Boat Problems (expected number?)

[zeda]

I purchased a 2004 22V Riders Edition this year and have put 90 hours on it since May/June. I have had two problems: 1) replaced gasket, and 2) replaced throttle handle (problem: the locked neutral position began slipping, throttle handle loose, and taps not working). What has other people's experience been with Tige's in regards to problems up to the 100 hour mark? Have people had these same types of problems? Are they normal, etc? I am becoming a little unhappy with my boat since both problems happened while I was on boating vacations which resulted in a lot of wasted time and frustration.

[talltigeguy]

Boat problems happen with any brand. If you follow some forums you'll eventually hear of problems with all of them. I think the more you spend the more you should expect. As Tige has positioned itself as a top boat manufacturer, they need to be very careful to choose high quality components that won't do what happened to you.

I don't know how many problems to expect, but the type that leave you stranded on a boating vacation are the worst! The way your dealer handles this will affect your satisfaction level greatly.

[zeda]

Thanks for the reply Talltigeguy. From your experience, what would constitute a satisfactory response from a good dealer (i.e. discounted items from pro shop, quick turn-around, etc.)?

[switchme]

I have approx. 110 hours on my 04. The only problem was the starter went out a few weeks ago. Dealer fixed quickly but it also happened while we were on vacation so it is frustrating anyway. I had another boat 4 years ago that you could call a lemon and have been very happy with my Tige'. I expect a few issues here or there but not many with the cash that these things cost.

[poohpotta]

I have 35 hours on my 04 22V and have not had any failures, there are a few quality issues that I'm not happy with, but other than that its been great.

[talltigeguy]

Zeda,

I think that your dealer should consider these sort of repairs top priority and work to fit your schedule and make you feel like the cost is at a minimum. (I usually charge X per hour, but because this shouldn't have broken so soon, I'll charge Y).

[Tim]

Zeda,

I purchased a 94 tige 2000 slm new in 94, never had any problems with it at all. My tige experience was so positive that I purchased a 04 22v in March of this year. Ive had a few minor problem with it, One of the batteries failed, fuel guage stopped working, glove box spring came loose, ect... nothing I would consider major. I agree with the person that stated if you talk to enough people you find issues with any brand. I'm in the automobile business and the same hold true for cars and trucks. Overall I'm very pleased with my tige, my purchase experience and my service experience.

Tim

[JASON739]

A good response would have been proactive and not reactive. The problems you see here are not just regional, or isolated to a boat or two that got past QC. Some owner or at least dealer notification should be sent for problems that are known to exist rather than wait until you ruin a vacation, ruin your relationship with your dealer and become disenchanted with the Tige name. I feel for some of you that have never owned a tournament boat before and therefore have no benchmark from which to judge what is acceptable.
Your fuel gauge should work. no fuel flow meter required.
Your steering cable should last over 5 years.
Merc has had fuel pump problems, but we never hear about the bulletins until after we get towed in to the dock.
Don't always take your dealers response as Tige's word. If you don't get satisfaction with your dealer when you know its not right, contact the factory.
They have been good about reacting to the problems we have experienced. The company is growing so fast they have their hands full, but they will help.

[zeda]

I really appreciate the responses. My dealer (Taylors in SLC) has been great. They worked really hard to fix my problem and understand the frustrations that people have when a trip is cut short because of a boat problem. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the 22V since I can go on for hours about the great things and only count a few items that I'm not completely satisfied with.

[Tequilasun]

I would like to add, that forums like these almost always showcase the negative aspects of a product. We all know how bad tige's are bashed on other websites, so I would like to see discussions like these limited.

I agree that you should not have problems with a new boat. And most of the problems you hear about with tige's are the parts manufactured by others. Maybe tige should look at their suppliers and assess whether or not they are using the highest quaility available.

Of course, these components are used in most all quality towboats, so maybe they are the best out there.

[zeda]

Limiting these types of discussions would not be very useful to boat owners or boat companies. I truely believe that Tige and most other boat companies read these forums to gather information relative to the products they produce. They can utilize this information to assess the attitudes of the market in which they are competing and hopefully make improvements to products. This will ultimately make them more successful and increase quality by replacing components that are consistantly having problems with more reliable ones.

As far as problems with parts manufactured by others, Tige has made a choice to put these parts on a Tige. In my mind, this makes them ultimately responsible for its quality.

Posting problems is also useful to boat owners because it encourages discussion about what went wrong (diagnosis), how it can be avoided next time, and what they did to fix it.

As far as bashing goes, I think most everybody on this forum loves Tige boats. I sure love mine.

[Paublo]

This is a good thread with some valuable comments. I'm on my second Tige, and have had a boats for 24 years.

My '01 21i had virtually no problems for the three years I owned it. Replaced a PP cable and a minor trailer issue near the 3 year mark. My '04 22V has had a greater number of issues, but all of them very minor- a couple of minor vinyl problems, trailer tire, sent with wrong prop, and the stereo head end unit had a short. They didn't efffect my time on the water and the dealer always worked around my schedule to get me in and out.

