HELP PLEASE: 2013 z3 w/409 or 2013 z3 w/343 and convex vx.

[cpobanz]

After looking at a good 20 or so boats, malibu 247, centurion enzo, mb b52, mc, rz2, etc,..I've decided that the z3 is the perfect boat for my needs. I will be mostly surfing, some wake board and a little slalom. My question is that I have found two z3's that are roughly the same price. Both are super clean. One has the 409 with 125 hours, standard ballast. The other has the 343 convex vx hull and 198 hours. standard ballast, with some aftermarket bags. I guess my question is which one would you buy. Is the convex vx worth it, or should I go with the boat with the bigger engine, slightly less hours which may be the better deal? Are people going to be looking for the convex vx when it comes time for me to resale the boat? I'm in nebraska 2000 feet, so elevation isn't a huge deal.

[chpthril]

I will be mostly surfing

Z3 w/ VX all the way.

Need to clarify the "standard" ballast for both boats. This would be base system not surf or pro level. Reason i ask is because I dont think you could get the VX from the factory with only the base level ballast. if you wanted the VX, you automatically got upgraded to the level ballast. Also, You will need way more bow weight then the base level.

Whats the shape and approximate size of those aftermarket sacs?

[Surf406]

I'd go vx all the way also. Then next winter change the angle of it and get a massive wave

[cpobanz]

Z3 w/ VX all the way.

Need to clarify the "standard" ballast for both boats. This would be base system not surf or pro level. Reason i ask is because I dont think you could get the VX from the factory with only the base level ballast. if you wanted the VX, you automatically got upgraded to the level ballast. Also, You will need way more bow weight then the base level.

Whats the shape and approximate size of those aftermarket sacs?

That was another question of mine, the non tige dealers weren't sure which system they had. But you are saying that if it was optioned from the factory with the vx, it should have the pro level 2300 lb ballast system...which includes the bow. If it has the surf level 1600 lb system, it sounds like I should plan on adding a sac to the bow? How can I tell when i look at the boat which system it has? All of these manufactures are different, and its starting to make my head spin. I can't find any good info for 2013 z3 options on the internet. But from what you guys are saying the one with the convex vx is more or less the no brainer. Thanks.

[chpthril]

Yes, the z3 with VX is going to be the best surf wave and no adverse effect on wakeboard wake or slalom.

Tige offered no ballast, base level that was soft U sac up front, below floor hard tanks in rear. Surf level which was base plus two 350 lb soft sac in rear lockers. Pro was surf but with two 400 lb hockey stick sac in bow instead of single U sac.

Contact Tige with HIN and they can tell you what the factory build sheet was.

A few good pics of the rear sacs and their plumbing and i can tell you if its surf/pro and whether they are the factory or upgraded rear sacs.

Cant tell you much on the bow as the sacs are closed in.

Beyond that, theres enough peeps here that can tell you just about anything you want to know about the Z3. We even have few dealers active here.

[Surf406]

I'd leave the front alone and get some Enzo's in each rear locker from chpthril and one of my taps plates and you'll be golden.

[cpobanz]

A few good pics of the rear sacs and their plumbing and i can tell you if its surf/pro and whether they are the factory or upgraded rear sacs.

Photo Apr 17, 2 51 02 PM.jpg

Here is the best pic i got, looks like a factory sac, can you tell if its surf or pro?

[chpthril]

Those are standard fly high threaded ports fitted with W730's. Not a factory sac but could be a W005 if its an L shaped sac. Factory sac is a wedge and only partially fills the locker. A W005 would go under the side seats about half way.

[cpobanz]

So if I understand you correctly, this boat most likely has a surf ballast system from the factory with upgraded sacs in the rear locker? Do the bags drain and fill using tige touch?

[duffymahoney]

Is 2013 the year that had issues with the brackets being bad? I have two friends with z3's that have taken the vx off. We are following ragboys suggestions and modifying brackets, hopefully it helps.

[majestic]

The Z3 surf wave was more powerful pre- vx. VX just made it look better but greatly reduced the power in the wave. The wave got better with AVX but I was never a fan of a fixed Vx Z3. Obviously individual results and opinions very but I have had my fair share of all versions.

[JLG]

If in nebraska these Z3s aren't far for you and maybe worth the look and perhaps the ones you are looking at. Great ppl at performanceloz also.

http://performanceloz.com/boat-detai...sp?boat_id=196

http://performanceloz.com/boat-detai...sp?boat_id=197

[cpobanz]

If in nebraska these Z3s aren't far for you and maybe worth the look and perhaps the ones you are looking at. Great ppl at performanceloz also.

http://performanceloz.com/boat-detai...sp?boat_id=196

http://performanceloz.com/boat-detai...sp?boat_id=197

yeah, I was just looking at these before you posted this. I can't tell if i like the orange or not, but I think i'm going to pick one up with the pro ballast system for sure. I'm willing to travel two states away for a boat. There are a few in utah i was looking at as well. One in illinois, and one in oklahoma city. Nebraska has nothing, but there is a tige dealer in omaha for repair/service. Thanks.

[Surf406]

I modified my own brackets on my boat and here's the end result.image.jpg

[duffymahoney]

The Z3 surf wave was more powerful pre- vx. VX just made it look better but greatly reduced the power in the wave. The wave got better with AVX but I was never a fan of a fixed Vx Z3. Obviously individual results and opinions very but I have had my fair share of all versions.

Think we should just leave it off? I could always do a surf flap.