Help in 2001 Tige' purchase

[bikeslotsfish]

I am ready to purchase a 2001 Tige 21V Riders Edition. This will be my first inboard boat. I have had an 18' fiberglass outboard since 1983.

The boat has 390 hours, I would become the 3rd owner, the second owner had the upholstery redone.

Any advice what to look over and really inspect to make sure this boat is mechanically and structurally sound.

Live in Wisconsin and the boat has spent its life around here so salt water exposure is not an issue.

Looking for advice and if all Goes as planned hope to become a proud Tige owner for many years to come.

[chpthril]

Look at it as any other boat.....give it a good sea trial, check the fluid levels, all the electronics, etc.

The only thing specific could be the tower, depending on which one it has. If it's the Met"crap", it is known to crack.

[spyderwebb]

I just bought my first Tige as well, same boat that you are considering 2001 21V Rider Edition with 152 hours and good condition. I had the same concerns that you do and though the boat is in great overall condition there a few things I wish I would have looked at more closely before finallizing the purchase.

I previously owned a Yamama Exciter (17", 220 HP twin jet inboard) which I owned for 11 years. So this was a major change for me also, however I am fairly familiar with boating.

Anyway, a couple of things I suggest looking at closely in addtion to verifying the general condition both mechaincally (engine and transom) runs good, goes in and out of gear easily and smoothly. Cosmetically (hull and interior) are in good clean well maintained order, no major scratches or scrapes, or torn up interior (generaly if it is taken care of here is is taken care of everywhere).

Check the steering wheel for stiffness turning, this is an indication that the steering cable needs replacement (pretty common with Tiges'), though not a major job it can take a few hours and a couple of hundred dollars to repair (DIY), or $500 to $600 at the boat shop.

Also, insure the TAPS system is working properly, goes up and down in about 8 seconds (each way). It runs off the battery so you should be able to test it on the trailer.

You should also verify that the Perfect Pass is working properly, if your boat has this option. Again not to bad to fix if it is not working properly, assuming you do some investigation and research why it is not working properly, (this site is great for that by the way)and you are somewhat mechancical and can fix it yourself.

You should also inspect the prop for any dinds, bends or general damage. They can be a few hundred to have straightened or as much as $500-600 for a good quality replacement.

While looking underneath check the fins to make sure they are also straight and have no signs of being hit or dragged on the bottom.

These are big heavy boats but in turn they give a great ride and are excellent for surfing and boarding sports. They have excellent seating and are very roomy and comfortabl., I am thrilled with mine and anticpate it will provide years of enjoyment, and maintain good value.

Good luck and safe boating!

[goboardgo]

I have basically the same boat since new.

If it still has the original tower, look under the pads on the tower for cracks. I still have the original tower but we have welded it and made it solid. The towers were not the prettiest things but after beefing it up it functions well. The board racks on mine aim towards the sky and the easiest board to use, hands down. You literally just toss the board into the rack and it will not come out even without it straped down and driving down the highway at 70mph! And I know!

You said the interior was redone. Find out whether it was with factory replacement skins or done from scratch. The factory skins are for crap. I replaced and replaced and finally got someone to make everything and it is a lot nicer. (the cushion over the cooler has been replaced 4 times!! That means we are on our 5th skin!)

Mine is a 2000, I bought in Feb of 2001. It has 860 hours and runs great. Last year was the first time I had any type of issue with the engine. I had to replace a couple of injectors. I had broken them unknowingly while I was standing on my head trying to replace the inpeller.

The impeller usually need to changed every 1 or 2 years. Tige did not make it easy on this model!

It is a great boat and the storage is unmatched compared to the newer Tiges. I store a surfboard and a kneeboard in one of the back compartments. I have not seen any other boat that can do that.

Spyderwebb gave great advice, so ditto on what he said.

Good luck!