2013 RZ2 or Z1

[Timmy!]

I still need pictures to make a decision for you! The RZ2 could be a better color combo....

[ChrisBarnes05-12-84]

Heck he told me he about to get the z3. That's a better idea than either one

[Matt Garcia]

Like everyone else said, if they are designing a new RZ2 will you have buyers remorse when the possible new one comes out? I personally loved everything about my 2007 RZ2 (no longer have it) the surfwave was great and the wakeboarding wake was good enough for me.

Also, my opinion on buying a boat unseen is a gamble. You really dont know what you are buying unless you step in and test drive both boats.

[robert theisen]

I would take a tour of the factory. No telling what secrets you may uncover there. Plus you could demo both boats and get the best presentation on both.

[talltigeguy]

I would not take it for granted that a redesign is a bad thing for the current models. If the redesign is not that great, then the current RZ2 would be even worth more. It might be a moment to reflect on the first generation Z3 flop.

It is not unanimous, but I don't think I am alone when I say that I would rather have a 24V over a 24Ve. Long live the V!!!

[ironpeddler]

Understand that this is my first boat ever...I am a noobie and I fully admit it

Ok, so I was ready to buy a boat, had the cashiers check in hand, drove 300 miles ONE way to my nearest Tige dealer to look at the 2 Tiges he had in stock 2013 RZ2 and Z3, he doesn't have a Z1 for sale. I was having trouble putting down a deposit on something that I hadn't even set eyes on in person so I thought I would drive down and one of the two that he had would catch my eye and it would be a done deal. Up to this point I had never seen a Tige in person or ridden in one. From the research that I have done and with what I would like to use the boat for (surfing/haning out) I came to the conclusion that Tige would fit the bill perfectly. Price/looks/the whole package kind of thing.

On my way down I called a different dealer that I had been talking with that had a Z1 for sale. He tells me that even if I wanted the boat he can no longer sell it to me because the Tige sales rep.(forget name) specifically said my name and told him he was not allowed to sell to me because I was in a different state and already talking to a different dealer. Keep in mind the state I live in there is not a Tige dealer with in 250 miles of me. There is not a Tige dealer in my state or the 2 states that I am closest too. Now..I understand where Tige is coming from on this BUT it is not my fault they do not have representation in my state or even close to me. If there is not a dealer in my state or within a few hundred miles why can't I call around to different dealers to see what they have in stock and what their asking price is? I feel like I am the one busting my *** trying to get a Tige, and now I am being forced to buy from a dealer who is still out of my state and only has 2 Tige models in stock. So I have 2 boats to choose from, it doesn't matter if they are the right models or colors, I have to buy from the 2 boats that this dealer has in stock. Needless to say this kind of put a salty taste in my mouth on the drive down.

Arrive at the dealership, the boats looks sweet. Took both of them for a test drive. My observations - the fit and finish looks and feels better on the Z3 than the RZ2. To explain more...all the different cushion/storage compartments/engine bay just felt like it was put together and fit better than the RZ2. It just felt like the Z3 was put together better than the RZ2 from an overall standpoint. This just could be because the Z is a newer designed boat or the assembly on particular RZ2 was a little off, I am not sure. The pickle fork looks better than traditional, not by much IMHO. The RZ2 with the 343 felt slow and the Z3 with the 409 felt slow. Now, this will be my first boat and I have not ridden in many so my assumption of what the acceleration on these types of boats should be was probably wrong but IMHO they still felt sluggish. I don't know how you could have a Z3 with a 343 in it. I think the RZ2 was pushing the 343 limits and the Z3 is Tige heaviest boat and 500 lbs. heavier than the RZ2. I think the RZ2 or Z1 with the 409 would be pretty nice and the RZR with the 343 or 409 if it/was(I am not sure if it is) an option would be nice. BOth of the boats at certain speeds, slower speeds, made noises, I dunno if it was the drivetrain or what but it just didn't sound right. Sounded like grinding/clunking. Again it could be I am just a noob and all vdrive boats have noises like this at the slower speeds.

So, I left and did not make a purchase. I feel like I wasted a bunch of time and a little money. I dunno if it was the boats or the fact that my options are limited to just those 2 models and particular colors or that the Tige rep. specifically told a dealer not to sell to me or a combination of everything but I drove back home empty-handed. The RZ2 is the right price but I dunno if it has the "it" factor for me, I would like to have the Z3 but the price is stretching it a little and after reading about the chines on the Z3 would have to make sure this Z3 didn't have them. And evidently I might have a hard time finding another dealer to sell me a Z1. I was looking at other manufacturers but was not really considering buying something else, now I almost feel like I should considering centurions.

[talltigeguy]

A few thoughts.

