Bass Club Digest
Summer 2008

 

Boats

New Center-Console NITRO® Z-9

Outstanding performance and handling characteristics, as well as its extraordinary array of fishing features, has made the NITRO® Z-9 the boat of choice among many of the nation’s top competitive bass fishermen. Why stop there? New for 2008 is the NITRO Z-9 CDC – a center dual console configuration that’s sure to please the open-water angler.

Like the other models in the Z9 lineup, the Z9 CDC is built on a 21-foot, hand-laid hull with foam-filled fiberglass stringers that are chemically bonded to the hull for strength and durability. The boat’s 96-inch beam makes for a stable fishing platform and the center console allows 360-degree access for fighting and landing big fish that just don’t want to leave the water.

Four-across seating provides anglers a comfortable ride. Two seat pedestal positions on the bow deck enable the user to choose the most efficient arrangement. There is also a folding fishing chair on the aft deck. Beneath the bow deck are storage compartments and a large aerated, timed livewell with an oxygen-generation system and a pump-out feature. The aft deck mounted Guardian livewells also include an oxygen generation system.

There are two lockable rod boxes and a “partner rod storage” feature with a rod-handle organizer and retractable rod-holder strap. Plus, storage lids are insulated and backed with welded aluminum plate for strength. Anglers will find sun-resistant, plush, 22-ounce marine-grade carpet covering the floor and decks.

Complete instrumentation includes an array of gauges, even a digital alarm clock. The NITRO Z9 CDC has Hydraulic Tilt steering with through-deck hose fittings.

Visit www.nitro.com


Skeeter Launches New ZX180

With the popularity of small, easily maneuverable and affordable bass boats at an all time high, Skeeter Products, Inc., manufacturer of Skeeter brand boats, aims to set the standard for the smaller, yet feature-packed bass boat with the introduction of its new ZX180.

The ZX180 completes Skeeter’s ZX Series line-up of high performance bass boats, including its ZX250, ZX225, ZX200 and ZX190. The ZX180 has the same look and feel as its “big brothers,” and is packed with features, all at an affordable price.

At 17’ 8” in length, and weighing in at 1,500 pounds, the ZX180 is easily trailerable. The ZX180 also maintains a 14” draft, allowing you to get to hard to reach fishing holes.

The ZX180 features everything an angler needs for a successful day on the water, including large casting decks with plenty of storage for rods and gear, gas assisted lifts on doors, a 13” fixed height fishing chair and bike seat with Pro Power Pole, a livewell with “fill,” “recirculate,” and “drain” modes, a manual 800 GPH bilge pump, 24-gallon fuel tank, six-gauge trolling motor wiring system with three battery trays and three built-in retractable rod staze.

The ZX180 comes standard with an open cockpit command center with custom gauges, bow panel with trolling motor receptacle and trim, courtesy and anchor light switches, single-cable, non-feedback steering, bolstered
seating for comfort, under-seat storage, a 24-quart ice chest, drink holders, and grab handles.


Special Edition of the Pro Team 170 TX

You can find the venerable TRACKER® Pro Team 170 TX on just about any body of water that has a boat ramp.

This 16’ 4” all-welded, aluminum fishing boat has been one of the best-selling rigs in the nation for many years, and the 2008 Pro Team 170 TX 30th Anniversary Edition will continue that tradition.

An 80-inch beam makes this a stable fishing platform. Built-in tackle and gear storage boxes beneath the decks and seats provide ample space for equipment. The aerated 21-gallon aft livewell keeps the catch alive and fresh. The PT 170 TX has a lockable, center rod-storage box and a removable dry-storage box. There are even built-in rod tie-downs.

For more information on the TRACKER Pro Team 170 TX 30th Anniversary Edition, contact a TRACKER dealer or visit the website www.trackerboats.com.


