Considering a 21v - concerned about draining?

[tower210]

Hey all; very seriously considering a 2001 21v as a family boat. Boat looked really good in the ad, and is low hours (less than 200); but when looking in person I had some concerns, wasn't sure if they were minor items or major. Closest Tige dealer is 2.5 hour drive, so no easy fix there.

Biggest concern: Boat was on it's trailer, front jack as high as it could go without the prop guard on the trailer hitting the ground. The bilge appeared to have 2-3" of standing water in it with the plug out. The owner told me the current cover leaks (that doesn't concern me, I would have a new custom cover made) and that the water came from the extremely heavy rains we have been having. The concerning thing was that he told me he wet vacs that compartment to keep it dry because with the TAPS the drain plug can't be in the center at the lowest point. I googled Tige' won't drain and found some forum posts that are somewhat disturbing. Scared of a boat that could hold water all the time. Is this a known problem?

Is there a valid fix short of keeping the boat indoors at all times (I won't have that option)?


Other more minor items of concern:

Engine bay dividers separators seem pretty loose. Worried they will move around when people are stepping on it and collapse.

The plastic that the gauges are mounted in has sun fading and some cracks. Dealer told me Tige only caries parts for 5 years. How do you replace this piece?

Battery appears to be mounted in a very small compartment. Couldn't open at the time. Is there room for a dual battery setup?

Upholstry had appeared to be separating at the sewed seams a bit.


Thank you for looking!! I appreciate any input!!

[UNSTUCK]

There is a second drain plug right under the middle of the back seat. I never need to use mine though. The transom drain plug works great. I'd turn the batteries on and then turn the bilge pump on. Seems much easier than using a vaccum. Maybe the bilge pump doesn't work. That would be good to know before you buy it. This boat must have a good working bilge with the engine bay vent right at the top of the transom. It can take on water easily when coming to a quick stop.

Low hours is not a good thing in this case, imo. This boat has just sat and sat, rotting away. I've had my 21v for one year now. I bought it with about 480 hours and I thought that was low.

Are there any other boat dealers or repair shops closer that could inspect it for you. There really isn't much difference between the different brands once you get past the shape of the hull.

What's the price?

[Stingreye]

On my 24v it did not have the drain near the v drive. I added one, Works much better than transom drain.


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[tower210]

There is a second drain plug right under the middle of the back seat. I never need to use mine though. The transom drain plug works great. I'd turn the batteries on and then turn the bilge pump on. Seems much easier than using a vaccum. Maybe the bilge pump doesn't work. That would be good to know before you buy it. This boat must have a good working bilge with the engine bay vent right at the top of the transom. It can take on water easily when coming to a quick stop.

Low hours is not a good thing in this case, imo. This boat has just sat and sat, rotting away. I've had my 21v for one year now. I bought it with about 480 hours and I thought that was low.

Are there any other boat dealers or repair shops closer that could inspect it for you. There really isn't much difference between the different brands once you get past the shape of the hull.

What's the price?

Boat lived on a lake in Austin owned by an older couple its first 13 years. Last 4 or 5 years the lakes were so low that the lift wasn't in the water. Current owner is nephew of original owner, claims everything that was every done on boat was by original tige dealer in austin (with records). Didn't try bilge yet, I will when I test drive next week. Asking $21K. I think I can get for a couple less.

Talked to my local dealer (2.5 hours away); they weren't scared of water in the bilge. Might see if there is a local dealer to look at engine and trans.

Where is the plug under the back seat?

[SATige]

I'd be surprised if it has a factory, center drain plug, in front of the v-drive. I have 2002 21v, the off center plug did not work, especially for my boat that sits on a lift 8 months out of the year. So, I added the center plug, the bilge has never been dry before I added the plug.

[jimidemo]

We have had our 21V for thew seasons. Have dual battery set up in that small port rear compartment. Loose screws holding the rear locker panels would cause loose engine dividers. I store mine in my garage and pull plug on ramp, so I never really have any water in bilge. Only in a massive rainstorm did my auto bilge kick on. And then it was almost dry post bilge running getting up on plane. Mine had 275 hours when we bought in 2014. Could be a good deal . Sounds like you have some bargaining chip s to work with.

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[tower210]

I appreciate the responses guys. Great input.

My current I/O had screws that held the dividers, and over the years they have gotten a bit stripped, wish I would have put some high quality nutserts with threaded screws long ago to keep a nice tight fit. Glad to hear it wasn't made to be a loosey-goosey fit.

[h2osk8er00]

Def get some pictures of that bad boy and post it up! I absolutely love my 2001 2100v Limited... Mine is a Riders Edition as it came with the tower too.. Think the limited just had a few upgrades.. Not too certain.

I do get the build up in my bilge area as well but I ended up putting a second bilge pump that helped... However, I may end up putting another drain as I would like to be able to get water outta there easier.. Plus everybody love drilling holes into their boats..

[tower210]

We are going to test drive it tonight.....I'll let you guys know how it goes.

KK

[h2osk8er00]

Good luck!

[mdk681]

My 99 21v has a center plug from the factory, if it doesn't have one, just add it.

I actually have a 3 battery setup with selector switch, so there is plenty of room to add more behind the back wall area. Cranking battery is next to the TAPS pump on the starboard side, and 2 additional stereo batteries are on the port side. It's a tight fit but they all sit really nicely back there.

Just had my bottom cushions upholstery done, the separating is pretty common with a boat of that age.

The bilge pump is in a really stupid place in the bilge area. It is not even near the lowest point - I relocated mine to sit next to the rudder in the far rear end of the boat. Works much better back there and pulls all the water out that collects down there.

I bought mine with 250 hours 4 summers ago, and now have close to 700. Make sure transmission and v-drive fluids are changed and clean, and replace plugs and wires. Fresh oil often. Pretty solid boats and I love every bit of mine! A lot of little projects but they are all worth it long term, especially with the price point so low! Best of luck


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[tower210]

Thanks for the reply. I did buy it, and picked it up for less than I thought possible. Real happy so far.

Did plugs/cap/wire first thing. Woke it up nicely. Wish I had done the coil too, will get that this winter.

Added 2nd battery right in front f first one with diode. Speakers / amp added, spent today at the lake and loved it. New head unit and remote coming this winter.

Wondering about O2 sensor? And knock sensors?

Loving it so far


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