looking at a 2005 24V

[jcocci]

I'm in the market, looking at a 2005 24V - looking for some opinions - what do owners like, not like, any problems...etc. It has the stock engine 5.7 330 Excalibur - has that even not been a big enough engine for a particular circumstance? Any input would help. I like the boat.

[CP3]

Dont have any personal experience with the boat but they usually put a 340 in it so 330 shouldnt be bad.

[Coop]

I bought an '05 24V about a year ago. Unfortunately, I was only able to put about 25 hours on it so far. Plan to rectify that this season.

In short, I love the boat. I have the Marine Power 5.7 (340 hp), and it has been plently of power for me. So far, I've had 4-5 people in the boat while towing (no ballast), and I've never felt underpowered. I really like the layout, the Taps versatility, the handling, the rough water ride, the storage, and the looks. Just so you know, I have a three young kids, so versatility, storage, layout, freeboard depth, etc. were very important to me.

My only complaints are minor. The bow seats are hard to lift and hold up while trying to access the storage (I think they addressed that on the 'Ve with struts to hold the seats up). Another storage issue -- because of the molded fiberglass under the port and starboard seat cushions, the openings are smaller, and it's harder to get things in and out of those storage areas.

As you can see, I'm stretching to find problems. Overall, it's a great boat. I just hope I can enjoy it more this season.

Side note -- I took a look at the 24Ve a few weeks ago, and they've made some nice changes on that boat. You may want to look at that as well just to cover your bases.

Good luck.

[ddutcher]

I have an 05 24V as well with the 5.7 litre 340 hp motor, I put 40 hours on it last season and never had any complaints with the boat. I have had 12 people without ballast in the boat while boarding, tubing and skiing, never any power problems. I have the same issue that Smachfam has with the front seats, I have asked my dealer to look into changing my front seats to the new style. The boat is great and we have zero regrets with the purchase.

[gman]

The 2005, 24 v is a very nice looking and spacious boat. It rides quite nice with the 340hp engine which is plenty for the boat. Couple of things you need to look at. The water does not drain very well from under the front bow seats which are tough to lift. Need to make sure the drain hole under the front seats is not pluged or make it a bit larger then it works. See if you can get the latest maintenace manual for the 05 boat and not one for previous years. The gas fill tank is on the left, yet the step to get out is on the right, so you have to step on seats at the dock to get gas which somewhat defeats the purpose of the internal step. You may want to have cleats installed up front on the bow to tie the boat down easier.
Other than these few items, The boat is great. Get one. You will be happy. There probably are not too many 05's left, but If you can, do a little shopping at several TIGE dealers before you purchase.
Hope you get one. What color scheme are you looking at?

[talltigeguy]

I thought the step was on the right because it is easier to pull in to the dock on that side because of the prop rotation. When you pull in to the dock at an angle then put it in reverse, the rear of the boat slides nicely to the right putting you right where you need to be.

I thought the gas tank fill on the left is the most practical spot because most vehicles have the fill on the left as well. I would say that more than 95% of the gas put in these boats is done on the trailer rather than at the dock.

I love my 24V. Overall, I think it is the best boat out there for that price range.

I too have really struggled with keeping the front dry. My riding crew has ridiculed me a lot for being upset at them when they take a roller over the bow, but they don't realize it takes forever to dry out. That's not to say that water goes over the bow easily. It takes a combination of very big rollers and some creative incompetence at the wheel to make it happen.

[gman]

talltigeguy
You are correct except if you spend a few days on the water then you keep filling at the docks if you keep your boat in the slip. I sure don't want to pull it out every day when the stay is for a few days at a time. Would be real nice to have a fill on the right side so that if you get out on the right side using the step, like you suggest, then you would not have to pull the dirty black hose across your boat to the left side and it would be a heck of a lot easier to fill on the right side! Your 95% number seems high. What you are saying is that only 5 people use the dock out of 100. I'm sure a number of boats are filled at the dock also especially when out on the water for a few days. That's my .02 worth for whatever its worth! All I'm suggesting is that TIGE put another fill on the right side, this gives you a choice, and life is easy and convenient for all and you can even better utilize the step for its purpose. I agree with you that its a great boat.

[CP3]

On the talk of water over the bow, Make sure the bow is not overloaded. By that I mean there is actually a capacity for the bow. The one time we took water over the bow, Dad(the worst boat driver) was driving into a roller and slowed with the bow full of people. Took forever to dry the bow.

[xpjim1]

To me the step is useless. Part of the reason is my extended bimini is even with the step. The 24 VE does not even have a step. I rarely use the gas dock and when I do i always have the gas cap side towards the pump. Not an issue, the person filling the tank just steps off the swim step. I like the gas cap on the left so I can fill the truck and boat at the same time. I guess this is an individual preference.
I have about 40 hrs as well on my 24V. Hopefully this summer we can get some major hours on the boat. I agree with the bow seat comments above. The other seat issue is the seat next to the step. It has no support and a few people have pushed the seat into the opening when getting into the boat. The 340 has no problems with a loaded boat at Havasu.

Will be in Havasu this weekend figuring out what I am going to do the boat next and getting my house ready for the summer.

[talltigeguy]

Putting a fill on the other side would be a great idea. Nautique does it. The hose would be pretty cheap. It would just require some extra labor and a gas cap. How much would that add to the price of our beloved machines?

I don't know what part of the country you are at gman, and that probably makes a difference. Between my last two boats, I put over 200 hours on them and I filled them at the dock 3 times. The vast majority of my boating is just day trips without leaving the boat in overnight, hence I rarely fill at the dock.

[olier]

We also had a problem with the location of the gas fill cap. We added another on the opposite side similar to other manufactures. It works great.

[dogbert]

Seems like you could add the extra gas fill if you wanted to.

[Original Wing Nut]

PCM Excalibur 330

I have the 24V with the PCM Excalibur 330. It has great power and have not had any desire for more. I have had the boat loaded with 12 many time and it still pulls hard. Great boat.

[2kims]

we have the 04 24V, only difference is the interior seats do not attach . easier to keep clean . put 150 hrs on it last year and no problems. 6.0, 375hp. check out 04's too.

[b/w05]

2Kims,

Are you still selling your boat? Looking at a new one?

Mark