Possible new Tige owner

[hoganoga]

Yesterday I joined the site and didn't have much info on a boat I might buy and you guys gave me great response even with the limited info I had at the time. Today I have a lot more info 1999 21v, 670 hours, mercruiser 350 mpi, tower, taps...was told showroom quality and from pics he sent the boat looks great, granted I know they are only pics but if boat looks and sounds good do you think the price sounds right or would you buy? Thanks in advance for the responses

[talltigeguy]

What is the price?

I think that older boats vary more than newer because the condition of older boats varies more than newer boats. So price is harder to nail down. If it really is a 14 year old boat in showroom condition, then it is going to demand more. There are some boats that were left outside with no cover of that age that are already in the junkyard.

[Ruger761]

$18 on a V drive isnt far off but quality and condition is what it all comes down to. 670hrs means he used it vs sitting which has its ups and downs, but long as taken care of will have years and years before any real issues. My old boat prob had over 3-4K on it orginal motor. Can you post the pics he sent you? We'll see if there is any obvious things to be aware of. Tower is one thing to inspect if its an orginal Metacraft tower. Some have had major breakage with them.

[hoganoga]

Possible new Tige

$18 on a V drive isnt far off but quality and condition is what it all comes down to. 670hrs means he used it vs sitting which has its ups and downs, but long as taken care of will have years and years before any real issues. My old boat prob had over 3-4K on it orginal motor. Can you post the pics he sent you? We'll see if there is any obvious things to be aware of. Tower is one thing to inspect if its an orginal Metacraft tower. Some have had major breakage with them.

He text me the pics and I have yet to be able to save, paste or attach the pics I have tried to save to my phone, or copy paste and no luck so far. But once I am able to save them to my phone or a file I will post them. As far as the tower if I see stress cracks around the mounts or bad welds should I stay away or it's just a matter of rewelding seams or repairing fiberglass? Or would I be able to put a new tower on or will that not work since the holes are already cut there.

[boardman74]

Most people replace those older towers.

[Ruger761]

Basically if any stress crack or actual cracks on the tower, its time to replace with a new tower. Others have tried to weld them and they just tend to snap again. The cracks tend to show up the bolted joints and welded joints. The design and tube is just too weak, course that being said some still have them and haven't had any issues (my brothers tower on an 01 for example). An aftermarket tower will run $650-4K depending on what you get and if you install it. They more than likely wont match up with existing holes. Some have patched the holes others added tie up cleats to cover the holes. But if the boat is in great shape, runs good, good water test, a bad tower wouldnt stop me from buying it. Just something to negotiate on price point though.

[Ewok]

And if you need to cut holes, the old holes can be filled in by a good fiberglass repair shop or, what most people do, turn them into cup holders.

[Ruger761]

And if you need to cut holes, the old holes can be filled in by a good fiberglass repair shop or, what most people do, turn them into cup holders.

Cup holder for the front mounts, I really like that idea. It could use some cup holders up there anyways. I'll ahve to remember that if brothers tower ever finally dies. Amazing how much flex is in that tower.