Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2012?

For trailering, the Nitro Z-8 2012 has the edge at 195 lbs dry weight versus 1 949 lbs for the Nitro 929 CDX DC 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 929 CDX DC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro Z-8 2012 tops out at 250 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 929 CDX DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2012 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 929 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2012?

The Nitro Z-8 2012 has the bigger tank at 68 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004. That 11-gallon difference translates to roughly 33–55 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 and the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2012

Nitro

Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004

2004

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Nitro

Nitro Z-8 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 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 300 hp, the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 has a 50-hp advantage over the Nitro Z-8 2012's 250-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-8 2012 carries 68 gallons versus 57 gallons in the Nitro 929 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 929 CDX DC 2004 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Nitro Z-8 2012 with its 250-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeNitro

Model929 CDX DC

ModelZ-8

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail1949 lbs

Weight - Detail1,950 lbs

Weight - kg884.05

Weight - kg884.5

Weight - lbs.1949

Weight - lbs.195

Height [transom]22 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Meters6.12

Length overall - Inches249

Length overall - Inches241

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise16°

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail14 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.36

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches14

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet20.08

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 Gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Detail68 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters257.41

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal68

Engine max300 hp

Engine max250 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury®

Engine modelnot available

Engine model200 L OptiMax® Pro XS

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2000 lbs

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 / 1,000 lbs

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

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: 23 ft. 6 in

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight3,620 lbs

Trailer - Widthnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in

Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2012?

For trailering, the Nitro Z-8 2012 has the edge at 195 lbs dry weight versus 1 949 lbs for the Nitro 929 CDX DC 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 929 CDX DC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro Z-8 2012 tops out at 250 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 929 CDX DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 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.

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

Both the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2012 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 929 CDX DC 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2012?

The Nitro Z-8 2012 has the bigger tank at 68 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004. That 11-gallon difference translates to roughly 33–55 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nitro 929 CDX DC 2004 and the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX DC 2004 full specs ← Nitro Z-8 2012 full specs