Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Nitro Z-9 CDC 2011 vs Nitro Z21 XL 2022 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Nitro Z-9 CDC 2011 vs Nitro Z21 XL 2022 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 Z-9 CDC 2011 has a 50-hp advantage over the Nitro Z21 XL 2022'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 — 55 gal and 55 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nitro Z21 XL 2022 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Nitro Z-9 CDC 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nitro Z21 XL 2022 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nitro Z21 XL 2022 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nitro Z-9 CDC 2011 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
Makenot available
ModelZ-9 CDC
Modelnot available
Model Year2011
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inchesnot available
Deadrise16°
Deadrisenot available
Draft [max] - Detail16 in
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.41
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches16
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail2,150 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg975.22
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.215
Weight - lbs.not available
Height [transom]22 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet20.75
Length - Feet21
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Detail21.00 ft
Length overall - Meters6.32
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Inches249
Length overall - Inches252
Draft Minnot available
Draft Min1.33 ft
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury®
Engine makeMERCURY MARINE
Engine model225 OptiMax®
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine max300 hp
Engine maxnot available
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower250 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,150 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people4 / 1,250 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailNITRO? color coordinated tandem axle drive-on
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over allWith Swing-away: 24 ft. 5 in
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Weight4,050 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width8 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Widthnot available