Nitro 640 LX 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 640 LX 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?

For trailering, the Nitro Z-8 2009 has the edge at 195 lbs dry weight versus 1 092 lbs for the Nitro 640 LX 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Nitro Z-8 2009 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 640 LX 2004 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Nitro 640 LX 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 2009 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Nitro Z-8 2009 measures 96" wide, compared to 84" for the Nitro 640 LX 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Nitro 640 LX 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?

The Nitro Z-8 2009 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Nitro 640 LX 2004. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Nitro 640 LX 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nitro 640 LX 2004 and the Nitro Z-8 2009 are built by Nitro. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Nitro 640 LX 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009

Nitro

Nitro 640 LX 2004

2004

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Nitro

Nitro Z-8 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Nitro 640 LX 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 640 LX 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Nitro Z-8 2009 has a 160-hp advantage over the Nitro 640 LX 2004's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Nitro Z-8 2009 carries 55 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Nitro 640 LX 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Nitro Z-8 2009 and its 250-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Nitro 640 LX 2004 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeNitro

Model640 LX

ModelZ-8

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam84 in

Beam96 in. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches84

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail1092 lbs

Weight - Detail1,950 lbs. (885 kg)

Weight - kg495.32

Weight - kg884.5

Weight - lbs.1092

Weight - lbs.195

Height [transom]21.5 in

Height [transom]22 in. (0.56 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in. (6.12 m)

Length overall - Meters4.98

Length overall - Meters6.12

Length overall - Inches196

Length overall - Inches241

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.12

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 Gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Engine max90 hp

Engine max250 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury? 150 OptiMax?

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1080 lbs

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 or 1,000 lbs. (454 kg)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailNITRO? color coordinated tandem axle drive-on

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over allWith swing-away: 23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight3,620 lbs. (1,642 kg)

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Nitro 640 LX 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 640 LX 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?

For trailering, the Nitro Z-8 2009 has the edge at 195 lbs dry weight versus 1 092 lbs for the Nitro 640 LX 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Nitro Z-8 2009 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 640 LX 2004 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Nitro 640 LX 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 2009 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Nitro Z-8 2009 measures 96" wide, compared to 84" for the Nitro 640 LX 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Nitro 640 LX 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?

The Nitro Z-8 2009 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Nitro 640 LX 2004. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Nitro 640 LX 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nitro 640 LX 2004 and the Nitro Z-8 2009 are built by Nitro. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Nitro 640 LX 2004 full specs ← Nitro Z-8 2009 full specs