Nitro NX 750 DC  2005 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro NX 750 DC 2005
2005
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Nitro Z-8 2009 boat specs
Nitro
Nitro Z-8 2009
2009
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Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 vs Nitro Z-8 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 at 17,0 ft versus Nitro Z-8 2009 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nitro Z-8 2009 tips the scales at 1 950 lbs - 570 lbs less than the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 at 1 380 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 250 hp, the Nitro Z-8 2009 has a 115-hp advantage over the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005's 135-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 2009 carries 55 gallons versus 30 gallons in the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005. 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 NX 750 DC 2005 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Nitro Z-8 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nitro Z-8 2009 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
ModelNX 750 DC
ModelZ-8
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam86 in.
Beam96 in. (2.44 m)
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches96
Weight - Detail1,380 lbs.
Weight - Detail1,950 lbs. (885 kg)
Weight - kg625.96
Weight - kg884.5
Weight - lbs.1380
Weight - lbs.1950
Height [transom]22 in.
Height [transom]22 in. (0.56 m)
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet20
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches1
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 1 in. (6.12 m)
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters6.12
Length overall - Inches210
Length overall - Inches241
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters6.12
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Engine max135 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 capacity1,325 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (839 kg)
Maximum people5
Maximum people4 or 1,000 lbs. (454 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 6 in. (with Transom Saver) 22 ft. 6 in. (without Transom Saver)
Trailer - Length over allWith swing-away: 23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m)
Trailer - Weight2,325 lbs.
Trailer - Weight3,620 lbs. (1,642 kg)
Trailer - Width8 ft. 3 in.
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailNITRO? color coordinated tandem axle drive-on
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 vs Nitro Z-8 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?
The Nitro Z-8 2009 is the longer of the two at 20,0 feet overall. The Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?
For trailering, the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 has the edge at 1 380 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 Z-8 2009 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 tops out at 135 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 NX 750 DC 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Nitro Z-8 2009 measures 96" wide, compared to 86" for the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005. 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 NX 750 DC 2005 or the Nitro Z-8 2009?
The Nitro Z-8 2009 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 30 gallons on the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005. That 25-gallon difference translates to roughly 75–125 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 and Nitro Z-8 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Nitro NX 750 DC 2005 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.