Keep or trade up? Trip to boat show, 22ve vs Z3

[ericinmich]

So, just for fun went to boat show. Looks to be a smoking deal on 2106 Z3, with Taps 3, SurfXL, Rev10 and Rev8 speakers (not sure why not both Rev 10s), surf binimi, 3port heater, Raptor400, cover. It's about $88600. Sticker shows 111,777 MSRP with options.

My plan for the 2009 was to do a permanent install of the rear ballasts I have, maybe a heater. Not sure what my boat (280 hrs) would sell for or get in trade yet, maybe $35k?

Why not just trade up, get it all with a bigger boat and Taps3!

I do like the chevy based engine, not Cat Converters, simpler dash, etc...

What say you all?

[dakota4ce]

Thats quite a trade up--doubling your boat outlay. However Z3 is a beautiful boat, no question. I have not been particularly struck by their size--they are indeed 23' but are not overly spacious inside. They are damn nice, however.

I would say this, if its a surf system you want, then you slap GSA on your 22Ve for $4G, and you have virtually the same thing without the additional $40K.

No idea what trade is on your boat being so situational, but outright sale would be low 40s I would think? Just a guess, of course.

[D&P Powell]

We did it last year- 2004 22i to 2014 Z1. It was a hard decision, but looking back, I'd do it again. The big question I think you have to ask yourself is this- will you get the use out of it making the extra $ worth it? Boats aren't financial investments, we all know that... But it is an investment in fun/family time. If upgrading won't change anything, I'd say no. As a side note- my kids enjoy wake surfing, and we were limited in that with a direct drive. You don't have that problem.

[ericinmich]

Yea, the size (interior) of the Z3 didn't seem much different than my 22Ve. Maybe I should look at it this way. Install permanent pumps for the bags I have, say $1k. Add a heater system, $700. Fab up and add a wind screen, $250. Hold off on the Taps 3 functionality (save the $4k) for now.

Have a 'low tech' small block 350 and low tech gauges, which might make things easier in 10 years...

[dakota4ce]

I like the way you're laying it out. I would think if you have bags already, a few hundred bucks should get permanent pumps. They're not super high priced, unless you're planning reversibles. Even then, way less than $1K I would think. Heater is great, money well spent.

If you have mostly alike surfers and fast pumps, switching capability isn't a show stopper. I have 3 regulars and 2 goofys in my immediate family with an unknown toddler. Switching is going to really enhance our experience. If you did not have a mix, then no big deal. Waves are all going to be adequate enough for fun.

Your Ve has to be pretty sweet being an '09, that's a great boat. A new one isn't going to add capability or fun, just going to add style.

If you're flush with cash, well hell then who cares?! But I am not. Value is the name of my game!

[Bubba08]

That's a killer price on a new Z3. We were in the same predicament with our 2006 24VE and decided to buy a 2015 Z3. If you have the means to do it I say upgrade, the functionality and ease of the new Tige Touch and other technology is killer.

[ericinmich]

So trading in is's a little over 50 with trade in and tax.

A lot of money... I could put a few thousand in the current boat and be darn close to the new one. No Taps3, fast switching, is the main thing I'd be going without.

[dakota4ce]

With GSA out on the market, paying 50K (or 50-4=46) for a touchscreen to me just seems very very expensive. That's a high dollar IPad .

Disclaimer: I have a GSA kit installed on my MB F24 Tomcat I have not surfed yet. Initially, the fit, finish, quality, adjustability and science of the system surpasses factory systems. Of course that is IMHO, but I think it to be true. Is it overpriced too? OF COURSE. IT'S A BOATING PRODUCT. But its $4K pricetag makes your boat magically surf as good as or better than boats twice its value. Its legit. Get this: it even makes Epic boats surf well! WOWEE WOW A MIRACLE!

$4K < $46K That's the math that rules my household.

However, the new boats are slick, and if I was very well to do and didn't give 2 poo-poos about money, then I would have one. For sure.

[Lamest]

I just wrestled with this same question. My 08 24ve was a great boat, but I was having a tough time getting a consistent surf wake with just myself, my wife and a flagger. The little skinnies could surf all day behind it without falling out of the pocket, my size had me sticking to a 2 foot sweet spot to go ropeless. I knew I could spend a few thousand and get the wake dialed on the 08, but our new Tige dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse with trade, etc. We surfed behind the Taps 3 system yesterday, and the factory setup pushed my fat *** (250lbs) no problem on a hyperlight broadcast. I know it is a personal decision, but $88K is a smoking deal for a new Z3.

[Dandy]

If you wanted some of the new tech and upgrade your boat, have you given thought to a R21 or R22. Do you run a large enough crew that you need a 23' boat? The R22 with picklefork style front would possibly provide similar if not more cabin space than your 22ve. They come stock with TAPS3 and even with the downplayed interior it does seem of quality from the ones I climbed around. The smaller touchscreen seems pretty intuitive. You are probably looking mid to high 60s at the most for one of these. Personally I feel these boats are an excellent value for a NEW boat. I am doubting there will be a R23 since the Z3 is one of their premiere boats, but I've been wrong before.

[ericinmich]

As far as passengers, yes, we rarely fill up the boat, 8-10 at most. The size/hull issues I'm dealing with is that the lake were we keep it is large, 10x5miles, then a river, then another 10x5mile lake. Often to get to calm water it takes a run across the lake. Also, when using it as a day boat one is often dealing with rough water. Larger is better and IMO a traditional hull is better if you are stuck out in the rough stuff (less pounding). I haven't spent time in the rough stuff with a picklefork style bow but to me it would have some of the same characteristics of a tri-hull which I have spent time on (years ago).

So, the Z3 is the right boat if moving to a newer boat. Just not sure if it's $50k better...

I'm also one who (usually) keeps boats a long time and does my own maintenance. The engine and controls (no cat) on the '09 see to fit that formula better, as does the rest of the boat, mostly switches vs touch screen.

Damn... tough choices.

[chpthril]

A 3-Sac ballast plumbing system and transfer pump between the aft surf sacs, is going to run about $1500

[007]

I'm a little partial because I own a Z3, but that is a great deal. If you are a tinkerer and a DIY guy, I totally understand the dilema. I came from a non-wake boat and had about the same nut to swallow. Totally don't regret it a bit!

[Z3CO23]

We just pulled the trigger on a new 2015 Z3, traded in our 2011 RZR. Our RZR had Tige Touch obviously and we had to stay with that level of technology because we are millenials and we love it... LOL. The Z3 is alot bigger than our RZR as well. For you guys who are happy with your boat size and no tige touch the upgrade price would take more thought.

[lancehon]

I'm holding out a few more years to see how all the new 16's play out. There's a ton of new technology this year. Plus I don't want to be the one to take the hit on a new boat. I do know for a fact that 22ve will put out a killer wave on either side of the boat just not in 3 seconds.