Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-7 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 or the Nitro Z-7 2012?

For trailering, the Nitro Z-7 2012 has the edge at 165 lbs dry weight versus 1 153 lbs for the Nitro 700 LX SC 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-7 2012 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 tops out at 125 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 700 LX SC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-7 2012 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-7 2012 measures 94" wide, compared to 84" for the Nitro 700 LX SC 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 700 LX SC 2004 or the Nitro Z-7 2012?

The Nitro Z-7 2012 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-7 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 and the Nitro Z-7 2012 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 700 LX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-7 2012

Nitro

Nitro 700 LX SC 2004

2004

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Nitro

Nitro Z-7 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-7 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-7 2012 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 150 hp, the Nitro Z-7 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004's 125-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-7 2012 carries 41 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Nitro 700 LX SC 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-7 2012 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 with its 125-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeNitro

Model700 LX SC

ModelZ-7

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam84 in

Beam94 in

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches84

Beam - Inches94

Weight - Detail1153 lbs

Weight - Detail1,650 lbs

Weight - kg522.99

Weight - kg748.43

Weight - lbs.1153

Weight - lbs.165

Height [transom]22 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters5.69

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches224

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise16°

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail15 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.38

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches15

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.67

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 Gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Engine max125 hp

Engine max150 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury®

Engine modelnot available

Engine model150 OptiMax®

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1090 lbs

Maximum capacity1,390 lbs

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 / 600 lbs

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailNITRO? color coordinated single axle drive-on

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over allWith Swing-away: 21 ft. 9 in

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight3,000 lbs

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in

Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-7 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 or the Nitro Z-7 2012?

For trailering, the Nitro Z-7 2012 has the edge at 165 lbs dry weight versus 1 153 lbs for the Nitro 700 LX SC 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-7 2012 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 tops out at 125 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 700 LX SC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-7 2012 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-7 2012 measures 94" wide, compared to 84" for the Nitro 700 LX SC 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 700 LX SC 2004 or the Nitro Z-7 2012?

The Nitro Z-7 2012 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-7 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nitro 700 LX SC 2004 and the Nitro Z-7 2012 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 700 LX SC 2004 full specs ← Nitro Z-7 2012 full specs