2008 22VE beginner questions/random info help

[rcwso]

New to the Tige boat owner world. I have picked up a 2008 22VE that is just amazing for our family. I have searched these forums and google to the point that I am now wasting time. I have a beginner question(s) and may have more in the near future. Thanks for the help.

Does anybody make an aftermarket or stock bow center filler cushion seat? That's the only way I can describe it. I have had little luck even looking up what they may even be called. Basically a seat/cushion that fills the center bow area to make it more of a lounger area. If that makes sense.

I may need a bimini replacement soon. Any recommendations? I have the E-Tower. I have the one that only extends towards the front. I would possibly like one that extends to the back as well. I have seen some of my type that seem to have a portion out the back that angles down slightly to not interfere with the tower/rope pulling post up above (there is probably a technical name for that).

Besides the obvious of just using the heck out of boat and enjoying every minute on the water...Is there anything that someone would say that they wish they had for the boat when first starting out? Or anything they had known? We primarily surf and tube. We are set up with boards, ballast, mission delta surf shaper, tubes, ropes, and vests. Just looking for any recommendations of a "must have" or "must know." And it doesn't have to be 2008 22VE specific. I fully expect that the answer may just be to have fun. And that is fine.

Thanks for the help. Love the boat.

[BCRider]

-Bow filler you'll most likely have to get one made. Can cut a piece of marine ply to the shape so it sits on the rails then take to an upholstery shop.
-Depending on the shop they may be able to make a custom cover. I hear lots about Sewlong covers lately.
-I'll say for me so far one of the best add-on's I have done is the EVA decking for my ve. Especially with having the boat listed so often with surfing. It really updates these older boats as well. Another great upgrade is FAE (Fresh Air Exhaust).

[sandm]

we talked a lot about the decking on our old 22ve. that would be mod #1 if I ever own a 22ve again. bc's looks great..... can't count how many times when it's wet I almost biffed it walking down the side to the swimdeck. the "nubs" just didn't quite do it. that decking would have made it awesome.....

ballast/stereo were the only other things we modded. ballast came from chpthril on here. Mike knows his stuff and can hook ya up if you need it.

[rcwso]

Thanks. Great insight. I have heard from others about doing the decking on their boats. Looks awesome.

The FAE sounds (no pun intended) amazing for the overall sound. I do love the sound of the motor but would love it be a bit quieter so when the kids are in the water I can hear them better. Any negatives to the FAE?

Any other thoughts, opinions or suggestions always welcomed. Thanks.

[BrentP]

Was there ever a filler cushion for the rear walkthrough? My wife does complain about sitting on that side since there is no support there. I may get one made for that. Also I love the decking. The back does get slick!

Stereo is a must. We use that more then we ever surf. Make it as easy to use as possible. Make sure the electrical system is sound.

Change the oil and use her so she doesn’t get old and crusty. It’s a great boat. (I own a 2007 22VE)

Go buy some saddles to float in the lake with. I think Gail Force makes the best ones by far

Make sure you have good bumpers and ropes.

I know the above stuff seems stupid, but keeping the boat easy to use means it gets used a lot!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BCRider]

I do love the sounds of these boats and sometimes miss it but the benefits of FAE out way it all. The boat runs quieter which helps the stereo side and most importantly it's putting the exhaust straight in to the water rather than in the air right at the surfer or rolling back in to the boat which is not good. There's a reason it's a standard feature on most boats being sold today.

[rcwso]

Thanks for chiming in.

A different question. Underneath the seats there are some black tubes. they are very flimsy material. The ones that look like they are for air flow to the electronics. About 3 inches in diameter and have the coil type spring in it like you see with clothes dryers. I have two that are ripped from getting gear in and out. Any replacement suggestions or other ideas? Just go use clothe dryer ones as replacements? Just tape them back up together?

Thanks.

[BrentP]

Thanks for chiming in.

A different question. Underneath the seats there are some black tubes. they are very flimsy material. The ones that look like they are for air flow to the electronics. About 3 inches in diameter and have the coil type spring in it like you see with clothes dryers. I have two that are ripped from getting gear in and out. Any replacement suggestions or other ideas? Just go use clothe dryer ones as replacements? Just tape them back up together?

Thanks.

Someone suggested using RV Pump Out Hose - It's stiffer and lasts longer. I wouldnt use anything metal. Any 3 or 4" plastic tubing would probably work.

That tube is for venting the bilge.

[sandm]

could be wrong as he has an older ve but our '12 had bilge vent hoses only in the back and were behind all the panels. no way gear would touch them. they vented the engine compartment out the rear. there were also same hoses up front for the heater and similar ones that vented from just in front of the windshield in either corner. are you sure it's not heater or intake hose from in front of the glass?
either way you should be able to get replacements online for a buck a foot.

we had both a front playpen cushion and a rear cushion that would fit in the walkway to complete the sundeck. sold the boat 5 years later and never unpackaged either one. if you notice the rear walk area is slightly tapered front to back to hold the cushion in and keep it from sliding back once installed.
here's a pic from another boat. ours was a little different as I think this boat is an older ve.
[img]https://cdn.dealerspike.com/imglib/v...436F449C72.jpg[/img]

edit- sorry not sure how to add pics to this new system.

[rcwso]

Heater...I never even thought about that for those hoses. I will look this weekend when I take the cover back off.

FAE question...I am very interested. How are most people mounting the FAE? Transom or Side Mount? The swim deck has the brackets with circle cutouts. I would prefer to side mount to the swim deck versus drilling into the transom. Any thoughts?

I did just learn that they may have an option to mount other upper portion of the hinge for the trim tab which looks pretty solid as well.

Great help by all. Things I have not considered. Man can I quickly end up spending my days looking up "cool" additions for the lake and boat. Don't tell my wife...

[Wakeman22]

Go to the classified ads. There is a walk thru filler cushion there for sale. Post what you need there. Someone may have what you seek. The hose is for venting air from the front, under the window air to the back. They tear easy. If you do not have extra ballast bags. He then you will need them. FAE is a must have. Have fun and welcome to the family?

[rcwso]

Wakeman22,

Thanks. I do have ballast bags in the back. Therefore, can I just remove the hoses completely? Instead of trying to even mess with them or replace them?

I ordered a FAE and can't wait to get it.

Thanks.

[NICKYPOO]

Congrats on the boat. FAE should always be the first thing you get so, good on you.

The hoses in the front compartments provide fresh air to the bilge and motor. They should run from the base of the windshield down to the floor and into the bilge. They need to be in good working order (no holes) and connected. Same with the ones in the engine bay that run from the blower motor to the vent.

[rcwso]

Got it. I will repair the hoses. Thanks for the information.

[rcwso]

Anyone with the FAE can you tell me if you used the "lock screws" on the 3-piece set-up to prevent some rotation of the downpipe? The instructions say they are "optional" or to wait for a few outings to see if it rotates on its own at all. Any issues with rotation of the downpipe? Thanks.