Looking and kinda lost!

[TigeTrojan]

Don't stress over adding the weight. There are lots of systems out there and some are even designed to fit exactly in your boat. If you look through the ballast section on here, you will see everything from the simplest sac with a pump that you throw over the side to some really awesome custom setups with a couple thousand pounds. And just to be clear, you are not adding permanent weight on the boat, just pumping in water to add weight while surfing. (Not assuming you didn't know that already, but just making sure)

And there are plenty of people on here that can walk you through it or even do it for you.

If your primary goal is to surf, you will definitely want a ballast setup. You might be able to find a boat out there with the system already done, or even a factory set up.

[Magnumruger]

Factory or aftermarket installed would be ideal of course but not the end of the world. I use a 2003 x star with factory ballast and 1250 pounds of fat sacs. Works but the wake isn't great and it's a pita to work around/fill/dump the sacs. Primary use is definitely surfing

[chpthril]

I am located in NE Indiana. I like the 22VE RZ2 has really caught my eye. Is it necessary to add fat sacs to both of these boats? Rucks mentioned adding 500 pounds to the port side...I really woulkd like to try and avoid that if possible. I wish the 67k RZ2 was around 60k...I would be all over that boat! Sharp! Storage isnt too big of a concern as long as there is room for the required life vests, ropes, and a couple tie off boueys. Pros -- Cons between the 22VE and the RZ2?

Simply put, there are lots of great boats out there that are surfable with no or little ballast, but none put out a great wake until you add ballast. In many cases, we are adding on top of factory ballast because the wake just gets better and better.

Both those boats have tons of room for storage and ballast only takes up storage on one side when filled. This leaves the other v-drive locker and under-seat for storage and both mid-ship lockers for storage. If it comes with factory ballast, the bow storage is boxes in an not usable. Both those boats can achieve a sweat wake with all hidden ballast.

They have the same wetted surface and most all other options are the same. The RZ will provide more bow space. other then that, they are about the same and both thier surf and wakeboard wakes are very very close.

[Iwndr]

You really need to check this one out and start negotiations with him and the RZ2 owner

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18335

[mls6722]

That 2011 Ve looks like a sweet deal. between 2007 and the current boats (RZ and Ve), 1 - Tige Touch has been introduced (a small screen in 2009 and bigger and improved in 2010?), 2 - The power plant has changed from Marine Power to PCM. (2009?)3 - Towers have changed from 4 post type to Z type. (varies by boat)4 - The configuration of factory ballast has been revised to make it much easier to add aftermarket rear weight. (2009?).

I don't think anyone would say any of these are show stoppers, just giving you an idea of how to weigh newer vs. older.

The 22Ve is probably in the last production year, and it is likely that is because people have been leaning towards the RZ more over the years.

If you get a good boat that has been well taken care of, you'll be happy with what it can do. If you are handy, your ballast upgrade should be less than $2500.

I thought that getting my 2008 with the factory ballast was a plus until I upgraded the system. Honestly, if I knew what I know now, it would not make any difference if there were a factory system or not (for 2008 and earlier boats). http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16870

[CountryDMan]

I am located in NE Indiana.

Magnumruger, I have an RZ4 on Tippecanoe (off of Rt 30). You can come on over anytime for a ride.

[Magnumruger]

I would be glad to do that! An email address would be great. Busy and limited summer left though for me!

[Magnumruger]

Hey countryDman...I would like to take you up
On that offer next week sometime. I will be in the area and would greatly appreciate a ride! Let me know if that would be possible. Thanks!!!