Boats

Nitro ZV 18

Nitro's ZV 18 tracks down bigger fish on bigger waters.

By The Boating Tech Team

Updated: December 11, 2014

LOA: 18’11”
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 2,300 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/1,050 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gal.
More Information: nitro.com

The Nitro ZV 18 tracks down bigger fish on bigger waters.

When you are hunting for walleye on more open waters, the Nitro ZV 18 has all the tools needed to master rough conditions and reach any offshore hot spot.

Relying on the recommendations of the world’s top walleye anglers, Nitro introduced the multispecies ZV 18 as a downsized version of its ZV 21, Nitro’s flagship big-water multispecies boat. Built with a deep-V performance hull with a lifting strake design, the ZV 18 easily handles the challenge of big lakes by smoothly slicing through choppy seas.

Upon arrival at a hot spot, the ZV 18 continues to excel, with its wide beam providing a stable fishing platform. We stepped from port to starboard on the bow and aft casting decks, and the wide-beam boat maintained its stability as we shifted weight. A bow-mounted Minn Kota PowerDrive 24-volt, 70-pound-thrust trolling motor has the power needed to keep the boat on a hot spot even in rough water. A recessed foot-pedal pocket gives added control relief to the back, should one opt for the foot-controlled model. The recess drains to the bilge.

Stowage for rods and tackle abounds throughout the boat’s interior, and compartments are lighted for night angling. The front deck features a three-level center rod locker with organizers for rods up to 8 feet long and port and starboard stowage lockers with lid assists. Aft stowage includes two lift-out, molded bins capable of holding seven Plano 3700 utility tackle boxes. There’s a built-in cooler forward of the port console.

The ZV 18 standard package includes a Mercury 150 hp XL FourStroke outboard but is capable of supporting the added power and speed of a 200 hp motor. The composite transom also has plenty of room and strength to carry a kicker motor. Our test boat, equipped with a 200 hp engine, sported plenty of power, leaving lots in reserve for a full load of fuel, fishermen and gear.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Spacious 30-gallon livewell and 5.5-gallon bow baitwell with removable bucket keep both your catch and bait lively.
*A port net holder carries a net close at hand.
*A bracket-mounted Lowrance Mark-5x Pro depth finder finds the big ones.
*Bow cooler has a removable tray.
*Pull-up cleats keep the gunwales smooth while battling fish.
*Nitro’s glossy metal-flake finishes add head-turning pizazz at the ramp.
*Aluminum hatches are reinforced with aluminum beams for some added strength.
*A dedicated bait-bucket socket is located forward of the helm.