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Brief Summary
The NITRO® Z19 is a fully-equipped tournament rig delivered as a turn-key package including GALVASHIELD® trailer, trolling motor, 3-bank charger and base electronics for $37,395. Dual aerated 19-gallon (72 L) Guardian livewells are equipped with digital timers and aeration and recirculation systems, plus oxygen generators, optional from most builders. The Rapid Planing System has a notch in the center of the transom to release trapped air on takeoff, and the set-back transom provides more solid water to the propeller, which results in a faster holeshot and improved efficiency.
Key Features
- Standard with Mercury 200L OptiMax Pro XS
- Nitro Vortex Technology (NVT) hull with Rapid Planing System for better handling and a drier ride
- 38-sq.-ft. bow deck
- Bow and console room for optional flush-mounted 12" fishfinders
- Oversized, lockable port & starboard bow rod lockers w/lid assists for rods up to 8' long
- 2 insulated aft 19-gallon Guardian livewells with digital timers
- Low-profile gunnels with integrated navigation lights to maximize deck space
- Step to bow deck with 62-qt. insulated cooler, removable trash receptacle and optional sandwich tray
- Port-side partner rod ramp and dedicated net storage behind seats
- Factory-rigged with Mercury outboard, Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance fishfinder and a custom-fit trailer
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
600 | 3.5 | 3 | 0.4 | 8.6 | 7.5 | 388 | 337.5 | 74 |
1000 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 1 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 254 | 221.1 | 71 |
1500 | 6.7 | 5.8 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 147 | 127.9 | 73 |
2000 | 8 | 6.9 | 4.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 79 | 68.4 | 73 |
2500 | 24 | 20.8 | 4.7 | 5.1 | 4.4 | 229 | 199.4 | 81 |
3000 | 31.1 | 27 | 6.3 | 5 | 4.3 | 224 | 194.7 | 84 |
3500 | 39.1 | 34 | 7.4 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 239 | 207.9 | 88 |
4000 | 44.5 | 38.7 | 10 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 201 | 175 | 96 |
4500 | 51.7 | 45 | 11.7 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 199 | 172.9 | 92 |
5000 | 59.2 | 51.5 | 14.6 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 182 | 158.7 | 94 |
5500 | 66.1 | 57.9 | 16.6 | 4 | 3.5 | 179 | 155.8 | 95 |
5600 | 68.4 | 59.5 | 18.3 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 169 | 146.7 | 97 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 19' 4'' / 5.89 m |
---|---|
Beam |
94'' 2.38 m |
Dry Weight |
1,850 lbs. 839 kg |
Tested Weight |
3,015 lbs. 1,367 kg |
Draft |
15'' 0.38 m |
Deadrise/Transom | 16-deg. |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Weight Capacity |
1,375 lbs. 624 kg |
Person Capacity | 4 |
Fuel Capacity |
50 gal. 189 L |
Water Capacity | N/A |
Total Weight |
3,015 lbs. 1,367 kg |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | 2.9 sec. |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 7.7 sec. |
Ratio | 1.75:1 |
Props | Mercury Fury 14" x 25" 3-blade |
Load | 2 persons, 4/5 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear |
Climate | 62 deg.; 83 humid.; wind: 0-7 mph; seas: calm |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
1 x 200-hp Mercury OptiMax Pro XS |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 200-hp Mercury OptiMax Pro XS |
Opt. Power |
1 x 175-hp Mercury OptiMax Pro XS 1 x 150-hp Mercury OptiMax Pro XS 150 L FourStroke 1 x 200-hp Mercury Verado Pro FourStroke 4.8'' |
Captain's Report
Learn More
Watch Our Video
Mission Statement
Nitro customers have been asking for a tournament-quality 19’ boat, and the new Z19 Z-PRO Package has everything a serious bass angler is looking for in a 19’4” (5.9m) boat. The Z-PRO Package comes with a stout list of fishing equipment, including a Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motor, two Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 Touch fishfinders, and a Power-Pole 8’ Blade Edition shallow-water anchor.
Her size and a maximum hp rating of 200 make the Z19 Z-PRO Package fast enough for tournament fishing, big enough to accommodate a load of gear, and small enough that she can still get into tight spaces.
Distinguishing Features
•Nitro Vortex Technology (NVT) hull. Designed for a smoother, drier ride.
•Rapid Planing System (RPS). Delivers quicker holeshots and higher top speed.
•Standard adjustable jackplate. 3” (7.6cm) plate on Verado only. 8” (20 cm) plate on OptiMax only.
