The Nitro 901 CDX SC 2006 vs Nitro Bay 2200 VL 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Nitro 901 CDX SC 2006 at 19,0 ft versus Nitro Bay 2200 VL 2005 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nitro Bay 2200 VL 2005 tips the scales at 1 990 lbs - 275 lbs less than the Nitro 901 CDX SC 2006 at 1 715 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 Bay 2200 VL 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the Nitro 901 CDX SC 2006's 200-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 57 gal and 60 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nitro Bay 2200 VL 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Nitro 901 CDX SC 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nitro Bay 2200 VL 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nitro Bay 2200 VL 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nitro 901 CDX SC 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.