Nitro Z7 2024
rowyourboat reply :
looking at gettin a new nitro z7 with a mercury 150.
thoughts????
Fishing Rhino reply :
I have one. I like it. While it is not a Ranger, or Bass Cat or whatever, it doesn't carry the price of them either.
I've seen 58.2 mph on the GPS with a full tank of fuel and two of us on board. Most of the time I cruise at 40 - 45.
Plenty of storage, stable, and comfortable.
The important thing is to know your limits, and the limits of your vessel. Do not exceed either.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
QuoteI have one. I like it. While it is not a Ranger, or Bass Cat or whatever, it doesn't carry the price of them either.I've seen 58.2 mph on the GPS with a full tank of fuel and two of us on board. Most of the time I cruise at 40 - 45.
Plenty of storage, stable, and comfortable.
The important thing is to know your limits, and the limits of your vessel. Do not exceed either.
x2.....I have a Nitro that has roughly the same specs but an older model w/ a 90 on it. It has been a very good dependable boat and the only trouble i ever have is on lake wind advisory days(which i have no business in anyway) the boat does get blown around a bit.
SDoolittle reply :
Rowyourboat, I think you'll be happy with the Z7. I have a 2008 Z6 which is basically the same thing as the Z7 only smaller (17'9") and it suits me just fine around here. It is a very stable and smooth riding boat for it's size. I did get caught in some sudden, strong winds when I was living in Texas, and that made getting back to the ramp a little more exciting. But on these smaller West Virginia lakes, I don't have any worries. I also don't feel any need for a bigger boat. If WV is where you do most of your fishing, the Z7 should be just about perfect.
rowyourboat reply :
thanks guys. i just graduated college about a year ago and this is my first "big purchase" so im a little nervous i guess you could say. but listening to this eases my mind a little haha
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteIt's too small for some of my waters. It just wouldn't feel safe in some of the wind conditions we get on the larger lakes.
Why? I was running a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V on Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River in rough water the Z-7 is a bigger boat should be no problem keep in mind I wasn't out in 6' waves I wouldn't take a 21' bass boat out in 6' waves. You need to know the limits of your vessel. Plenty big for the for mentioned waters.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Carrington reply :
the z-7 is a great boat, put the biggest engine you can put on it, i want to say thats a 200hp but i may be wrong.
CAdeltaLipRipper reply :
if its powered by an OPTIMAX you should be able to go anywhere in the world no problem ;D
Fishing Rhino reply :
They dropped the max hp rating to 150 for this year's model.
Carrington reply :
QuoteThey dropped the max hp rating to 150 for this year's model.
Thats dumb, they should strengthen then transom so you can atleast put a 175 on the thing. I would love to get my hands on a z8 with a 250, i believe thats the fastest tourny boat that nitro makes.
Pa Angler reply :
Tracker Marine dropped the rating as to push buyers to the Z-8 the Z-7 can handle 200hp. Any Z-7 delivered before Jan. 2011 still has the 200hp rating on the plate so you can do a repower if you want any Z-7 as of Jan. 1, 2011 will have the 150hp rating on the plate I received my Z-7 just before Christmas mine has the 200hp raring. Nitro won't factory install 200hp on the Z-7.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteIt's too small for some of my waters. It just wouldn't feel safe in some of the wind conditions we get on the larger lakes.Why? I was running a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V on Lake Ontario rough water
That boat on Ontario is more dangerous than the 21' in 6 footers, imo.
QuoteI wouldn't take a 21' bass boat out in 6' waves. You need to know the limits of your vessel.
There is no issue with it as long as you take it slow and know how to drive.
Fishing Rhino reply :
Actually, unless I'm visualizing the wrong boat, your Targa deep V would be preferable to a bass boat in rough water. The deep V will give a softer ride, and it has more freeboard than a bass boat.
It's also lighter and more buoyant. That combination of things makes it less likely that you'd take water over the sides or the bow.
Bass boats are not designed for open water and rough conditions, though some may dispute that assertion.
A bass boat is basically a fast raft (fishing platform) with a lot of storage.
