Any known problems on a 1999 Tige 21V??

[damanmrt]

I am in the market for a use wakeboard boat. I have found a used 1999 Tige 21V. Were all the 21V's rider's editions? What is included in the rider's edition? Was there any known problems with this year, that I should check and make sure that they were done? Should I stay away from this year because any particular problems? I have read on another board that a few people have had v-drives problems, and another one had his replaced. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[R&T Babich]

We have a 2000 21V Riders Edition, which I think is virtually identical with some cosmetic changes. I don't really know what makes it a "Riders Edition" other than it may have come frome the factory with a tower. Ours has the 350 Mag MPI (multi-port injection) engine. There is also a carb and throttle-body injection version of this engine. The trans is probably a Borg Warner Velvet Drive and the V-drive a Warner Gear Drive (painted blue, 1.46-1 ratio). Ours runs great and we love it! I still don't know what tower we have, but I've heard the Metcraft towers from those years aren't very good. If you turn the steering back and forth it should be very smooth - new cables are around $150. If it has an original prop there are much better new designs that have come out since then ($300). Look for cracks in the gelcoat - ours has none. We just got ours used last Oct. and I remember how exciting it was. Good luck!

[R&T Babich]

Here's an article for a 2001 21V: http://www.waterskimag.com/article.j...categoryID=113.
Most magazines didn't start archiving articles until 2000.
Ours is rated for 12 people, we love the wide 100" beam and our tank is 38 gal.
According to NADA the only other 1999 21 foot "V" model is a 2100V Limited, but I don't know if it's the same hull.

[tabone1]

I just traded a BU that I bought new about 5 years ago for a 2000 2100v. Did it a month ago and am happy I did. I had a problem with a part in the speedo line. The dealer called a pressure equalization valve (brass cylinder about 1" in diameter and 7" long), I bypassed it and speedo works fine. Other than that, everything works great. Boat is great for the family and getting funky on the water.

[dogbert]

I own a '99 2100v Limited. Same boat as what you're looking at, just different trim level. I ordered it. It's been a great boat and we're up to 600 hours. We've been using it a lot (over 300 hrs in the last 2 years). I did have to replace the alternator (too much surfing) and fuel pressure regulator. Other than that just the normal maintenance items. The boat has a nice rampy wake and our surf wake is awesome. You'll want some ballast if you're an intermediate rider or better, but I can help figure that one out.

The boat is built like a tank.

[damanmrt]

Here is some info on a 2002 Tige 20V that had the transmission replaced 3 weeks ago, and only had 190 hours on it. He said the transmission was replaced because Tige stated that when the ballast system is used that the factory clutch plates are not built to withstand all the pressure that is put on them. Normally without the extra 2000 lbs of water that comes with the bags being filed the transmission will last a lot longer. Tige is currently researching stronger clutch plates but as of a month ago they have not come up with any solutions. Any thoughts?

[chpthril]

Here is some info on a 2002 Tige 20V that had the transmission replaced 3 weeks ago, and only had 190 hours on it. He said the transmission was replaced because Tige stated that when the ballast system is used that the factory clutch plates are not built to withstand all the pressure that is put on them. Normally without the extra 2000 lbs of water that comes with the bags being filed the transmission will last a lot longer. Tige is currently researching stronger clutch plates but as of a month ago they have not come up with any solutions. Any thoughts?

I believe I would have to argue the failed clutches due to ballast. As the boat's load/weight increases, so does prop-slip. Boats don't have the amount friction (grip) in the water that an auto does on pavement.

In an overloaded truck, the weak link is the clutch. It will slip and burn up. In a boat, the weak link is between the prop and the water. The prop will "slip" in the water and cavitate.

