"Riders Editions"

[Ruune]

I've been thinking about something- what does a graphics package have to do with those of us that buy our boats to ride (i.e. wakeboard, skate, surf)? I know that Tige markets their boats as not needing ballast, but how many of us that are serious riders run without it in some form or fashion? Also, if we dont need ballast, how come rival is doing so many installs? Perhaps Tige should follow CC's suit with their "team" edition and change the "Riders Package" to include Ballast (preferrably more than 850lbs), stereo upgrades, etc. in addition to a graphics package? It just seems like it'd be better marketing to me, and an effective way for Tige to not only increase revenue, but to appeal to the core riders out there.

Also, on that note... its my understanding that Tige opted to put additional foam under the flooring, so that the capacity of the RZ2 could be 14, instead of 12. Perhaps a new "Riders Edition" could have an optional under floor ballast system and as a tradeoff have the capacity designated at 12 or 13?

Just some thoughts.

[NICKYPOO]

Those a very good arguments. I agree with all of it. I would never buy a new boat without a ballast system. As good as the wakes are with no ballast, Tige needs to let go of the "no ballast needed" angle and focus on wake performance and take advantage of all current wake building technologies. Every company uses some form of ballast tanks and there is no shame in it. Although at this point, there's bound to be some back lash from the "I told you so'ers". F' 'em.

And pardom me for being stupid, but the Riders Edition doesn't have the ballast in it? Why even have it? At least call it what it is, the Vanity Edition. Lame.

[Tequilasun]

I agree as well.

Like anything though, it gives people something to discuss when they chat about their stuff

Tequilasun: 2005 Tige 22v West Coast (Red) Rider's Edition

[Coach]

I agree with what is being said, but I don't Tige's marketing is for hardcore riders. I think they look to target families. Not to say you don't have hardcore riders in your family but most of us like to ride but don't feel we need the added ballast. The smooth ride, the overall space in the boats, and ablity to still have a nice wake are very appealing to families. As for a "Riders" option or package that is a great idea. Just like an Off-road 4x4 package on a truck. Tige should offer that on the new RZ2. More Ballast all built in the floor with a lower people capasity a bad johnny stereo system, more board racks and a surf rack, Fresh Air Exhaust as and option for the surf crowd, retractable ski pylon, a board tool kit with binding repair kit (ok I am running out of ideas). And market the boat for the hardcore riders who want and expect these things in a boat. Most other boat makers (MC, BU, Supra as examples) all have a runabout version of their boat (ie no tower) and they have the wake boarding version. Tige can offer and continue to market the Family wakeboard boat and then step it up big with a TRUE "Riders" version.

[Ruune]

coach... thats exactly what I'm saying. Sorry if you thought I was insinuating that Tige should market only to core riders- I feel that they should create the option and not ignore this market segment, or at least place some emphasis on it!

[Coach]

Originally posted by Ruune
coach... thats exactly what I'm saying. Sorry if you thought I was insinuating that Tige should market only to core riders- I feel that they should create the option and not ignore this market segment, or at least place some emphasis on it!

Not at all. I think you have hit the nail on the head and I hope someone at Tige is reading this. My guess most dealers would sell only a few of these type of boat each year, but who knows. Look at the Supra Gravity Games boat. The thing is a huge billboard but it is tricked out and done at a great price, plus they sell a bunch of them.

[Ruune]

yep.. Supra/Moomba Gravity Games, Mastercraft X-series, CC Team Edition, etc.

Seriously, Tige could take some serious market segment from MC's X-series... if they were to step it up in this field. That is, assuming that they can meet the demand.

[bneub]

I think you guys are right on track. We chose the "Riders Edition" graphics because we liked the design, but that didn't have an impact on what options were put on the boat. I think it would take more than a tower to make our 20i a true "Riders Edition"

I do love the boat and since this is my first year of more serious wakeboarding, I still have a long way to go before I outgrown the wake. This is the best "family" boat in the 20 foot size! MC, BU, & Centurion don't come anywhere close? Show me one of those 20'ers that will throw a surfable wake with no extra ballast and only 5 people in the boat! Then you can move those people and the TAPS and still have a great slalom wake.

[Ruune]

Actually, TAPS is the same thing as the supra/moomba wake plate. Also to a limit, its the same general concept as CC's hydrogate.

What makes the Tige wake stand out is the shape of the Convex V hull- TAPS only accentuates this.

