Pending Tige purchase related to tracking fin - your thoughts?

[Lotastyle]

We're about to purchase a 2006 Tige 22i, and I have a concern about the front tracking fin. It is slightly bent to the left about 1 inch, maybe more.The other two tracking fins are fine. I've spoken to Tige customer service and they said the bend did not likely cause any damage to the hull considering the slightness, and it can possibly be straightened with a 2x4 and rubber mallet. I was also told if it breaks it will take about one hour to replace. The cost of the fin has been quoted around $100, plus labor. Another dealer said be very concerned, and be sure when doing a lake test to wait a little longer in the boat to verify no water leakage as a result of the damaged fin... it may have affected the hull when it was bent. The second dealer also said beaching it and loading/unloading would not bend a fin.

Anyway, I'm moving forward, paying for a compression test, and asking that the dealer that's consigning it try and bend the fin back in place. Our deposit is holding the boat and we're planning to drive it later this week.

Are bent fin's common? Should we be looking for any other issues? Your insight is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Lotastyle

[Timmy!]

I'd ask for a new tracking fin if it's only $100. They are designed to bend so that they don't break the hull. If you just have it replaced, they will put new sealant around it and you will have the piece of mind that it won't be leaking.

[skyski_tige]

I bent a fin on my 1997 2150i. I was having trouble pulling the loaded boat up a steep ramp. My buddy decided to help me by gunning the boat (prop was still in the water) with the rudder turned to the far left. We got up the ramp but noticed that a bunk was broken and one of the fins was bent.

This can definitely happen when loading the boat. IMO

[TigeTrojan]

The tips of my fins sit very close to the cross bars on my trailer in their currently undamaged state. If they were bent at all, I imagine it would significantly increase the chance of hitting the trailer and bending them more.

Is there any cracking in the fiberglass around the fin? If not, I wouldn't worry about leaks.

[Lotastyle]

We did a FaceTime walk through of the boat, and won't get to inspect everything in person until later this week. From what I saw on camera, and per the salesman there are no cracks around the tracking fin.

If the fins bend easily, figure I will likely end of bending one at some point. Dropping $200-300 for the repair later (once I scratch it) sounds more appealing if it will straighten out now. If it leaks, I'm out of the deal. However, I believe that should be evident when we check it out.

Thanks for the comments!

[Lotastyle]

Compression test results per cylinder:

1. 162
2. 159
3. 163
4. 160
5. 161
6. 161
7. 160
8. 159

Per dealer, bad would be under 145 or over 176, so compression checks out well.

[TigeTrojan]

If it is a very small leak, it may not be apparent when you take it out on the water. What I would do is wait until it comes out of the water, then climb underneath it while it's on the trailer. Dry off the fin and surrounding glass, then give the fin a good push in every direction. If there is only a small crack, that would hopefully open it up enough to let a little water through. I wouldn't stress over this too much because as you can see if you poke around this forum for a bit, you won't be the only one with a bent fin.

[TigeTrojan]

And if you do end up bringing it home, let us know!

[Blutooth]

That is good compression! Another thing to look for in the compression test is one cylinder being way out of line from the others.

As for the fin, I would just say as long as you are feeling you are recieving a fair discount for the value of the damage you are good - if you are purchasing from a dealer, I think it might be a little more expensive than they are letting on. If it was only $100 retail (their cost being somewhere around half that?) to fix, any dealer would surely do the fix before they put it on the showroom floor.

My guess is if it doesn't get fixed now it will be a $500 fix later down the road... Not to mention the boat might not track completely true...

Good luck and post pictures if you pull the trigger!

[Lotastyle]

Wow, great feedback, thank you all. I will definitely crawl under after the lake test, dry it off, and move the fin around if it can be straightened.

When I received the call about the compression results was told they would try to straighten the fin on Thursday morning. If that doesn't work I'll inquire about overnighting another fin for replacement on Friday. Still hoping for the simple result... that it easily bends back and for no other damage.