[laserfish]

We have a 2000 21V, and absolutly love it. My son is a very accomplished rider, and he likes our wake better than the new hull design wakes. You can put 12-14 people in your boat and have a great time. If it has the Metcraft tower, check for cracks, I have had no problem, but some have. These boats are built like tanks, and can take rough water better than any boat I have ever been in, MC and Bu included. Check the service records if you can to see if it has been maintained. After 500 hours, we only have one hairline crack in our gelcoat, and that is after taking a lot of beatings in rough water getting to the smooth water. Be sure and take it for a test drive and compare it to other brands, I know which one you will pick! Good Luck. We have never regreted our purchase.

[dogbert]

Here is some info on a 2002 Tige 20V that had the transmission replaced 3 weeks ago, and only had 190 hours on it. He said the transmission was replaced because Tige stated that when the ballast system is used that the factory clutch plates are not built to withstand all the pressure that is put on them. Normally without the extra 2000 lbs of water that comes with the bags being filed the transmission will last a lot longer. Tige is currently researching stronger clutch plates but as of a month ago they have not come up with any solutions. Any thoughts?

First of all, that's not even close to being the same boat. Second, I've never heard anything like this. A 20V can handle a tremendous amount of weight and I know folks who routinely weigh it down with 2K ballast. Not once have they had a failure. So what your friend was told is

As for my boat, it can realistically handle about 1500 lbs and a few people before it starts running like crap (slow getting out of the water and handles poorly). Each boat will be a little different, but they are all built like tanks and can handle way more weight than the USCG sticker says.

[damanmrt]

First of all, that's not even close to being the same boat. Second, I've never heard anything like this. A 20V can handle a tremendous amount of weight and I know folks who routinely weigh it down with 2K ballast. Not once have they had a failure. So what your friend was told is As for my boat, it can realistically handle about 1500 lbs and a few people before it starts running like crap (slow getting out of the water and handles poorly). Each boat will be a little different, but they are all built like tanks and can handle way more weight than the USCG sticker says.

This was not a friend, this was someone trying to sell there 2002, and advertised that it just got a new transmission. So I inquired why did it get a transmission with only 190 hours, and thats what he told me.

[dogbert]

This was not a friend, this was someone trying to sell there 2002, and advertised that it just got a new transmission. So I inquired why did it get a transmission with only 190 hours, and thats what he told me.

Understood. There's a lot of other things that can affect a transmission, especially if you're running the boat hard. The most important things are adequate water circulation (these boats must have their impellers changed every other year) and adequate fluid levels. They recommend you change your fluids (oil, tranny and V-Drive) every 100 hrs.

As for the '99. I have over 600 hrs on my boat, half of which we put on in the last 2 years. We surf about half the time and wakeboard/wakeskate the other. When we're surfing, we are loaded for bear. Other than my alternator going out from getting wet too often (we take some water into the bilge, but I've since moved my bilge pump to account for this) and my fuel pressure regulator (this is an age thing), I've had zero issues with the boat. It's been super reliable and we've enjoyed the heck out of it. It is bigger than the '02 20V and rides a bit better balanced. The 20V, IMHO, has a bow that's too short, so it's difficult to get enough weight in it for a V-Drive.

What motor was in the 20V?

[damanmrt]

So the impeller runs cooling water through the trans also? The engine was a 350 MAG. It sounds kinda weird, maybe lack of maintance was the issue. Just curious if any other reports were around of trans problems.

[laserfish]

As others have said, change the impeller every year, as part of regular maintenance. If you don't change at the beginning of the season voluntarily, it will make you do it by sticking you at the worst time.

[dogbert]

Yes, the impeller circulates to the engine, exhaust manifolds and there's a line that goes from the circulation pump to the fuel cooler and then to the V-Drive as well. The transmission is on the front of the 21v's engine.

My tranny has held up well. No issues. I even bent my shaft, strut, rudder and prop about a year and a half ago. I got it fixed immediately and have put a bunch of hours on my boat since.

I have the 350 Mag.

[R&T Babich]

If it has the Metcraft tower, check for cracks, I have had no problem, but some have.

Is this a Metcraft tower? If it is, where are the most likely places to watch for cracks?
I check the bolts every trip and find at least one that needs snugging a little.