Opinions on Nitro vs Triton

[NJDevil]

Hey everyone,

I'm considering ordering a new boat in the near future, and I've narrowed my selection down to Nitro Z-8 or Triton TR19SE. There are a few things that I'm unsure of when comparing the boats, so I'd like input from those of you who own a Nitro. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Nitro claims 66-68mph with a 200hp Optimax on a Z-8. Is this accurate? Seems awfully high considering the weight and length of the boat. I'm not the kinda guy who needs to get over 70mph to be happy, but I'd be upset if I bought the boat with a 200 and could only get low 60's out of it.

2. Storage space: Triton has HUGE storage compartments, including the rear ones. I'd like to know what is included in the (additional cost) under-deck storage option on a Nitro. I see there's a pull-out drawer at the driver's console, but is there also additional space under the seats? The ones at my local BPS have a very shallow recess under the seats and that's all. To me that's lots of wasted space that I could use for convenience items like sun block, glasses, etc.

3. The Triton TR19SE has an option to get a single-axle trailer instead of a dual-axle. My driveway is kinda steep and I need to cut it tight to get my boat into the near side of the garage. How difficult is maneuvering a dual-axle trailer compared to a single-axle?

4. One of my favorite convenience features on the Triton is the in-deck tool and measuring board holders just in front of the console. This isn't an option on the Z-8, but it is on the Z-9 (which makes me feel like this: ). Has anyone here found a way to accomplish this on the Z-8?

5. Both boats offer a tackle management system in the storage lockers. Does the Z-8 system in the large center storage locker take up the whole thing, or just a portion of it? (again, none of the boats at my local BPS have this option for me to look at)

6. Finally, have any of you had any issues with your 2010 or newer Nitros that made you regret your purchase?

The reason I ask #6 is because I've read lots of reviews and complaints from people saying their rod locker was separating from the hull, the rub rail was pulling off, the carpeting was coming up after just a couple months, etc. Most of these complaints seem to be about older model boats and I'm trying to find out if they have corrected construction issues like this in the newer boats.

Part of me wants to believe that guys like KVD and Rick Clunn wouldn't be using Nitro boats if they didn't love them. But part of me also knows that these guys are making a living fishing and they're being paid to promote boats and other stuff and talk them up... so I can't just believe everything they say. Not to mention the fact that they probably get their boats for next to nothing. Hehe.

Before anyone asks, I can rig up both boats basically the way I want them and stay within 2 or 3 thousand dollars, so it's not a question of which boat I can afford.

Thank you to anyone who's willing to chime in with their 2 cents. This is obviously a HUGE decision, so I'm just trying to get as much info as I can from other owners instead of letting a salesman give me a pitch.

[jumpnjohnfish]

The real world speeds are going to be 64-65 depending on load, the best I have seen is 69. Light fuel no tackle and just me, down water and down hill!!!

the reason there is no storage under the diver and passanger seat is because the fuel tank is directly under it so there is no room

the tackle management takes up half of the storage compartmnet

the dual axle is a best to move by yourself by hand. no just backing up with the truck then no problem

Just speaking as I work with the Bass Pro in Grapevine TX

[ryan_todd]

I have a 2012 Z-8 with a 250 so I will try to help with some of your questions.

#1 I'm not sure about the exact speed a 200 will achieve but I've seen numerous posts of other guys reaching 70 with that setup.

#2 I have not seen a triton in person but is is hard for me to believe that the storage is a lot more. My partner has a skeeter zx225 and i know for a fact that the compartments on the z-8 are twice as big as the 20 ft skeeter. I can crawl inside my rod lockers and close the lid easily.

#3 When the boat is behind a vehicle there is not much difference between the single and dual axle trailers. If you are trying to move a dual axle by hand is a different story. Plus the dual axle trailer rides a lot smother down the road than a single axle.

#4 I thought the same thing about the ruler holder but in my mind it was not that big of a deal. I store mine in the middle compartment along with my culling tags.