[Lotastyle]

Today we drove to Lake Norman to check out the 2006 Tige 22i, which was about a four hour drive each way. We went with the assumtion that the tracking fin was the only issue. Here's a list of issues that were found:

- speakers on the tower did not work
- speedometer did not work, but was fixed while we were there
- motor cover would not fit properly with little piston arms attached; connected the arms and had to disconnect due to motor rubbing inside of cover after attaching end links inside the motor cover and lowering
- tige speed control was not working, but fixing the speedo may have also fixed this - did not do second lake test due to other issues below
- It looked like the rudder had been hit hard, showed sign of impact and was bent
- the prop needed to be reconditioned or replaced
- there was a 1-2 inch slice of hull damage about the prop blade area
- whiskers were showing in the gel coat on both sides of the rudder plate where it attaches to the hull; there could be some major damage underneath this area - $$$$
- during the lake test the pulled hard right if you took hands off the steering wheel
- vibration was felt while running - likely prop balance issue
- After a few minutes of test driving we ran out of gas
- was not refunded any of the money I had committed earlier in the week to pay for compression test under the guidance by the salesperson that the tracking fin was the only issue
- boat needed a good cleaning, and showed signs of cosmetic neglect throughout; broken speaker covers, two cracks in gel coat, faded dash, toggle switches faded and some hardly legible
- trailer board was split along with protective outdoor carpet on trailer boards
- bilge pump did not work
- called an authorized Tige dealer (while waiting) and was quoted $1600 to replace tracking fin, prop and rudder... Assuming that was all that would need to be fixed underneath
- salesman was ok with us walking away paying money for compression test

I was really disappointed in the boat and in how it was represented. Hope this helps the next person looking at the 22i near Lake Norman in NC.

[chpthril]

Today we drove to Lake Norman to check out the 2006 Tige 22i, which was about a four hour drive each way. We went with the assumtion that the tracking fin was the only issue. Here's a list of issues that were found:

- speakers on the tower did not work
- speedometer did not work, but was fixed while we were there
- motor cover would not fit properly with little piston arms attached; connected the arms and had to disconnect due to motor rubbing inside of cover after attaching end links inside the motor cover and lowering
- tige speed control was not working, but fixing the speedo may have also fixed this - did not do second lake test due to other issues below
- It looked like the rudder had been hit hard, showed sign of impact and was bent
- the prop needed to be reconditioned or replaced
- there was a 1-2 inch slice of hull damage about the prop blade area
- whiskers were showing in the gel coat on both sides of the rudder plate where it attaches to the hull; there could be some major damage underneath this area - $$$$
- during the lake test the pulled hard right if you took hands off the steering wheel
- vibration was felt while running - likely prop balance issue
- After a few minutes of test driving we ran out of gas
- was not refunded any of the money I had committed earlier in the week to pay for compression test under the guidance by the salesperson that the tracking fin was the only issue
- boat needed a good cleaning, and showed signs of cosmetic neglect throughout; broken speaker covers, two cracks in gel coat, faded dash, toggle switches faded and some hardly legible
- trailer board was split along with protective outdoor carpet on trailer boards
- bilge pump did not work
- called an authorized Tige dealer (while waiting) and was quoted $1600 to replace tracking fin, prop and rudder... Assuming that was all that would need to be fixed underneath
- salesman was ok with us walking away paying money for compression test

I was really disappointed in the boat and in how it was represented. Hope this helps the next person looking at the 22i near Lake Norman in NC.

Sorry to hear about your unpleasant sea trial. I think I know this boat and the dealer showing it. If so, then im not surprised. Wish I new as im 30 minutes from this boat and would have been have been happy go inspect it first hand for you.

Dont let this reflect on Tige as a brand as it seems this boat was not taken care of and was obviously rep'd by those looking to make a sale or know little about boats in general.

[Lotastyle]

Thank you for the offer to check it out! I still think Tige makes a great boat, and maybe even the 22i in question can be returned to a more desirable condition by someone that knows what they're stepping in. Hopefully, now the salesman will clearly represent the boat condition to future potential buyers. I clearly communicated all concerns mentioned and walked away.

Regards,
Lotastyle

[Timmy!]

Sorry to hear that it didn't work out! I hope you find another boat that does work for you! Shame on that dealer for not refunding the money and the gross misrepresentation!

[mls6722]

I once drove 3 hours to look at a car and when I got there, I found it had a salvaged title. Apparently, they thought that was not an important issue.
I am sorry that things didn't work out. I would ask if this guy wants to do the right thing and refund your money or you can fill the internet with the details of how he does business.