Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?

For trailering, the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 has the edge at 1 919 lbs dry weight versus 1 950 lbs for the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro Z-8 2009 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 SC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 57 gallons and 55 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 and the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009

Nitro

Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004

2004

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Nitro

Nitro Z-8 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 has a 50-hp advantage over the Nitro Z-8 2009's 250-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 55 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 SC 2004 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Nitro Z-8 2009 with its 250-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeNitro

Model929 CDX SC

ModelZ-8

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in.

Beam96 in. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail1919 lbs.

Weight - Detail1,950 lbs. (885 kg)

Weight - kg870.44

Weight - kg884.5

Weight - lbs.1919

Weight - lbs.1950

Height [transom]22 in.

Height [transom]22 in. (0.56 m)

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in.

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in. (6.12 m)

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Meters6.12

Length overall - Inches249

Length overall - Inches241

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.12

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet20

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 Gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Engine max300 hp

Engine max250 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury? 150 OptiMax?

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2000 lbs.

Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 or 1,000 lbs. (454 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: 23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight3,620 lbs. (1,642 kg)

Trailer - Widthnot available

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

Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?

For trailering, the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 has the edge at 1 919 lbs dry weight versus 1 950 lbs for the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro Z-8 2009 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 SC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 57 gallons and 55 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 and Nitro Z-8 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Nitro 929 CDX SC 2004 and the Nitro Z-8 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 929 CDX SC 2004 full specs ← Nitro Z-8 2009 full specs