New Z7 What options would you get?

[sherm]

Just got back into Bass fishing after 25 years. I'm looking into buying a Z7. Could a few of you guy's tell me what options or upgrades you would get and Why, I appreciate your help with this, thanks.

[E5Zero]

Sherm I have an 08 with the 175 Pro XS and a Minnkota 82lb

A lot of guys over on Bass Boat Central have new Z7's with both the 150 and the 200, all depends on what you want.  I would get the hydraulic steering and a 6" jackplate.  Makes dialing it in a whole lot easier and the steering is sweet.  Upgrade the dash depth finder.  It is a Lowrance X96 and uses an Eagle transducer.  Maybe by the time you get ready they will make a change on this.  Upgrade the TM to the 80-82 lb thrust, you will not be sorry.  The new dual console is a sweet option, easy to remove.  Dual axle on the trailer is another nice upgrade. 

Holler if you have any questions.  I love mine.  I have upgraded the electronics to Humminbird SI units.  They will get a shake down cruise in a week or two.

Good luck.

[BHubb]

DITTO,  ALL great upgrades.

Sherm I have an 08 with the 175 Pro XS and a Minnkota 82lb

A lot of guys over on Bass Boat Central have new Z7's with both the 150 and the 200, all depends on what you want.  I would get the hydraulic steering and a 6" jackplate.  Makes dialing it in a whole lot easier and the steering is sweet.  Upgrade the dash depth finder.  It is a Lowrance X96 and uses an Eagle transducer.  Maybe by the time you get ready they will make a change on this.  Upgrade the TM to the 80-82 lb thrust, you will not be sorry.  The new dual console is a sweet option, easy to remove.  Dual axle on the trailer is another nice upgrade. 

Holler if you have any questions.  I love mine.  I have upgraded the electronics to Humminbird SI units.  They will get a shake down cruise in a week or two.

Good luck.

[coldfront]

Sherm I have an 08 with the 175 Pro XS and a Minnkota 82lb

A lot of guys over on Bass Boat Central have new Z7's with both the 150 and the 200, all depends on what you want.  I would get the hydraulic steering and a 6" jackplate.  Makes dialing it in a whole lot easier and the steering is sweet.  Upgrade the dash depth finder.  It is a Lowrance X96 and uses an Eagle transducer.  Maybe by the time you get ready they will make a change on this.  Upgrade the TM to the 80-82 lb thrust, you will not be sorry.  The new dual console is a sweet option, easy to remove.  Dual axle on the trailer is another nice upgrade. 

Holler if you have any questions.  I love mine.  I have upgraded the electronics to Humminbird SI units.  They will get a shake down cruise in a week or two.

Good luck.

upgrade that TM to a Fortrex...if you fish heavy winds, current...look hard at the 101 36-volt unit...
would agree that side imaging is pretty important...and a close second on that would be side imaging units that can be networked...finally, if you do a lot of 'off-shore' work...upgrading GPS antennas is helpful as well...(not sure if HB has this option...or if it's only Lowrance)

[DB]

I bought a Z-7 in May of this year and love the boat. I have a 150 opti on it and has plenty of power for me, it came with hydraulic steering and a single axle trailer with brakes. The only upgrades I would recommend would be a 6" hydraulic jack plate, and a tandem axle trailer with the nice wheel package this one is only cosmetic. Any question just ask.

[kuyawil]

I bought a Z-7 in May of this year and love the boat. I have a 150 opti on it and has plenty of power for me, it came with hydraulic steering and a single axle trailer with brakes. The only upgrades I would recommend would be a 6" hydraulic jack plate, and a tandem axle trailer with the nice wheel package this one is only cosmetic. Any question just ask.

Hi DB,

I don't mean to hijack this thread but I'm also looking at the Z-7 as well. Could you explain to me the purpose of the jack plate. I always forget to ask the sales guy at BPS about it. Thanks!

-BigWil

[DB]

It can help to improve fuel economy, increase your boat's maximum speed on the water, increase your propeller clearance, and help you get up on plane faster

[jitterbugman]

I would opt for the wheel trim, hyd. steering, retractable trailer tiedowns,HDS 7 w/insight and structure scan, rod organizer and ratchet cover. Also would get the new 150 pro xs or the 200.Just over 30k.

