Bass Fishing Forum

Okie dokie boys and girls I'm the proud owner of my first glass boat; 2018 Nitro Z18 (4 pics attached).  I know this may get moved (or copied to the Nitro Board) but since we're all FL baws (if you don't know what that word means, ask a Louisiana guy) I thought it would be an appropriate place to start.  I wasn't really looking to upgrade from my Lowe ST 175 BUT the wifey put the idea in my head about going "bigger" and well, the rest is history; she was referring only to the boat.

Main specs: 150 Merc 4 stroke (I'm a 4 stroke fan), Minn Kota 80 lb. Fortrex, 2  8' Power Pole Blades, 3 bank NOCO Genius charger, Lowrance Hook 5 on the console and Lowrance Elite 7 TI on the bow (I'm an electronics idiot to begin with so I'm even more so with new electronics), LOADS of storage, the seats set way up so no need for a cushion to see over the windshield & bow at idle speed.  The trailer is single axle BUT the hubs are virtually maintenance free; Vortex hubs with a 6 yr/100K mile warranty before you need to do anything.  With that said I'll probably inspect and install new grease after 2 yrs just because I'm anal and I have a single point of failure and I don't want that single point to actually fail.

OK I've had it out the past 3 days breaking in the new motor (thanks Barry for coming along for the ride yesterday); it took 3 days because as we all know rain (with the flashy stuff) happens in FL.....daily.  Coming from an aluminum boat to this is almost relearning boating; I'm up higher above the water, it's a ton more smoother riding and it goes pretty damn fast.  I'm still in the process of finding the "sweet spot" trim-wise to max out the speed but I'm not a speed guy on the water so "speed" isn't that important.  It also came with a Hot Foot so that's an adventure at slower speeds like parking it next to a dock or putting it on a trailer but I'll get good at it soon because I have to.  The first 2 days getting it parked at the dock and trailering it was pretty uneventful but yesterday it was windy and therefore and adventure.  I'm new to Power Poles too; I had Talons on my Lowe.  No issues yet and I'll have to remember that I need to give myself a little room to deploy them if I'm backing into a spot.

I ended up getting it from Bass Pro (I never thought I'd buy a boat from them but they were closing out the 2018s and it was dressed to fish and the price was good).  It came with the wrong prop (installed by Mercury) and I realized something was wrong pretty quick on Day 1 when it didn't want to get on plane.  Barry pointed me to a forum where a guy had the same EXACT boat (a year older) and the same EXACT problem and both had the same EXACT prop; Fury 24P.  The discussion also told me which prop I needed (Tempest 22 or 23P) so I called Bass Pro, they had the Tempest 22P on the shelf and they swapped it out that day.  With the new (and correct) prop, BOOM right on plane and it steers easier.  I'm still learning where everything is and everything I need to turn off (think Power Pole switch) but in a month everything should be old hat.  Anyway let me know if you have any questions OR if there's something I should know.

Wow very nice! That's a pretty big upgrade there! I'm sure you'll learn everything about the boat soon enough. Hope you enjoy it!

congrats!

BTW did you sell the Lowe?

Welcome to the Nitro Family. Great looking boat and I know you going to love the platform.

Quote from: SFL BassHunter on August 09, 2018, 08:56:49 AM
BTW did you sell the Lowe?

I traded it in at Bass Pro.  They gave me a little less than what I wanted or was offered elsewhere but when looking at the total bottom line price with all factors considered, it was a push.

Quote from: SFL BassHunter on August 09, 2018, 08:48:42 AM
Wow very nice! That's a pretty big upgrade there! Hope you enjoy it!

YES it is

Quote from: Jared LeBlue on August 09, 2018, 09:10:30 AM
Welcome to the Nitro Family. Great looking boat and I know you going to love the platform.

Thanks and so far I do; the height off the water will be an adjustment from a casting standpoint.  It won't be as easy to cast it under docks/laydowns, etc.

Nice boat. Good luck with it.

Congratulations on a beautiful ride. Nitro has come a long way in the boats and you now have a very tournament-ready rig.

From a Louisiana Baw to a Florida Baw, be careful but enjoy the hell out of her ~c~ ~c~

The biggest thing I remember when I went from aluminum to a glass rig was "I didn't have to always be WOT" the best cruising speed for all of my glass boats (I've had dozens) is always between 45-4800 RPM. After the break-in, I bet you'll find this to also be true. It's usually an easy steering and wave taking speed. Very comfortable.

