Picking up my 2014 Z3 next week, set up and add on questions.

[Tomp]

Bought a boat show model and I am thrilled to death about the boat after Excesive Boat shopping and getting educated a little on the way.

2014 Z3 350hp with convex VX and the pro ballast system, i think 2300lbs total.

Questions.

1. Should the boat come with the correct prop from the factory for this setup? and if not should I ask the dealer for a prop trade? I have not asked what is on it currently.
2. New to surfing, do I need to add additional ballast to this package right away? I am sure I can add later if needed, no pros in the family yet...lol
3. The only option I do not have that would be nice is blue underwater lights, dealer can add although they told me it is quite a job to add due to the boat floor blocking access. I believe this will cost over $1000 total? In the real world this seems like a lot of $ for a cool looking gadget!

Any ideas regarding my questions would be great.
thanks Tom

[IDBoating]

First, congrats on the new boat! Post photos, we love "boat porn" around here and love living vicariously through the checkbooks of other people.

Should the boat come with the correct prop from the factory for this setup? and if not should I ask the dealer for a prop trade? I have not asked what is on it currently.

Most people seem to change props from whatever the factory provided once they start going bigger on ballast. The rule of thumb around here is call the guys at Acme Props, answer their questions, and buy whatever they recommend. I did that, so have others, and it's nearly bombproof. Mike on here (handle: Chpthril) is an Acme dealer and can get you good prices and awesome service on the actual purchase.

New to surfing, do I need to add additional ballast to this package right away? I am sure I can add later if needed, no pros in the family yet...lol

Another rule of thumb: More ballast is always better. While I don't own a Z3, it's my understanding that the VX really benefits from additional ballast so my answer would be Yes, you'll be adding more. Others will chime in here, and again ChpThril will be an excellent source of advice and products.[/QUOTE]

The only option I do not have that would be nice is blue underwater lights, dealer can add although they told me it is quite a job to add due to the boat floor blocking access.

Having spent a ton of time in the depths of inboards, I would say it depends upon where you want to put the LED's. If you insist they be toward the outside of the transom, then yes you probably will have to deal with the locker floors. But if you can mount them in the "tunnel" between the lockers (i.e. directly behind the engine) then that area should be accessible without removing floors. I would think that two LED's, mounted as far apart as the tunnel permits, would give you great illumination back there - but possibly the VX controls where it's possible to mount them and still have good light projection.

Again, congrats and let's see some pics!

[Yzfrenfro]

Congrats on the new boat. I just picked up my 2014 z3 two weeks ago and had the same questions. We have the pro ballast with 1100# sacs in the rear port and starboard sides. To help with all of this weight, we had the dealer switch the prop to a Acme 1235 (we also have the 350). It performs very well, last weekend we had the boat completely slammed with 14 ppl and all the gear, it didn't struggle at all. I must say the surf wake with the extra ballast and convex vx is unreal. As far as the underwater lights go. 1k seems a little high for only one color. I was quoted $1400 for a pair of RGB underwater lights installed. Enjoy the new boat and welcome to the Tige family. A lot of people on here are very knowledgeable and can answer a lot of your questions.

[chpthril]

Tom,

Congrats and post pics when you can!

1) yes, IMO, but if more ballast is added, you may reach the limits of the stock prop
2) surfing is 180* opposite from wake-boarding. A beginner surfing will struggle to learn with a small wake with little push. A big wave with push take weight, especially with the added wetted surface of the VX
3) LOL! Sorry, had to laugh. The boat is pre-wired, on both sides, for underwater transom lights. So its a matter of popping a few holes in the transom, mounting the lights. The hardest part will be finding the factory wires bundled up in the boat harness. The floor thats blocking access is a false floor over the in-floor ballast. it comes out.

[EricU]

Bought a boat show model and I am thrilled to death about the boat after Excesive Boat shopping and getting educated a little on the way.

2014 Z3 350hp with convex VX and the pro ballast system, i think 2300lbs total.

Questions.

1. Should the boat come with the correct prop from the factory for this setup? and if not should I ask the dealer for a prop trade? I have not asked what is on it currently.
2. New to surfing, do I need to add additional ballast to this package right away? I am sure I can add later if needed, no pros in the family yet...lol
3. The only option I do not have that would be nice is blue underwater lights, dealer can add although they told me it is quite a job to add due to the boat floor blocking access. I believe this will cost over $1000 total? In the real world this seems like a lot of $ for a cool looking gadget!

Any ideas regarding my questions would be great.
thanks Tom

Tom,


Nothing new really to add other than you just spent a lot of money for a very nice boat, congratulations and;

1. Just get the ACME 1235 now
2. Also pick up the ACME prop changing kit and bag, and learn how to use in your driveway. Throw a short piece of 2x4 in your truck bed. Get additional pins and propshaft keys, they are cheap and easy to drop.
3. Get a spare prop, nothing like starting the weekend our bending your prop! Chpthrill can get you both the prop and kit
4. He can also get you the additional ballast, might as well get the biggest now instead of buying a set of bags to just get bigger ones later (which many of us have done)
5. Have fun, that is a bitchen boat - but we have not seen pics yet!!

[Tomp]

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[Tomp]

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[EricU]

Nice! Very classy colors!

What state and lakes will that beauty be hitting?

BTW, I might be trying to put together a group buy for props. I will let you know if it is going to possibly go through.

[Tomp]

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[Tomp]

Dealer is just finishing up adding the tower speakers and Amp.

I live north west of Detroit MI on Long lake in commerce tsp.

Anyone else live in south east Michigan with a late model Tige?

[c_hotshot]

Nice looking Z3! Congrats on the purchase!

[Tomp]

Im down in florida visiting this week and I will die if my lake still has Ice on it when I get back to Michigan.
this is my First boat Ive purchased brand new since my 1996 American offshore catamaran that did 115mph. back then I thought I would never own a slow boat...lol
Maybe its age that changes everything..haha

[EricU]

...this is my First boat Ive purchased brand new since my 1996 American offshore catamaran that did 115mph. back then I thought I would never own a slow boat...lol
Maybe its age that changes everything..haha

I know what you mean, back in '03 I sold my 21' Schiada (Beautiful boat!) running a Dustin Whipple blown and EFI'd Big Chevy that didn't need the three speed trans and bought (at the time) the most expensive and slowest boat I had ever owned, a 21' Team Edition Natique! Things change when you have little ones running around.

When I grew up, slow boats were for old people and now we want and pay extra for big wakes!!!

[Tomp]

I just was told my boat will come with a 537
will this do the job or do I need a 1235?

[CarFanatic]

Stock prop is fine. Once you add more weight upgrade to the 1235