Z18 or z19

[Thensley201]

Hey guys. Can anyone tell me the differences in a z18 and z19? I know the 19 is only 8 inches longer than the 18. But is that 8 inches in the front deck or rear? Is there any major advantages to the 19? I'm really looking at a 18 for the price but if it's really worth the extra 8 inches I could try and swing for that? Thanks guys

[cav]

I’ve heard the 18 & 19 have the same front deck (34sq ft). A 19 will have a bigger motor- 200hp. I own an 18 simply because the 19 wouldn’t fit in my garage. Hopefully a 19’er will chime in with some advantages of the larger boat.

[Thensley201]

I've read the same thing about the front deck. If all the difference is in the rear then that wont affect me fishing. Thanks.

[jtrac]

I can't say for sure since I've never been in a Z18 but I would think the longer Z19 would handle the rough stuff a little better. I do remember seeing the front deck is the same size but not sure if any of the extra 8 inches goes to the cockpit area. I do know mine has plenty of room. Equipped with a 175 I would bet the Z18 would top 60 mph pretty easily.

[Boat4Life]

Just remember that the Z18 is not an 18' boat....it is closer to 19' (18'-8"), so it is a nice size. Best bang for the buck with a 175hp in my opinion.

[twise7]

I originally went looking for a Z18 but ultimately purchased the Z19. My reasons: already was fishing out of an 18' ProCraft and didn't want to buy the same length boat, I wanted to upgrade to a 200 hp, and to me, the Z19 is noticeably larger when you get in it even though the length isn't much different numbers wise.

[Thensley201]

I'm trying to sell my 294 stratos (19'6") and am looking at the z18. The deck size of the z18 is probbaly gonna fish alot bigger than my current boat. The z18 is shorter than the 294 also.

[davethebuilder]

I looked at both when I was shopping boats and would have been happy with either boat. The only thing I noticed was the drivers area was a little more cramped on the 18. Being a big guy I was more comfortable on the 19.

[Teadow1972]

Looked at both as well I personally went with the Z19 simply because it fit in garage. The difference is the space between the livewell hatches and the back lid access. The Z19 is a quicker boat as far as top end speed most will run 66-68 tournament loaded. the Z18 with 150 high 50's to low 60's ( Loaded ) In the showroom both are very spacious. If you go with the Z18 I would defenitly get it with max HP (175 ) which according to every video I've seen run mid 60's. Also I am pretty sure the Z18 does not come with Jackplate unless ordered or added 175? The Z19 comes standard with 8" Ride Hite manual. this allows for easy tranducer mounting as well otherwise your drilling into the hull on the Z18. Just a few of the things that could help make your decision anyhow. Hope feedback helps.

[KC_Bass_Fanatic]

Having crawled around in both last week (I'm shopping for a new one as well), I can say the front decks are pretty much identical. The extra space appears to me to be in the back deck as others have said.

My .02 but the deal breaker for me on the 18 is the livewell. The 19 upgrades you to two independent 19 gallon wells, versus one divided well in the 18. Also, the livewell lids on the 18 open different, and have the cloth pulls rather than locking hatch handles. For me the 200HP, MUCH better livewell, and standard tandem trailer are worth the extra $$. I plan on purchasing a z19 Pro package w/in the month.

If you equip both with similar options and max the HP out on the 18 w/ the 175HP you are looking at nominal price difference. In the end, my old man gave me the best advice - go with the most boat you can afford that will fit in your garage.

[Thensley201]

Thanks guys. I have looked at them both but not actually crawled around in them. Just window shopping. But I'm about set on a nitro after my boat sells. I guess I need to price things out with a dealer. Because I know I want a tandem trailer and the 175hp. The 19 may be the better option. Thanks for the input.

[BearCreek]

If money isn't a issue I would get the Z19 but from what you said on facebook it sounds like the Z18 would be fine. I have a Z18 and wish I got a 20ft but that wasn't a option when I made the purchase.

[Thensley201]

Well after more research online. A z19 pro package is only a few thousand more dollars than a z18 with the 175 and tandem trailer upgrade. Plus the z19 pro has better graphs. I'm leaving towards the z19 now... who knows haha

[cav]

I can’t think of a reason to not go with the z19 other than budget and garage space. Like several have mentioned get the biggest baddest thing you can.

[Lape0019]

So I took a quick look at the overhead view of both boats and it seems to me most of the extra length on the Z19 is in the back casting deck.

I went through this with my Ranger not that long ago. I have a z119 and the Z118 has about the same size front deck. Most on my added length is in the transom/splashwell area. I wanted a longer boat for functioknand not necessarily more space so it didn’t bother me. The extra length helps out in rougher water and has the ability to mount a larger engine so that’s what I went with

[BMCD]

Length will definitely help the ride in waves.