Help... Need input on options for a new RZR purchase

[Crankypants]

I've been reading through these threads (and others) trying to decide on a new boat. I have finally narrowed it down to a new RZR. I could really use your input on a few things...

1. I have been putting together a bunch of different color schemes and I keep landing on a package that has some dark colors. The boat we have had for the last 20 years is mostly white with one green stripe down the side. For those of you who have boats with dark colors... are you hating your decision? how is the upkeep? can you pass along any input you might have or anything you might have done different? I'll probably plan on sticking with this boat for a long time and have zero experience with dark gelcoats...

2. Same question for the trailer... anything particular paint option you noticed shows scratches or chips more than another...

3. I'm in colorado... is there anything on your boats that you wish you would have added but didn't... anything you can't live without I might not have considered.

Here is a generic list of options i am adding... Let me known if you think I am missing something major: heater, fresh water strainer, Bimini, spare tire, 5.7 indmar (Hoping this size engine will do the trick), surf package, dual batteries, S/S rub rail, upgraded sound (Still going back and forth on this one.)

Sorry for the long post... But its a ton of money and I want to make sure I nail it right. appreciate any input you guys might have.

[chpthril]

Welcome to the Tige forum.

I would do the Pro level ballast over the Surf level. The difference will be in the additional bow weight.

Thats the HP on the new Indmar 5.7?

[Crankypants]

Apparently the Pro option on the ballast is only available for the larger boats - the surf is the largest they will install. The 5.7 has 350 horse.

[boardman74]

New Indmar is a 330hp. We ran the 303 PCM in a RZR this summer and the 330 will be fine.

Surf ballast is the most offered on the RZR, 1600 lbs. Can't get the pro on the 20 footers.

1. I had black with aqua this year. We loved the dark color and I'd do it again in a minute. The flex gel is very nice for more color in different places, but is spendy at $2800

2. Trailer doesn't matter. Just go with the standard color match to the boat. If you tow to the lake I would step up to the tandem for sure. If you leave the boat one place and don't tow much the standard single is fine. We just order the single because we tow less than 750 miles a year.

3. Looks like you covered most of the popular stuff. Bimini is a must. The standard 330 hp motor should be fine. As to the dual battery, surf ballast and stereo. I would strongly consider doing those things your self if you are handy. I say this because they way over charge for it. You can do it for around less than half what they cost. Dual battery's is a $1000 option. I did the battery, switch and wiring for less than $200. Surf ballast is like $1200, I did bigger bags with diverters for real control for like $700. My system had more pumps, more weight, and better controllability. Same with the stereo I had a better WS system than the tower of power. To do that its almost $5K from the factory I had less than $3K in mine with better power to each component.

So if you do just those 3 things yourself you can have better systems for way less money. Hope that helps.

[boardman74]

@Cranky. Stock motor is 330 HP. The 350 hp is an option.

[Crankypants]

Good info. Glad to hear the black and aqua is working for you. We are angling for those two colors as well... Although, I think they call it electric blue... Anyhow, since I am in Colorado (Altitude) I was told I might want to upgrade the engine: M57 (which has a little more horsepower - 350)
http://www.tige.com/features/indmar-engines

I can't believe how expensive the dual battery thing is... not too sure what is driving up the cost. I might consider doing some of this stuff myself... not too sure. Would have to really research the options. I just don't want to screw anything up. I can't believe how expensive all of these boats are.

[boardman74]

I would think the 330 would be fine, what is the jump to go to the 350 hp?

Nope we had aqua, Electric blue is a different color. They offer 5 blues; Navy, Pacific, Electric, Aqua, and steel blue. We had Aqua. Mine was the RZR that was in the 2013 Brochure. Black and aqua with flex gel. We are going with black, electric blue and lime this year.

[Crankypants]

About $3k for the larger engine.

(On another note... how is the re-sale on the r20?)

[boardman74]

3k for 20 hp? I think I'd get the 330 hp and buy a $500 prop if I thought I needed more power.

[chpthril]

Heavily weighted, a different prop may be needed anyway. HP does nothing to stop prop slip and cavatation.

[Z3CO23]

We live in Collorado too and me and my wife picked up our 2011 RZR this summer and have the PCM 343. We have had no issues with power no matter what we have done. Ours is black/green/white. We have wiped it down with a wet towel each time we take it off and keeping it clean has been a relative breeze. We have the surf system and it has worked great for our surfing. We do not have a retrofitted VX so the pocket is medium sized, if you can afford it get the VX.

The wakeboard wake is a no brainer to dial in and is great and so is the regular surf wave. Our goofy wave is very temperamental and is very weight sensitive so it has been a work in progress for us.

I know this doesn't cover much but I am happy to answer any other questions.

[Crankypants]

OK. thanks a ton. It sounds like the darker colors are not a big deal if I just stay on top of them (which we are pretty good at.) I talked to the dealer and they thought I wouldn't need the VX system. I'm still wondering whether or not I should spring for it. I probably won't have to worry about the goofy side wake since nobody in my family rides with their left foot back.

[boardman74]

Thing with the VX by 2014 models most will have it. It turned some buyers away from my 13 RZR without a VX. Now with 14's most people will be opting for the VX. My dealer isn't ordering a stock boat without. Could definately hurt resale without a VX. If you can afford it I would get the VX. More important than factory ballast or stereo to me. Ballast and stereo are easy to add, VX only comes from Tige so you can't save anything adding it later.

[Z3CO23]

Cranky, my family is all regular riders too so we are happy. I've only owned my boat for a short time but I have been on a VX equiped RZR and it really cleans up the goofy side... cleans up the prop wash and such. The regular wave just has less of a abrupt transition at the top with the VX and slightly bigger pocket. It's definitely a lot of money, have to agree there.

Congrats on the new boat.

[Crankypants]

Again, thanks a bunch for the input. Good stuff.