What to inspect on a used Tige?

[IDBoating]

I have found a used 2004 22i for sale locally. Anything specific to inspect? If it gets serious I'll do the usual compression, cylinder leakdown, and of course an on-water test. But sometimes certain models or certain years have known issues to look for.

Example: I've seen a brief reference to a TAPS problem where the control on the throttle has problems. Any reality to that? Any way to inspect for it? It is fixable?

Anything specific in the engine/transmission/propshaft department?

What would be considered a reasonable number of hours on a 2004? This one has a bit over 200 hours, which averages to ~40 per year.

Thanks!

[brett22i]

200 hours on an 04 is super low, should be very clean.
Steering should be loose, 1 finger to turn wheel.
Check alignment of engine cover, the fiberglass tended to warp where the hinges are if it was left up for extended periods of time.
If it has a factory bimini, check the hinge points at the end of the poles, made out of plastic.
Inspect vinyl and stitching, make sure its not torn or degraded.
As far as prop and shaft go, a quick visual inspection will show marks if it were grounded. Unless you have a calibration meter testing the shaft to be true and straight is kind of tough. You will have to test drive and feel for vibrations.
Inspect motor mounts.

How much is the asking price on this boat?

[IDBoating]

How much is the asking price on this boat?

Asking $25K. NADA says $18-19K. It's been for sale for a while and hasn't sold so the seller may be starting to feel some pressure. I'm thinking of standing firm at $20K. Opinions?

[IDBoating]

Also: Anything specific to check on the engine/transmission?

When you're buying a truck or boat, you're mostly buying an engine and driveline that comes wrapped in a pretty package. Most of the value - and potential financial exposure - is in the powertrain.

I'm very capable mechnically but don't have any experience with inboards. Any suggestions on what to check? I'll have tools.

Thanks!

[IDBoating]

Also: Is a 2004 too old?

Sometimes it doesn't pay to buy an older model. For example, you'd be foolish to buy a laptop from 2004... technology has just come too far.

Are Tige boats like that, or would a 2004-ish era 22i still be a reasonable choice? I'm sure there are advances but are they mostly cosmetic, or are they so earth-shattering that I'd be an idiot to "upgrade into the past"?

Obviously it's a tradeoff between age and price. Reviewing NADA, it appears each year younger adds about $2K to the price. Would I be better off to wait for a 2005 or 2006, or is the 2004 model year "just as good"? Any dramatic changes worth having after 2004?

I'm reading everything I can on this site, but some questions just don't come up to get answered. Just trying to learn what I can and make an intelligent choice. Thanks for the help!

[zad0030]

Sometimes it doesn't pay to buy an older model. For example, you'd be foolish to buy a laptop from 2004... technology has just come too far.

Are Tige boats like that, or would a 2004-ish era 22i still be a reasonable choice? I'm sure there are advances but are they mostly cosmetic, or are they so earth-shattering that I'd be an idiot to "upgrade into the past"?

Obviously it's a tradeoff between age and price. Reviewing NADA, it appears each year younger adds about $2K to the price. Would I be better off to wait for a 2005 or 2006, or is the 2004 model year "just as good"? Any dramatic changes worth having after 2004?

I'm reading everything I can on this site, but some questions just don't come up to get answered. Just trying to learn what I can and make an intelligent choice. Thanks for the help!

In 2004 Tige went woodless... I think. Also in 2004 it should have a Mercruiser engine, which were nice engines. The hull on the 22i is the same today as it was 2004. Not too much on the 22i has changed.

If you hear a whine when the boat is in reverse, this is perfectly normal. All (actually most) inboards whine in reverse, its just a trait of the transmission.

[IDBoating]

In 2004 Tige went woodless... I think. Also in 2004 it should have a Mercruiser engine, which were nice engines.

Seller says it is a GM based engine, 335HP 5.7L. I haven't seen it personally yet so that's all I know so far.

The hull on the 22i is the same today as it was 2004. Not too much on the 22i has changed.

That's good to hear, since it suggests there weren't any "problems" that needed fixing in later years.

If you hear a whine when the boat is in reverse, this is perfectly normal. All (actually most) inboards whine in reverse, its just a trait of the transmission.

Good to know, thanks!

[kko]

335hp 5.7 is going to be the Marine Power engine. Same motor I have in my 03. When looking for my used boat a MP eng was a must over the Merc. Alot of guys on here like the mercs. but I prefer the marine power. Its a good engine and I think you will be happy with it.
04 was a great year for tige IMPO. Like others said the biggest thing to watch out for is the interior. It was the weak link in those years and will cost a pretty penny to have repalced. I knew going into mine I was going to have to replace it soon so I factored that into my offer. If the interior is bad I would not walk from the boat I would just knock off $$$. If you truly love the boat and the rest checks out.just my

[IDBoating]

335hp 5.7 is going to be the Marine Power engine.

Just got back from inspecting it.

It is indeed the MP engine. It's the EFI version.

Starting from the keel: The keel and chines are scuffed in many places, down to the glass in a couple of spots. It looks like someone beached it. I've seen people do that to "hang out on the beach" but it's utter sacrilage in my mind to touch the hull to anything but water and the trailer.

The rear tracking fin is bent sideways about 10-15 degrees. I have no idea how they managed to bend just one fin, and the rear one at that.

The engine and its compartment looks clean, but several components on the engine (pulleys, etc.) have some oxidation.

The upholstery is in better than average condition. One spot of what looks like grease on the carpet. Otherwise no marks and no tears anywhere.

