Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004
2004
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Nitro Z-6 2008 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro Z-6 2008
2008
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Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 vs Nitro Z-6 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 vs Nitro Z-6 2008 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 150 hp for the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 and 130 hp for the Nitro Z-6 2008. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 carries 44 gallons versus 31 gallons in the Nitro Z-6 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Nitro Z-6 2008 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 1900 VL 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nitro Z-6 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeNitro
MakeNitro
ModelBay 1900 VL
ModelZ-6
Model Year2004
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 10 in.
Beam86 in.
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Inches94
Beam - Inches86
Weight - Detail1320 lbs.
Weight - Detail1,350 lbs.
Weight - kg598.74
Weight - kg612.35
Weight - lbs.1320
Weight - lbs.1350
Height [transom]25 in.
Height [transom]23 in.
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 10 in.
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 9 in.
Length overall - Meters5.74
Length overall - Meters5.41
Length overall - Inches226
Length overall - Inches213
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches9
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail44 Gallons
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters166.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal44
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Engine max150 hp
Engine max130 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMercury? 115 Optimax?
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum people6
Maximum people4
Storagenot available
Storage46 cu. ft.
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,360 lbs.
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Performance
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed43 - 45
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailNITRO? color-coordinated single axle drive-on
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over allwith Swing-Away: 20 ft. 4 in.
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight2,660 lbs.
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in.

Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 vs Nitro Z-6 2008 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 or the Nitro Z-6 2008?
For trailering, the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 has the edge at 1 320 lbs dry weight versus 1 350 lbs for the Nitro Z-6 2008. 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 Bay 1900 VL 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro Z-6 2008 tops out at 130 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 Bay 1900 VL 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Nitro Z-6 2008 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 measures 94" wide, compared to 86" for the Nitro Z-6 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 or the Nitro Z-6 2008?
The Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 has the bigger tank at 44 gallons, versus 31 gallons on the Nitro Z-6 2008. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 and Nitro Z-6 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Nitro Bay 1900 VL 2004 and the Nitro Z-6 2008 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.