That said, WOT is fun :toot: so spend some time there too 8)

Enjoy, I'm jealous, nothing like a new boat, the smell, the feel, the shine. Make sure to share the first fish you put in her. On my current boat it was a 2-pound crappie that hit a frog  ~roflmao thought it was a bad omen but things worked out...

Again Congratulations!!

That's a sharp looking boat.  ~c~ ~c~ Now go catch some fish in her and break it in right.  ;D

Congrats on the upgrade.  May you have many years of problem free enjoyment. ~c~

Quote from: Mike Cork on August 09, 2018, 11:12:31 AM
Congratulations on a beautiful ride. Nitro has come a long way in the boats and you now have a very tournament-ready rig.

From a Louisiana Baw to a Florida Baw, be careful but enjoy the hell out of her ~c~ ~c~

The biggest thing I remember when I went from aluminum to a glass rig was "I didn't have to always be WOT" the best cruising speed for all of my glass boats (I've had dozens) is always between 45-4800 RPM. After the break-in, I bet you'll find this to also be true. It's usually an easy steering and wave taking speed. Very comfortable.

That said, WOT is fun :toot: so spend some time there too 8)

Enjoy, I'm jealous, nothing like a new boat, the smell, the feel, the shine. Make sure to share the first fish you put in her. On my current boat it was a 2-pound crappie that hit a frog  ~roflmao thought it was a bad omen but things worked out...

Again Congratulations!!

From the safety standpoint it helps that I can be rather frugal and I read that the most economical speed is about 3500 RPM but you're right stepping on it ain't bad  ~c~  .  I tried to catch some yesterday at the river after the break-in but I had no takers (the Hillsborough has been kinda bad for a year now).  I needed to use the trolling motor to make sure it was set-up the way I needed it to be and make a few casts from a few feet higher than I'm used to.

Quote from: Lipripper on August 09, 2018, 11:22:32 AM
That's a sharp looking boat.  ~c~ ~c~ Now go catch some fish in her and break it in right.  ;D

I tried to break my cherry  lo  yesterday so I'll have to wait until Saturday for that. 

Quote from: WTodd on August 09, 2018, 11:36:53 AM
From the safety standpoint it helps that I can be rather frugal and I read that the most economical speed is about 3500 RPM but you're right stepping on it ain't bad  ~c~  .  I tried to catch some yesterday at the river after the break-in but I had no takers (the Hillsborough has been kinda bad for a year now).  I needed to use the trolling motor to make sure it was set-up the way I needed it to be and make a few casts from a few feet higher than I'm used to.

Well now I guess we can let you slide on getting a skunk in your new boat for the first trip out but don't let it happen again.  ~shade  lo lo

Quote from: Lipripper on August 09, 2018, 11:41:02 AM
Well now I guess we can let you slide on getting a skunk in your new boat for the first trip out but don't let it happen again.  ~shade  lo lo

Don't tell me, tell the bass

Congratulations, hurry up and get some slime on it.

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Quote from: WTodd on August 09, 2018, 11:45:52 AM
Don't tell me, tell the bass

I tried that the last time I went out and they didn't listen. So I had to print myself one of these.  ~roflmao

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/C060PC.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plC060PCj)

Congratulations on the new ride!  ~c~

Thanks guys

Congratulations Walt. Beautiful boat bud!!

Quote from: WTodd on August 09, 2018, 09:23:47 AM
I traded it in at Bass Pro.  They gave me a little less than what I wanted or was offered elsewhere but when looking at the total bottom line price with all factors considered, it was a push.

Ah ok, cool, well at least you got close to what you wanted.

Beautiful rig! Please take me fishing!! LOL

Walt... you coming to the Classic? I don't think you have said yes or no.

He scared.

~Barry~

Quote from: TR21FL on August 09, 2018, 04:20:33 PM
He scared.

~Barry~

Scared? Of who? LMG?? He just looks tall in pictures because the camera lens is zoomed in.  ~roflmao ~roflmao >:D  :surrender:

Scared of competition.

We're going to find out a lot about LMG when I break out the 'shine.

~Barry~

Quote from: TR21FL on August 09, 2018, 05:22:14 PM
Scared of competition.

We're going to find out a lot about LMG when I break out the 'shine.

