2026 Nitro Z18
$42,120
Boat in Orlando, FL 32819 US
Built in 2026
Z18
1 Engine (MERCURY MARINE)
18.7 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The NITRO® Z18 is more than America's favorite bass boat, it's also the official boat of Major League Fishing®. Boasting the perfect blend of exhilarating performance, pro-level fishability, and superior quality, the Z18 is ideal for both weekend warriors and serious anglers.
A 175HP rating delivers searing performance at speed, while the NITRO® NVT™ hull keeps things steady and smooth. On the trolling motor, the Z18 is a stealthy predator in the shallows with edge-to-edge stability that excels in chop and rollers.
Inside, the Z18 is angler-designed and proven at the highest levels. Storages are huge, dry, lockable, and convenient, while comfort comes by way of bolstered Z-CORE™ seating covered in premium marine-grade vinyl. A fully insulated step cooler keeps drinks cold all day, while the timed, aerated, and recirculating live wells keep your catch frisky from dawn to weigh in.
Standard Lowrance® electronics and Minn Kota® trolling motor get you in the game, while the custom-matched GALVASHIELD IMPACT™ trailer gets you there safely, year after year. The NITRO® Z18 delivers unsurpassed performance, value, and fishability in a package that's ready to fish at any level of competition.
Length:18' 8"
Beam: 7' 10"
Bottom Width: 6' 3"
Max. Recommended HP: 175 HP
Fuel Capacity: 40 gal.
Max. Person Capacity: 4 persons
Max. Person Weight: 550 lbs.
Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight: 1350 lbs.
Interior Depth: 18.5"
Transom Height: 22.5"
Deadrise: 16 degrees
Draft: 15"
Average Dry Weight: 1700 lbs.
Average Package Weight: 3200 lbs.
Package Height: 6' 4"
Package Width: 8' 6"
Towing Length: 24' 1"
Storage Length: 21' 3"
Comfort, Convenience & Peace of Mind
NMMA® certified
Flotation meets or exceeds NMMA® & U.S. Coast Guard requirements
EPA-compliant fuel system
Black non-skid bow & stern mats
Low-profile gunnels to maximize deck size & for easier casting
Integrated fold-down stainless steel reboarding ladder, angled for allowing optional shallow-water anchor
4 stainless steel pull-up cleats
4 grab handles (1 at each seat)
Fire extinguisher
Horn
Paddle
Livewell System
Aft 30-gal. (113.56 L) rotomolded GUARDIAN™ livewell w/divider, timer & rounded corners
500 GPH (1,893 LPH) aerator/fill pump
500 GPH (1,893 LPH) livewell recirculation/pump-out system
Livewell control valve
Trolling Motor
Minn Kota® Maxxum® 24V, 70-lb. (31.75 kg) thrust, 42" (1.07 m) shaft trolling motor w/mount
Trolling motor pedal recess
Console
Modular, aerodynamic console design w/expanded leg clearance & large fishfinder surface
Removable acrylic, tinted plexiglass windscreen
Lowrance® Eagle 5 flush-mounted fishfinder
NEW Z3 digital gauges
Dash light dimmer
Water-resistant switch panels
Tilt hydraulic steering
12V outlet
LED courtesy light
Ready to accept optional removable port console
Interior
34-sq.-ft. (3.2-sq.-m) bow deck for casting mobility
Bike seat w/pedestal
Folding fishing seat w/composite frame
Bow tool/drink holder
Bow port & starboard rod hold-down straps
Molded-in drainage channels around bow storage compartments
Oversized, lockable bow port & starboard rod lockers w/lift assists for rods up to 8' (2.44 m)
Oversized lockable bow center storage locker
Step to bow deck w/62-qt. (58.67 L) insulated cooler & removable trash receptacle
Footrest w/non-skid mat under console(s)
Z-CORE™ seating system w/Force Flex suspension & contoured, rotomolded frame for driver & passenger seats
Low driver & passenger flat seat mounting
Designated net storage behind seating
Passenger rod ramp w/rod handle organizer & hold-down strap
2 lift-out, molded aft storage boxes that will each accept seven 3700 tackle trays
Molded utility rigging compartment for easy access to batteries & pumps & easy cleanup
Insulated aluminum lids w/welded corners
16-oz. (.45 kg) plush, marine-grade cut pile carpet on decks & floor
Lockable latches
Performance
NITRO VORTEX TECHNOLOGY™ (NVT™) hull for a smoother, drier ride
RAPID PLANING SYSTEM™ (RPS™) for quicker holeshots & maximized speed
Rigging tube for organized wiring & abrasion resistance
Stainless steel propeller
Construction & Exterior
100% composite deck core w/superior thermal stability & strength-to-weight ratio
Deck & hull chemically bonded & mechanically fastened w/stainless steel fasteners every 2" (5.08 cm)