Tin reply :
I agree on the V-hull but on Ontario I don't care what kind of hull it is a 17' boat is a death wish. I have seen that place go from a light chop in the morning to 5-7 feet in the morning. The largest waves I have ever seen where there, they canceled a tourney due to 8-10'.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteIt's too small for some of my waters. It just wouldn't feel safe in some of the wind conditions we get on the larger lakes.Why? I was running a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V on Lake Ontario rough water
That boat on Ontario is more dangerous than the 21' in 6 footers, imo.
QuoteI wouldn't take a 21' bass boat out in 6' waves. You need to know the limits of your vessel.There is no issue with it as long as you take it slow and know how to drive.
A 21' Bass boat in 6' waves is MORE risky than the water I was running with my 17' I did say roug water not 6' waves you won't get me to believe that your running in 6' waves slow or fast on a normal basis. I know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves. Deep V's are more suited for open big water that a Bass hull.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Md reply :
QuoteI've been out on the lake and the river(St. Lawrence) in 6 footers. Sometimes you don't have a choice when you run 30 miles and a big storm rolls in. I'd take my 21' Skeeter with a 4 blade prop over an aluminum deep v any day. I just take my time and climb over every wave. Believe me, it's not fun and it eats up a ton of fuel, but it sure beats the alternative.QuoteI know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves.
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIt's too small for some of my waters. It just wouldn't feel safe in some of the wind conditions we get on the larger lakes.Why? I was running a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V on Lake Ontario rough water
That boat on Ontario is more dangerous than the 21' in 6 footers, imo.
QuoteI wouldn't take a 21' bass boat out in 6' waves. You need to know the limits of your vessel.There is no issue with it as long as you take it slow and know how to drive.
A 21' Bass boat in 6' waves is MORE risky than the water I was running with my 17' I did say roug water not 6' waves you won't get me to believe that your running in 6' waves slow or fast on a normal basis. I know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves. Deep V's are more suited for open big water that a Bass hull.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
If you roll with the waves there is no issue or worry.
mr.mallard reply :
honestly id wait buy and good used boat from craigslist. (be patient and dont settle)and nvest the rest in retirement...
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIt's too small for some of my waters. It just wouldn't feel safe in some of the wind conditions we get on the larger lakes.Why? I was running a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V on Lake Ontario rough water
That boat on Ontario is more dangerous than the 21' in 6 footers, imo.
QuoteI wouldn't take a 21' bass boat out in 6' waves. You need to know the limits of your vessel.There is no issue with it as long as you take it slow and know how to drive.
A 21' Bass boat in 6' waves is MORE risky than the water I was running with my 17' I did say roug water not 6' waves you won't get me to believe that your running in 6' waves slow or fast on a normal basis. I know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves. Deep V's are more suited for open big water that a Bass hull.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
If you roll with the waves there is no issue or worry.
It's not like I never got caught up in a sudden storm I have run into waves that were 5' to 6' waves but the fact is Deep V (Walleye boats) are built for the big water Bass boats are not.
Here's another fact It's easier to submarine a Bass boat with it's low profile into a large wave than a Deep V (Walleye boat) If I layed on my bow I couldn't reach the water that's how much freeboard there was you don't have that kind pf protection with a Bass boat. I met an angler who's 19'-6" Bass boat got swamped on Lake Erie no one is going to convince me that a Bass boat is better than a Deep V for big water.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteQuoteI've been out on the lake and the river(St. Lawrence) in 6 footers. Sometimes you don't have a choice when you run 30 miles and a big storm rolls in. I'd take my 21' Skeeter with a 4 blade prop over an aluminum deep v any day. I just take my time and climb over every wave. Believe me, it's not fun and it eats up a ton of fuel, but it sure beats the alternative.QuoteI know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves.Did you ever own a deep V? Wonder why Al Linder uses deep V's rather than a Bass rig on the great Lakes.... Let me guess a more stable platform for such.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Under the Radar reply :
There are OLD Captains and there are BOLD Captains.
But you're not gonna find too many OLD BOLD Captains.
Capt. H. N. "Nick" Ochs Ret.