~Barry~

Careful what you ask for Barry, cuz you are going to know LMG real well once that 'shine comes out.  lo lo

Lol. Remember, I spent 27 years in the Navy. I doubt he can be worse than drunken Sailors.

~Barry~

Quote from: TR21FL on August 09, 2018, 05:50:45 PM
Lol. Remember, I spent 27 years in the Navy. I doubt he can be worse than drunken Sailors.

~Barry~

I have feeling this Classic is going to be a memorable one.  :o :o lo

First back to back champion.

~Barry~

As far as the Classic, I know I have to decide soon but I need check my calendar. It's been a very busy last few months; had to get a house ready to sell, new grandson, we put my FIL in a facility, new boat, etc.  I should know SOON.

Oh and who the hell hijacked my thread??


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Quote from: WTodd on August 09, 2018, 06:43:37 PM
As far as the Classic, I know I have to decide soon but I need check my calendar. It's been a very busy last few months; had to get a house ready to sell, new grandson, we put my FIL in a facility, new boat, etc.  I should know SOON.

Oh and who the hell hijacked my thread??


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Hopefully you can work something out for those dates. We would love to have you and see your pretty new boat. Barry hijacked the thread... lmao!! :)

Figures with Barry

I'll get all of the specifics tomorrow (again) from Barry and decide this weekend; leaning towards it.


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Quote from: WTodd on August 09, 2018, 07:27:47 PM
Figures with Barry

I'll get all of the specifics tomorrow (again) from Barry and decide this weekend; leaning towards it.


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Good to here. :)

Huh, Lou brought up the classic.

Boat board is on the main page.

~Barry~

Quote from: TR21FL on August 09, 2018, 07:41:43 PM
Huh, Lou brought up the classic.

Boat board is on the main page.

~Barry~

Lmao..I had to deflect quickly Barry. Lmao!!

Lol.

~Barry~

You're in the wrong state if you're expecting your thread not to get hijacked. If there's one thing we do well in Florida is hijack threads, and damn proud of it lol.

Heck of a nice Boat Walt, I hope you get to enjoy her for many years to come.

Back when we started looking at boats, Nitro was one on our list. They really have come a long way, even back then. Now that JM owes them and Ranger they share a lot of stuff and the new ones like yours are Super Nice.


Oh and you GOT to attend a Classic. It is the best fun and fellowship you will get each year.

Quote from: SFL BassHunter on August 09, 2018, 09:10:44 PM
You're in the wrong state if you're expecting your thread not to get hijacked. If there's one thing we do well in Florida is hijack threads, and damn proud of it lol.

Quote from: Deadeye on August 10, 2018, 06:12:56 AM

Oh and you GOT to attend a Classic. It is the best fun and fellowship you will get each year.

^^^ This ^^^

Ok it looks like I'm fishing the Classic; is this official notice enough or do I need to fill out an Official 2018 UB entry form?


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Quote from: WTodd on August 10, 2018, 06:28:15 PM
Ok it looks like I'm fishing the Classic; is this official notice enough or do I need to fill out an Official 2018 UB entry form?


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That's great news. The entry form is on the top of this thread.
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Lol!! There's no entry form Walt. Happy to have you join us.

Probably been better if you had posted it in the classic thread but glad to have you anyway.

~Barry~

Well since MY thread was hijacked I figured I could post it here


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Quote from: WTodd on August 10, 2018, 06:53:56 PM
Well since MY thread was hijacked I figured I could post it here


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Walt you should of used some of these guys  ~off~ (https://imageshack.com/a/img924/3678/Z2Iaco.gif) (https://imageshack.com/i/poZ2Iacog) (https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2451/n2vjsq.gif) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnn2vjsqg)

What I wanted to use isn't allowed


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Congrats on the new ride.  Enjoy it  ~shade ~c~

Welcome to the world of glass!  Great looking boat.

I made the switch in 2007. Sometimes I miss the tin but not when the weather is rough. Except when I'm outrunning bad weather, I run at about 75% if WOT which is about 55 mph for me.  The hot foot your going to love once you get used to it. Having both hands on the wheel in rough weather is nice. Make sure you power off the poles when you trailer as they sometimes get a mind of their own.

See you at the classic.


swim/bike/run....repeat

Sent from the end of the paved road.....

Speaking of Power Poles Walt.

