1st Boat

[mpdunne79]

Im in the market for a new boat (would be my first boat). I've been looking at the Nitro Z7 for a while and looks like a good boat. Im only looking to spend around 26K for the boat so that removes the 175 and certainly 200 hp options. So i guess my question is is the Z7 with the 150 EFI a better buy OR save 2K and get a Z6 with 115opti? Top end speed is not a big concern, fishability is more important. I would be fishing in south Louisiana and Toledo Bend mostly. I am parial to Nitros at the moment due to price and not to mention the $1000 gift card that comes with it.

Thanks

[illinifish]

Get as much power as you can afford. Alot of people "say" they don't care about top speed but its different when you get on the water and the fever gets in your system.

[trevrev97]

what he said! But buying a 25-30 K boat for your first boat? Shop around!! Ride in and drive as many as you can before you pay that sort of cash for a boat.

[Klinger N Ok]

Let someone else take that hickey from driving off the lot. You can buy a barely used boat with essentially complete warranties left on them for thousands less than a new one. I have seen an '07 591 w/ a 150 opti, for $22.5K with 4 years warranty left on the Merc. Look around a little! I have also seen certificates for the Z-7 for around $20K. Good luck!! Some people might bash Nitro's, but they are good looking boats, and much better made than a few years ago. And, get as much motor as possible!! Look around and I bet you can find a Z-7 for $25K or so with a 200 on the back of it.

[Olddawg]

Always consider your re-sale value......you may find something in a year or two that you really want and you don't want to end up loosing a bunch because of re-sale value.

[Landinlunkers]

Between the two, I'd go with the Z-7 w/the 150. The extra room and horses are well worth the 2 grand.

[SUPERCHUGBUG]

sent IM

[Rmart30]

For a first boat Id suggest to try and find a nice used rig around 15k....... You can find some super nice boats a few years old for that price.... For the price of the Nitro you could get a nice Ranger with a 200 on it....ck the Boats for sale page here.

[mongo]

I agree with illinifish, I grabbed a boat that was a few years old and got more boat for the $$$$$$ then buying brand new. I ended up with a 20 footer with a 225hp and have not regretted buying used.

[teamsos]

Got a brand new Triton in your range w/200 HPDI. Let me know if interested. Great advice on these boards. Shop around. You'll find that great deal.

[Schuler]

I understand why you'd want a new boat over a used one. But, if you can only afford an underpowered new boat, it may be worthwhile to go used. I know I will never buy another boat that doesn't have the maximum sized engine on it.

[oldbasser1]

Look at the ProCraft 192 SP

[TMG]

Good luck,I went through the same thing a few years ago 482 or 591.
They are pretty much the same as the Z6 and Z7.I ended up with the 482 with the 115 opti, the money I saved went towards upgrades.I am very happy with the boat but if they were giving away those gift cards when I purchased mine I may have gotten the 591 so basically I'm no help even 2 years after I got the boat I can't make up my mind witch one I would rather have

put this post back to the top in the nitro forum and someone will chime in. I was waiting for someone to comment on the efi motor. GOOD LUCK

[mpdunne79]

Thanks Everyone. All good advice. I did post something similar in the Nitro forum, but no real input... I am however, looking at a used boat. Im looking at a 2003 Ranger 195VX (Commanche PKG) with a 200 Evinrude HO Tandem axle trailer with the fiberglass fenders for around 20K... Looks like a pretty good deal. Provided the motor is in good shape. It certainly has all the "bells and whistles".

[brnzbaklvr]

You can probably find a Bass Cat Sabre new in the price range you are looking for...Great resale and a great boat..

[teamsos]

I don't know my Rangers as well as Rodney would, ask him if its a good deal. I would say a little high. Just sold a 2003 TR-21 w/250HPDI for low 20K and it was loaded.

[pbmang]

Used is deffently the way to go. Last year I snagged a 2002 Skeeter ZX250 with a Yamaha 250 for 20k. A ton more boat than the Nitro you were originally looking at, and less money.

[Procraft1]

go big or stay home...good luck

[Adam H.]

Z-7 With 200 Optimax

[Nikon Man]

Buy used, and save yourself some serious cash.
Yea, it may not be the latest and greatest but will a new boat put more fish in the livewell than a used boat, I think not. I bought an 18 1/2 FT dual console w/a 150 Merc couple of years ago, with trailer for $4000 ready to fish. With the money I saved I was able to upgrade the electronics, motor etc and still came out thousands cheaper than new, the most important thing.........it's fully paid for. That alone is one great feeling to have.

Think about it before you buy new (unless money is no problem).