Out with the Nitro Z7 in with new Z18

[IronMj]

I’m going to replace my 2010 Z7 with a new Z18 (2021 or 2022) I have a few questions? My Z7 has 2 helix 9’s at the console a Garmin 9” at the bow and an Ultrex trolling motor. I plan to have Helix 12 at the console and Helix 9” at the bow on the new boat.
1.Should I look for a Z18 pro package if I’m wanting to run Humminbird’s and an Ultrex?
2. What would be the reason I would get the pro package on my new boat?
3.I’m in no rush so would I be best to wait and try to get a boatshow price this winter in Indianapolis that I’m told will be cheaper, order one from a dealer or shop the dealer network on line for a boat on a lot some where.
4.I don’t have a dealer with in an hour of me the closest is Bass Pro in Clarksville Indiana so I don’t have a local favorite dealer to work with.
I would appreciate input on any and all of these questions. I’ve never bought a new boat before I’ve had my Z7 5 years love the boat just ready for a newer boat before she starts to Nickles and dime me.

[JB134]

I can’t specifically answer your direct questions, but I can tell you I just picked up my new Z18 couple months ago and your really gonna like it. This is boat number 11 for me, so I’ve been around the block or too. Mine was already rigged with a couple birds 9, so I wasn’t complaining since finding a new one was impossible. I like those helix’s but the jury is still out on the mapping data I loaded.

[Mcjenson]

Looks like the pro package comes with lowrance 7s and a ghost trolling motor. It won’t let you swap them out on the website anyways, might have to order a base boat.

[Rayman73]

Get the 175 hp motor.

[IronMj]

JB134
Thanks I’m happy to hear an owner that’s really happy with their Z18! Not sure what mapping you loaded I tried Navonics first but the lakemaster plus maps work best on Helix in my opinion for humminbirds.

[IronMj]

Mcjenson
Thats what I’m seeing as well i didn’t know if that was the way it worked. I’m just used to Helix I’ve had them for 5 years I picked up a Garmin Echomap plus 97sv Black Friday and put it on my bow with the idea I’d add livescope to it this coming winter but I haven’t really liked it as well as my birds

[IronMj]

I have the 150 optimax on my Z7 I’m pretty happy with it why would move up in hp? Is the 4 stroke a little dogger?

[ammdrew]

I always prefer to do my own electronics, I would recommend the padded deck, 175, hydraulic plate. Bird or lowrance is really coke vrs pepsi. Get the troller you want and might as well go lithium right off the bat.

[Rayman73]

You always want to get the max hp you can on a boat.

[jtrac]

I have the 175 on mine and it is a beast. A friend bought one with a 150 at the same time I bought mine. I've been in it and it does very well at moving the boat but there is a difference in hole shot and speed, if that matters to you. He gets about 54 to 55 and I'm getting around 61 but I need to play with it some more as I think I can get a few more mph out of it. Mine had the pro package and came with 2 7" HB's and an Ultrex. As mentioned, the 22's will probably have Lowrance stuff. I thought I would replace the HB's but haven't and probably won't as they serve my purpose. I did pick up a Garmin 93SV with the Live Scope package and have a dual mount on the bow for it and the HB. I find I don't pay much attention to the HB as I'm mostly looking at the Live Scope.

I'm not sure waiting for a better price will happen. Nitro and most of boat brands have preset pricing that dealers follow. Where you might make a better deal is with the addons as the dealer may have some flexibility with pricing. If you don't mind driving Pro's Choice Marine in Warsaw, Mo is only 20 miles from the factory and one of their largest dealers. You can check their inventory for comparisons as it changes daily.

[IronMj]

Jim thanks I’ll keep the Pro’s Choice Marine in mind

[IronMj]

While I was shopping for a dealer to order a Z18 I found a 2020 Z19pro that a guy bought back and it was to much boat for him it had less the 30 hrs on it. It looked brand new, he traded back in for an aluminum boat with a smaller
motor without a hotfoot. I got it much cheaper then if I ordered a Z18 and I could take it home no 12 week wait.

[jtrac]

While I was shopping for a dealer to order a Z18 I found a 2020 Z19pro that a guy bought back and it was to much boat for him it had less the 30 hrs on it. It looked brand new, he traded back in for an aluminum boat with a smaller
motor without a hotfoot. I got it much cheaper then if I ordered a Z18 and I could take it home no 12 week wait.

Good for you. Post some pictures.

[IronMj]

Here’s there’re picture you asked for!FC1C0967-0478-480E-BAEF-C7EE19A439D7.jpeg

[avidbasser]

Hot damn! That's a sexy Nitro

[Pat Dilling]

Wow, you got a nice one! Congrats!

[jtrac]

It's a beaut!

[IronMj]

Wife and I finally got my new boat out for the first time yesterday “Family weekend and rain kept me off the lake” amazing upgrade from my Z7! I love this boat feels so much bigger, the better layout and the 200hp Pro XS planes so fast is really quiet just amazing. I did break not one but two rods… my drop shot fenwick HMG and Ned St Croix mojo bass I hadn’t broken a rod in over a year?

[Pat Dilling]

I started out looking at Z18s, but after some research I decided on a Z19 Pro. Out the door it was about $5k more than a Z18 with similar options. But the value with extra features is what sold me. That is: 200 Pro XS, standard 10" jack plate. standard tandem trailer w/brakes, bigger graphs, and dual livewells instead of a divided single. If you have garage space, I recommend it. Check the 1 year review I just posted.

[BMCD]

usually boat show season brings gift cards and 5 years of warranty of the motor, not cheaper prices when it comes to Nitros. No reason to wait in my opinion if you can get the free extended warranty now.