#5 No. It takes up about 2/3rds of the front locker. It has 2 rows of slots that hold 6 plano boxes in each row for a total of 12. There is pleny of room ahead of the system for life jackets, rain suits ect...

#6 This is my second Nitro and I haven't had any problem with either of them. When you look on other boards everyone bashes nitro and I honestly don't understand why. I've been in a lot of skeeters and rangers and in comparing them to my 2 nitros I haven't noticed a difference in build quality, fit and finish or anything else. My partner, another friend with a skeeter and I have talked about this the past couple weeks and we still can't figure out where the extra 15-20 grands goes when comparing a nitro to a skeeter/ranger or any other boat.

There are a lot of pros that run nitros and I believe that Its a combination of them truly liking the boat and they are getting paid to run the boat. KVD has been so successful that he would be able to run any boat he wants and get paid whatever he wants to do so but he still chooses a Nitro.

I have no regrets in buying my 2 nitros and I will buy another nitro after this one. I hope I helped you out.

[T Mike]

I was with Triton for 14 years (since 98 the company started in 97). I just recently got a 2011 z9 but was looking at the z8's as well. The main reason I left Triton was that they priced me out of the market for what I was wanting to buy. They still make an outstanding boat.

There is no way the 19SE has more storage than a z8. You can sleep in the z8 rod lockers and front hatch area. Also the front deck is considerably bigger on the z8. It's probably the BIGGEST 20ft boat you can buy as far as deck space and storage aside from the z9. The Ranger 521 still doesn't have the room of a z9 but its very close tho and extra 20K.

I am going to use the trash can receptacle for my glasses and sun screen and use the cooler for the trash can as that is what I did with my previous tritons. There isn't anything you can put under the seats due to the gas tank being there.

It will definitely be easier to move a single axle vs a dual axle BY HAND. But the Dual axle trailers so nice compared to a single. Thats something you will have to decide on. You could get some go jacks or similar product (think harbor freight) for ease of moving around in your garage.

I have a hard time thinking a z8 with a 200 will hit 70?? But I just don't know. I know with the 250 your seeing 74ish on most boats. With a 225 I would say 70 is in it's realm. I would guess the 200 would be a mid to high 60s. I'm just guessing here. a z8 going mid to high 60's is very respectable with a 200. It's a heavier boat than the Triton because it's bigger overall.

To me the Nitro fishes better due to the expansive deck space. The Triton has a little more speed but less fishability (less deck space). Thats the trade off between a lot of boats. speed vs fishability but the z8 with a 250 is a screamer and it's no slouch.

Am I happy with my purchase? So far so good. I went over the boat with a fine tooth comb yesterday. Took the panels off to look behind them. Looked to see how the trolling motor is attached under the nose of the boat, looked in the bilge and tore out all the batteries to see how it was put together and to see what size pumps they used. Not bad at all and in some cases better than I would have rigged it. The wires are organized. Behind the panels the glass is cut clean.

Your gonna see pluses and minus's for every boat you buy. I like some things from Triton better than the nitro. I like some things with the nitro better than the triton. Both are great boats.

[NJDevil]

First of all, let me say a HUGE "thank you" to you guys for responding in such detail. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I knew I'd get some solid info and opinions, but I didn't expect such detailed stuff.

For T Mike: What do you think is better about a Triton than a Nitro (other than speed)? I'm not really concerned with speed. Fishability is my top concern.

The other thing about Nitro that I wasn't that happy with was the storage "inserts". It seems like it would be very easy to get a ton of water in the bottom of the boat seeping in around the edges of the storage bins, and depending on what's located under them (wiring, etc.) it seems like this could be a design flaw. Any thoughts on that?

I'm definitely leaning more towards a Nitro after reading these replies. Thanks again to everyone.