Two of the console gauges have their clear faces badly yellowed/fogged. The others are crystal clear (?!?).

When I asked about the hull and fin damage, the owner stated it was like that when he bought it from the original owner. The original owner was a family friend, and he showed me the bill of sale when he bought it two years ago (for $43K).

My overall impression is of a boat that has had two owners who aren't especially particular or careful with their equipment. It begs the question of what else might be wrong, waiting to surprise the next owner, based on abuse or neglect.

I didn't inspect to any greater detail because it was clear to me that this isn't likely to be a good risk. Furthermore, he's unwilling to go below $23.5K even after I pointed out the damage. I would estimate there's $500-1000 in fiberglass repair, plus a new fin, just to take care of the underside. Were I to dig into the engine and other onboard systems I suspect there'd be some more money to spend.

So, it was a good education and first hands-on exposure to Tige. The search continues. I'm patient. Something will turn up. And I'm not beholden to Tige (yet), so my options are pretty broad.

Thanks!

[zad0030]

You do have many options because each manufacturer has multiple boats targeted for people like you.

[brett22i]

He will have a hard time selling that boat at that price. I traded my boat in and got a very fair trade in value. It was resold through the dealer for $25,500 and that was last year. I had a 05 which has the newer interior, loaded kicker stereo, new/updated graphics and almost every option except ballast and heater. The damage to his boat is minor but if he is unwilling to budge he is most likely at his payoff mark and doesnt want to come out of pocket.
I struggled to sell mine on my own because I found it harder every day to find people wanting a direct drive. Dont get me wrong, the 22i is a great direct drive but long term a v-drive will have better resale desire. Unfortunately the direct drive is a dying breed. Keep looking, lots of boats out there.

[chpthril]

Just got back from inspecting it.

It is indeed the MP engine. It's the EFI version.

Starting from the keel: The keel and chines are scuffed in many places, down to the glass in a couple of spots. It looks like someone beached it. I've seen people do that to "hang out on the beach" but it's utter sacrilage in my mind to touch the hull to anything but water and the trailer.

The rear tracking fin is bent sideways about 10-15 degrees. I have no idea how they managed to bend just one fin, and the rear one at that.

The engine and its compartment looks clean, but several components on the engine (pulleys, etc.) have some oxidation.

The upholstery is in better than average condition. One spot of what looks like grease on the carpet. Otherwise no marks and no tears anywhere.

Two of the console gauges have their clear faces badly yellowed/fogged. The others are crystal clear (?!?).

When I asked about the hull and fin damage, the owner stated it was like that when he bought it from the original owner. The original owner was a family friend, and he showed me the bill of sale when he bought it two years ago (for $43K).

My overall impression is of a boat that has had two owners who aren't especially particular or careful with their equipment. It begs the question of what else might be wrong, waiting to surprise the next owner, based on abuse or neglect.

I didn't inspect to any greater detail because it was clear to me that this isn't likely to be a good risk. Furthermore, he's unwilling to go below $23.5K even after I pointed out the damage. I would estimate there's $500-1000 in fiberglass repair, plus a new fin, just to take care of the underside. Were I to dig into the engine and other onboard systems I suspect there'd be some more money to spend.

So, it was a good education and first hands-on exposure to Tige. The search continues. I'm patient. Something will turn up. And I'm not beholden to Tige (yet), so my options are pretty broad.

Thanks!

Sounds like a $15K boat based on this

[IDBoating]

Inspected another used Tige today...

This one was a 2003 22V Rider's Edition with the MerCruiser 350MPI engine at 307 hours. Second owner. Asking $26.5K. Quick visual inspection:

Below the rub rail everything looks amazingly clean. No fiberglass damage, fins/rudder/prop in good shape, etc.

Engine and compartment look OK for the age. Engine not spotless but not grimy either.

Upholstery in pretty good shape considering the reputation this era of Tiges has. A couple of the lift straps are cracking, but that's about it.

Deck fiberglass is OK except for a missing chip next to the pylon and - most worrisome - some gelcoat spider cracks around the rear tower mount points. The driver's rear mount point is especially bad, with glass fibers showing.

Carpet good. Gauge faces clear. Storage compartments clean.

Tower seems rickety. It's a folddown Tige tower and the pivot points seem "loose" compared to other comparable towers.

Seller says fuel tank is 34 gallons. Really, that small? My 19.5 footer has a 40 gallon tank and that never really seemed huge to me.

NADA says value is just under $20K with the engine upgrade. Seller wasn't exactly pleased when I showed him the printout, including the ~$700 extra allowance for the engine. Said he's willing to deal a bit but didn't come out and say he'd accept $20K either.

Questions:

Are the cracks around the tower mount points a known issue? Sometimes such cracks are only cosmetic, other times they're a true problem. How about with Tige boats?

What's the word on the Tige folding tower from 2003? Are they rickety, noisy, etc.?

Thanks!

[zad0030]

Just FYI, NADA is a guideline, and it's always seemed to be low in its price estimates.

The model specs page on this site says that boat has a 40gal tank.

The 2003 tower is most likely a Metcraft. In this case its not a great tower. The first generations of Metcrafts had a tendancy to fail catastrophically.

[dingleberry]

The 2003 tower is most likely a Metcraft. In this case its not a great tower. The first generations of Metcrafts had a tendancy to fail catastrophically.

The failing Met"crap" towers were from around '99-'01, I think. Doesn't mean that this is a good tower, but it's probably not prone to those catastrophic failures.