2026 Nitro Z17

The 2026 Nitro Z17 is a 17-foot bay boat built on the manufacturer's NVT hull platform, designed for quick planing and stable tracking at speed. A single Mercury FourStroke outboard powers the boat, paired with a stainless steel propeller. The composite deck features a 100% composite core bonded and mechanically fastened to the hull with stainless steel fasteners, while the transom is fiberglass-encapsulated composite. Foam-filled hull construction provides buoyancy and safety, and the boat is NMMA-certified with flotation meeting or exceeding NMMA and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

The layout prioritizes fishing functionality with a 32-square-foot bow deck for casting, complemented by bow port and starboard rod hold-down straps and lockable rod lockers accommodating rods up to 7 feet 6 inches. An aft 23-gallon rotomolded livewell with divider, timer, and rounded corners includes a 500 GPH aerator and fill pump, plus a 500 GPH recirculation and pump-out system. Dedicated tackle storage in the rear deck keeps boxes organized and dry. Seating includes a bike seat with pedestal and a folding fishing seat with composite frame.

The helm features a Lowrance Eagle 4 fishfinder, new Z3 digital gauges, and a dash light dimmer, all housed in a custom-molded modular console with removable tinted acrylic windscreen. Non-skid bow and stern mats and low-profile gunnels maximize deck size and ease casting access. Electrical systems include an Interstate cranking battery, heavy-duty Interstate trolling battery, and a 2-bank 10-amp battery charger with exterior receptacle. A Minn Kota Edge 12V trolling motor with 55-pound thrust and 45-inch shaft comes mounted with a pedestal recess.

The boat rides on a custom-fitted single-axle trailer powdercoated with GALVASHIELD corrosion protection. The all-welded rectangular frame features 13-inch chrome wheels with radial tires, a spare tire carrier, and a 7-pin connector. Molded-in drainage channels around bow storage compartments manage water flow on deck.