Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro 700 LX SC 2005
2005
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Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro NX 898 DC 2005
2005
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Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 vs Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 vs Nitro NX 898 DC 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 700 LX SC 2005 measures 17,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 15,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 tips the scales at 1 153 lbs — 974 lbs more than the Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 at 179 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 DC 2005 has a 100-hp advantage over the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005'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 700 LX SC 2005 carries 24 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Nitro NX 898 DC 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 DC 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005. 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.

Bottom line: The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 at 17,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Nitro NX 898 DC 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
Model700 LX SC
ModelNX 898 DC
Model Year2005
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam84 in
Beam93 in
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters2.36
Beam - Inches84
Beam - Inches93
Weight - Detail1,153 lbs
Weight - Detail1,790 lbs
Weight - kg522.99
Weight - kg811.93
Weight - lbs.1153
Weight - lbs.179
Height [transom]22 in
Height [transom]24 in
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet2
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters6.2
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches244
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Engine and Drivetrain
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
Engine max125 hp
Engine max225 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,090 lbs
Maximum capacity1,650 lbs
Maximum people4
Maximum people4
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 5 in. (with Transom Saver) 21 ft. 6 in. (without Transom Saver)
Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 6 in. (with Transom Saver) 23 ft. 6 in. (without Transom Saver)
Trailer - Weight1,864 lbs
Trailer - Weight2,750 lbs
Trailer - Width8 ft. 0 in
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in

Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 vs Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 or the Nitro NX 898 DC 2005?
The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 15,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 or the Nitro NX 898 DC 2005?
For trailering, the Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 has the edge at 179 lbs dry weight versus 1 153 lbs for the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005. 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 DC 2005 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro NX 898 DC 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 DC 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 9 lbs per hp for the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005. 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 700 LX SC 2005 and Nitro NX 898 DC 2005?
The trailer for the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 is listed at 1,864 lbs and the Nitro NX 898 DC 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 DC 2005 measures 93" wide, compared to 84" for the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005. 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 2005 or the Nitro NX 898 DC 2005?
The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Nitro NX 898 DC 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 700 LX SC 2005 and Nitro NX 898 DC 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 and the Nitro NX 898 DC 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.