I've been obsessively looking for a new to me v-drive for over six months. I've been through every manufacturer's line-up looking at 5 to 10 year old boats on dealer lots, websites and private seller driveways throughout TX and beyond. My search was finally narrowed down to Tige 22V's and Nautique 226's. In the end the Tiges seemed to offer us more value and a comparable overall fit and finish as compared to the Nautiques. I had several boats surveyed and about three weeks ago we adopted an '03 22V Rider's Edition.
Thank you TigeOwners.com. This site was my partner during our boat search. I'm new to v-drives and the info on these boards took away any fear we had about converting from the stern drive world. The posts on here are very informative and everyone is quick to assist. Heck...I even found my trailer on these boards! I can't tell you how many times I ended up telling a Dealer about boat features during a lake test...it was like we were the ones selling to them most of the time. So...a BIG thank you to TigeOwners.com! I rely on the website more than anything else. We're 2 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership so this website is my service manual.
Here's some pics of our boat:
IMG-20120330-00343.jpg
IMG-20120401-00350.jpg
We've already thrown on a FAE system, sent off 2 guages to Faria for reconditioning, installed an on-board charger, fixed a few minor things here and there and did a complete detail/wax. The boat stored all of our gear, 5 adults and 4 kids with room to spare. Our home lake is very low right now (20% capacity) but I built up the courage to put her in the water anyways. We had two sessions this weekend which made for a great Easter Weekend. The kids are in love with the swim platform and everyone got to go for a tube ride (even our 2 yr old!). The boat came with 2 fat sacks, an enzo bag and a tsunamu pump but we haven't put it to use yet. Our surfing was as horrible as you'd expect from first timers. Hopefully we can dial in the wake and use the ballast on our next trip out. If nothing else at least we look cool (except for the tube, army of small kids and Radio Disney blaring across the water).
Next on the list of upgrades is a Perfect Pass system. Anyone have good pricing on a Star Gazer set up?
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to say 'Thank You' and share our excitement. See you on the water. Pray for rain in Central and South Texas!
Thank you TigeOwners.com. This site was my partner during our boat search. I'm new to v-drives and the info on these boards took away any fear we had about converting from the stern drive world. The posts on here are very informative and everyone is quick to assist. Heck...I even found my trailer on these boards! I can't tell you how many times I ended up telling a Dealer about boat features during a lake test...it was like we were the ones selling to them most of the time. So...a BIG thank you to TigeOwners.com! I rely on the website more than anything else. We're 2 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership so this website is my service manual.
Here's some pics of our boat:
IMG-20120330-00343.jpg
IMG-20120401-00350.jpg
We've already thrown on a FAE system, sent off 2 guages to Faria for reconditioning, installed an on-board charger, fixed a few minor things here and there and did a complete detail/wax. The boat stored all of our gear, 5 adults and 4 kids with room to spare. Our home lake is very low right now (20% capacity) but I built up the courage to put her in the water anyways. We had two sessions this weekend which made for a great Easter Weekend. The kids are in love with the swim platform and everyone got to go for a tube ride (even our 2 yr old!). The boat came with 2 fat sacks, an enzo bag and a tsunamu pump but we haven't put it to use yet. Our surfing was as horrible as you'd expect from first timers. Hopefully we can dial in the wake and use the ballast on our next trip out. If nothing else at least we look cool (except for the tube, army of small kids and Radio Disney blaring across the water).
Next on the list of upgrades is a Perfect Pass system. Anyone have good pricing on a Star Gazer set up?
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to say 'Thank You' and share our excitement. See you on the water. Pray for rain in Central and South Texas!
Have you been to Amistad in Del Rio? I used to live there and that lake is gorgeous. Looks like its down 20' from the last time I was on it but there is still tons of deep water, it would be a good weekend trip for you. I would put in at rough canyon or blackbrush. If you want, PM me and I'll give you some more info on the lake, shallow spots to avoid and things like that.
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