Kudos for coming home empty handed. It takes some discipline to come home empty handed.

I am surprised that you thought either boat was sluggish. But these boats are tractors, low end torque monsters that are designed to move heavy ballast and lift a heavy rider out of the water. To some degree it doesn't make any sense to accellerate any faster than would be necessary to get a rider up. So these boats are not meant to go 60 miles per hour or start fast enough to pull your arms off.

I think being that far away from all of your dealers should give you freedom to go to either dealer. I would be willing to bet that the dealer that 'owns' your territory called the regional rep when he learned that he might lose your business. It is what it is. You might be able to talk your way into buying the boat at the other dealership, if you explain that to the regional rep himself. You could start by talking Harvey at corporate Tige.

The grind/rattle is a common noise for a V-drive. That was the first thing I noticed when I drove in my first V-drive. Now I feel like it is a sweet rumble that I embrace. Kind of like a muscle car engine.

[2thdoc01]

Put the 1235 prop on the rz2 and hang on!

[boardman74]

Sounds like you need to get out and see some other boats. Not just other Vdrive boats but I/o's too. You may find something more to your liking. Neither of those boats with the engines you stated should have been under powered. Plenty of happy people out there with z3's with the 343 in them. There are noises that are part of the drive train and are very normal. They make noise in reverse. My 303 whistles like it has a turbo. Again you need to drive some other boats and see/ hear that stuff.

Have you considered maybe buying a cheaper used boat to use for a bit figuring out what you like and what you want to do? I'm just saying that because if its not what you want chances are you can sell for pretty close to what you pay. A new boat will take a major hit.

On the dealership thing I totally agree with you. The whole territory thing has made me mad more than once. This is not just Tige, but most boat companies. I, like you, feel like If I do the work and am willing to make the drive then they should sell me a boat. Not all dealers are the same. Not all sell at the same price or have the same inventory. Not all have the same service. I personally don't like it and feel like its a monopoly. I don't like being forced to buy based on where I live. That being said I am very happy with my Tige dealer. But I can tell you I may very well own a Malibu if it wasn't for their dealer in my area. The dealer to me is just as important as the boat. A poor dealer can really ruin a boat owning experience.

Bottom line I think you need to get yourself in a bunch more boats on the water before you lay your money down!! Sounds like you aren't at all sure what you want and about to make a very expensive mistake.

[Timmy!]

Kudos for coming home empty handed. It takes some discipline to come home empty handed.

I second that! While we all love Tige's on here, you need to pick the boat that is best for YOU! This isn't a chump change purchase, these boats are very expensive and you need to make sure that you are getting the one you want or the buyers remorse will make you sick! Definitely get out there and test drive some other brands, even if they are USED! Where do you live? There are some exceptions to that territory rule with in-stock boats or previous model years so you can press them on that. Post some pictures, please????

[Duncan]

Agree with everyone above.

A high-end brand-new inboard boat is probably not a best choice for someone new to boats. Most telling imhop is the reaction re underpowered. You drove two of the best tow boats on the market.

Drive everything you can. Consider buying a used boat for a season at a price you are reasonably sure you can unload it for end of season. Figure out what you and your family need and want before you buy the dream boat.

Parable: three seasons ago we needed a camper and after massive amounts of research, I had firm ideas of what we wanted and needed. Found and purchased the exact model I researched. And we used it for a season to determine it was ... NOT what we needed. Took a hit on a trade and bought a camper that has proved to be perfect for my family's needs. I also learned a big lesson -- when taking the plunge in an unfamiliar technology/activity/etc, don't assume research can replace hard knocks experience.

[Z1Fan]

so what did you buy in the end ???

[under-ground-king]

I total agree with the Tige dealership territory issue. It's a problem. I'm not saying it's wrong or right. I'm just saying that a manufacturer should make it easy as possible to purchase their product. I've had the same problem here and is why I've started looking for used Tiges and at Malibus. I have two Tige dealerships in my state. One is close and the other is about 4 hours. Of course the one that is four hours away has the boat that I would be willing to buy but of course he can't sell it to me. If I want to drive 4 hours away to purchase and to have my boat serviced then that should be my problem not Tige's. Anyway, good luck on your purchase. Just like a few people have said, don't be afraid to explore other manufactures. Take your time, these boats aren't cheap and whatever boat you buy should instantly put a smile on your face every time you see it.

[under-ground-king]

By the way, you have to learn to start giving these dealers a fake name when you call for price.

[harv]

Sounds like the same Tige' rep that I was burned by. I've only been in 3 V drives that rattled at low speeds, 2012 Tige Z3, 2013 Tige R20 and a 2013 Supreme V226. My old Tige' 20V did not rattle. My new boat... no rattle.