Wanting to adopt a Tige - '03 2100v or '05 22v?

[duffymahoney]

People filled in the cutouts on the corners of the transom and had great results. There is a writeup on here about it.

[kx250frider617]

I have the same hull as the 02'. We are only wake boards and run 2000 pounds of ballast. The problem is those spray pockets wash out the wake. It doesn't matter what speed or what the TAPS is at.

However, we use the was as a extra lip to the wake and just power through it. It's not the best for beginners but for intermediate riders it just takes some getting used too, and some balls to charge it.
THIS IS WHEN WEIGHTED.

If you plan on riding with no ballast then this problem doesn't even matter.

Here's some pics of our wake. We run 500 in each rear locker, 750 in bow, and 2 spotters. TAPS at 4

[kx250frider617]

[Wakeman22]

8k is a lot of savings but you may spend that upgrading and for other things. If you can take both out for a water test. Always a great idea. Play with the ballast, radio, seats and everything you can. Crank up the tunes, check the wakes. Sit in all the seats while someone else drives. Lift up all the seats, check the storage places. Put them both thru thier paces and you may find you like one way better than the other.

[h2osk8er00]

I bought a 2001 2100 V and love the thing till death do us part. I have had her since 2008 and this will be thr fourth season with the so called Metcrap tower. I had to put a bolt through it up top as I noticed it coming apart but despite that as long as you check eveything on the tower that boat is solid. It's also a real tank for the weight is pretty heavy I think for the year and what was available at the time. I think if you can save 8 grand and put maybe 3-4k in the older one you would be most satisfied with her. IMO the classic look these 21Vs have is priceless and if it as well maintained as they say (Always have your own mechanic look through it though) then the resale on these is pretty simple. I bought mine 4 years ago for 22k with a Dorsey tandem trailer and 238 hours on the motor. So far no complaints and I could probably get the same price if not a little less outta her. Best of luck and keep us posted! Welcome to the club btw. This site will save your tons of money or make you wanna spend tons of money in the upgrades you can do. Let the Boating Season begin!

[h2osk8er00]

Here is mine from the middle of last summer with Dexter ready to roll!

[hossdog]

Although I haven't been able to use mine yet. I picked up a 2002 21v Rider's Edition in December. I have been adding upgrades and getting it ready. This is my first inboard, but I have been on several others over the past few years and what I can say about this model that appeals to me is the weight and the wide beam. It is huge compared to a lot of boats I've been on at 102 inch beam for a 21 footer. Deep seating, lots of storage, good price, and built like a tank. Some people seem to complain about the spray pockets, but I am a hydrofoiler, so I don't see any problems there for me.

I was in a similar situation. I could have bought an 05 22v with a lot of the options for 29k or the boat I bought at 19k. I decided to go with the less expensive boat so I could spend some more on accessories I wanted. I can't wait until spring!

[riffraff]

Thanks for all the great info everyone. This is an excellent forum.

I'm leaning toward the '05 22V. My biggest hesitation is the Mercruiser powerplant. Any major issues I need to be aware of with the 5.7 Mercruiser? Also, one of the boats had a small vibration feel from the hull when moving at speed. Is that usually something minor like a prop ding or could it be significant?

In the meantime a Nautique 226 has also entered the picture and it has the PCM 5.7L with about 15 more hp than the Tige. I love the walk thru hull of the 226 but I'd say the fit and finish of the Tige is on par with Nautique. There's not a lot of distance b/t the brands anymore.

[hossdog]

I don't know why everyone dogs on Mercruiser. What have you heard that would steer you away from Mercruiser?

[riffraff]

I don't know why everyone dogs on Mercruiser. What have you heard that would steer you away from Mercruiser?

The only major item that has been pointed out are the 4 engine mount bolts and that they could become loose to cause alignment issues. Other than that...just a perception about Mercruiser. Seems like most major inboard boat companies have transitioned to PCM marinized engines. That shift away from Mercruiser doesn't boost consumer confidence. Again...this is all perception...no hard evidence that they aren't great powerplants in a v-drive configuration. That's why I'm looking for real world experience as to issues with the Mercruiser platform.

[duffymahoney]

There is a great deal on a 24v on here in the classifieds.

[riffraff]

There is a great deal on a 24v on here in the classifieds.

Looks like a good deal. Unfortunately it would cost me an additional $2,000 to have it shipped back to TX.