Nitro 640 2008 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro 640 2008
2008
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Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro NX 898 SC 2005
2005
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Nitro 640 2008 vs Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 640 2008 vs Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Nitro 640 2008 measures 18,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nitro 640 2008 tips the scales at 1 092 lbs — 916 lbs more than the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 at 176 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 has a 135-hp advantage over the Nitro 640 2008'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 640 2008 carries 24 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005. 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Nitro 640 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The Nitro 640 2008 has a documented top speed of 33 mph. Speed data wasn't available for the other model.

Bottom line: The Nitro 640 2008 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeNitro
MakeNitro
Model64
ModelNX 898 SC
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam84 in
Beam93 in
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches93
Weight - Detail1,092 lbs
Weight - Detail1,760 lbs
Weight - kg495.32
Weight - kg798.32
Weight - lbs.1092
Weight - lbs.176
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]24 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches4
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Meters6.2
Length overall - Inches221
Length overall - Inches244
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury? 50 ELPTO 2-stroke
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max90 hp
Engine max225 hp
Performance
Maximum speed33 - 34
Maximum speednot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,080 lbs
Maximum capacity1,650 lbs
Maximum people4
Maximum people4
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailNITRO? color-coordinated single axle drive-on
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Weight1,806 lbs
Trailer - Weight2,750 lbs
Trailer - Width8 ft
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 6 in. (with Transom Saver) 23 ft. 6 in. (without Transom Saver)

Nitro 640 2008 vs Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Nitro 640 2008 or the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005?
The Nitro 640 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 16,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 640 2008 or the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005?
For trailering, the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 has the edge at 176 lbs dry weight versus 1 092 lbs for the Nitro 640 2008. 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 NX 898 SC 2005 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 640 2008 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 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 12 lbs per hp for the Nitro 640 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
What do the trailers weigh for the Nitro 640 2008 and Nitro NX 898 SC 2005?
The trailer for the Nitro 640 2008 is listed at 1,806 lbs and the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 trailer at 2,750 lbs. Always add trailer weight to the boat's dry weight when checking your tow vehicle's gross trailer weight rating.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 measures 93" wide, compared to 84" for the Nitro 640 2008. 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 2008 or the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005?
The Nitro 640 2008 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005. That 19-gallon difference translates to roughly 57–95 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Nitro 640 2008 and Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Nitro 640 2008 and the Nitro NX 898 SC 2005 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.