Question about Nitro boats

[thedude]

haha. 2 things i've learned since owning a boat
1. Don't every buy a tracker

[Durand Dan]

haha. 2 things i've learned since owning a boat
1. Don't every buy a tracker

I've got agree 100% on the Tracker statement.  It is a great boat to fish out of but the quality of build and the components need serious attention. Don't know anything about D and R, but I think you can find fault in any service organization.

[Potter]

Owned a Nitro for years.  Boat was fine and fully functional.  Drove to Arkansas to get a Cat.  Well worth the time involved.  IMO... don't limit yourself to local boats.  The selection "up here" is very small.  Do the research and go for a good long ride if you need to.


Potter

[JCOOPER]

I am going to chime in on this one and would think I am Semi-Qualified!

I have sold and fished almost every brand of bass boat.

Triton, Champion, Ranger, Basscat, Legend, Skeeter, Nitro, Challenger, Stratos

I have owned personally a Ranger, Champion , Triton and a Nitro.

No longer having ties to bassboat sales, I would think makes my opinion unbiased.  For the last 2 seasons I have fished a Nirto Z7  and I truly could not imagine buying a 19ft boat NEW and having it be anything else.  The money simply isnt comparable.  For what you get in that boat for the money, there isnt even a close competitor.  That boat is also alot bigger than most people, think.  I have been on St Clair a couple times and ran Lake Michigan on several occasions.  The boat is almost always sold with a 150 which makes people think of an 18ft boat  when thinking of the Z7 but last time I checked the boat is rated for 200.  Dont hesitate with the 150 as it runs a nice 60mph with 2 guys with the 150.  This is my opinion on the 19ft range, if your going 21 ish, thats a whole new world and new discussion.

[peters_skeeter]

If you are considering buying a skeeter, check out what is available at Lake Drive Marine in Coldwater, MI. I just bought a new zx200 from Jeff. I know he has a lot of 08's and 09's that were never titled and he needs to get rid of them. He traded in my tracker proteam 175 towards the zx200. The point is, I have been shopping for a new boat for two years, I really considered a nitro, even another tracker, but when you really look at what you are getting for a nitro, I stuck with the tracker I had for another two years, saved up some money for a down payment, and bought the zx200. I am so happy with my choice. The way I see it, if you are going to invest all that money in a boat, wait a little longer, save up for a down payment, and invest in a boat that will still be worth something and have a good resale value in a few years. Just my 2 cents.

[bassassasin88]

Craigs list is full of bass boats if you don't mind traveling a little.

[Mike S.]

I owned a Nitro, fished out of it for a number of years as well as fished out of another for a few years.  Honestly never had any huge problems with it and it fished decently.  But, fit and finish was terrible and those plastic tubs they use for their compartments always broke and most compartments always leaked.  The worst thing was the ride, absolutely horrible in anything over heavy chop.  I got wet and ended up wearing a back support. 

I then graduated to a comparable sized Bass Cat and it was like going from night to day.  Great fit and finish, dry ride and as smooth as glass, even in heavy stuff like you will see on Lake Michigan and Muskegon lake.  You will be amazed at the customer treatment you will get even buying a used Bass Cat.  I'd be happy to take you for a spin on Muskegon when we get soft water.  Don't live that far from their myself.

Good luck in your decision.

Sounds good.  I'll take you up on that ride.  Never been in a Cat.  My dad had several friends, when we lived down south, that had the Pantera 2's, and he swears by them.  You guys have got to cut me some slack on the Tracker.  I had cash for it, and wasn't planning on getting in to tournament fishing at the time.  Was just hooked on recreational catch and release, so it worked fine.  Once I started fishing tourneys, my needs, and wants quickly changed.  I was TOTALLY impressed with LGMOUTH's 20I when he let me take it for a ride on White Lake.  If he still has it when I'm ready to buy, it is on top of my list.  I do like the Champs, though.  Would like to ride in one, flying in some chop!  I know I need to buy a better quality boat, so does my wife.  I'm quickly losing the love of all my other toys, and find myself  jonesin for that next fishing trip.