Nitro Boats for Sale
Nitro is the performance bass boat in the Bass Pro Shops family. It's sold as a package with an outboard and trailer, which is a big reason so many used Nitros are out there.
Texas roots, Bass Pro ownership
Nitro started in Texas, where its builders were among the people working on the pad-V bass boat hull. In the late 1980s, Johnny Morris's Tracker Marine, part of Bass Pro Shops, bought the Nitro line, and by 1990 Tracker was selling Nitro boat, motor and trailer packages across the country.
Nitro is now part of White River Marine Group, the Bass Pro boat company that also includes Tracker, Ranger, Triton, Mako and Sun Tracker. New Nitros are sold through Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores as well as dealers, and come with Mercury outboards.
The models
- Z-series fiberglass bass boats (Z17 up through Z21): Nitro's main performance line.
- ZV deep-V multi-species boats: for walleye and big lakes.
- Older models: you'll also see older numbered Nitro bass boats on the used market.
The number in a Z-series name usually means length, so a Z19 is about 19 feet and a Z21 about 21.
Spec sheet: the Z21 Pro
The Z21 Pro is Nitro's 21-foot tournament bass boat. Nitro's 2021 page lists it at 21'2" with a 7'11" beam and a 16-degree deadrise. It's rated for 300 hp and 4 people, carries 55 gallons of fuel and weighs 2,150 lbs dry, or 4,050 lbs as a package with the trailer. Towing length is 27'11" and storage length is 24'4".
Nitro sells at a set national price. In 2021 the Z21 Pro boat, motor and trailer package was $59,995 with a Mercury 250 Pro XS and $63,405 with the 300 Pro XS, before prep and freight. The Pro package includes a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, two Humminbird SOLIX units and two 10-foot Talon anchors.
Much of the value of a used Z21 Pro is in its electronics. Check that each unit powers up and that the trolling motor and Talons work.
What to check on a used Nitro
Package history. Most Nitros were sold as a package. Find out if the original engine and trailer are still with the boat, or whether either has been replaced.
Outboard. Get the hours and records. Check compression, the lower unit oil and the prop.
Transom and jack plate. Look for cracks around the motor mounts and the jack plate bolts. Push on the engine and watch the transom for flex.
Hull and pad. Look at the keel and running pad for chips, gouges and repairs.
Deck and carpet. Walk the deck for soft spots and lift the hatches to check for water damage.
Electronics and wiring. Check every pump, light and switch. Look at how the graphs and trolling motor were wired.
Trolling motor and batteries. Test the trolling motor and charger, and ask how old the batteries are.
Trailer. A bass boat that fished tournaments has been launched and loaded hundreds of times. Spin each wheel to feel for bearing play, and look for bunk carpet worn through to the wood.
Water test. Run it to full throttle and check that it gets up on plane and holds RPM.
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Frequently asked questions
Who owns Nitro boats?
White River Marine Group, part of Bass Pro Shops.
Where can I buy a new Nitro?
At Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores and Nitro dealers.
What engines do Nitro boats use?
New Nitros come with Mercury outboards.
What is a Nitro Z-series?
Nitro's fiberglass performance bass boat line, from about 17 to 21 feet.