Denny Hamlin, the Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR driver, has unveiled his new fishing vessel, spotlighting a personal side beyond the racetrack. This Denny Hamlin fishing boat, a Nitro Z20 XL, embodies his competitive edge and offers him much-needed relaxation following a demanding Cup Series season and personal milestones.
A Look at Hamlin’s Latest Purchase: Racing Tech Meets Angling
After concluding a challenging 2025 Cup Series campaign—one that included a near-miss at the championship in overtime, welcoming his first son, and resolving a lengthy legal battle with NASCAR—Hamlin leaned even more into fishing as his primary way to unwind. His latest acquisition, a Nitro Z20 XL fishing boat, came with a base sticker price of $67,995 purchased from Bass Pro Shops. Hamlin detailed the features for fans in an Instagram post, providing a close look at what sets his fishing experience apart.
“As you guys have seen over the last few months, I’ve gotten into fishing quite a bit. Of course, I had to go to Bass Pro for my brand new fishing boat. Ended up getting a Nitro Z20 XL here. It’s got pretty much everything on it that you could want.”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Innovation and Custom Features Tailored for Performance
Designed to satisfy both his angling ambitions and racing instincts, Hamlin’s boat comes packed with advanced electronics. High-end Garmin displays, including factory-installed 12-inch and dual-mounted 16-inch screens, provide readouts for depth, navigation, side views, and live sonar, making it easier to spot fish instantly. The upgraded wiring helps ensure that live-scope readings remain flawless during excursions.
One standout detail is the inclusion of a hot foot gas pedal, a direct nod to Hamlin’s racing style and preference for performance-oriented handling. Storage for rods, dedicated tackle sections, speedy controls for power poles, and an organized deck all make for a streamlined, efficient setup on the water. The craft is powered by a robust 250-horsepower Mercury engine, which Hamlin was quick to highlight:
“It’s got the factory 12-inch Garmin screen here. Runs everything from side view, live scope. I’m a race car driver, of course. I’ve got to have a gas pedal. You see down there, got the hot foot gas pedal, which is amazing. Can’t be running the throttle up here. You got to use your feet,”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
With a smile, the NASCAR star shared that his boat has
“plenty of get up and go,”
a remark showing that even on the water, speed still matters.
Why Fishing Became Hamlin’s Go-To Retreat
As the 2025 NASCAR season wraps up and life at home grows busier—especially during the holidays and with a new child—Hamlin has embraced fishing as a steady source of escape and restoration. This hobby, once a recreational pursuit, evolved into his most reliable way to cope with stress and recharge after the intensity of racing and ongoing legal disputes.
Finding Solitude and Learning Patience Off the Track
Addressing why he gravitates toward time on the water, Hamlin has openly discussed how fishing offers peace, something he finds elusive even at home. His beloved pastime lets him take a step back, detach from pressure, and slow his pace—an experience vastly different from the intensity of racing.
“We both live in a house with multiple children and even your house at times is a chaotic spot where it’s like, oh my gosh, I’m just trying to lock myself in a room and just have some quiet here for a second. And the water is the place for me to do that. And I found, great enjoyment out of just slowing down. I mean, it’s teaching me patience.”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Beyond the Boat: Hamlin’s Wide-Ranging Interests and Connections
Although his Denny Hamlin fishing boat now features prominently in his downtime, Hamlin’s interests are diverse. He is also a poker enthusiast, having played in tournaments including an event in Las Vegas where he claimed a $300,000 prize. Hamlin’s love of golf has brought him closer to team members, other Cup Series drivers, and even to NBA legend Michael Jordan, a friendship that laid the groundwork for the creation of 23XI Racing.
The Road Ahead: Hamlin’s New Balance and Next Moves
With the racing season over, his legal matters concluded, and his family life entering a new chapter, Denny Hamlin appears poised to enjoy more moments on the water. As he continues to share updates about his fishing adventures and racing pursuits, fans and fellow drivers alike are taking note of how Hamlin’s relentless drive shifts seamlessly from the speedway to the serenity of the lake. His new racing-inspired vessel, designed for performance and leisure, perfectly symbolizes the blend of high-octane action and patient reflection that now defines his off-track life.
