Thread: Z20, Z21

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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    243

    Z20, Z21

    Now that these have been around for a few years I am seeing them on the water a lot. What types of issues are you owners having with them? Anything you don't like, or would change?

  2. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Channahon, Illinois
    Posts
    259
    #2
    I have had mine 1 year now.

    Construction/Assembly/Parts issues:
    - Ignition boot not turning and tore, replaced under warranty
    - 1 Saratoga lock making a buzzing sound when locking, replaced under warranty
    - 1 Saratoga remote not working, replaced under warranty
    - Bow center lid did not fit perfect (showed a 1/4" gap which wasn't a big deal but when you drop $55,000+ you want perfect), replaced under warranty
    - Screws holding fuel tank in came loose, added removable thread lock and tightened
    - 1 of 3 screws holding starboard rod locker gas shock on came loose, added removable thread lock and tightened
    - Windscreen screws kept loosening, added removable thread lock and tightened


    Design/convenience issues (some may have been changed in the 2018 model and some are just my personal likes/dislikes):
    - Replaced stock group 27 starting battery with a group 31 dual purpose
    - Removed the port rod box tubes
    - I moved the spare prop holder and put a deeper box on the port side for co-angler gear
    - I wish the glove box was deeper to store more
    - I like how high you sit and the seat design
    - Love the room on the front deck and the padding
    - Good livewell system, big livewells
    - Port drawer difficult to access with console attached
    - I wish there were a couple of accessory buttons to use on the switch panel
    - Stable ride and cuts through waves nicely
    - The drain plug is over sized and will not fit a remote drain plug (until Bass Boat Solutions makes a bigger one)
    - Would like a factory fit middle seat box option
    - Saratoga locks stick up slightly so you feel them when walking on them (flush would be nice) not sure how stock locks are
    - I don't know if this is available but an infinite tilt steering wheel would be nice
    - I like the storage of the 21 (1 large, 2 small) over the 20 (1 XL center box)
    - Convenient net storage

    After 1 year, if I was buying again, I would buy another Z21
    Last edited by bison2312; 05-08-2018 at 01:01 PM.
    2017 Nitro Z21
    2017 250 Pro XS T2 (SN 2B401909)
    Bravo 1XS 26P
    BMS 12" Action Jack
    Ultrex 112# - Solix 12 - 12' Talons

    Club: lunkersunlimited.net

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    243
    #3
    Wow, thanks for the info!

  4. Bob G's pool boy
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Fallbrook, CA/Haus' couch/St. Albans, VT
    Posts
    3,592
    #4
    I have had mine a month now. I haven't had any construction issues at all. I 100% agree with all that the guy above said about the design/convenience items. The word I use most when I describe this boat (2018 Z21) is "smart". They have made a billion of these and they know where stuff should be and what little things would make life better. The setup is great. I will add to his list:

    Bilge is the best set up I have seen. Slightly better than my three Bass Cats. Removable bin type storage is a great idea.
    As he said, the lack of storage right at the driver's seat is an issue. I added the center box step from Phoenix. Works great.


    "I am going to Eufala to just idle around"
    -Haus

    ***NEW*** 2023 Ford F150 XLT Super Crew 2.7L Ecoboost FX4 cause I am such a baller.
    2021 Phoenix 721/ Mercury 250 ProXS 4s with a bent ass trailer
    HDS16 live- Solix15 : Console
    HDS16 live W/AT - Garmin 126 W/ lvs34 - Solix12/ 360 : Bow
    Dual 10' Blades/ Lowrance Ghost/ Bobs Hydraulic Plate
    225ah cranking / 100ah trolling. Ionic/Relion lithium

    Instagram @brettcarnright. Teamviewer: bCarnrite@33

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    North East
    Posts
    73
    #5
    I've had issues with non nitro parts of the boat.

    1 dim locker light.
    Locker latches.
    Merc keyswitch faded letters.

    Typical of any other boat brand, it's mostly the parts and accessories that go bad.

    The seats rattle but it's not really a problem.

    Your couldn't pry this boat out of my cold dead hands.
    2016 Z20 Pro
    Ultrex, Lowrance, Merc Monitor, NMEA 2k, Point 1, Gatorbaks.

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Lithia, Fl
    Posts
    252
    #6
    I've had my z20 since February and really have no complaints, besides having to break-in the motor, they should come from the factory already broke in if you ask me. This is my 1st bass boat so I have nothing else to compare it to.

  7. Member 1stindoor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Fayetteville, NC
    Posts
    3,156
    #7
    I've had mine since 2016...knock on wood, no issues at all. But it's a boat (Break Out Another Thousand), and I've owned several...so I know it's only a matter of time before I need to spend money on something.
    2016 Nitro Z21
    "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin

  8. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    North East
    Posts
    73
    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by 17z20 View Post
    I've had my z20 since February and really have no complaints, besides having to break-in the motor, they should come from the factory already broke in if you ask me. This is my 1st bass boat so I have nothing else to compare it to.
    Not really possible to do since the heat cycle needs to be under load. 4hr cycle wouldnt be new.
    2016 Z20 Pro
    Ultrex, Lowrance, Merc Monitor, NMEA 2k, Point 1, Gatorbaks.

  9. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    243
    #9
    I seen a Z21 with the new 250 4 stroke and it was bad a$$!

  10. Nitro Boats Moderator BMCD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Brookeland, Texas
    Posts
    17,378
    #10
    I want to do the break in myself. make sure its done right.
    Bryan McDonough
    2023 Nitro Z21 XL
    Nitro Team