•Two Lowrance HDS-7 Gen3 Touch Fishfinders with StructureScan. Standard equipment on Z-PRO Package.
•Anti-Fatigue 38-sq. ft. (3.5 sq. m) bow casting deck. Cushioned walking surface adds comfort to a long day of fishing.
•Minn Kota Fortrex 24-volt 80-pound thrust trolling motor. 45” long (1.07m) shaft with foot control.
•Tandem-axle Nitro trailer. Custom fit to the boat and protected with Galvashield finish.
Great Expectations. There’s more to a bass boat than most people realize. For example, the Z19 Z-PRO Package weighs 1,850 lbs. (839.15 kg) minus power, which is heavier than a few competitors. She’s rated to carry 1,375 lbs. (623.7 kg), including passengers and equipment but that doesn’t take into account the 500 lbs. (226.8 kg) for the motor, the 300 lbs. (136.08 kg) for 50 gallons of fuel or the 315.4 lbs. (143.06) for the twin 19-gallon livewells. Owners expect the boat to run high speeds when fully loaded and be stable at rest when a 200-pound (90.7) kg) fisherman is leaning over the port or starboard bow while netting a fish.
Performance
Nitro Vortex Technology (NVT). The new NVT hull uses parabolic curves built into the running surface instead of traditional strakes added to it. Nitro says this results in more top-end speed and lift, plus improved acceleration. The shape of the hull also reportedly enhances consistency in the manufacturing process and provides a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Top Speed 68.4 MPH. One of the first thing people want to know when they see a bass boat is its top speed. We tested the Z19 Z-PRO Package with a 200-hp Mercury OptiMax Pro XS two-stroke outboard. It was geared at 1.75:1 and turned a Fury 14” x 25” three-blade stainless-steel propeller. With two people, test equipment and 40 gallons of fuel on board, our test boat weighed 3,015 lbs. We hit a top speed of 68.4 mph at 5600 rpm. Best cruise came at 3500 rpm, where we ran 39.1 mph and burned 7.4 gph, which resulted in 5.3 mpg, giving the boat a range of 239 statute miles with 10 percent in reserve.
Rapid Planing. The Z19 Z-PRO Package is designed with Nitro’s Rapid Planing System that has a notch in the center of the transom to release trapped air on takeoff. The set-back design of the transom and the installation of the motor on an 8” jack plate also provides more solid water to the propeller, which results in a faster holeshot and improved efficiency.
Our test boat planed in 2.9 seconds and ran to 20 mph in 5.6 seconds before continuing to 30 mph in 7.7 seconds. The hull was also designed to reduce backwash over the transom when the boat decelerates, and when we came to a sudden stop, no water made it past the splashwell.
Maneuverability. Bass boats have long been thought of as being good for one thing: going fast in a straight line. With the Z19 Z-PRO Package’s bottom, Nitro wanted to dispel that notion. When we put it a series of circle turns, she completed every maneuver. She carved clean wide arcs and held her line well, but blew out the prop in hard tight turns, which is normal for a bass boat -- that’s not what they’re designed to do. Standard hydraulic steering enhances the feeling of control.
Features Inspection
The Bow. Stepping aboard the Z19 Z-PRO, starting all the way forward in the bow, the Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motor is just ahead of the panel that contains the Lowrance fishfinder (there’s space to upgrade to a 12” (30.5 cm) screen), anchor light switches, and a trim button for the outboard motor. The foot pedal for the trolling motor is recessed to make using it more comfortable.
Room to Move. The Z19 Z-PRO’s forward casting deck has 38 sq. ft. (3.5 sq. m) of space for anglers to fish. Nitro covers the area in 16-ounce (.45 kg) marine grade carpet. To reduce fatigue on fishermen during a tournament, an anti-fatigue mat is an available $75 option. The bow has two receptacles for a movable fishing seat just aft of the controls for the trolling motor. To keep the deck clear for fishing, the navigation lights are recessed and the boat has pull-up cleats.
Bow Storage. In the Z19 Z-PRO Package’s bow to port, there’s a locker with two-level rod racks. As we found throughout the boat, the hatch opens on gas struts and locks for security. In the center of the foredeck, there’s a voluminous locker that has a variety of insert-able partitions to customize it. To port is another large carpeted locker.
The top of the step that leads aft into the cockpit is hinged and opens a 62-quart (58.7-liter) cooler that has improved insulation and a snap-in tray that will keep sandwiches out of the ice and water. There’s also a removable wastebasket and a cupholder and tool rack.
