a big water boat.😂😂
You catch more fish and have money in your pocket and the bank with aluminum.
Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life!!!!
If your used to a triton. Nitro build quality is junk. They are cookie cutter boats. The attention to detail is not there.