Md reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteI've been out on the lake and the river(St. Lawrence) in 6 footers. Sometimes you don't have a choice when you run 30 miles and a big storm rolls in. I'd take my 21' Skeeter with a 4 blade prop over an aluminum deep v any day. I just take my time and climb over every wave. Believe me, it's not fun and it eats up a ton of fuel, but it sure beats the alternative.QuoteI know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves.Did you ever own a deep V? Wonder why Al Linder uses deep V's rather than a Bass rig on the great Lakes.... Let me guess a more stable platform for such.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
No, I have not and I'm not trying to argue with you. Mr. Linder's deep v's also didn't run 70+ on calm days. Sometimes I need to make milk runs and hit as many places as possible during a tournament day. A 21' bass boat is very versatile and I was just stating a fact that I have been out in 6 footers on Ontario and not had problems...but my boat is also set up for it(4 blade prop, 54 inch tm shaft, extra bilge, etc). Truth be told, if I fished the Great Lakes exclusively, I would opt for a 21' FIBERGLASS walleye boat. They really handle big water.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI've been out on the lake and the river(St. Lawrence) in 6 footers. Sometimes you don't have a choice when you run 30 miles and a big storm rolls in. I'd take my 21' Skeeter with a 4 blade prop over an aluminum deep v any day. I just take my time and climb over every wave. Believe me, it's not fun and it eats up a ton of fuel, but it sure beats the alternative.QuoteI know what a 17' Deep V can do and what it can't do a 21' Bass boat has no business in water with 6' waves.Did you ever own a deep V? Wonder why Al Linder uses deep V's rather than a Bass rig on the great Lakes.... Let me guess a more stable platform for such.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
No, I have not and I'm not trying to argue with you. Mr. Linder's deep v's also didn't run 70+ on calm days. Sometimes I need to make milk runs and hit as many places as possible during a tournament day. A 21' bass boat is very versatile and I was just stating a fact that I have been out in 6 footers on Ontario and not had problems...but my boat is also set up for it(4 blade prop, 54 inch tm shaft, extra bilge, etc). Truth be told, if I fished the Great Lakes exclusively, I would opt for a 21' FIBERGLASS walleye boat. They really handle big water.
I understand
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Fishing Rhino reply :
While we are speaking of extreme weather, here's a helpful tip if you are ever caught in these conditions, and you have to run with the wind.
All of the boats mentioned here are fast enough to match the speed of the waves. The safest way to run with the sea is to ride the back side of the wave, controlling boat speed so that you are "climbing" the wave toward the crest.
Never ride the front side of the wave. You may find yourself surfing the wave, putting yourself in danger of pitchpoling, or yawing badly enough to get broadside to the sea and being swamped.
Md reply :
QuoteWhile we are speaking of extreme weather, here's a helpful tip if you are ever caught in these conditions, and you have to run with the wind.All of the boats mentioned here are fast enough to match the speed of the waves. The safest way to run with the sea is to ride the back side of the wave, controlling boat speed so that you are "climbing" the wave toward the crest.
Never ride the front side of the wave. You may find yourself surfing the wave, putting yourself in danger of pitchpoling, or yawing badly enough to get broadside to the sea and being swamped.
Also, one of the most important things I've learned is that every wave, or set of waves, is different, and should be driven as such. It takes a lot of concentration and can be very nerve racking.
Fishing Rhino reply :
QuoteQuoteWhile we are speaking of extreme weather, here's a helpful tip if you are ever caught in these conditions, and you have to run with the wind.All of the boats mentioned here are fast enough to match the speed of the waves. The safest way to run with the sea is to ride the back side of the wave, controlling boat speed so that you are "climbing" the wave toward the crest.
Never ride the front side of the wave. You may find yourself surfing the wave, putting yourself in danger of pitchpoling, or yawing badly enough to get broadside to the sea and being swamped.
Also, one of the most important things I've learned is that every wave, or set of waves, is different, and should be driven as such. It takes a lot of concentration and can be very nerve racking.
