to V or to I that is the questions

[CrazyJ83]

Ok, last year I got a great deal on a 2001 21i with just 50 hours on it. But you know how it goes as soon as you get one you starting looking for another. I grew up wakeboarding and water skiing behind I/O's so this is my first true ski boat. So far I could not be happier with my choice.
I split my time 55 skiing/ 35 Wakeboard and then surf for a nice little cool down. Crew size is 3-4 peeps, I am not into loading my boat up with a bunch of free loading moochers that are looking for a free ride (If you don't pay, you don't play). I also will be doing most of my boating on a small private Lake. with that being said I am not looking for a boat bigger then 21ft, plus that all the garage can fit.
I am interested in 2005 or newer 20i, 20v, Z1, 21i, Switch I or V. ok so here are my question:
How is the V-drive slalom wake?
Is having the larger seating area of a V-drive worth it if you only have 3-4that normally goes out to ride?
Am I going to notice a big different going from 21ft to 20ft? handling? Space? etc...
I have a feeling that most are going to say go with the Z1 but I am leaning more toward to 20 footers, and the I's at that, not sure why. I guess because they seem to be more geared toward the skier's which is what I am first and foremost. well Looking forward to hearing what everyone's opinion is.

[dogbert]

If you want a better slalom wake, you might want to consider the 20i. If you are going to spend more time wakeboarding or wakesurfing, then I'd go with the Z1.

[Jason B]

I'd say if the boat is paid for and your crew is that small, keep what ya got.
I haven't ridden in a Tige "I" but from my understanding they do both slalom and wake pretty well. My buddy is an avid skier and he said he had expected the wake on my 20V to be "a bit more slalom friendly." I don't ski well so his interpretaion means nothing to me....it works perfectly fine for my lack of skills. Take that for what it's worth.
Further, when we hit it with 5 guys the 20V gets awful small inside. I really don't think you'd be too much happier with the little bit of space you gain if the wake is your priority.

[Waterski-Rebel]

Personally, I think the 20V is the best boat for skiing and boarding. The 20i will give you a smaller wake, but you give up a ton of other things when you go with the 20i. The 20V is smaller then the Z1, and from what I've heard gives you a better ski wake.

[TJRiver]

In these interesting economic times, a paid for boat has some real advantages...........

Not to mention, I have a DD

[CrazyJ83]

Yes my boat is Paid so that is a good point. I found a 2006 20i for 28k OBO on craigslist and have been talking to the owner. I am trying to get an idea what the V-drives are like inside and out. Never have been inside a V except the showroom ones at the dealer and boats on land and water are two different things. I am trying to get and idea of which type I would be happier with. Last year before i bought mine I wanted to get a 20i but couldn't find one for sell within my price range now that some are popping up I am thinking I should go for it.
The wake is the most important aspect of the boat for me. I guess you could call me a serious skier. thanks for the input so far and keep it coming
Oh one more thing is I know the hulls between a 2001 and 2006 are much different. so do the 06 have the bow wash problem like the 01 do. I know how to drive however the other guys I ride with are still learning.

[Waterski-Rebel]

crazyj - I didn't realize you were in denver. There are a couple of boats locally out there for sale. I've seen some killer deals. I am also a waterskier, and went with a 20v (actually switch v). If you'd like, we can talk on the phone, and I can give you my thoughts or 2 cents. :-)

[TJRiver]

If you have ever had to work on your motor, access on a DD is fantastic. Working on a V-drive can require a half tear down to get access to a problem (or pull the engine compartment apart)

Also, there was a thread about 6-8 months ago about a V-Drive owner who was having problems with water ingestion because the rear vents directed the water (either from surfing or abrupt stops) right into the engine intake!! I was quite sceptical until I saw the pics and realized the guy's comlaint was legit.

[mtnsmith]

Depends on the powerplant you get. That particular powerplant, I believe the 6 liter pcm, had a goofy intake. I don't think any of the other powerplants had the intake back there. Did we ever get an outcome on the hydrolocked issue with that? It takes a lot of water to hydrolock a motor and just seize it like he said happened...a LOT of water. Sorry for the off topic...just made me wonder what happened. It is a buyers market, good luck if you decide to make a trade! I do like buying boats as well, that's why I have 2

[TJRiver]

Depends on the powerplant you get. That particular powerplant, I believe the 6 liter pcm, had a goofy intake. I don't think any of the other powerplants had the intake back there. Did we ever get an outcome on the hydrolocked issue with that? It takes a lot of water to hydrolock a motor and just seize it like he said happened...a LOT of water. Sorry for the off topic...just made me wonder what happened. It is a buyers market, good luck if you decide to make a trade! I do like buying boats as well, that's why I have 2

Glutton for punishment, eh?

[airjorgy]

Crazy-

I have owned a 99 21 I, 03 22IR, and 07 Ve. If you spend the majority of
your time time skiing. Stick with what you have. Those older "i" hulls produced a fantastic slalom wake. I doubt that even with the newer
V hulls it will be flatter than what you have. The newer hulls may handle
chop better and reduce the bow wash issues, but the wakes are definitetly
bigger.

Andy J.

[CrazyJ83]

Crazy-

I have owned a 99 21 I, 03 22IR, and 07 Ve. If you spend the majority of
your time time skiing. Stick with what you have. Those older "i" hulls produced a fantastic slalom wake. I doubt that even with the newer
V hulls it will be flatter than what you have. The newer hulls may handle
chop better and reduce the bow wash issues, but the wakes are definitetly
bigger.

Andy J.

Hey thanks for all the input. it is helping me with my decision. keep it coming everyone