21i - The Ride

[2whlin]

Going to buy a boat and still trying to decide on a full on ski boat or just getting a runabout. How do these boats ride in rough waters? I remember years ago riding in a direct drive boat and water alway's slashing up over the front and being beat to death going over choppy waters.
Are these boats still the same these day's??

[TRD]

I used to have a 20' larson runabout 3yrs ago, loved the boat but when I had a chance to buy my 21i I couldn't resist. Don't regreat it a bit. Yes it isn't as smooth in rough water but it does fine to me. It has to be big waves before it gets rough. My only complaint about my boat is the nose, just to close to the water line and does take water over the bow. I love pulling multiple skiiers or boarders, wakesurfing and just all around fun that my other boat just couldn't handle. HTH

[dogbert]

Going to buy a boat and still trying to decide on a full on ski boat or just getting a runabout. How do these boats ride in rough waters? I remember years ago riding in a direct drive boat and water alway's slashing up over the front and being beat to death going over choppy waters.
Are these boats still the same these day's??

A Tige direct drive will handle rough water better than other direct drives because of the Convex V hull. The problem with most direct drives is that they are mostly ski machines and have flat bottoms. You can learn to deal with the water over the bow issue. You will appreciate the increased visibility you get by not having the bow obstruct your view.

[CrazyJ83]

If you go with an 03 or newer they have a much deeper free board then the 02 and older one helping out with bow wash problem. Because of the engine placement Direct Drives have a balanced weight distribution. Where as a V-drive of I/O all the weight is in the aft of the boat causing bow wash to be less, if not totally absence. The 21i makes a great all round boat (I know I got one) weather its skiing, boarding and with a a couple fat sacs surfing its a great boat to have. Mine however is an 01 but I have learned to drive so that I no longer have as much of the bow wash problem. If I could just teach everyone else who drives it I wouldn't have any problems at all.

[huntingwiley]

I currently have a 03 21ir and love the boat. The lake I live on gets really rough on the weekends. The ride is not as good as an IO but it is not anything like the old ski boats. The water over the from is not bad either if you pay attention on those rough days. It becomes second nature avoiding the rollers over the front. I would take an inboard any day over an IO. I have owned both.

Good luck with your decission and happy boating!