Absolutely true, especially on the ocean. You can have ground swells several feet high with the surface like glass. Combine swells with wind driven waves, and it produces an interesting combination. The waves and the swells, though moving in the same direction travel at different speeds. At times they cancel each other out. Other times they combine to make conditions worse.
The time between the two extremes can be several seconds or a few minutes. We've all seen surfers sitting on their boards off the beach, waiting for the perfect or better waves.
If you've heard of "rogue waves" they are the result of various surface conditions coming together to produce them, much like lows converging to create "perfect storms".
Carrington reply :
hsve you seen the video footage from deadliest catch when the rogue wave hit one of the boats, it was pretty crazy.
CWB reply :
I know there are people that look down their noses at Nitro, but I sure wish I had one.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteI know there are people that look down their noses at Nitro, but I sure wish I had one.
I know one Angler that doesn't.....KVD.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
sodaksker reply :
I was at bass pro last week and happened to check out the Z7 they had on display. It looked fully equipped with opti 150, electonics, and talon anchor system. It was a single console and was priced at $23k and change. I thought it was a good price for a new boat with said options. The other thing I noticed was the beam. It looked to be a nice wide beam.
Now that said, I think there are some great bargains out there on used rigs but, with a new unit you shouldn't have to worry about repairs and upgrades for a few years. You can just go out and fish.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteI was at bass pro last week and happened to check out the Z7 they had on display. It looked fully equipped with opti 150, electonics, and talon anchor system. It was a single console and was priced at $23k and change. I thought it was a good price for a new boat with said options. The other thing I noticed was the beam. It looked to be a nice wide beam.Now that said, I think there are some great bargains out there on used rigs but, with a new unit you shouldn't have to worry about repairs and upgrades for a few years. You can just go out and fish.
That 23k doesn't include the Talon or shipping and dealer prep I have a new 2011 Z-7.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
South FLA reply :
I second buying a USED boat over a new Z-7, you can get a MUCH better deal and end up with much more boat in quality and size. You could pick-up that garage kept Ranger, Bass Cat, or Skeeter if you are patient. Try using searchtempest.com as your search engine.
As far as running rough waters (over 3') in a bass boat, I don't care if your boat is 21' or 18 1/2' its still ROUGH and hard too do safely.
Remember when B.A.S.S. use to run 18-19' boat all day long in all kinds of lakes and that was the norm? Smart captains know their equipments limitations and if you get caught in rough water take your time and learn how to handle the boat before you do it.
Fishing Rhino reply :
New vs used? I'd opt for the new. It comes with a warranty. As for Rangers, Bass Cats, etc., being better than a Nitro, what's the point? You get what you pay for, and the fish don't know if you're fishing from an Allison or a shingle. They don't care either.
I'm perfectly happy with my Nitro, though there were a few kinks they had to take care of, like installing the wrong propeller. Of course that had nothing to do with the boat.
You won't catch one more fish out of the most expensive bass boat than you will out of a similar boat that costs much less.
A man and a boat are a team. And the man in the boat is more important than the boat the man is in when it comes to catching fish.
If one is to believe that you will do better fishing in one boat than another, then the best boat, hands down has to be a Nitro. Kevin Van Dam fishes from a Z9. If the others were so much better he'd use them and the manufacturers would be delighted to pay him to do so.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteNew vs used? I'd opt for the new. It comes with a warranty. As for Rangers, Bass Cats, etc., being better than a Nitro, what's the point? You get what you pay for, and the fish don't know if you're fishing from an Allison or a shingle. They don't care either.I'm perfectly happy with my Nitro, though there were a few kinks they had to take care of, like installing the wrong propeller. Of course that had nothing to do with the boat.
You won't catch one more fish out of the most expensive bass boat than you will out of a similar boat that costs much less.
A man and a boat are a team. And the man in the boat is more important than the boat the man is in when it comes to catching fish.
If one is to believe that you will do better fishing in one boat than another, then the best boat, hands down has to be a Nitro. Kevin Van Dam fishes from a Z9. If the others were so much better he'd use them and the manufacturers would be delighted to pay him to do so.
Congrats on your new boat. There's nothing wrong with a Nitro. You know how people think "My dog is bigger & better than your dog".
