Advice on which boat to get 22ve or RZ2

[gregtay]

Hi there. We are thinking about purchasing a Tige and i figured i would turn to you guys for advice. I do a lot of boating and currently own a 25' stern drive open bow boat.... we love it, but can't wake surf and i wouldn;t mind having something a bit smaller.

We are looking at the 22ve or the RZ2... can;t really tell much differance other than the bow area. Any thoughts on comparing the two?

Also, can people comment on how the boats handle rough water? We have always stuck with stern drives because the tourny boats i have been in were painful in the choppy stuff.

Thanks.

[xpjim1]

Test drive them boat. They are both very capable boats. Look carefully as too where you will store and use things. I did not look like the looks of the RZ at 1st but they have grown on me.

[sparky216]

I had a 22 before my 24 and I will say that both handle well in choppy water. What is the price diff between the two boats? I persoanlly like the RZ look, and if the economy was a bit different, I would be trading up to an RZ4 yesterday.........

[gman]

gregtay, we have a 24v and its smoother than some other competitors.
test drive as many boats as you can. get them into a big chop situation. shop before you purchase your boat. You will be surprised at the difference in price between dealers and areas for the same boat especially right now. Remember its your money and don't purchase on impulse. speaking from personal experience The stern drive is a smoother riding boat.

[ragboy]

pretty much the same hull, bow is bigger on the RZ2, seating in the cockpit area is a bit different, those are the major differences.

Also, on the RZ2 the bow dips down a bit more, and is MORE likely to take on water in oncoming waves. It is not BAD, about the same as most inboards, but the Ve versus RZ this is a difference. Most consider it negligible, but you may not depending on the type of lakes you run in.

[da.bell]

I wouldn't worry about the bow dipping below the water line. Rag is correct that the bow is a little closer to the water on the RZ2 but still is rather hard to dip the bow.

Chpthrill can chime into this since I have not driven a 22Ve but do have an RZ2 and a 24Ve. The RZ2 does turn very quickly and tight when at lower speeds. Not sure if the 22Ve can turn as sharply but that is where Chpthrill can say something.

[chpthril]

I wouldn't worry about the bow dipping below the water line. Rag is correct that the bow is a little closer to the water on the RZ2 but still is rather hard to dip the bow.

Chpthrill can chime into this since I have not driven a 22Ve but do have an RZ2 and a 24Ve. The RZ2 does turn very quickly and tight when at lower speeds. Not sure if the 22Ve can turn as sharply but that is where Chpthrill can say something.

Da is correct, there is a slight difference in maneuvering ability and rough water comfort between the two, again, I say only slight. The Ve, because of the deep V bow, will corner sharper and drive through the chop with very little "slap" on the water. Due to the wider surface area of the RZ's bow, it will not knife through the waves the same as the Ve, and the outside keels on the bow will not bite as good in a tight, high speed turn.

Both are great boat, I would own either one, but like the Ve better, but not due to the diff's mentioned above, just not a pickle fork kinda guy.

[gman]

Took water on big time on a 24v over the bow going over own wake. Learned how not to do it again.

[ragboy]

It just depends on where and how you boat, I have the 24Ve, and when I have my front sac loaded, I have to be really careful how many people I let up front. Too many and even smaller wakes can come over the bow head on.

But when you want a great surf wake, and you put 1500lbs of ballast + people, you gotta be more careful. Something to never do on a choppy day.

They both are great boats, in the end I think the decision lies in how you like the way they look, and if the extra person in bow means anything for you.

[gregtay]

I will you guys know where we end up. I am lookign at a new 07 RZ2 or a new 08 22Ve. I think we really like the bow space of the RZ2 but not in love the color config of the boat they have. Price jumps up if we wait for an 09 and i am not prepared to do that (the boat i am trading in is an 07... it worth about the same as the new Tige's.. not really looking to write a big check just to downsize my boat)

[gman]

gregtay
where are you located?

[gregtay]

gregtay
where are you located?

Seattle area.

[KirklandTige]

Let's talk

hey gregtay...I'm thinking of the same choices and also live in the same area as you. who were you talking with down at sport boat northwest? just curious, what are they quoting you on the '07 RZ2 and the '08 22Ve? thx.

[da.bell]

I know you guys can have your dealer talk with my dealer down here to get a great deal on a boat that they have left over. I am sure they can get the boat up to Seattle for less than what it would cost you to purchase the same model but a 2009 from Tige.

Here are the three that they current have available:
2007 RZ2: White hull, graphite gray side, red triangle, with white top
2007 RZ2: Graphite gray hull, white site, graphite gray triangle, with white top.
2008 RZ2: White hull, graphite gray side, red triangle, with white top

[gregtay]

Thanks! That might be the way to go for me. The 07 RZ2 they ahve is white with black on the side.. but in my opinion they did too much black... the entire side is back, no contrasting panel. It looks okay, just don't love it.

Any major differances from 07 and 08?