Used Ranger or new Nitro z8,9??

[Meat-Run]

Hopefully next spring I can upgrade to a newer rig, been looking at used Rangers, Skeeters, Champions etc. and for the price of some used rigs I can buy a brand new Z8 w/3+ year warranty. I've always liked the fitnfish of Rangers, own one myself now and would like to stick with the same brand but cost savings out ways brand loyalty.

Most used boats that are within my price range already have 300+ hours on the boat/motor and after hearing about motors blowing up all summer long I'm a little paranoid about buying something with that many hours on it.

I looked a local Z8 and found it to be very well thought out and storage was way better than expected. What is others thoughts and opinions regarding a Nitro vs. Ranger, Skeeter, Bass Cat and Tritons etc? Please don't hold back on opinions but only if you have personally experienced it first hand.

Thanks,

MR

[Todd S.]

I bought a 2011 used Z8 this past August and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. It has a 250 Pro XS, 2 hds7's with structure scan. I think the boat rocks, and don't have any regrets what so ever. I was looking at used Legends, Phoenix, and Skeeters, I just couldn't afford the extra money of others. Nor could I see the value in spending more $$, if the motor, electronics, and trailer are same the difference in $$ is in the hull. I just couldn't see the 6-9k difference, IMO. Your welcome to pm with your contact info I'd be happy to talk specifics or come and see mine(Elk River, MN). You should reach out to Bass-n-Spear(Jay)he is a Nitro dealer.

[Meat-Run]

Todd what kind of speed are you getting and are using the standard prop that came with your rig?

MR

[Todd S.]

25 tempest, I'm 3.5 inches below the pad running 74 gps speed, 5800 rpm's with analog dash tach. I have been tweaking jack plate on just about every trip trying to find the sweet spot(I run it pretty light 20 gallons of gas and no water in wells, most of the time). Based on previous owners guestimate to usage, I'm guessing the motor only has had about 20-30 gallons of gas through it so far so I haven't really run it that hard or full trim for any extended period of time.

[hydrashack]

I would get a GPS and retest your speed. Not saying you have a slow boat, but 5800, with a 1.87 gear ratio and a 25 pitch prop at 0% slip calculates only to 73. And there is no way a nitro, or any boat, is scooting along at 0% slip.

My advice on your decision on which boat would be to get in each and fish, drive both and see what you like. Also consider how long you are going to keep your boat and what the resale of a Ranger would be to a Nitro.

[CCGinMN]

Hydrashack, I believe his speed is pretty accurate. My league partner runs a Z9 (foot longer) with the same motor and I've seen gps readings of 72 mph quite a few times. Take my 170 lbs out and he would probably pick up an extra mph or two.

Good thread as I too am in the market for a new (used) boat.

[Meat-Run]

I've driven most bass boats like ranger, triton, skeeter, champion, and an older stratos but no nitro, legend, bass cat and a Phoenix. I do like the hull design on the BC'S and Phoenix boats but not to many in the Brainerd area to take for a spin.

MR

[thatoneguy]

Whatever you get, I can't wait to mooch and fish out of it next summer

[hydrashack]

I am not saying the boat can't run that, but I am saying it is impossible to run a 25 pitch prop at 5800 rpms with a 1.87 lower unit.

It is just the facts at that rpm level. Feel free to look it up on a prop slip calculator. Most bass boats run between 6-10%.

[JohnMickish]

If you plan on keeping the boat forever then you already know the answer, if you plan on selling the boat in 3 years you already know the answer there too. 300 hours is not a lot of hours on a motor. anything built in the last couple years should go well over a thousand hours if it is maintained and operated properly.

[Hester]

If you plan on keeping the boat forever then you already know the answer, if you plan on selling the boat in 3 years you already know the answer there too. 300 hours is not a lot of hours on a motor. anything built in the last couple years should go well over a thousand hours if it is maintained and operated properly.

What he said.

[Todd S.]

I was incorrect on prior post, 26 tempest, I'm not sure why I put 25, my mistake. Ran yesterday pushed 6000 rpm's, 72.7 mph on gps......

[bassfshin24]

I'm hoping in the next few years to be looking for a new rig and you can bet I'll be test driving them all. I would check out Lybacks on Mille Lacs...they are a basscat dealer and I have seen them take quite a few people out on test drives. That is definitely a good lake to take a test drive on. I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you choose.

[Meat-Run]

Thanks for the comments guys lets just hope winter is extra short this year and we can be back on the water by end of March....

MR

[Juan Grande]

Not trying to offend anyone by asking this, but I've always wondered why many bass boat owners optimize their boats to get them up to 75 or even 80 mph? Is it for racing for spots during tournaments or just a need for speed?

Again, I'm not trolling here (no pun), I'm just curious. I have a walleye boat and have topped out at about 48. I can't imagine adding another 30 mph to that without having to change my pants afterwards.

[Cecil]

I am more concerned about getting on pad quicker vs top end.

[Todd S.]

Juan-I can only speak for myself, I have a need for speed........ADRENALINE is my friend!

[hydrashack]

I like a fast boat, but there is always someone faster..........

In bass boats, especially tourney guys, you want a fast boat to get to your spot first and be able to fish longer. But in reality, conditions, size of lake, lake mph regulations limit how fast you can really go sometimes.

[Meat-Run]

Juan,

Your question is very valid and justifiable to the point that it's taken me this long to commit to a boat that does go fast. I plan to fish tourneys some day soon and covering water is very crucial especially when your fishing waters like Leech, Whitefish, Gull, Tonka etc. But like what hydrashack said conditions only allows you to go only so fast. There is the rush factor too that makes it more enjoyable, call it a mid-life crisis but I've been wanting a fast boat for years. Might run it for a year or two and say, yup way to much for me but until I try it I'm fixed on a big boat to cover some water.

MR

[Juan Grande]

I guess a bass boat doesn't look as cool with a 50 HP Yamaha on the back either. Kind of like buying a Porsche and putting a Prius engine in it

[RumRiverRat]

Juan-I can only speak for myself, I have a need for speed........ADRENALINE is my friend!

You need to fish bigger lakes if you want to really go fast.

Plus that will leave more fish for me on the lake that shall not be named.

[TR21HP]

You don't need bigger boats to go fast. I go just as fast on Chisago or Green than I do on Mille Lacs.

[RumRiverRat]

You don't need bigger boats to go fast. I go just as fast on Chisago or Green than I do on Mille Lacs.

The lake I saw Todd S on is barely large enough to get on pad and run for 5 seconds.

[Todd S.]

RRR-you are correct. It's safe to say some rigs are over kill for some lakes, but it sure looks good in the garage.

[RumRiverRat]

RRR-you are correct. It's safe to say some rigs are over kill for some lakes, but it sure looks good in the garage.

It is a good looking boat!

Been seeing lots of nice rigs on that lake. Last saturday someone was puting in a Skeeter with a 300hp Yamaha HPDI. I about fell over.