Checked out a new Z-7

DanielR · January 31, 2011, 03:57:30 PM

The Spokane National Boat Show is underway and our EWU Fishing Club has a booth for raising funds. I've had several opportunities to check out a brand new Nitro Z-7, but one aspect of the boat is a deal breaker.

I'm fairly tall at 6'2", and the Nitro's leg space is severely limited. As a matter of fact, you can't extend your legs at all underneath the console? It's closed off.

Is this just on the Z-7 or all models of Nitro boats?

Ron Fogelson · January 31, 2011, 07:45:09 PM

Not sure how the Z-7 is but sat in a Z-9 & Z-8 without issue,,,,, now these have a hotfoot so your right leg is bent up anyway & I use the foot rest to push my butt into the seat so when I hit a big wave my boys don't hurt so again my left leg is bent anyway.

E5Zero · February 01, 2011, 11:03:45 AM

Hmmm, I'm 6'4, old and fat and leg room is okay in my 2008 Z-7. Now I will say that when I put my hotfoot in I had to learn the best way to sit, I added a pad on the bottom of the console for my knee.

DanielR · February 01, 2011, 02:00:21 PM

Interesting, guess I should have taken a picture. Maybe I will when I head back Wednesday and post them here. Thanks gentlemen.

Dchance · February 01, 2011, 09:21:59 PM

I am 6'2" with a 34" inseam and 230lbs and have no issues in my z7??? $:-\$

DanielR · February 02, 2011, 01:36:45 AM

Quote from: Dchance on February 01, 2011, 09:21:59 PM
I am 6'2" with a 34" inseam and 230lbs and have no issues in my z7??? $:-\$

So you can stretch your legs out underneath the driver's console?

jitterbugman · February 03, 2011, 05:17:27 PM

Did you sit in it? I'm 6ft 3in and have no problems with the leg room. For the price and what standard features you get there may be a slight trade off. If leg room is a great issue step up the the Z8. Best prices for a new boat period.

DanielR · February 04, 2011, 01:52:35 PM

Quote from: jitterbugman on February 03, 2011, 05:17:27 PM
Did you sit in it? I'm 6ft 3in and have no problems with the leg room. For the price and what standard features you get there may be a slight trade off. If leg room is a great issue step up the the Z8. Best prices for a new boat period.

Yes, I sat in it multiple times. The Nitro rep even commented on the lack of leg room when I sat down. No big deal, just wondered if this was a Nitro issue or a Z-7 issue.

(*Some people may be the same height, but some of us have longer legs than others)

KLSU · February 14, 2011, 02:29:56 PM

I looked at the 2011 z7 yesterday and they do not have the floating console anymore there is a a foot rest on the left foot side now underneath the cconcole, maybe that is what he is talking about.

loomisguy · February 14, 2011, 04:37:55 PM

I was looking at a z7 yesterday at the boat show , I have to agree I felt kinda cramped . I dont think it will be a deal breaker for me but my knees were rubbing under the console.

DanielR · February 14, 2011, 08:45:53 PM

Quote from: KLSU on February 14, 2011, 02:29:56 PM
I looked at the 2011 z7 yesterday and they do not have the floating console anymore there is a a foot rest on the left foot side now underneath the cconcole, maybe that is what he is talking about.

Thank you for the pic...I didn't get a chance to snap a photo before the boat show was over. This is exactly what I'm talking about.

I couldn't sit down because my knees were rubbing the console up underneath the wheel. Unfortunate...

KLSU · February 15, 2011, 09:30:41 AM

Yea our boats 2009 and before do not have this. Not sure about 2010 models.

I think I would like it to help my back out but I am only 5'10". Finally something good about being short except for what my dad use to tell me.

"When you nose to nose your toes are in it and when you are toes to toes your nose is in it"

Dchance · February 15, 2011, 09:34:17 AM

2010 is just like that too and again, at 6'2" with 34in inseam i don't have any problems. I say that in all understanding that it still IS and 18.5 ft boat. I have a hotfoot and have set it up in the recessed "pocket" made for the hotfoot and my leg stretches out a ways.

DanielR · February 15, 2011, 02:16:24 PM

Quote from: Dchance on February 15, 2011, 09:34:17 AM
2010 is just like that too and again, at 6'2" with 34in inseam i don't have any problems. I say that in all understanding that it still IS and 18.5 ft boat. I have a hotfoot and have set it up in the recessed "pocket" made for the hotfoot and my leg stretches out a ways.

It may be 18.5, but that's no indication of available leg room. There was an obvious design change.

Ranger's Z118 was more than adequate and comfortable as a taller person. Merely noting my observations.

I'm glad not everyone has this problem with their Nitro's.

PA ANGLER · February 27, 2011, 06:12:45 PM

I bucked for the 2011 Z-7 I'm 5-10 more than enough room for me My inseam is 34" I have longer legs for the size of my torso.

Tight Lines
Pa Angler