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
burleytog reply :
I haven't run one, just went over them in the showroom. There's a reason the Z7 is cheaper than a similar Triton, Ranger, or Stratos. Tracker cuts corners. I know from experience.
That said, if I was in the market for a new boat, I would have to look very hard at the Z7. That or the Triton 18 Explorer would most likely be my two choices.
South FLA reply :
QuoteNew vs used? I'd opt for the new. It comes with a warranty. As for Rangers, Bass Cats, etc., being better than a Nitro, what's the point? You get what you pay for, and the fish don't know if you're fishing from an Allison or a shingle. They don't care either.I'm perfectly happy with my Nitro, though there were a few kinks they had to take care of, like installing the wrong propeller. Of course that had nothing to do with the boat.
You won't catch one more fish out of the most expensive bass boat than you will out of a similar boat that costs much less.
A man and a boat are a team. And the man in the boat is more important than the boat the man is in when it comes to catching fish.
If one is to believe that you will do better fishing in one boat than another, then the best boat, hands down has to be a Nitro. Kevin Van Dam fishes from a Z9. If the others were so much better he'd use them and the manufacturers would be delighted to pay him to do so.
Rhino is correct, you cannot usually transfer component/trailer warranties on used boats, but last time I checked most were *** years on components, depending on manufacture. So is it a big deal, up to you to decide.
Structural warranty transfers can be done and in my book that matters much more than component warranties. For example if you buy a 2008 Skeeter, the hull warranty is 10 years from date of purchase so it will extend until 2018 to second non-original owner. Nitro hull warranty is first 5 years of service to second owner. So you could buy a 3 year old boat and transfer ownership from original owner is still have 2 years left. Lastly, motor warranties, the most important, are transferable and you can actually extend them at times. So the argument that warranty is the main reason to buy new is really not that strong especially if the boat is within 3 or so years old.
He is also right in that the boat really doesn't matter, I actually have been catching bigger and more bass in some of the small waters around the city, on a jon boat not my Ranger. So although KVD fishes out of a Nitro doesn't it mean Nitro has the best resale value, best customer service, best over quality of workmanship? Shoot I bet KVD could fish with a Ugly Stick an entry level or Spider Man spin caster off a Tracker car topper and still out fish other pros if the conditions are right. Point is most of us are not KVD and get boats given to us by sponsors that pay us to use them every year. Most boat owners want their boats to last a long time without any major problems, so why not get a "better" and better is totally subjective it could mean bigger, larger HP, more high end components, better build quality, better resale, different manufacture, etc.
What does matter to most people is money. That being said why not buy a 2 to 5 year old boat that someone has taken a HUGE depreciation hit and use the savings. It can even be a Nitro if you'd like, just went on on ebay and looked at an 2009 Nitro loaded for $27K and warranty is through 2014 on 225 Pro XS Merc motor and hull warranty is through 2014 if hull warranty policy was same in 2009!
Therefore, why not try to look for what you want, but a little older and in like new condition for 3/4 of the price or something better for the same price you are willing to pay. I looked for my USED boat for over 6 months and could not be happier and I customized it to the way I fish. Also, the fish can't tell its used 
. I ended up with a Ranger, but originally wanted an Action Craft.
wldhors2 reply :
Hi rowyourboat,
I have a 2007 Ranger 188vs Brand New for sale.
If interested please email me
Thanks, Ron
mustang1989@epix.net
If this post is not allowed, I'm sorry
and please delete.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteI haven't run one, just went over them in the showroom. There's a reason the Z7 is cheaper than a similar Triton, Ranger, or Stratos. Tracker cuts corners. I know from experience.That said, if I was in the market for a new boat, I would have to look very hard at the Z7. That or the Triton 18 Explorer would most likely be my two choices.
Now that I'm a proud owner of 2011 Z-7 I wouldn't say cheaper less expensive is a better description. It's my first Nitro but from what I've heard from other owners is that the Nitro's have come a long way from what they were 10 -15 years ago. Nitro now gelcoats the battery compartment, under the console's, storage comparment's and carpet the rod lockers.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
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