Gelcoated stringer/liner system
Foam-filled hull for optimal buoyancy & safety
Full-width fiberglass-encapsulated composite transom
Splashwell protective film
Black hardware
Electrical
Angled bow panel w/trolling motor receptacle, anchor/light switch, trim switch & capability to flush mount most 12" (30.5 cm) fishfinders
LED console courtesy light
Interstate® cranking battery
2 heavy-duty Interstate® trolling batteries
3-bank, 30-amp onboard battery charger w/exterior receptacle
6-gauge trolling motor wiring w/50-amp circuit breaker
Automotive-style labeled fuse panel w/cover
Master power switch
Waterproof Deutsch connectors on gauges
Water- & abrasion-resistant connectors
Trailer
Custom-fit, single-axle NITRO® trailer powdercoated w/GALVASHIELD® Impact corrosion & chip protection for improved durability
14" (35.56 cm) chrome wheels w/radial tires
Hub system w/1-year limited warranty
Spare tire
All-welded rectangular GALVASHIELD® frame
7-pin connector
Space-saving swing-away tongue to reduce storage length
Fold-away tongue jack
Heavy-duty winch w/nylon strap & bow safety strap
Outboard motor support to reduce hull & transom stress while towing
Carpeted bunks & fender boards to protect hull
Submersible LED lights
Retractable transom tie downs
Safety cables
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. All sales are final. No returns accepted.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/9/26 | Price decreased | $42,120(-8.7%) |
| 5/3/26 | Price increased | $46,120(+7.0%) |
| 4/17/26 | Price decreased | $43,120(-6.5%) |
| 4/1/26 | Initial price | $46,120 |
2026 Nitro Z18 Video Tours
Boattest.com Review
Overview
The Nitro Z18 bass boat is an 18-foot 8-inch vessel designed for serious bass anglers seeking high performance and speed. Powered by Mercury's new 150 horsepower 3.0-liter inline 4 Pro XS 4-stroke outboard engine, the Z18 aims to deliver improved torque, acceleration, and overall efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Mercury 2-stroke Optimax. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the boat's performance, design, and features.
Power and Performance
The Mercury 150 Pro XS engine powering the Nitro Z18 is based on a 3.0-liter inline 4-cylinder block introduced in 2012 but features significant enhancements. It boasts the highest displacement and lowest weight in its class at 456 pounds, along with the highest alternator output of 60 amps. Key improvements include transient spark calibration that increases torque by 5 to 7 percent for better acceleration, a revised gear ratio of 2.08:1 in the 4.8-inch gear case to boost torque, and four raw water pickups in the gear case nose cone allowing for higher engine mounting and greater trim flexibility. During testing with two people aboard and a full fuel tank, the Z18 reached a top speed of 60.2 miles per hour at wide open throttle using a 25-inch Fury 4-blade propeller. Cruising at 3,000 RPM yielded 25.7 miles per hour and 6.4 miles per gallon, providing a range of 231 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. The boat demonstrated quick acceleration, planing in 4.1 seconds, reaching 20 mph in 4.6 seconds, and 30 mph in 6.4 seconds. Handling was responsive with smooth sweeping turns at moderate speeds.
Exterior Design and Deck Layout
The Nitro Z18 features a beam of 7 feet 10 inches and provides ample deck space for fishing activities. Access to the boat is facilitated by a fold-up ladder located on the port side. The aft fishing deck measures 6 feet 7 inches by 2 feet 3 inches, offering generous casting room. Underneath the deck hatches are compartments housing the batteries, a 30-gallon divided live well, and dry storage with removable plastic tubs on either side. The forward fishing area spans 6 feet 7 inches wide at the aft section, tapering to 5 feet 2 inches forward, with a depth of 4 feet 2 inches at the forward aft area. This space includes a wastebasket and a 62-quart draining cooler that can be outfitted with an optional sandwich tray. Additional exterior features include four 4.5-inch pull-up cleats, cup holders, and tool racks mounted outboard on each side. The boat is equipped with a Minn Kota Maxim trolling motor delivering 70 pounds of thrust and controlled by a foot pedal, enhancing maneuverability in fishing scenarios. The Z18 is trailered on a single-axle unit with a swing-away tongue, carpeted bunks, and a motor support, making it a ready-to-use package.