Still, when weighted, I'll pit my 22v's wake against just about anything in its class- including the X-star, X-2, and X-30- Although the interior and other such amenities are far superior to mine (comparing 2004 year models). Running a 350-lb sack on each side of the engine, a 540 in the walkway, plus two 180-lb people, and TAPS at "wakeboard," throws a wake that will rival any of these boats. Add more weight? You'd better be wearing your big-boy shorts, because you're about to get launched! However, my point is that properly weighing a 22v will generate a wake just as big, with a better shape- due to the convex V hull.

Item of note- the Xstar's KGB system is exactly the same amount of weight as the RZ2's option is. However, for the core riders, we're always going to add to that- so why not make it an even 1000 or 1200 lbs and reduce the maximum capacity by 1 or 2? Again, this would be for the "core" riders edition. Mom and pop can still order another version without the ballast, and take along 10 kids.

[Eastern shore wake]

Coach, you are right on target. Like the list you came up with (especially the Fresh Air Exhaust which I am in the process of ordering). Would also like to add that perhaps the speed set should also be standard as well.

Eastern Shore Wake (2004 22V Riders Edition)

[xpjim1]

i am with you all. I went into boating with the idea of a little boarding, skiing, skating and what some of you thing is bad -tubing. We are adding surfing to the list. Now adding fat sacs, fresh air exhaust, stereo components. For the move up boat buyer, one stop factory options should be there

Again a smaller segment of the market but one Tige could make significant gains in.

[Eastern shore wake]

Another couple of thoughts on Tige marketing. Before I do, though, want to give credit where credit is due. Am getting the Fresh Air exhaust as a result of xpjim1 who negotiated a one time 20% discount for Tige owners who buy now. Thanks again to Jim!! (and with price of gas that discount is a major help this summer!!)

Tige quite rightly positions the boat as Family more than hard core as boat plays (by design) right to that market compared to competitors; smoother ride (safer), bigger bow area, more freeboard (safer), wider beam (safer and more seating), and with Taps the ability to quickly dial it up or down so everyone in the family has a wake of their choce without ballast. All this is compelling and that is why I just bought a Tige 22V (2004) as my first "watersports" boat in june (leaving my oh so comfortable 25 ft four winns bowrider behind...even had a frig on it).

We live in PA and have a place on the eastern shore of the Chesepeake (the beautiful Sassafras river!). I have 3 boys who range in age from 8 to 14 and we tube (yes, i know..sacrilige) wakeboard (11 and 14 year olds, 8 year old almost there), wakeskate (14 yearl old), and wake surf wannabee (14 year old whose done it with his wakeskate so far).

We have owned the boat a little over two months and in that period we (family type boaters that we are) already see the need for cruise control (tired of seeing a thumb up or down every minute), ballast (although i provide lots of it...kids don't...when just me and the kids and the 14 year old wants to try wakesurfing again...need it), board racks (only two baords fit in one side of engine compartment...i use the other side for cover), and, fresh air exhaust (want to attempt to hear stereo at even low speeds...concerned about any further wake surfing without it). So here i am a 'family" boater who actually could and should use alot of the items on Coaches list. Think Tige has a great opportunity to educate the consumer that for many of us (although certainly not all) we actually could and should get a boat that includes ballast, speed set, fresh air exhaust (wow...think how just that will play to everyone's safety and noise concerns...and would only add a couple of hundred dollars to cost!!!), board racks, and, upgraded stereo. When you actually look at these items the are actually items that many could and should use if they were educated on benefits. Think Tige ihas an opportunity here that is overlooked.
my 4 cents

[Coach]

I thought that the speed control was a standard feature on all of the 06 boats. If not in should be. My dealer makes it a standard item when they order all of their boats.

[akdoc]

I agree with a hard core riders version 100%. There is a thread on wakeboarder.com where Tige is getting killed by posts about their marketing campaign. Tige does not get any respect on that board, partly becuase there are a ton of youngsters on there, and also from the "I like x brand folks."

Tige - make a decent ballast system for the RZ2, were talking 1500lbs. plus. We had a switch V that we ran 2000lbs. in, and now a 24ve that we run 2000lbs. in (it could use about 1000 more).

[dogbert]

Originally posted by NICKYPOO
And pardom me for being stupid, but the Riders Edition doesn't have the ballast in it? Why even have it? At least call it what it is, the Vanity Edition. Lame.

Nah, it could be the Alvie Edition...complete with lead-filled Alvie doll