Z3 vs. MC X30... Reliability and Wake

[rbsileighty]

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the site and in the market for a 23ft wakeboard boat… I like traditional bows and the Z3 and X30 really seem to be the cream of the crop for what I’m looking for in a wakeboard/wakesurf boat. My price cap is ~80k and that looks like it puts me in a 2008-13 MC X-30 or 2012-14 Z3 (considering I’ll be buying next spring).

My dilemma comes from the fact that I love Tige’s ever since I saw one at the Detroit Boat Show in Cobo hall back in 2001… always seem to be chasing the right aspects of technology for wake development. This is a dilemma due to I constantly hear that Tige has a lot of reliability issues… which seem to be supported in the two Z3 owner’s posts already in this forum. I feel like 80k is a lot of money to spend on something that doesn’t work right out of the box. I’m extremely capable when it comes to mechanical work, however I don’t have a lot of time outside of my working life to spend it fixing a boat when I’d rather be using it to wakeboard/surf.

I’m going to go ride a Z3 wake (sadly without VX) on the 30th at my dealer (who also doesn’t have a good reputation) and I’ll probably ride a X30 pretty soon as well before it’s too cold to ride as I won’t be able to ride when it’s time to buy and 30deg MAX outside.

Looking for some honest input… Looking at a Z3, 6.0L, Pro Ballast and Alpha Z tower as the main “need” options… then a comparable X30 of course

Thank you!

[CarFanatic]

I can say this, not sure why these rumors of reliability about tige is so strong. People don't make posts about there perfectly running boats. Only people who have issues are going to post up about them. The drive train is all indmar, which several other manufactures use. If tige has issues, then so will other brands. I have a 2014 z3. I love the boat. I have had no reliability issues with mine. Some cosmetic things, which tige is taking care off, but nothing that has caused me not to be able to use the boat. Also if your looking to surf, MC waves are not that great, especially if your looking at older models.

[Ewok]

My boat has worked well, no mechanical issues. Very reliable boat for me, but I do hate my trailer. My next trailer will not be a road runner.

[rbsileighty]

It’s more of a local feeling around the Detroit metro area… apparently the dealer has shifted around here a bit and dealer support, regardless of where has always been kinda crap. The pre-2014’s (likely what I’d end up getting) are PCM engines… are these any good?

I come from the Ocean… so mostly Whalers and Mako center consoles (T-Towers make great ghetto ski towers!) in my 29yrs of boating and the whole inboard thing is new to me as far as ownership

[Dandy]

With regards to "issues" with Tige, it seems as if there have been more little things posted about the 2014 models than the 2013 boats. 2013 Tige still used the PCM motors and had worked with their fitment for several years prior. CarFanatic is correct that alot of manufacturers use Indmar and the "issues" all appear to be minor fit/finish/cosmetic things. With our 2013 we had just a few things come up, all cosmetic really and the few mechanical things (shaft seal) were really a non issue, but Tige and our dealer backed everything well. One thing to consider is that with most items the first year is generally working out some of the bugs (we had to do this with 2 RVs that we purchased). Just like the RVs, our Tige got the little things worked out and has been solid and dependable. If you purchase a 1-2 year old boat, the previous owner has taken care of these headaches already. This is part of the reason that we have not yet upgraded to a 23' as we are unsure if we want to work through 1st year issues again. Join a few of the other forums and you will see that many owners are chasing 1st year bugs - this isn't exclusive to Tige. All of this being said, your dealer relationship is key to happy toy ownership. If your local Tige (or any other)dealer is tough to work with, especially for service after the sale you may consider taking your business elsewhere. Look around on this forum and you will see that dealers can make or break happy boat ownership - I believe one member recently sold their boat simply because the dealer was difficult to work with. Good luck in your hunt.

[loudelectronics]

The X30 is a beautiful boat no doubt. If you are looking for surf wake though, you will be disappointed. The z3 cream of the crop for surf wake.

All boats have there issues. There hand made. SInce you are buying used, it is likely that any issues should be worked out already. Typically it is a hose clamp loose, faulty wire etc. Typically nothing that will keep you from using the boat.

For surfing the Z3 needs some weight. Make sure it is loaded correctly and if they just have the stock bags, its not enough. Most dealers do not know how to weight a boat correctly.

[luke]

I love my 2012 z3 !!!

[rbsileighty]

Good to know... thanks everyone, keep it coming!

I've had a feeling that the Z3 is going to be top when it comes to the surf wave... that's what makes me not want a X-30, there's one on my lake and can't say I'm impressed (but you never know if they don't know how to set it up either).

For the VX, if I find a hull without one is it easy to add? I've read it both ways... on this forum and others, would be good to hear it from someone who's done it successfully

[ChrisBarnes05-12-84]

I have a z1,and like dandy the shaft seal is the only thing I have dealt with since I've owned it. It has close to 100 hours on it now. The shaft seal leaking never kept me off the water either. I had it fixed at end of the season. Reliability has never been a problem with my 01, 07, or 13 Tige. Now I can say I've made some problems on my previous boats of my own doing but that can only be blamed on myself.

[JohnnieMo]

My original comparison was an X25 vs an RZ2. I went with Tige largely because I preferred the Dealer and because of the surf wave. I really liked the rear facing seats of the X25 and it felt a bit larger inside, but styling wise the Tige was superior in my view.

Another factor, and this is really just my own opinion, but the Tige seemed to be more suited to the family lifestyle, while Mastercraft kinda had a stigma I didn't care for.

In the end, I ended up with a Z1 and despite some small issues, it has been a great boat.

[Tomp]

We are still working on the intermittent engine problem of stalling and not running until it's sat awhile, narrowed down to the HP fuel pump or vapor lock somehow. Otherwise I know I bought the right boat, love it.

OMG is the wake huge when testing on lake fenton, this lake is much deeper and larger and the wake is so much better.
I do have the VX and aftermarket oversized ballast bags.

I will report this weekend if the problem with the indmar motor is resolved

[Travism]

I have a 2012 z3 with the vx and love it. Mind you I have had an engine replaced under warranty but Tige went above and beyond to remedy the problem. We absolutely love our z3 and so does everyone else who rides with us.

[Z1Fan]

I think if your going to buy a boat tige is an excellent company to deal with , I had the unfortunate sernario to not see eye to eye with the selling dealer , so I sold mine , I had no choice driving 6 hours to get service was not a choice , but if you have a good dealer , you have nothing to lose .

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[Roostergolf]

RB,

I sent you a PM.

[begone]

I've not had any serious issues with my 2014 Z3. Just a bunch of little issues that will all be taken care of under warranty. But owning a boat with any issues is not like a car where you can drop it off for a couple days and get a loaner. These boats are more expensive than most households vehicles combined and yet getting these things into service is such a pain in the arse. I can't even schedule my 20 hour service cause my dealer is so backed up and I won't be guaranteed to get my boat back in less than a week - there's no telling how long to fix all my warranty issues. That to me is kinda ridiculous for a boat at these prices.

I feel like I'm working with my Ford Dealership...where I should be treated like my Infiniti Dealer treats us - they come and pick up our QX and drop off a loaner for an simple Oil Change. I understand that level of service is not realistic - but the Ford/Dodge level of service is unacceptable as well. Vet your dealer pretty thoroughly.