I thought it might be interesting, to some of you, for me to post an eight year review of the Z18.
In November of 2016, I purchased a new 2017, Z18 with the 150 Mercury 4 stroke engine. I had it equipped with the port side console, tandem trailer, Atlas engine Jack, and the 24V, 80 pound Minn Kota Fortrex troll motor. When the Ultrex came out several years ago, I switched to it- same size. I have yet to reach the 300 engine hour mark but I do bass fish every month of the year, do some competitive and club fishing, and have made some trips down to the marsh and edge of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing for Speckled Trout and Redfish. The boat has preformed flawlessly- no cracks anywhere on it and I have stressed it pretty much down here in Louisiana with all the wood and stumps to jump over in our waters, I have had zero issue with the boat and all electric functions- lights have not failed, nor any switches/controls. live well controls and function- zero issues. Boat carpet is in excellent condition with nothing coming lose or tearing and showing very little wear with very minimum effort. The rig is not kept in a closed in garage but has always been stored under roof with a cover when not in use. I've been to a dealer for service 4 times since new. All 4, related to having the Alternator replaced (under warranty) during two different years. Last issue with that was about 3 years ago. just faulty diodes in the alternator. I do all my own maintenance and have changed the water pump parts one time, 3 years ago along with new spark plugs.
I keep my fuel tank full, so original fuel filter is still clean like new. I'm a believer - If it ain't broke don't be fixing it". Trailer tires replaced in December (2024) for the first time- still good, even, tread but beginning to dry rot. I did replace one complete wheel bearing unit with a new one- put a new rear seal in the old unit and keep it for a spare on the road. I had to replace the trailer bunk boards after year 1- they were completely rotted through. I bought some wrapped hardwood with rubber pads under the carpet from a seller on Amazon- they still is great condition. Even with intermittent saltwater use trailer has no rust at all... Last month I switched to cheap China LifePo4 batteries- 2, 12V to drop all that weight- definitely can feel the difference.
All this said I have been very happy with this rig- I retired a couple of years ago and will probably finish out my fishing days with this rig. I have owned many boats over my lifetime both larger and smaller. I can honestly say that since I've had this rig- I don't feel like I'm missing anything that would make me want to go purchase another bass boat. I believe the design and layout of a boat this size is practically faultless..
Here's hoping you all catch a PB this 2025.....
In November of 2016, I purchased a new 2017, Z18 with the 150 Mercury 4 stroke engine. I had it equipped with the port side console, tandem trailer, Atlas engine Jack, and the 24V, 80 pound Minn Kota Fortrex troll motor. When the Ultrex came out several years ago, I switched to it- same size. I have yet to reach the 300 engine hour mark but I do bass fish every month of the year, do some competitive and club fishing, and have made some trips down to the marsh and edge of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing for Speckled Trout and Redfish. The boat has preformed flawlessly- no cracks anywhere on it and I have stressed it pretty much down here in Louisiana with all the wood and stumps to jump over in our waters, I have had zero issue with the boat and all electric functions- lights have not failed, nor any switches/controls. live well controls and function- zero issues. Boat carpet is in excellent condition with nothing coming lose or tearing and showing very little wear with very minimum effort. The rig is not kept in a closed in garage but has always been stored under roof with a cover when not in use. I've been to a dealer for service 4 times since new. All 4, related to having the Alternator replaced (under warranty) during two different years. Last issue with that was about 3 years ago. just faulty diodes in the alternator. I do all my own maintenance and have changed the water pump parts one time, 3 years ago along with new spark plugs.
I keep my fuel tank full, so original fuel filter is still clean like new. I'm a believer - If it ain't broke don't be fixing it". Trailer tires replaced in December (2024) for the first time- still good, even, tread but beginning to dry rot. I did replace one complete wheel bearing unit with a new one- put a new rear seal in the old unit and keep it for a spare on the road. I had to replace the trailer bunk boards after year 1- they were completely rotted through. I bought some wrapped hardwood with rubber pads under the carpet from a seller on Amazon- they still is great condition. Even with intermittent saltwater use trailer has no rust at all... Last month I switched to cheap China LifePo4 batteries- 2, 12V to drop all that weight- definitely can feel the difference.
All this said I have been very happy with this rig- I retired a couple of years ago and will probably finish out my fishing days with this rig. I have owned many boats over my lifetime both larger and smaller. I can honestly say that since I've had this rig- I don't feel like I'm missing anything that would make me want to go purchase another bass boat. I believe the design and layout of a boat this size is practically faultless..
Here's hoping you all catch a PB this 2025.....