The more I've studied the different boats, the fewer differences I see between them in terms of engines, and major components. Tige is up there and uses top grade parts. I am glad that they now offer you the option on engines. From what I've seen the real problems seem to be fewer and far between. That leaves the dealer and his help and attention to you, as the biggest factor in how you perceive your boat. And that is the biggest reason I bought my last Tige.

There are a lot of good boats to choose from, but I bought from the best dealer. I love my boat too which is due to a combination of engineering, the parts within, manufacturing, the performance on the water, the deal ($), and the dealer care. Different boats excel in different areas, but everyone has to weigh what is most important to them and where they will get that.

[talltigeguy]

Jason,

Funny you mention the steering cable - My 2002 21V had to have it replaced after 2 and one half years. It just got stiffer and stiffer. No time lost on the water, but just built up my biceps.

I disagree with draginass as well. I think these threads are useful. The vast majority of people will never read this forum and I don't think it will tarnish the reputation. I've never gone to the other brands owner's sites.

Just go to Wakeworld and read about the Malibu guys who are having gelcoat blisters after just 2 trips to the lake! That tarnishes a reputation! Yes, that is guyS, as in more than one.

[Tequilasun]

ok, I am kind of taking it on the chin, so let me clarify what I was thinking when I wrote my response.

I don't think Tige should limit these discussions, but the individual owner's. There are bound to be problems, minor and major, with any species of boat. i.e. BOAT: def. Hole in water, into which one throws money!

Obviously I think tige is top notch, as well as my dealer, as we have owned an 03 and now an 05. But in the large part these threads take the same route...I have a problem, my dealer fixed it, but it cost me some time on the water.

Anyway, I'm not sure that clears up my opinion any.

[blr]

I have to agree with everyone that these forums are great and if Tige wasn't gping to do one, eventually a member (maybe even me) would start a tigeowners site. With a owner operated site, we would lose the great support of Matt and Tige MD and probably be a week or 2 further behind in the advancements and new ideas that Tige has.

talltigeguy - did you have a leaking shaft seal on your '02? I know that I had that problem and the addition of the extra water being in the hull for extended time frames caused the steering cable to wear prematurly.

[Under360]

These forums are very useful when if comes to talking about problems. As you all have mentioned, every boat is going to have problems. I've got almost 450 hours on my 03' 22v (Bought end of May 03) and I've had my share of problems, but my dealer has ALWAYS work with me on schedule and gotten me back on the water ASAP.

Ultimately I think your perception of a boat's quality comes down to the dealer. Tige builds a quality boat, but all boats have their problems. The Ski Dock here in Austin has provided me the best customer experience I've every had with ANY product. I can see that Tige is always looking to improve their product but I hope they also focus on making sure they have good dealers representing their products. It can go a LONG way!!

Thanks Ski Dock and Tige!

[Tige M.D.]

Thanks blr, I don't know about matt but I try to help you all on my own time. As I write, my wife and baby are sleeping and I should be also.
I don't own a tige and probably never will, due to no time to use it but I do care about the tige name and ALL of the owners. One thing everybody needs to understand is, boats are built 100% by hand. No robots, very little computers and the people that actually do build them are the same people you would probably not give a hand to if seen broken down in a rain storm. I guess what I am saying is there are no perfect products, that is why manufactures offer warranties. If you feel that you honestly have a problem that should be a warranty item and your dealer will not go to bat for you then shame on the dealer. Harvey and Andrew are by far the best people I have ever worked with when it comes to keepng the customer happy. It is a give and take between the dealer and manufacture. The boat owner should not have to call Tige Inc. Remember who you paid for your boat and make them earn your business.
As for paying so much money for the boat and not being happy with the quality you the consumer, that is willing to pay 40-50k for fiberglass and a motor should step back and look at the big picture, as long as you pay it they will charge it.

[Matt Garcia]

Thanks blr. I cant give knowledgeable advice like the dealers such as Greg (Tige MD) and lee but I can give them the opportunity to help solve and answer multiple Tigé owners questions and concerns.

[rmarion]

Our problem with this boat, is we've put 95 hours on her since May 2004.
Do you realize how much $$$$$$$$$$ I've spent on Gas?????:D

[blr]

Sorry, my apologies Harvey, I forgot to mention you as well. You guys all rock and provide a great service to Tige owners and porpects. The sleep thing is a whole different story, if your like me you have excepted that you will catch up on all your missed sleep when you take the big dirt nap:)

I also think that if you look at the quality and functionality you get for the price of a Tige, you would get far less in any other manufacturer's product.

rmarion - not sure what boat/motor you have but if you don't have one already, you should try gassing up a 375hp 6.0l a few times, I think mine breaths fuel, and fuel. Not sure that air ever enters the mixture :)