I am debating between a Z18 or Z19. What would you choose and why?
I am debating between a Z18 or Z19. What would you choose and why?
I wouldn’t buy another Nitro. Period.
If you can afford it bigger is always better.
I looked at both, but not too seriously at the Z18, when I bought my Z19. The front deck space is the same on both boats, 34 sq ft. Not sure how much larger the rear deck, cockpit area storage are but has to be some. The reason I chose the Z19 is I wanted a boat in the 19 plus foot range with the respectable performance a larger engine offers. I've had mostly larger boats thru the years and downsized 5 years ago to a Ranger Z118 with a 150. A great boat but I always felt it was underpowered. I know the Z18 can be had with a 175, which may be fine but I felt the longer length of the Z19 might be a little better in the rough stuff. I haven't had it in anything wild but some pretty heavy chop did not phase it. Fairly smooth ride and dry to boot. I'm very happy with my decision.
Jim
2023 Triton 19 TRX Patriot, gunmetal/carbon mist/silver mist, 225 Merc Pro XS, SN 3B265119
I was thinking the same when I started looking at boats, but I got a deal on a new 17 z20 so I went with it. Great boat so far, love the huge front deck
Entirely too many craftsmanship problems... or just don’t care problems. One reason I legally can’t talk about. Not being silly, that’s true. The issue that led to a non-disclosure has popped back up in the replaced item. If you don’t care that there will
be things on the boat that are poorly done, the Nitro is for you. I bought mine because it had the best storage out of the Triton and Ranger I looked at. Mistake.
Here are are my problems minus one which was replaced a little over a year ago but I still
had to have someone come do some welding on yesterday:
Long, clearly visible hair in gelcoat
Rear compartment had wrong latch intdalled
Rough patch in gelcoat size of softball
Passenger console wouldn’t remove because the bolts that held the aluminum attachment blocks were too long to allow them to move freely but some qualified Nitro factory worker decided to force them on. I guess he figured the dealer would have to deal
with it.
Glove box on passenger side fell apart. The hole that it is Intalled in looks like a three year old cut it out. Several of the screws barely hit glass.
The foam lining under the deck lids will not stay on
The carpet is cheap. Cheap. Cheap.
Two of the screws that hold the bow trim on don’t even penetrate the glass and nothing I can do to fix it. Waiting for it all to fly off during a road trip.
The trolling motor harness has fallen down into the rod box. All of the tabs that are supposed to hold it up (from front to back) have come loose.
you should see the hack job they did putting the middle
seat back bolts in. Radiating cracks like a spiderweb. Luckily my center seat mod covered that up.
seat material quality is just ok. Seams in bottoms are starting to rip
aftr only three years.
The one I can’t talk about was a major safety issue and im
not the only person to have the problem, judging from my own boat ramp research.
If you think that kind of craftsmanship is ok in a product so expensive, then you should
go for it. Personally, I think too many people put up with this and give the everyone’s boat has problems excuse.
Last edited by d91; 05-27-2018 at 06:35 AM.
I would go with the 19 for the slightly longer rod storage and the larger footprint in the water to hold all the gear and goodies like anchors we all want
dont listen to the fool above who has 44 posts in three years, people wreck boats and without doubt he is responsible for many of his issue
gontonthe showroom and crawl around boats tinker with everything and make your own decisions- I do know the dealership is responsible for the final product the factory get them close but the dealership may need to do tweaking to things and sadly they don't do it when they get the boat since it may be traded to a different dealership and they don't want to take the time out of the schedule rather than customer boats in the shop.
Mercury 250 proxs 2B115089
I can tell you for sure that the best quality components that Nitro have to offer are used in the flagship Z21 but if you pay attention you will see quality drop off with the other model boats. Carpet, latches,hardware, pedestals,even the drain plug and all electrical switches. The Z20 not as bad but a lot of standard equipment is removed from it and charged for extra as an option. Check everything even the bushings on the boarding ladder. I had a new Z19 and it was a good boat but not the same quality of material as a Z21. Just make sure you get a boat you are happy with. If the dealer sucks the boat is going to suck and there is no way around that. I would much rather buy a boat that is in stock that I can go over with a fine tooth comb instead of taking a chance on a factory order. Also make sure your motor is not mounted crooked.
I just purchased a 2018 z19 in February. I basically have zero complaints. I came out of a zx225 Skeeter. The fit/finish is great. Boat rides good for a 19fter and fishes bigger than my zx225 did. I don't care for the chine walking but that's basically something that will happen with most boats these days. I have learned to control it without trouble. I have found that the boat rides/runs better loaded with 2 people than alone. It gets pretty squirrely when I'm alone at higher speeds.
Credibility comes from many places, but simply having a moment and spouting off how terrible you think you got taken by a manufacturer without any history on how the dealer has or has not helped you with your issues. I'm just sitting here wondering if you saw the trailer that the bunks rotted off and he noticed the crossmembers were rusted through... must be solid junk? I think the owner likes his rig, but out of curiosity anyone near your boat pushing 400 pounds?
Mercury 250 proxs 2B115089
If u can afford the 19 go as big as u can, have a 2017 Z18 & looking to upgrade
Last edited by d91; 05-28-2018 at 09:28 PM.
I think we ALL understand your having problems, and unhappy. Heck I would be too if i had some of those issues, the only difference many of those would all be fixed by me already. I just don't see the need to constantly bash on every thread. Not everyone has your issues.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
This. Also not to mention you didn't give the background or at least i don't recall reading if your boat was new off the lot or previously owned. When i bought mine new 6mos ago i crawled and picked at everything i could before signing. I love my Nitro. There's also a reason why the brand is a top seller - and i don't believe it's because they're pushing out sub-par quality boats that everyone is just 'accepting'.
To the OP, if you can afford it definitely get a Z19. I love my Z18, and it fishes bigger than what it is. But i do wish i had the 200hp on the back available to the Z19 and bigger. Regardless, as mentioned i absolutely love this thing - handles great, tons of storage, had the right price and build quality i was looking for. Will not hesitate to buy another in the future.
2017 Nitro Z18 - Mercury ProXS 175 - 24P Fury - Elite 9 TI2 - Fortrex
My last boat was an '06 911 CDC (zero issues in nearly 10 years). Traded it in on a 2016 Z21. The only "real" issue I've had was a cracked hub cap...which was probably caused by the drive to or from the lake. Other issues I've had include hatch locks rotating (tightened them up), and the hot foot pedal got really loose...again tightened the screws. I would definitey buy it again.
2016 Nitro Z21
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
You're right. It’s not necessary but he asked why. I apologize for that. I have put exhaustive energy into correcting my issues and the boat spent almost as much time with the local BPS shop as it did with me the first year I had it. Everything, but one last and fairly new problem that I’m now searching for a solution to, has been corrected. But those are still the reasons I wouldn’t buy the brand again. I would not have listed them if he hadn’t asked.
Not sure why your apologizing, your giving him your personal experience and opinion - just because it differs doesn't make it wrong. I'd be just as unhappy if I had as many problems with my boat.
He asked, you supplied a reason why you'd not buy a nitro again.
Nitro Z6 Optimax115 Elite HDI5 Bow 5x Pro Console