2012 Z6

[caddyjoe77]

Hi, so with the price of used boats so high I have almost decided to pull the trigger on a 2012 z6.  This will be my first boat purchase so obviously I am a little weary.  Ive driven boats as a kid and teenager but military service called my name and being the the desert did not cooperate with water and a boat. 

So, I suppose what I am asking is:  I have read some mediocre stuff about older Nitro boats but the newer ones seem to be pretty good.  Has anyone had any major problems?  I would be getting the 115 Merc Pro XS.  I would eventually upgrade the trolling motor to something with a little more pep later but I am really looking to get on the water here in Missouri and catch some fish.  I suppose another question is (and yes I know this is subject to opinion) but how much better is a 17 foot Ranger or Bass Cat or Stratos or Triton?  Seems that usually when you talk to people most say that Nitro is near the bottom of the barrel.  Would another 5K get me that much more in a Ranger or Bass Cat? 

Thank you for all the replies. 

[West6550]

Your posting under the Nitro area. If you wanna know about multiple boats try "Boat Ramp" might get more views from other boat owners.

Now with that being said I have been looking at boats in the 20k range.
Check out this thread it has some good comparison s between the Nitro Z6 and Triton Pro17 (only 2 fiberglass boats in the 20k range)
http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=107051.0

As far as Ranger, Legend, BassCat, Stratos, Skeeter and Phoniex boats the smallest boats they offer run in the 26-33k range. That's just what I have found by googling boats after looking at a manufacturers website. Google brings up one for sale and then I see the price.. or you could "Nadaguide.com" it.

Hope this helps bud.

[duckhuntmcnutt]

caddyjoe,
I was in your situation not long ago and think i can offer some helpful advice.  Nitro has a nation wide no hassle no haggle low price deal which means that you can buy the exact same boat here in louisiana as you can buy in michigan for the same price (only difference is crate/prep fees).  that is how they can keep their price low (at least thats what the nitro salesman tells me)

i wanted a brand new boat also but wanted a bigger engine and longer boat, so financially i had to go for a used boat.

i think the best piece of advice i can give you here is get what you want.  don't settle on something that you won't be happy a year from now.  keep your eye on dealerships because 2013 boats are rolling in now and 2012's will be going on sale to clear out room, even some 2011's are probably still hanging around here and there.  Get the most bang for your buck and get what you want!

[Brudd]

I do t own any othe boats you mentioned so I'm relatively free of bias. Your going to get some brand loyalty bias anytime you discuss competing products, bassboats or otherwise. What I have found is most of the negative comments all start with a phrase similar to "I've heard". You don't see a lot of first hand input about negative experiences. I see a lot of positive stuff from Nitro owners. Of course that could be brand loyalty bias too.

As far as the boats you discussed I've only satin the Z6 and Triton on the showroom.  I found the drivers position very uncomfortable in the Z6. Otherwise, they both look like great boats. Do the other brands offer a 17' fiberglass boat?  That extra coin you mention might be the step to an 18' boat.

[caddyjoe77]

Thanks for your opinions.  Much appreciated. 

[merlin]

I had a 94 170 DC. Bought it new. The only problem with it was the under powered 12 volt trolling motor. October 2012 the 19 year old 75HP Merc low oil tank alarm failed and
I fried the power head. I liked the boat well enough that this spring I ordered a Z-7. I did look at a Ranger but did not see any Value Added for the extra $$$$.
Good luck in your quest and thanks for your service.
USN ret.