[Retired FF]

I too have been looking. I've owned Tritons for the last 12 years. Have friends that have made the move out of their Tritons, Rangers and champions over the last couple of years. I've riden and fished out of their Nitro and really dont see any done side to the Nitro over any other the other boats including my Trition. as a matter of fact, I sold my Triton and placed a order for a new Z9. I was originally looked at the Z8, but with the 3000 dollar price drop on the Z9 this year it seemed to be the better deal for me. Plus i liked the storage on the Z9. I'm sure I will be happy with my purchase. You have to base your decision on what make the best deal for you. If you can try and get out in a friends boat to compair your options.
Good luke with your purchase.

[Blevins]

I know u said your not worried that much about speed. But i do care about speed but i also care about a boat that would fish great and have plenty of room and storage. Z8 fit my bill perfectly. And the Z8 shouldn't have a problem hitting 70 with a 200 pro xs light load "one person" if you have any sense on how to set a boat up whatsoever. My Z8 with a 250 with 1.5hr on the engine was already hitting consistent 79mph and change "79.6 GPS" and now with 4hr on the engine is running 77-78 with 2 guys tourney load with the 26P Fury and the hole shot is amazing even with lots of gas and full wells! My Z8 is just as fast as ive seen most running with the Triton 21"HP"..... Only i have more deck space/fishability and didnt pay 55K+ for my boat :) I also like the looks of the Z series boat better but thats personal preference of course. I do like the Tritons though don't get me wrong they are great boats and i looked at them before purchasing my Z8. But the Z8 fit my bill for a much cheaper price! I absolutely love every aspect of my Z8 and don't regret my decision whatsoever. Its hard to believe the Z8 is a 20' boat when you ride and fish out of it. It feels more like a 21 footer with all the storage and deck space!

[T Mike]

NJDevil, The biggest thing I liked about Triton is their reputation for making a quality boat. I had that piece of mind that if anything structurally went wrong with my Triton they would back it but I never had to play that card. Do I feel the same about Nitro standing behind their boat?? All I can say is I hope so. I know they had a bad rep a while back and I do think they have made great strides over the last few years and I haven't seen anything recently that states they won't stand behind their boats.. Like I stated in my previous post the boat is well made cosmetically as well as internally from what I can see from digging in the boat. I feel that if they paid enough attention to the fine details in what I can see from digging then logic tells me they do the same for the things for what I can't see.

The livewells are set up differently in Nitro compared to Triton. The livewells will fill up without using the aerator to fill them up. My z9 will overflow if your not careful ie the pumps push in water way faster than it can bail itself. Not a big deal as long as you are aware of it. The pumps they use are giant compared to what Triton uses. Kinda like using a fire hose to fill up a bath tub with the drain plug out.

Other than that the little odds and ends things that you mentioned ie the PALS storage, bump board storage, etc. To me those are nice features but small in the grand scheme of things.. Some of those you can add in yourself if you prefer. I got an idea that you could probably use to install a bump board if needed. Phoenix had a unique way of storing theirs that you could use on the Z8 I would think..

as for the storage insert possibly leaking? The winds are brutal out there or I would go check on my boat. But I do know that if you pull those inserts out (nice feature by the way) there is a prop storage area under the port side one in the back. If water gets in there it goes to the same place the water goes if it rains on the boat ie the bilge. There aren't any wires under the inserts. The wires are under the gunnel area on the star board side of the boat. I don't think you can see them when you take the insert out but even if you could they are up high so you would have to flood the boat to get to them wet. I personally didn't see an issue with it when I looked at it but I will look at it tomorrow and check on that.

When I started looking for a new boat I tried out quite a few brands. Some I didn't bother as they didn't have what I was looking for in a boat based on my needs and how I fish. I rode in quite a few and visited a boat show and went to a few dealers to check out boats and ask questions and I would advise you to do the same as you are doing now over on the Triton forum so that you have all the info that you need to make a decision..

