Z1 vs RZR

[dukesofhazzard]

I see no prob towing with a pilot, I have friends with vw toureg and they tow a malibu vlx, and another a axis t22, no problems. And that is going over the cascades. I thought about rzr aswell, but from all the research I did, no question I would go for the z1 if you can swing it. Let us know what you get.

[bsreid]

I see no prob towing with a pilot, I have friends with vw toureg and they tow a malibu vlx, and another a axis t22, no problems. And that is going over the cascades. I thought about rzr aswell, but from all the research I did, no question I would go for the z1 if you can swing it. Let us know what you get.

The Volkswagen can tow over 7000. So that's a big difference

[dukesofhazzard]

How much can the pilot?

[tommy1005]

I would definitely go with the Z1 and find somebody to tow it to the lake.....then at some point look at selling the pilot and getting a Expedition or Tahoe. You'll have more room and be able to safely tow the boat yourself. I would hate to not be able to go to the lake because I couldn't find someone to tow my boat.

In this case, either boat is going to be more than your vehicle can handle so I'd go for the extra space since it sounds like you run with a big crew.

[Jesture]

I spent a lot of time in a 2014 RZR and really liked the boat. Ski wake was good, wakeboard wake good, and surf wave was good as long as we had a large crew in the boat. (I'm a bigger guy so I need the push of a larger wave.) Went into the dealer to purchase a 2015 RZR and ended up doing on a demo of the Z1 and never looked back. I found the surf wave and wakeboard weight to be better on the Z1, even with just a driver in the boat. Sounds like you have a larger crew, you'll appreciate the extra room in the Z1. As several people mentioned earlier, go demo both and see what's best for you and your family.

As for towing - I don't know the Honda pilot very well, it all depends on if you live in an area with hills, how far you go, and how the pilot can handle breaking with that load. I use a Chev Avalanche on my Z1 and I absolutely know it's back there... Thankfully I don't need to trailer it much as it's kept on a lift in the summer.

[NHarp1]

Here is my 2 cents. I have owned both 2008 Z1, 2012 RZR and now 2016 Z1. Short answer: go Z1 for better wake board, and surfing experience. The RZR likes to porpus on the water and needs a lot of bow weight up front to stop the porpoising even with TAPs at 0 - 2 depending on the number of passengers and wakeboarding weight. You will not have any porpoise problem with the Z1 because it weights much more than the RZR.

There is a cost difference between the RZR (20 ft) and Z1 (21.5 ft). I opted for the AVX on the Z1.

I once owed a Honda Ridgeline, V6 and it could not handle the weight of the Tige. I "doubt" you will be happy with the Honda pilot, V6. I purchased the F-150. My opinion, if you have to get someone to tow your boat, what is the point of owning a boat?

Best of luck. Either boat is fantastic wake surfing.

[Greeko]

The choice is clear...

Z1 is a much better choice.

The RZR was designed in like 2009 or something...very old styling. The Z1 was new in...2012/13. If you want to surf...Z1 for sure!!!

[JohnnieMo]

Just as an alternate view... I was comparing an RZ2 and a Z1. The dealer convinced me by saying that the Z1 was the newest technology (at the time). It is a deeper boat with more displacement and width. It is a much heavier boat also (as you know). All these things add up to a better watersports experience. It sucks at slalom though.

I had to upgrade my Avalanche to tow the Z1 in the mountains. I would not tow with anything that isn't as big as the boat.... but that is just my opinion. I tow it at around 7000lbs and my truck is about 7000lbs. (the boat is 5900 dry.... and I weighed it on the scales for both measurements)

[Markmemsc]

Hi again Folks.

My boat would stay at my cottage (aka lake house). So I only need a tow twice a year. Once to bring it in for annual service. And once to bring it back save for (don't say it) mid year breakdowns. It would winter in my garage at the lake house. During the summer it would stay on my boat lift on the lake.

The Pilot tows 4,500 lbs. a real stretch for the RZR with an empty fuel tank. But possible for short halls. No chance for the Z1. There are hills around the lake. One big dirt one just a few yards from the front door.

The Pilot's getting a bit long in the tooth so good chance I move it in 2017 and find a better truck to pull. Need one that is wife compliant and can hall a family of 5 with gear. But that's food for another forum.

I'm pretty convinced I'm going with the Z1. The dealer is trying to get one in the water for me to test - hopefully later this week. I'll post my impressions for those interested.

Great problems to have I suppose.

Mark




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[UNSTUCK]

Why would you even consider buying a boat you can't fully be responsible for? I can see it now: walk into dealer, " I'll take a z1 but I can take it home till my buddy gets off work so he can pick it up".
Don't be that friend.

[chpthril]

The truck is a Honda Pilot with a 4,500 lbs cap. The RZR is already pushing its limit at 3,800 lbs dry weight.

At 3800 dry, the RZR has busted your 4500 tow cap. 1200 for trailer, 90 for batteries, 200-300 for fuel, 300 for tower, couple hundred for audio gear.

[dukesofhazzard]

boy I sure never realized how low the tow capacity is on a pilot. I agree too much boat for that.

[Markmemsc]

Good to know. Thanks.

As for why I would have a boat I can't trailer myself? Happens all the time. Dealers can and will pick up for service. Also have someone who maintains the property who often runs into town who offered to pull the boat as needed.

Still much cheaper than buying a bigger truck to pull a boat a couple times a year. Most important thing is that I've got it covered.

Back to the boats- My sense prior to test drive is that the RZR will work better than the Z1 for slalom but still good for wake surfing. And the Z1 will put out a better surf wake but not so good for slalom. If this is true, tbd, we'll have to weigh those relative differences against the size of the two boats and come out with an answer.

Will let you know soon what we decide.

Thanks again to all for postings. Nice to see an engaged community of owners.




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