2002 Nitro 901 Cdx

QuantumRONandReel · January 15, 2008, 03:49:55 PM

Hello All....I'm new to the board but have been browsing for the last week or so. I decided to join up after seeing that there are quite a few people here who know a bit about bass boats. All that being said...I'm interested to know the general opinion on the 2002 Nitro 901 Cdx, 150 Merc(Single Console). This would be my first Bass Boat but not my first boat..Looking to enter a few tournies and hoping this package will work out. It has been offered to me at a price I wouldn't otherwise believe had we not been friends for many years. If those of you who are familiar with the series know something i SHOULD know before dropping my 9k..please feel free to inform me..Appreciate any info and glad to be part of the board.

Nitroman1 · January 15, 2008, 07:18:28 PM

I'm not real familiar with the 901, but I'm on my 3rd Nitro (I currently have a 929 CDX), and I have been very pleased.

Capt. Scott
www.marylandbassfishing.com

Ron Fogelson · January 16, 2008, 10:25:15 AM

My 1st Nitro was the 640 with a 75hp. Came standard with a 50 and figured the boast was all I'd ever need. well 6 months later I was pissed for not maxxing it out with a 90. I now have a 2003 929 with a 225 opti and sure wish it was ordered with the 250.

NADA for you on the low end is 13,230 but that is listed with a 200hp so it would be lower still with a 150 and lower even more if it's not an Opti.

A 901 as with all Nitros can be heavier then others on the market and think that ordering one with a 150hp to save $$$$ is going to be regretted down the line. Things like top end can be over looked by some but if it isn't set up right the hole shot is going to suffer. With a 150 it should put you in the 55 to 58 mph range depending on setup, load and skill.

The 9 series was the top of the line Nitro tournament boat in their line up until the Z series hit the market. A 901 has IMO along with the 929 and 911 the best live well system - its two 18 gallon guardian system. They are in the shape of a boot so the bass have a place to nose into and get comfortable with less stress. Also 9 series has everything you could need in a tournament boat like the hydraulic steering on board charger, built in cooler, recess trolling motor pedal, the works. Like I said it was the top of the line. Now some of the Nitro's are decked out with all the bells and whistles and others are set up cheep so check on the electronics. It comes standard with an in dash flasher and nothing on the deck and if done on the cheep side it may have less trolling motor then needed.

If your walking out the door at $9,000.00 and it is in good shape it's not a steel but your doing ok. Make sure you have the motor tested and take it out on the water for a test drive before putting any $$ down.

Other then that it's all in what works for you, if your happy that is all that matters at the end of the day.

QuantumRONandReel · January 16, 2008, 02:36:52 PM

I was looking at Nitro's page and noticing that Max power listed on the 901 is 200HP...The boat im looking at is a 150 Optimax...just curious if that extra 50 is really gonna make a huge difference and have me wishing I had gone with more HP $:-\$

Ron Fogelson · January 16, 2008, 07:42:41 PM

The extra HP will help you both on hole shot and top end but the biggest thing is the torque allowing you to spin a bigger prop or spin the same prop but bring it up to speed faster.

You will notice the hole shot 1st if paired with a like type 901 with a 200. All this can be minimized with proper set up and control on your load. I.E how must tackle you end up storing in your boat. Believe me, it 1st it's just a few things but over time everything ends up in the boat.

Some folks have had great luck using the hydra foils to help on the hole shot and it doesn't hurt the top end. Go for a test drive/ride if you can and see what you think about it, like I said that is the only thing you need to worry about.

Dchance · January 17, 2008, 09:15:00 AM

I have the same boat. 2002 901 with a 200 hp efi.

1. If you are getting that boat for 9K yes, it is pretty much a steal. Although Blue book says one thing, around here those boats are going for high retail and better. I got mine for 15K and have not seen one similar for sale even close to that. I got a good deal.

2. Yes you will miss the 50 hp. Even with a 200 efi I wish I had more. Mine has the 2.5 liter (same block as the 150) and with a 23p tempest is ok out of the hole. They are heavy boats and when fully loaded are dogs. The 3.0 liter (optis) are better suited for the heavy boat. with the 200 many get around low to mid 60's so it is no speed demon. You can get by with the 150 fine, but if not propped right it will be a dog out of the hole and top end won't be great. But for the price you can't hardly turn it down. The fishability of this boat is second to none in my opinion for a 19 footer. very well rough water boat too. I fish tournaments and it is a great tournament package.