RANGER 177TR

Celebrate Ranger’s 40th anniversary with a modern incarnation of a classic

Trace the progression of Ranger Boats over the last 40 years and see that its rise mirrors the evolution of trailerable, fiberglass fishing boats. Early on, Ranger introduced the iconic TR series – the fishing boat that quickly became the standard for fiberglass fishing platforms. Since then, Ranger has continued to set the curve on technology and development, making boats with even stronger fishing and total performance features.

At Ranger, we’re proud of our beginnings, and in honor of the 40th Anniversary, we’re reissuing a new version of a classic Ranger design – the 177TR – built with today’s technology and features. It’s the way we would have built them in the early 70s if we could have. And just like quality never goes out of style, neither does core fishing features and value. The 2008 Ranger 177TR links the modern angler to the heritage of fishing, delivering nostalgia and performance at a value.

Measuring 17 feet, 7 inches and rated for a maximum 115 horsepower, the 177TR has every modern fishing convenience. Coming standard with Lowrance or Humminbird electronics, 12-volt Minn Kota trolling motor with on-board charger and available recessed foot pedal as well as space for multiple 7-foot rods in the center and port rod lockers, this single-console fishing platform is great for the first-time boat buyers or long-time Ranger owners seeking to relive the early days of Ranger Boats with an incredibly versatile rig. With 23 gallons of fuel capacity, the 177TR can take along plenty of fuel for a fun day of fishing.

With easy access to batteries and breakers, a large starboard-side storage locker on the front deck and two storage lockers under the back deck, the 177TR has plenty of room for fishing and hauling all the tackle a serious angler needs to catch the fish of their dreams. With an innovative cockpit design outfitted with custom marine upholstery and carpet throughout, this boat is as comfortable as it is stunning.

Featuring the snub-nose design of the original TR series with a total performance hull that delivers a smooth, dry ride, the 177TR comes in one 40th Anniversary color package that harkens back to the originals. Also included on the vessel is a custom 40th Anniversary badging. So even if you missed your chance to own one of the original Ranger boats or sold your first Ranger long ago, here’s a second chance to own a piece of the past – but with all the modern fishing features that Ranger owners demand.


STRATOS 186XT

When the Stratos 176XT hit the market in late summer 2006, it exploded onto the fishing scene by giving anglers everywhere a less expensive, more stable and longer-lasting alternative to aluminum boats. Now, the XT line has been expanded with the 2008 Stratos 186XT, giving anglers even more space and power for under $17,000.

New for 2008, the Stratos 186XT is an 18-foot, 9-inch boat that feels and fishes like a 20-footer. The additional 15 inches of space is added to the front deck of the boat, giving it the same fishing space of most 20-foot bass boats, plus the added convenience of features like recessed trolling motor foot pedals and a 7-foot, 6-inch center rod locker. Completely rigged with 90-horsepower outboard, 40-pound Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird electronics and Road Armor Equipped® trailer, this is the most accessible – and roomiest – 18-foot boat in its class, meaning anglers don’t have to sacrifice big money for big fishing space.

The added length of the 186XT also gives it a wider beam, making it rated for a maximum 115 horsepower – more than enough power to get anglers to their favorite holes in a hurry.
Visit www.stratosboats.com 


Triton’s New X2 Series

The new X2 Series from Triton Boats is ideally suited to big-water bassin’, especially when those big waters get attitude. The radical hull design delivers a split second hole shot that will get you on plane almost immediately and, coupled with the X2’s collinear stabilization, provides greatly increased driveability, control and comfort.

The X2 boasts large, wider casting decks, the most advanced oversized livewell systems, control comfort adjustable seating, increased legroom, three seat positioning options for the front deck, larger, more spacious rod lockers, streamlined bow components, a detachable center courtesy seat that also hides a 12-pack cooler and, of course, the award-winning Triton RES-Q ladder boarding system.

The X2 is rated for outboards to 300 hp, yet performs superbly with the 225-horse engines popular on today's tournament circuits.

Visit www.tritonboats.com


   

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