Thoughts On A Nitro Z-6 For Entry Level Bass Boat.

[Patrick M]

I was wanting the advice of the many expierenced anglers on this site. I am considering purchasing a new bass boat. i have never had one before and i want it to be entry level and something i can use for the next 10 + years. I found a great deal on a Nitro Z-6 and was wanting to get everyone's thoughts on it. I would be using it around the area mainly on Table Rock or Taneycomo.

[Alex Heitman]

Z-6 is way to small. If you can afford it, I would definetly go with the bigger boat. The bigger the bass boat the better. I would say at least an z-8.

[Bill Babler]

10 years is a long time with a little boat like that. Really it is small for taney, but it is a toy on Table Rock. Also that Z6 has the trade in or trade up value of a used kleenex. I would look to the larger metal boats at least 18'. Or go with a very strpped down Z8.

You will regret that Z6 most everyday you own it. It will be like the old saying. The happiest day of your life is when you buy your new boat and the second is when you sell it.

Good Luck

[Patrick M]

would you go with a new boat bill or a used on? any used brands you would suggest?

[Patrick M]

ive also considered the tracker pro 165 or 175 as well just so i can go to fellows if i want.

[mixermarkb]

I'm not Bill but i'd go with a used 18' glass boat with a 150 or 175 as a starter boat for our lakes. It's enough to get you out in about any water conditions you need to be out in. If you can swing a 19'/200 or bigger do it, if it was me, I'd rather have a model year or three older, but bigger rig.

I'd also go Optimax/HPDI over EFI. The fuel savings are real.

Just my opinion, YMMV

[Sore Thumbs]

I think u could find a lot of boat going the used route for the same money. Just make sure u have compression test done on motor and really check it out before u pull the trigger. This is a great time of year to buy. There are a lot of people that just fish during spring and summer and would love to free up money for Christmas. Send me your number in a direct message. I have several friends that buy and sell boats. They typicaly will make better deals right now cuz they don't want there money tied up all winter.

[mixermarkb]

I'm partial to champions, but I'd look hard at used bass cat panteras, maybe chargers, phoenix if there are any around...Craigslist is your friend...the right boat at the right price is worth a day's drive.. Just a few random thoughts

[two old poops fishing]

just a thought on your boat if you have a family kids etc you might think about a deeper hull boat ie lund bass trackers deep v there are several makes that are great for family use and to fish out of i am partial to lund and they can be bought resonable during this time of the year usually lighter per length and handle any water good luck on whatever be sure and test a used one

[Bill Babler]

Really I think you have picked a great time to get in the boat market. Just like most of the poster said, and there is some great advice there. Interest rates are at all time lows if you have to finance. I know Arvest is really doing a great job on boat loans. See Mark at Shell Knob, if you don't have a lender.

I really liked what mixmarkb had in his post. I have owned 25 bass boats and for a fact there are some good ones out there. You all know I am not a Bass Pro Fan, but the strides that have made is truly remarkable. I believe the Z series in either 8 or 9 are good boats, and if you look on Craigs list or the papers in KC, STL, or Omaha, or Desmoines, you can find a preowned boat for excellent money, this time of the year.

Don't wait till March or you will pay the whole enchalita as that is boat buying season.

Look at an 18' with a 200 to 225 that still has warranty. If it still has warranty, you can buy more and even up to 5 years. That is a boat that is say a 2008 or 9.

No question and do not doubt this for an instant, you want a Merc ProXs. Frankly there is no other engine. It is the only one in the world. Trust me on this one, I love the YHammer, but you want the Merc.

If it were me, just starting with what I know now, I would buy a Pro-Staff boat from one of the major dealers. Loads of warranty and you can get what you want.

PM me if you are really serious and need some help.

My boat order would be:

Phoenix

Stratos Elite

Bass Cat

Nitro

Legeand

Skeeter

Ranger

That about covers it. Ranger has shot themselves in the foot and for the quality of the boat has completely priced themselves out of the market. They are a mid range boat with a low end ride and a top end price that does not compete with the above mentioned boats. Triton is alive for now, but they are on the brink.

Every componet of the Nitro is at least the quality that Ranger is trying to sell for twice the price. Used to work, no longer does.

Any of those boats will work and shop,shop, shop