[-Bryan-]

I would opt for the wheel trim, hyd. steering, retractable trailer tiedowns,HDS 7 w/insight and structure scan, rod organizer and ratchet cover. Also would get the new 150 pro xs or the 200.Just over 30k.

I would step the HDS-7 up to the HDS-8...I have a 7 and added an 8 and the difference is WELL worth the added $$$, no question about it!

[britt]

I have a 2010 Z7. The Opti 150 is good for me (I can pull 65-67 with boat loaded and partner), it wasn't worth it for me to go to a 200. If I had it to do over again, go with any of the HDS units at the console AND at the front networked (waypoint marking is crucial). I have looked at a jack plate, but can't justify it; moving to a Fury 26 is going to work best for me. Feel free to ask if any other questions.

[finfinder]

I have a 2010 Z7. The Opti 150 is good for me (I can pull 65-67 with boat loaded and partner), it wasn't worth it for me to go to a 200. If I had it to do over again, go with any of the HDS units at the console AND at the front networked (waypoint marking is crucial). I have looked at a jack plate, but can't justify it; moving to a Fury 26 is going to work best for me. Feel free to ask if any other questions.

Britt how are  you getting 65 - 67 with a 150 Opti and no plate?  Is that speedo or gps? What prop are you using?  I have a Z-7 with a 150 opti/ 24p tempest plus and with my partner and gear we may see 59.  By myself all I have ever got to was 62 on the gps.
Please shed some light on this 'cause I would love to get that speed.

Thanks,
finfinder

[Dchance]

I have a 2010 Z7 and I opted to go with the 200 for future happiness. (we always want bigger and faster).
Must haves IMO: These should be standard
Hydro steering
Jackplate
trailer brakes

Options I got:
Hot Foot and Blinker Trim - safety issue
Removeable dual console
I put HB SI in the dash
upgraded Trolling motor to an 82lb. you will be just fine with this boat in the wind. but to be sure I also installed a Stay n Charge to keep my batteries charge while running the big motor.

Wish I would have got:
Dual axle trailer
Aluminum rims upgrade

[finfinder]

Ditto on the aluminum wheels although I got mine on the way home from the dealer and made the steel rim the spare.

Not sure if things have changed since 2008 but if the rigging tube is not standard, it is cheap an looks a whole lot better than the loose cables.

I also opted for an extra power pole seat for the back in addition to the sissy seat.

Also a dual axle trailer is nice but not necessary.  If you have tolls like we do here that is a big consideration.  The bridge 5 miles north of me has a $16 toll for a pickup and a dual axle trailer 

[Dchance]

The rigging tube is standard now, and I like the sissy pole (for my wife and kids lol) you are exactly correct though about the dual axle. I did not get it, and do not need it. It is not necessary, just looks nicer IMO. If money wasn't a factor.......

[finfinder]

The rigging tube is standard now, and I like the sissy pole (for my wife and kids lol) you are exactly correct though about the dual axle. I did not get it, and do not need it. It is not necessary, just looks nicer IMO. If money wasn't a factor.......

I got the seat for the wife too.  It is nice for some of the old farts I take out too......more stable.

[PA ANGLER]

Hello, I just joined the forum. I ordered a 2011 Nitro Z-7 with a 150 Pro X/S Optimax 200 not offered for 2011.

Here's what extras I'm getting from the Nitro:
Removable port console.
150 Pro X/S Optimax with 6" manual jack plate.
Lowrance HDS-7 with Insight flush mounted in the dash.
Lowrance HDS-5 flush mounted on the bow.
Hydraulic Tilt Steering.
Keel Guard.
Auto Bilge Pump.
2 Oxegenators
Retractable Tie Downs.
Single Axle Brakes. (Required in PA for anything over 3000lbs)
Black Spare Tire.
Loc-R-Bar.
Nitro Boat Cover.

Non Nitro Options:
Minn Kota Terrova 36v, 54" with AP/US2 and Co-Pilot with quick disconnect bracket.
4 Bank Dual Pro 4 x 15amps onboard charger. (60amps total)
Four (34/78 PC1500) Odyssey dry cell batteries.
Lowrance Side image Structure Scan. (Got it for hundreds less than Nitro wanted)
Skeg Gard.
And that's what I got on a Z-7.

Tight Lines
Pa Angler

[finfinder]

Sweet..........looks like you have all the bases covered  .  Shoot us some pics when it comes in.

finfinder