The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 vs Nitro Z-6 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 at 17,0 ft versus Nitro Z-6 2012 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 tips the scales at 1 153 lbs — 1 140 lbs more than the Nitro Z-6 2012 at 13 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 125 hp for the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 and 115 hp for the Nitro Z-6 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 22 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-6 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Nitro Z-6 2012 comes in at 0 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: Choose the Nitro 700 LX SC 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nitro Z-6 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.