Let me know if I can help you out any more.

QuantumRONandReel · January 17, 2008, 05:39:29 PM

Dchance..do you happen to know what the original trolling motor was on the 02 or did it vary by Dealer? I need to know if I should take into account the cost of upgrading the trolling motor or not and if so..what kind of thrust are we aiming for?!?

Dan929CDX · January 17, 2008, 07:55:59 PM

Welcome to the site, I think and someone in the know will have to back me up but 67 pounds sounds about right for a 02 901 but like I said I'm not sure. I have a 929 with a 67 pound trolling motor on it and I'm wishin for more all the time on the water. I would not go with anything less than about 80 or so and that depends of course on the if where you are fishing has a lot of current and weeds. I fish a lot of tidal rivers here in South Carolina and really wish I had a little extra juice. I wouldn't recommend a unit bigger that the 82 because you will have to change to the 36 volt set up, which means a third trolling battery which means more weight. Thats my two cents. Good luck though.

Ron Fogelson · January 18, 2008, 03:31:53 AM

Yes a 67 MG used to be the standard on the 901/929/911 now it is the MG 70.

I had a MK 70 and went to the MK 80 and it is just as fast on my 929 as a 101 MG was on the Corks Legend. The 3rd battery for the 36 volt isn't worth it IMO unless you are fishing mostly current. At the end of a long day fishing the 36 volt will be stronger then the 24.

Dchance · January 18, 2008, 08:21:58 AM

these guys are right, it is about 67lb 24 volt which IMO is not good enough. I replaced mine with a 36v 81lb thrust Motor Guide and it does great. I really believe the reason is not the thrust, but the 36volts. I fish tournaments quite regularly and never have to worry about the 36v going dead (unless your batteries go on you) I just had a tx in 30mph winds and was standing on it all day and it stayed very strong all day. That is a heavy boat and the extra power is worth having even though you add the extra battery weight it is worth it. Anything 80+ lbs of thrust will work just fine.

QuantumRONandReel · January 18, 2008, 10:28:30 PM

OK so im gonna go ahead and say I need to add another TM into the cost..with that being said...I've only ever dealt with my minn kota on my 16 ft Starcraft that has 5 different speed settings....a buddy of mine has a variable pedal type setup that isnt a specific setting but lets u gradually add or remove power and im thinkin thats probably something thats a given for bass boats?!?! or when upgrading a TM

Ron Fogelson · January 18, 2008, 11:59:59 PM

On the larger MK & MG you can get the variable speed control, just make sure you look for it.

The other ones like you said have a 1,2,3,4,5 setting the variable normally has 0 to 100

Dchance · January 20, 2008, 10:03:13 PM

I think both brands are good. Kind of like the chevy ford debate. I have the variable settings on my motor guide which I think is a better option. Can get exact speed needed. May try to find a deal on a used one or one someone is getting rid of. I got mine off ebay 3 or 4 years ago for about $700 less than a new one. It was a dealer that took it off a demo boat. Also may check www.bassboatcentral.com. The one I got was from RnH Marine in Bull Shoals AR. May look them up and give them a call to see if they have anything.

QuantumRONandReel · January 21, 2008, 06:58:40 PM

Will do..thanks for the heads up...They finally built a Cabelas out here and are having a sale..may see whats goin on out that way as well.

basscaster46 · August 04, 2008, 10:08:18 PM

All I can say is a150 on a 901 will be a dog. Who ever said it will be slow out of the hole was understating the problem.
Personally I have a 2003 901 sc with a200 3.0 litre optimax. Run a tempest plus 24 pitch blade. Also has motorguide 36 volt hand control. Boat loaded 2 angler`s tournament load 4 batter`ies 3/4 tank fuel will run mid 60`s sometime`s a little better.
Oh also running 3 1/2 below pad. Very good rough water boat. Extremly well laid out.
Think if I could change 1 thing it would be to go to a motorguide tour edition 82 24 volt foot control. Mainly to lighten load and to cut expense on batteri`es.
Overall love this boat alot of boat for not alot of money.
Better test that boat before you buy you probly wont like it`s performance even at a reduced price.
J.D.