But like I said so far i am very impressed with the boat. I mean the z8 and z9 are by and large the biggest boats in their respective length in terms of deck space and storage. The only boats that come close are the 520 and 521 Ranger but with Nitro at 20K less. You can't beat that with a stick.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask here or pm.

Good luck!

Mike

[transamz9]

Very good write up Mike.

[Phoenix Ed]

Dang it you guys are making me want a Z8!!

I will say this about the Nitros, I have a 2008 Z7, looking at my boat compared to 2011 and 2012 models, the finish in the bilge area and under the console are greatly improved over my boat.

On the outside, my boat has been used, but still looks good. I have buddies in Tritons, and they are a fine boat, but when I compared prices at the Houston Boat Show last month, I cannot see the $20K difference either.

Good luck on your decision, and to those who shared their info, good job.

T Mike welcome to the Nitro family.

[BMCD]

The published speeds have been accurate and even conservative at times. they are not lightly loaded speeds. And they are not full capacity, every locker filled up with gear, 55 gallong of gas, 2 livewells filled, and 2 power poles speeds.

Aslo the statement about the overflow not keeping up, this just needs to be adjusted, talk to your dealer. overflow drains hoses cannot have too much sag.

[NJDevil]

Once again, thank you to all those who've shared their experience / opinion on this stuff.

I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying a Nitro at this point. I looked at them both again and I think overall I just prefer the deck space and storage lockers in the Nitro. Although I must say the storage lockers (not rod lockers, just storage), particularly those in back, look to be a lot deeper on the Triton than they are on the Nitro. Even still, it's not like I'm over-flowing my current boat's lockers, so I'm sure I'll be fine.

The only thing I'm a little bummed about is that I can't get a Z-9. That sumb*tch is 24'5" with the swing-away, and my garage is only 24', and taking up the entire thing with a boat parked diagonally just isn't a sacrifice I want to make. It's a shame too because I can get either boat for just about the same price.

Is it true that I could haggle with a local (non Bass Pro Shops) Nitro dealer and still get the BPS gift card and 20% off for 2 years?

[ryan_todd]

I bought mine through a non bps dealer and still received the VIP 20% off card. I ordered mine before the gift card was offered so yes it is true but i heard they are ending the gift card offer in the near future.

[transamz9]

NJDevil, you have a PM.......

[KLSU]

All you guys worried about Nitro and standing behind their product they sure did stand behind mine when my hull developed 2 voids in the corners of the hull. It was past the 1 year mark but I called the dealer and Nitro fixed it no charge!!!!! They also had the person that fixed it check for other voids that is how they found the second one and they paid to have it fixed also.

[Blevins]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by KLSU &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">All you guys worried about Nitro and standing behind their product they sure did stand behind mine when my hull developed 2 voids in the corners of the hull. It was past the 1 year mark but I called the dealer and Nitro fixed it no charge!!!!! They also had the person that fixed it check for other voids that is how they found the second one and they paid to have it fixed also. </td></tr></table>

That's very good to hear!

[Retired FF]

Yes, you do recieve the 1000K gift card and the VIP card. They both come from Nitro boats and not BPS.

[hignitde]

$1000 gift card. Hummm. Didnt hear about that when I bought mine.

[MI17Explorer]

Boats are costly; check your options thoroughly is my advice. Look at construction, internal as well as external and features. I like a solidly built boat. I really liked my 2008 Triton and would buy one of that era if in the market for a previously owned boat, but watching the posts Triton seems to have lost a bit of their edge based on the number and types of comments you see about problems on newer model years. And, they are pricey. Nitros look great and seem to perform well. There are some pros and cons to the way they build them with some components (like compartment bins) which are removable (at least when I was looking) not integrated into the structure or the boat.

If you haven't looked at Phoenix boats, I would suggest you do. They are well built and full of features for the price. Several former Triton owners (me included, also most recently "Rudapa") have gone to Phoenix.

Good luck whichever way you go!

[transamz9]

There are more pros than cons to the removable storage. More access to the rigging and more storage.