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**talltigeguy** · 08-20-2012, 03:14 PM

Don't do a jet boat. They do not hold their speed well. I don't think it is possible to surf behind them, the jets do not allow a surf wave to form properly.

Are you looking for new, or used? if used, then what budget?

**jmhatchett** · 08-20-2012, 03:18 PM

If you want to do ANY water SPORT activities i.e. wakeboard/surf/ski then a jet drive boat is going to be a poor choice IMO. they dont have the power to pull a rider up and once everyone learns to ride they are going to want to progress and weight is going to be added to wakeboard, the inboard is going to be the best option for wakeboarding/surfing/skiing. Just simply bc of the design of the boat and propulsion.

As to which brand to buy, i personally have a lot of experience with malibus and have owned a tige for 3 years. both are great boats. i have no experience with the others so i cant comment on them. it all just comes down to what you are wanting. If possible get a test drive on all boats that you are considering and make a decision about what you like best and what fits your family needs and wants.

**Robb471** · 08-20-2012, 03:26 PM

Looking for a new boat. I keep hearing the same comments about the Jet Drive models, along with poor resale.

I really like the Tige Z3 or RZ4.

Other than personal preference regarding feel and looks, are there any differences?

**talltigeguy** · 08-20-2012, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by Robb471 View Post

Looking for a new boat. I keep hearing the same comments about the Jet Drive models, along with poor resale.

I really like the Tige Z3 or RZ4.

Other than personal preference regarding feel and looks, are there any differences?

I really think it boils down to a feel thing.

Dealer support can make or break any new boat buying experience.

I would test drive them and go with your heart.

**Bruizza** · 08-20-2012, 04:02 PM

How old are the kids you want to teach to wakeboard? I ask because the bigger the boat the faster you are going to have to go to get a clean wake. That can be pretty intimidating as you are just learning especially if they are young.

**TigeTrojan** · 08-20-2012, 05:01 PM

All those companies make great boats and you will be able to find owners of any of them who swear by that brand.

Like you said, the available features are pretty much the same but with different names. The best advice would be to look at the available boats (or options if you are doing a custom order) and make sure you can get all the accessories you want. If you are surfing, you definitely want a ballast system. If you think your kids will progress to more aggressive wakeboarding, the ballast system will be key as well. But ballast would be available with any of those brands.
If you plan to slalom, the TAPS system on Tiges will be a selling point for sure because it will let you lay down a little flatter wake. Other brands have trim tabs or a wedge, but nothing is quite the same as the Taps. I would also argue that the hull design on my Tige let's me lay down a better wake than some others, but I am biased.

I agree very much with Tall that the dealer would play a big role for me. Even with a brand new boat, there is a good chance you'll be spending some time in the shop (hopefully for routine maintenance only) and if you don't have a good relationship with them, it could get pretty miserable.

Good Luck!

**TigeTrojan** · 08-20-2012, 05:04 PM

And one more decision making factor might be the owner to owner support available with whichever boat you choose.

**konajay** · 08-20-2012, 07:46 PM

It's a pretty well known fact that some boat brands produce a better surf wake than others. If you plan on doing lots of surfing, you may well want to research which ones do and test drive those boats for comparison.

**Timmy!** · 08-20-2012, 07:50 PM

Go test drive the Z3 first and then the RZ4 followed by any other brands you are interested in. I think you will come back to the Z3. Such a great boat! I got a chance to take one out last month:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18187

**skyski_tige** · 08-20-2012, 09:04 PM

Originally posted by talltigeguy View Post

I really think it boils down to a feel thing.

Dealer support can make or break any new boat buying experience.

I would test drive them and go with your heart.

X2 on dealer support!

**kko** · 08-20-2012, 11:01 PM

I will preface this with I do work for a Tie dealer and own a Tige.
Not a fan of jet boats either. Say I would stay as far away from them as you could.
I work on these boats for a living and really dislike alot of things about centurion. Not going to bash them, its just a personal preference kinda thing. Of the boats you mentioned I would rate them 4th.
Malibus are ok but for me I dreally dont like screwed in seat base system they use. They do ride and handle well and make great wakeboard wakes and decent surf wake. Use Indamr engines wich I like.
Nautique also make a very nice boat. Great wakes both wake and sruf. I dont think they ride and drive as good as a Tige or a Malibu. They are buit solid and use same PCM engines as Tige.
Why I like Tiges the best. They ride and handle better than all the other boats IMPO. They have a very comfy seating postion (one of my favorite aspects..no knees in my chest) They make great wakes wake and surf. They make the best surf wake in the indurty IMPO. They are the most versatile boat in the watersports game.Their combination of hull design and trim tap (TAPS system)works better than all the other brands IMPO.& Becuase of this they have the best fuel economy in the industry. They use PCM engines.
All this being said yes I am a Tige guy but I am in and out of all the ski and wake boats out there and when it came time to put my money where my mouth is I did. I bought a Tige. Like others have said drive them all . Load them the way you would use them test them as close together as you can. Buy the boat that you and your family like the best. Nothing wrong with any boat on your list..well besides a jet boat. As stated earlier they are really a joke when it comes to watersports compared to the other boats on you list.
Hope this answered some of ???? If you have more specific ?? please feel free to ask. Good Luck in your search for a new boat.

**Robb471** · 08-21-2012, 07:26 PM

My boys are 12 & 9 and really want to wakeboard and surf. I like the idea of a bigger boat (24') for the capacity and stability on larger lakes (Tahoe).

Tige seems like more of an all purpose boat, allowing skiing, surfing, boarding, and cruising all in one package. I will hit the boat shows when they start in January, and test drive as I can, but I think I am pretty sold on Tige so far. I really do like the deep seating in the Z3 compared to the RZ4.

Thanks for all the help and advice so far!!

**murphini** · 08-22-2012, 02:38 PM

Agreed on NO for the JetBoats--- at first glance to look ideal: no exposed prop, good seating layout, they are fast, lower price point...some have towers & mom likes the seating on the back. But here is the reality:

1. They get bad gas mileage--2 engines working hard/high RPMs
2. They are NOISY with their high RPM whine. Once you've been on a Vdrive or inboard with Fresh Air Exhaust, you'll understand just how good it is.
3. They can be deflected by a strong skier or wakeboarder since they have no rudder.
4. They won't be able to surf well, if at all.

Any of the boats you mentioned and others talked about will be great. While the vDrive takes some getting used to driving/docking/maneuvering at slow speed, here is what is good about a vDrive:

1. No exposed prop
2. Speedset/cruise control. This is a marriage saver
3. Gentle wakes for their current age...can get better as they age
4. Room for them and all their friends
5. No bow rise/nose rise. Great visibility
6. This Tige site has been great to learn things and keep up to date.

We got our 24ve in 2007 when our kids were 16 and 13; I wish I would have got it at ages 12 & 9! I have never regretted the extra 2' of a 24' boat.

If you can swing it financially the Z3 is awesome.
Rz2s and 22ve's seem to be the sweet spot of size/performance
24ve's and Rz4 if available should be looked at. We love our 24ve

The local dealer will make a difference.

Good luck-I see great times in your future.

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