Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-9 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-9 2009?

For trailering, the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 has the edge at 1 757 lbs dry weight versus 2 100 lbs for the Nitro Z-9 2009. 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-9 2009 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 tops out at 200 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 901 CDX DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-9 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-9 2009 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-9 2009?

The Nitro Z-9 2009 has the bigger tank at 66 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-9 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 and the Nitro Z-9 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 901 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-9 2009

Nitro

Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004

2004

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Nitro

Nitro Z-9 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-9 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-9 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 300 hp, the Nitro Z-9 2009 has a 100-hp advantage over the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004's 200-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-9 2009 carries 66 gallons versus 57 gallons in the Nitro 901 CDX DC 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-9 2009 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 with its 200-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeNitro

Model901 CDX DC

ModelZ-9

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in.

Beam96 in. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail1757 Lbs.

Weight - Detail2,100 lbs. (953 kg)

Weight - kg796.96

Weight - kg952.54

Weight - lbs.1757

Weight - lbs.2100

Height [transom]22 in.

Height [transom]22 in. (0.56 m)

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 2 in.

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in. (6.33 m)

Length overall - Meters5.84

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Inches230

Length overall - Inches249

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.33

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet20

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches9

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 Gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Detail66 gal. (250 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters249.84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal66

Engine max200 hp

Engine max300 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury? 225 OptiMax?

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1235 lbs.

Maximum capacity2,150 lbs. (975 kg)

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 or 1,250 lbs. (567 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: 24 ft. 5 in. (7.44 m)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight4,050 lbs. (1,837 kg)

Trailer - Widthnot available

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

Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-9 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-9 2009?

For trailering, the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 has the edge at 1 757 lbs dry weight versus 2 100 lbs for the Nitro Z-9 2009. 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-9 2009 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 tops out at 200 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 901 CDX DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-9 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-9 2009 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-9 2009?

The Nitro Z-9 2009 has the bigger tank at 66 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-9 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Nitro 901 CDX DC 2004 and the Nitro Z-9 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 901 CDX DC 2004 full specs ← Nitro Z-9 2009 full specs