Re: nitro 189 sport boat questions, need answers
When looking a couple years ago, I drove a Nitro 189 (115 ELPTO Merc), and a Nitro 288 (200 XR6 Merc). Both were nice, but they both had one issue I hated - the seats were way too low. Don't get me wrong, I know this is a low slung rig, but the seats were right on the floor. That was our only real complaint on either (other than the 189 was slow after testing the 288). I believe the 189 started in 2005 or 2006, and was made up till 2010. Prior to that was the Nitro 188 - pretty similar.
We ended up buying a Procraft 200 Combo in a very similar style, but whose seats were about 6" higher. Others to look at are Triton, Skeeter, and Javalin. I will tell you, these boats aren't for everyone. What we love about it - carpet front to back with largish casting platforms front and back. All this for our dog to have room to roam. Fishing is pretty decent off it, not as much room as a dedicated bass boat, but worlds better than a typical bow rider. Skiing and tubing are fine with it. Small swim platforms on the sponsoons either side of the motor. Speed - you bet, our's will top out right at 69 mph lightly loaded the the 200 Optimax Merc singing away.
Down sides - rough ride, and easily takes on water in anything over a chop. Ride smooths out with throttle, but sometimes tough to convince the wife of that! Definitely suited for smaller water. It's also sparse on ammenities, so if you want big barkalounger seats, this isn't the one.
All that said, we like ours, it suits our needs. If you have specific questions about them, let me know.
