If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Yes, we're getting very excited. The Malibu factory is in Merced, CA, and they took the photos for me ... I just didn't have time to get up there during the build.
I got the last batch today and added them to the previous link. It's the detail phase, where they apply the stickers, polish the boat, add the handrails, etc. Unfortunately, they had the boat covered in plastic sheets before the photog got there, so there isn't much to see.
So as of today, the boat is done. It ships next Friday (I guess that's when they have a truck full going to my dealer).
Originally posted by johnbandrews For those of you following this thread, I thought you might be interested in the build pics of my new (gasp) Malibu boat.
All right, since you've posted this on a TIGE website, its 'no holds' barred ...
1) I've been in the Tige plant many times, and I can never recall seeing the Tige plant as MESSY as these photos of the Malibu plant.
2) Apperantly the Malibu employees do not have to follow OSHA regs (i.e. no one in these photos is wearing safety goggles.
3) I cant tell for sure, but it looks like those chrome metal trim pieces on the front and rear of the boat have some very sharp and pointed edges ... how long before someones leg or arm gets hacked by those, or burned from the sun heating them up.
4) That transom looks to be AT LEAST half the thickness of what Tige builds. And then, they mount the wedge on it ... it may sound solid now, but I can't imagine that system holding up for more than a few years
You may be able to cover the inadaquacies of design and engineering with some nice vinyl and foam and shiny trim, but these photos, to me, show that Tige has a far superior build quality
Just got back from the Nor Cal Boat show - The Tige' boats are the best looking. I looked at the new 247 BU and was not impressed, IMO the boat looks like a Breaching Killer Whale. The big block with an 87 Gallon fuel tank would concern me - seems to equal a real expensive weekend. It felt long and narrow on the inside. Sat in the new Team 220 Nautique and was surprised by the feel of cheapness in the interior.
In my opinion, Malibu has the nicest, most functional dash in the industry. I haven't taken a close look at the the new Ve dash, but it appears it wil be a close second.
Like jetmw, I too was surprised by the thickness of the rear transom. Looking through the exhaust cut-outs, it looked somewhat thin. Does anybody know how that power wedge is mounted, or if the mounting is reinforced in the transom? I am not going to second guess Mailbu's engineers, but it sure would have made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to see that transom twice as thick...
Overall, a beautiful boat! Be sure to post some pics on delivery day!
Like Dutcher I just got back from the Nor-Cal boat show- lots of good stuff to check out- i think it was the centurions that have a "wing" on the undersie of the boat this year- I almost thought it was an outboard's whale tail!! Anyway- the Tige's looked good!!!
John...your new bu is looking way sweet...or as WakeHavasu said...sick!!! So sick I need tylenol...my kids taught me that one as well...
Despite our obvious loyalties...your family is going to completely dig your new ride. For those that don't know, John has been a long time contributor to the Tigeowners web site and only recently went to the dark side of Malibu... Not that my vote counts, but you are still welcome here to be sure!!! Can we at least put a little Tige sticker on the transom or something...???
I will agree that the Tiges look fantastic, especially the Ve's. Big fat thumbs up on those. However, the interiors SUCK! Some of the most uncomfortable in the industry. Who is making the call on these things. Someone had to say "yeah, lets go with that". I'm sorry but they are terrible. Truly a shame that some of the best built boats have some of the worst interiors. What has happened? Does anybody at Tige even look at what the rest of the industry is doing? Is it just that all the R&D has gone into the hull? Malibu absolutely killed it here this year. One salesman sold 18 in 4 days. Doesn't surprise me as they probably have the best interiors out there regardless of how they are built. Average Joe boat buyer doesn't know that much about lay up and materials. All he knows is what feels right. Tige had best get on the ball if they are going to keep up and pay for that new building. They are currently getting lapped on that side of the coin. It really concerns me as I will be in the market soon and I want a new Tige. It's never going to happen in their current configuration. I do not what another brand, I want a Tige.
If someone from Tige would like to PM me, I will go in depth on what areas are in desperate need of help and why. Everyone I talked to at the show said the same thing. "They look awesome but, the interiors suck."
Comment