Never have had them yet, but I've heard from quite a few that a good habit to get into is to either put a cover on them or wrap a bungie cord around them for travel.

Reason being that if a hose or connection fails the unit will drop down while your running down the road and you'll be dragging the Spike on the pavement.

The cover or bungie wrap will prevent them from doing that if a failure of the line happens.

I bought some adjustable straps for them initially but now I have covers for the reasons you stated


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Quote from: FD on August 11, 2018, 01:28:48 AM
Welcome to the world of glass!  Great looking boat.

I made the switch in 2007. Sometimes I miss the tin but not when the weather is rough. Except when I'm outrunning bad weather, I run at about 75% if WOT which is about 55 mph for me.  The hot foot your going to love once you get used to it. Having both hands on the wheel in rough weather is nice. Make sure you power off the poles when you trailer as they sometimes get a mind of their own.

See you at the classic.


swim/bike/run....repeat

Sent from the end of the paved road.....

I'm slowly getting used to the Hot Foot; I think I now have it adjusted for optimal use especially when I have to "no wake" it.  Today was the first time out fishing; it took me 3 days to break-in the motor due to weather so I've had it out 4 times this week.  A couple more things I have to remember to do vs the Lowe boat; turn off the Power Poles and turn off the main power switch but it'll become routine soon enough.


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Quote from: WTodd on August 11, 2018, 01:49:52 PM
I'm slowly getting used to the Hot Foot; I think I now have it adjusted for optimal use especially when I have to "no wake" it.  Today was the first time out fishing; it took me 3 days to break-in the motor due to weather so I've had it out 4 times this week.  A couple more things I have to remember to do vs the Lowe boat; turn off the Power Poles and turn off the main power switch but it'll become routine soon enough.


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Glad you have it all broke in now and after you use it a spell you will get use to remembering to turn off the power to everything. It won't take but a couple of time of going to start the boat and having no power to help remind you .  ;D

It came with a 3 bank charger so I'm hoping at some point before I unplug it I'll notice the power switch is on but everyone of us forgets things so the possibility is there. The Power Pole power switch is the one that worries me the most but it's something I HAVE to remember.


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Quote from: WTodd on August 11, 2018, 02:07:02 PM
It came with a 3 bank charger so I'm hoping at some point before I unplug it I'll notice the power switch is on but everyone of us forgets things so the possibility is there. The Power Pole power switch is the one that worries me the most but it's something I HAVE to remember.


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Your going to have to make a note to yourself and hang it on your rear view  mirror to remind yourself to check it.  ;D

Quote from: Lipripper on August 11, 2018, 03:13:42 PM
Your going to have to make a note to yourself and hang it on your rear view  mirror to remind yourself to check it.  ;D

Good idea Lip, Print a sign right above where you plug it in.  I know I would need it! lo

Repetition; more fishing will make me remember


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You and me both George  lo lo

Quote from: WTodd on August 11, 2018, 05:33:34 PM
Repetition; more fishing will make me remember


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Well then got just what you need  ;D
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/Xz0qb0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmXz0qb0j)

Quote from: Lipripper on August 11, 2018, 05:47:06 PM
You and me both George  lo lo

Well then got just what you need  ;D
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/Xz0qb0.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmXz0qb0j)

In 3 1/2 yrs that's me


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Quote from: WTodd on August 11, 2018, 06:04:08 PM
In 3 1/2 yrs that's me


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You going to retire in 3 1/2 yrs?

Yep


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Quote from: WTodd on August 11, 2018, 06:09:35 PM
Yep


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Good fore you more time for  ~gf ~c~ ~c~

Retiring early at 62; enough is enough


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I recommend lots of fishing

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Quote from: WTodd on August 11, 2018, 07:01:35 PM
Retiring early at 62; enough is enough


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Good for you. Do it why your still able to enjoy your retirement.

That's exactly the reason


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Oh wow!

You can always chase them down with that thing if they're not biting.

Congrats!

One word of caution. Your vortex hubs have a plastic cap. That cap will crack in the threads. Trust me it's going to happen. Just keep an eye on your rims. If you see grease, your cap cracked. If grease is getting out, water is getting in. Simply remove the cap put some fresh grease in, there is a grease zirt in the front, until you see the grease coming out of the front bearing. Replace the cap with a new cap and you good to go. I love these hubs but that is the one design flaw that it has.