TAPS and Decals

[rafstar]

On the back of my boat is a black piston type device that raises and lowers the TAPS. I have broken this device and need to replace it. Unfortunately, the dealer I purchased the boat from no longer sells Tige boats and tells me they cannot get this part to fix it. I have entered my zip code in the Tige dealer locator and no dealer appears. I live in Northeast Ohio and my zip code is 44449. Here are my questions:

1. Is this device as easy to install as it looks. It appears that all I have to do is to bolt it on and connect two wires.

2. Will Tige sell a part like this to the boat owner since it appears there is no dealer in my area? If so how would I go about ordering this part?

3. Since there are no dealers in my area, is there a manual that goes beyond the basics so I can keep the boat running? If so, how would I purchase such a manual?

4. Finally, I would like to replace the decals on my boat. How would I purchase these decals and is this something an auto paint shop could install?

Thanks in advance for your assistance

Bob

[spharis]

What year boat? There are two different types of piston. One is electric, and the other electric. Both can be had fairly inexpensively from either Bennett or Lenco.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/
http://lencomarine.com/

You best manual is this site. There are no breakdowns on the boats, wiring or otherwise, except at Tige'. You get an answer here fairly quickly.

Decals are best replaced by going to a local sign shop with a vinyl cutter and having them done. There is a guy in New Orleans that did mine, so he has the font and logo for the older styles. His name is Ray, and his shop is http://www.rpmgraphicsandcustoms.com/

You can install them yourself in a few minutes.

[TeamAllen]

rafstar,
Welcome to the site!
Tell us more about where you're located and what model boat you have.

[dogbert]

You best manual is this site. There are no breakdowns on the boats, wiring or otherwise, except at Tige'. You get an answer here fairly quickly.

Correction: it's really you and FIC when it comes to the mechanical stuff.

One other source not mentioned is contacting Tige directly. The best way to do this is from this site. Send a PM to Andrew.

[chpthril]

Send a PM (private message) to tony@tige, or add .com and e-mail him. He should be able to get you in touch with your area Rep and the closest dealer.

As far as Decals and TAPS piston: Slight chance these are still available from Tige if your boat is not more then a few yrs old. A good Vinyl shop should be able to duplicate your originals or just design some new ones and upgrade. They will probably install also, if local. Should be able to get that piston aftermarket once you determine which system you have.

Welcome to the site post some pics when you get a chance

[rafstar]

My boat is a 2004 24' V Riders.

Bob

[Lunchbox]

There are two different types of piston. One is electric, and the other electric.

OK did this confuse anybody else? Both are electric? Can someone please clarify?

LBX

[kko]

one is 100% electric=lenco the other is an electirc motor that runs hydraulic pump=bennet. the only real trick to changing them is the wire that runs to the gauge. it does not disconect at the ram. you have to cut and slpice and it is a sheiled wire or run the wire all the way up to the gauge. ive seen it done both ways. but i dont think you can just unplug the wires at the ram. i know the replacment ones we get have the new wire with it. now that i think about it i have only replaced the bennett so i know how it comes but im not a 100% on the lenco maybe you can just swap wires on the ram on a lenco i can find out for you. do you know wich one you have for sure? my 03 is lenco and my boss FIC 04 is a lenco as well. i will look into when i get back to work and give you a better answer.

[spharis]

That should have read, one is electric (Lenco) and one is hydraulic (Bennett). Both parts are available readily on ebay. I have also not seen a Lenco, but if you can wield a soldering iron, I doubt it is that large of a task. The Bennett system is about as simple as it gets.

[Lunchbox]

That should have read, one is electric (Lenco) and one is hydraulic (Bennett). Both parts are available readily on ebay. I have also not seen a Lenco, but if you can wield a soldering iron, I doubt it is that large of a task. The Bennett system is about as simple as it gets.

Thanks for clearing that up spharis... I read it and was a little confused...

[kana12]

this is the only thing that makes me kind of worried about owning my tige... i have heard is that there have been a lot of tige dealers that have gone out of in texas. hell i think that there are only three in texas anyway that i know of..

[FIC]

There are only 2 wires on the lenco, one wire is black and the other is white . What part of the ram broke? You can contact lenco directly , they have been very good with any problems I have had. Mine broke the pin that holds it to the bracket, I installed a stainless steel bolt and repaired the wires its been perfect for 4 years. As to your grafics if tige doesnt have them check with a good graffics guy in your area , they usually can make them.

[rafstar]

It really did not break, but seperated and a gear fell out. I am not sure where the gear came from so I figured it was better buy a new one instead of trying to fix the old one. If I knew where the gear came from I might be able to shove it back together. I looks it goes back together like a lid goes no a tupperware container, but I am not sure as I am not very mechanical. I notices you from from FIC. If you think it can be repaired, I can send it to you and you can bill me to fix it if you fix it. I think I have all the parts, but without the proper knowledge I do not know if something else fell out prior to me noticing it came apart.

Bob

[dogbert]

this is the only thing that makes me kind of worried about owning my tige... i have heard is that there have been a lot of tige dealers that have gone out of in texas. hell i think that there are only three in texas anyway that i know of..

I know it's a haul, but your best bet is going to be either the Ski Dock in Austin or Texas Tige in Houston. They'll take care of you.

[kana12]

well ive been to texas tige and brandon took care of me with soem work on my 22i. was realy pleased with how they went out of the way to satisfly me. they pretty much even detailed my boat before i picked it up. havent got the pleasure to deal with the ski dock yet but i have spoken to them on the phone and they seem realy cool too.