Helm and Controls
The helm console is designed for ergonomic operation and comfort. It is topped with a windscreen and features an instrument panel centered around a 5-inch Lowrance Hook 5X fish finder. Flanking the fish finder are SmartKraft multifunction gauges, with the tachometer positioned to port and the speedometer to starboard. The steering wheel is mounted on a tilt hydraulic helm for adjustable driver comfort. The throttle and shift controls are conventional mechanical units, with a remote trim switch allowing the engine to be tilted up for trailering. The boat includes a master power switch adjacent to the ignition key that disables electrical power to accessories, preventing battery drain. Storage for fishing rods is conveniently located ahead of the companion seat on the port side, complemented by a rubber mat on the gunwale to protect reel finishes.
Additional Engine Features and Maintenance
The Mercury 150 Pro XS engine incorporates several practical design elements to enhance durability and ease of maintenance. The gear case includes low water pickups that facilitate higher engine installation and compatibility with jack plates, beneficial for navigating shallow waters. Engine mounts have been stiffened slightly to improve stability. The engine cowl features updated graphics and a streamlined profile. A maintenance decal is prominently displayed on the motor's side for quick reference. The alternator's 60-amp output is the highest among four-cylinder four-stroke engines, and the idle charge battery management system automatically increases idle speed to produce 20 amps when low battery voltage is detected, ensuring reliable battery maintenance.
Conclusion
The Nitro Z18 bass boat, equipped with Mercury's 150 Pro XS outboard, represents a well-rounded package for bass anglers who prioritize speed, torque, and functional fishing features. Its combination of advanced engine technology, efficient fuel consumption, responsive handling, and thoughtfully designed fishing spaces makes it a competitive choice in its class. The inclusion of standard equipment such as the Minn Kota trolling motor and a quality trailer further enhances its value as a turnkey fishing platform.
Overview from around the web 2026 Nitro Z18
Customers are raving about the 2026 Nitro Z18, praising its powerful performance and sleek design
Many highlight the boat’s exceptional handling and smooth ride, making it ideal for both fishing and recreational outings. Users appreciate the spacious layout and smart storage solutions, which enhance comfort and convenience on the water. The advanced technology features and durable construction also receive high marks, ensuring reliability and a premium boating experience. Overall, the Nitro Z18 2026 is celebrated for combining speed, style, and functionality to meet the needs of avid anglers and boating enthusiasts alike.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2026 Nitro Z18 offers a compelling blend of performance, design, and features that make it a standout choice for anglers and boating enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed look at its pros and cons:
Pros
Powerful Performance: Equipped with a high-performance engine and advanced hull design, the Z18 delivers excellent speed and maneuverability, ideal for both fishing and recreational boating.
Spacious Layout: The boat’s well-thought-out interior provides ample room for anglers, with plenty of storage compartments to keep gear organized and accessible.
Advanced Electronics: Comes standard with cutting-edge fish-finding and navigation systems, enhancing the fishing experience and safety on the water.
Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials and a robust fiberglass hull, the Z18 ensures long-lasting durability and resilience in various water conditions.
Versatile Fishing Features: Includes multiple rod holders, live wells, and casting decks, catering to serious anglers’ needs.
Comfort and Convenience: Comfortable seating arrangements and ergonomic design make long days on the water enjoyable.
Cons
Price Point: As a premium model, the 2026 Nitro Z18 may have a higher price tag compared to entry-level fishing boats, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Size Limitations: While spacious for its class, the Z18’s size might be limiting for those needing extra passenger capacity or larger storage for extended trips.
Fuel Consumption: With its powerful engine, fuel efficiency might be lower compared to smaller or less powerful boats, leading to higher operating costs.
Learning Curve: Advanced electronics and features may require some time for new owners to fully utilize and master.
Made For
The 2026 Nitro Z18 is designed for serious anglers who demand top performance on the water. It’s ideal for bass fishing enthusiasts seeking a versatile, high-performance boat that combines speed, stability, and advanced technology. Whether you’re competing in tournaments or enjoying a day out on the lake, the Z18 offers the features and durability to elevate your fishing experience.
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| $42,120 | $42,500 | $42,780 | $45,190 | $45,780 | $37,660 |
| Orlando | Saint Cloud | Destin | Saint Augustine | Gainesville | Lake Placid |
| 19' | 19' | 19' | 19' | 19' | 17' |
| MERCURY MARINE | - | MERCURY MARINE | - | MERCURY MARINE | MERCURY MARINE |
| 150 hp | 150 hp | 150 hp | - | 150 hp | 115 hp |
| 50 | 63 | 25 | 551 | 286 | 174 |
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Bass Pro Boating Center | Orlando, FL about 2026 Nitro Z18
5156 International Dr., Orlando, FL, 32819
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