The Cockpit. For an extra $1,095, an owner can add the removable port console. It installs with thumbscrew-style plastic fasteners and has a carpet-lined locking glovebox. Below, the angled footrest opens another storage compartment. Outboard to port, there is dedicated storage for six rods.
The Helm. To starboard, Nitro saves space at the helm by using multi-function gauges it calls Veethree instruments. The speedometer has an integrated fuel gauge, and the tachometer and trim are in the same instrument, and the voltmeter and water pressure are in one gauge. The helm console is finished in glare-killing black and has a removable acrylic windscreen.
The PRO Package includes the Lowrance HDS-7, Pro-Trim turn-signal style trim switch and Hot Foot brand foot throttle. To starboard of the tilt steering wheel, the boat has push-button-style accessory switches in a panel that includes one labeled Master Power that shuts down the DC power so an accessory can’t be left on accidentally. An LED courtesy light illuminates the helm area at night.
The Seats. Nitro parent company Tracker Boats and its affiliate line of Bass Pro Shop retail outlets sponsor a NASCAR team, and they worked with engineers at the race shop to design the seats for the Z19 Z-PRO Package.
There are twin bucket seats to port and starboard with an optional removable one in the center. It has storage in the base and acts as a step up to the aft fishing deck. There’s dedicated space for storing a landing net abaft the backrests.
The Aft Deck. The Z19 Z-PRO Package’s aft fishing deck has space for an angler to move about freely. Just abaft the seats in the center is a tournament ruler in a dedicated slot in between the dual aerated 19-gallon (72 L) Guardian livewells that are equipped with digital timers and aeration and recirculation systems. They also have two oxygen generators.
Each well is rotomolded with rounded corners. There is also a socket for a portable fishing seat. The hatch in the center of the deck just ahead of the splashwell accesses the batteries, and there are removable plastic tubs in the outboard lockers on each side.
Construction. Nitro builds the Z19 Z-PRO Package with gelcoated fiberglass stringers, a molded liner, and a full-width fiberglass encapsulated composite transom. Flotation foam is sprayed in to fill any voids, and the hull and deck are chemically bonded and mechanically fastened with stainless-steel hardware. The boat is equipped with four stainless-steel pull up cleats and two new grabrails, one at the transom and one at the companion seat.
Trailer. The Z19 Z-PRO Package rides on an upgraded tandem-axle trailer that is custom made for the boat. It has a swing-away tongue jack, a spare tire and mount, surge brakes, and maintenance-free No Touch Vortex hub lubrication system with a six-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty. There’s a step at the bow plus one on each side behind the fenders, so it’s easy to climb into the boat from either end when she’s on land. It’s finished in the manufacturer’s Galvashield finish for corrosion resistance and comes with custom aluminum rims.
Price
• $37,395 with a Mercury 200 L Pro XS four-stroke outboard and tandem-axle trailer.
Warranty
One year from date of purchase by the original buyer. Tracker also warrants that the hull, interior hull, stringers, and transom are free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the boat, as long as it owned by the original purchaser.
Options to Consider
• Second dash Fishfinder Lowrance HDS-7 Touch ($2,620), HDS-9 Touch ($2,875), or HDS-12 Touch ($4,125)
• Bluetooth capable Sony stereo system $375
• CoolGuard livewell cooling system $525
• Hydrowave electronic fish attractor $540
• X-Grip phone holder $45
• Center Seat $250
• 8” (20.32cm) BMS hydraulic jack plate $1,100
• Remote oil fill $80
• Removable port console with hardware $1,095
• SmartCraft gauges $725
• Nitro rope ratchet cover for single console $750
• Nitro rope ratchet cover for dual consoles $970
• Fiberglass fenders for tandem-axle trailer $900
• 18” (45.72 cm) custom matte black aluminum allow wheel upgrade and Hercules Raptis R-TS spare tire $1,850
• Tandem-axle twin brake
Observations
The Nitro Z19 Z-PRO Package is targeted at the tournament angler who wants a quality boat in the 19’ size range. The options package gives an owner what he wants for one price instead of having to sit with a salesman and pick out each option individually.
The NVT hull with the rapid planing system is designed to generate more lift and run more efficiently, so the boat runs 70 mph on a 200-hp engine. This could save owners money in the short term -- at the time of purchase -- and over the long haul because it uses less fuel than a more powerful model.
On her custom-matched tandem-axle trailer, the Z19 Z-PRO Package should weigh in the neighborhood of 3,500 lbs., which means she can be towed by a wide variety of vehicles, including a pickup like a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier.