I love the Z tower!

[talltigeguy]

This weekend I was supposed to get out and demo an RZ2 as that I was going to be in Salt Lake City. Mother nature had other plans since it was raining steadily all day long.

I did get a chance to visit with Scott and Jason at Wasatch Marine in Salt Lake City and check out their inventory of boats. They have 2 brand new 09 RZ's, an RZ2 and an RZ4. Sorry I did not take many pics, but one of the things I needed to see most was the Z-tower.

The first thing you notice when you get in the boat is that thing is HUGE! The 3 inch tubing has a very solid and rugged feel to it. The tower is very stable. As many of you know, height is an issue for me. The Alpha Z tower is cool, but a major issue to try and get under it comfortably. The Z tower is so tall I am sure a lot of guys can't get the wakeboard rope on the pylon very easily. I can walk under it with 2 pair of Pro 60's, and just barely need to watch myself.

Wasatch Marine has a bimini that they have a local canvas company make and it rocks as well. It is huge, spacious and pretty easy to set up. It requires more effort than my previous tower bimini, but it is bigger and more sturdy as well. The hard part is that you have to wrap it around the tower and zipper it together. A lot of guys are going to have to stand on a cooler to get that done, or lean in from standing on the seats. Regardless, I think that is a tradeoff that most people should be willing to make.

Thanks again to Jason and Scott at Wasatch Marine for taking a lot of time to show me the boats. As for the Z-tower, it is a winner for me.

Here is me with an Alpha Z tower at the Lake Mead reunion: I am 6'9" tall.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/talltigeguy/2008%20reunion/IMG_6576.jpg

And here is me on a Supra 24V sunscape and then lastly, me on an RZ4 with the Z-tower. Forgive the crappy cell phone pics:

[talltigeguy]

And if I could put the speakers on the bar that is the farthest to the rear, then I would have even more headroom.

The only thing I do not like is that the bar the speakers mount to is curved a little and I think that gives the speakers a retarded looking stance. But I think Wetsounds has got that figured out with some new speaker mounts that will allow the speaker to still be directed straight back, even though the bar is curved. If you have any other kind of clamp, then the right speakers point a little to the left and vice versa. If your speakers do not disperse the sound well, then you might get better sound when the rider is pulling out to the side, but I personally would like them to face straight back.

[Domsz06]

The alpha z tower was on the rz2 I got to drive and I really loved it. Tall the rz I got to drive is going to thAt marina you were at. I'm sure you will love it!!

[ragboy]

My switchblade has the 3" tubing also, and I love it, it is SO very stout. It feels so darn sturdy. Mine is also very tall, I am 6'2" and can walk under my speakers and bimini without ever even thinking about it. It can seem like not a big issue, but one or 2 times standing up and banging your noggin hard is a real pain.

[helmut]

I have been enjoying your reviews on all the boats your trying out. Funny how you are very objective. I assume you will let us know what you buy. Was glad you got your MC demo. I think its funny when I looked at Tige the dealer wanted to get me out on the water for as long as I wanted. Lucky he is the best dealer in the area for any boat.

[rushin]

I love the Z-tower aswell, it is my favorite tower. I am glad I was able to get one, it was one of the plus's when we were comparing with a ve without it.

[jwanck11]

Wow.. that is a crazy tall tower. :eek: Agree that some may have issues getting a tow rope up there.

[Timmy!]

Tall, if you get one will you be parking it in an indoor storage and leaving the tower up? I have the E tower and that thing is already and inch or two shy of 12' to the top when on the trailer. I think that tower has your name all over it though! :D

[talltigeguy]

They say it is very painful to put up and down and almost impossible to do so alone. Tige advertises it as 'non-collapsible' and that is almost true.

I have an indoor garage, with a 12 foot door. I better have those guys measure it out for me. That would be a huge bummer to find out on my first try that it does not fit. I think it depends on the trailer as well. You could shave several inches with a different trailer.

[JWALK]

The RZ2 and RZ4 both sitting on a Metalcraft trailer with 20" wheels has a overall height of 11' 2". Will fit into a 12' door easily. You are fortunate to have such a large indoor garage. It was nice hanging with you over the weekend, sorry mother nature didn't let us go out for a pull.

[JWALK]

Sorry to not be specific, but those measurments are with the mentioned Z tower and custom bimini top.

[talltigeguy]

The RZ2 and RZ4 both sitting on a Metalcraft trailer with 20" wheels has a overall height of 11' 2". Will fit into a 12' door easily. You are fortunate to have such a large indoor garage. It was nice hanging with you over the weekend, sorry mother nature didn't let us go out for a pull.

Thanks, Jwalk! Looks like you got signed up OK. We expect a thousand posts by the end of the year;)

[ragboy]

They say it is very painful to put up and down and almost impossible to do so alone. Tige advertises it as 'non-collapsible' and that is almost true.

I have an indoor garage, with a 12 foot door. I better have those guys measure it out for me. That would be a huge bummer to find out on my first try that it does not fit. I think it depends on the trailer as well. You could shave several inches with a different trailer.

If that is the case, then you should really consider the switchblade. You get the beefy 3" tubing, the height and stoutness you need, and yet incredibly easy to take up and down. Order the boat without a tower, or go through one of the several dealers that use sampson.

[Jason B]

I would need a freaking trampoline on the floor to get high enough to hook the rope on the tower. I'm "inseam challenged." As it is now with my tower, I have to stand on the sunpad and lunge forward to grab the bar or stand on the gunwhale to reach:o

[Matt Garcia]

One of the main reasons why I love my Z tower, Im tall but not as tall as you and cant stand it when I bump my head on tower speakers. Thats the main reason why I dont like the Illusion tower or the Alpha Z tower. And yes the only way you are getting the rope on is by standing on the sunpad lounge.

I have never collapsed my tower but I hear it is an issue with some people.

If I where to order another Tige it would come with a Z tower again.

[Kayla]

talltigeguy (jwalk correct me if I'm wrong) but I think that Jason at Wasatch had one of the first black and white 09s that came out of the factory and I have to say that, in my opinion, are the best looking boats. And I've seen a LOT of combinations.

The Alpha Z tower is pretty easy to collapse and folds down to windshield level.

[dogbert]

talltigeguy (jwalk correct me if I'm wrong) but I think that Jason at Wasatch had one of the first black and white 09s that came out of the factory and I have to say that, in my opinion, are the best looking boats. And I've seen a LOT of combinations.

The Alpha Z tower is pretty easy to collapse and folds down to windshield level.

Did it look like this?

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/dogberttx/INT%20Nationals/2008INTChampionship-Day1023.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/dogberttx/INT%20Nationals/2008INTChampionship-Day1028.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/dogberttx/INT%20Nationals/2008INTChampionship-Day1040.jpg

[talltigeguy]

talltigeguy (jwalk correct me if I'm wrong) but I think that Jason at Wasatch had one of the first black and white 09s that came out of the factory and I have to say that, in my opinion, are the best looking boats. And I've seen a LOT of combinations.

The Alpha Z tower is pretty easy to collapse and folds down to windshield level.


I think the all black looks very cool with just a white deck. But I am partial to an RZ with a single colored main and 2nd panel.
This is the current frontrunner:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12259&stc=1&d=1221581450

[turbonine]

The Alpha Z tower is pretty easy to collapse and folds down to windshield level.

Yes it is. But if you are trying to collapse a Z-tower you better have two people who built like Hans and Franz.

[da.bell]

^^^

Funny how that happens. :D

[talltigeguy]

Did it look like this?

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/dogberttx/INT%20Nationals/2008INTChampionship-Day1023.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/dogberttx/INT%20Nationals/2008INTChampionship-Day1028.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee313/dogberttx/INT%20Nationals/2008INTChampionship-Day1040.jpg

Yes, but it had mostly white above the rubrail, not the all black option.

[xpjim1]

I think the all black looks very cool with just a white deck. But I am partial to an RZ with a single colored main and 2nd panel.
This is the current frontrunner:
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12259&stc=1&d=1221581450

Another xpjim1 original design chosen:)

[Timmy!]

My buddy that has a Malibu with the Z Tower on it collapses his every time and said it's really easy. He did put an extra "knuckle" in the tower so that it folds lower than the windshield.

[dingleberry]

Of course, Tall, you could still use the Alpha Z tower without hitting your head. Just keep it folded down at all times. While it may result in less available seating and a few bruised shins, the tow point does flip over so that it would still be on "top" on the tower. Oh - I guess you would have to turn the WetSounds speakers around 180 degrees so they are pointing back toward the rider. :rolleyes::D;)

[da.bell]

Another xpjim1 original design chosen:)

Still would look pimping with a red hull. :02: :p

[Duncan]

^^^
And a full length red deck accent while retaining the frost deck. I ran this config yesterday after seeing the above pics and it was a hot look.

[da.bell]

Still, very sexy boat. :02: :D

[dogbert]

Still, very sexy boat. :02: :D

There was a similar combination sitting at the Ski Dock here in Austin earlier today. I'll take a pic when I get back by there today or tomorrow. It's red white and black...looks pretty awesome.

[jeanw]

Dogbert - did you get an opportunity to collapse the Alpha Z tower while in Bakersfield?

[Kayla]

dogbert I believe that is the one. It is the only one I've seen come out of the factory (not that I see every boat) that has an all black main and second panel. Very nice boat!!

talltigeguy I like main and second panel all one color also, except red. :-)

[JWALK]

Tall dude, we should just have you go over to Mesquite and grap that beauty for us. The driver that we hired to bring it back from INT has been broken down all of last night and today:)

[thtrog]

I was really impressed with how solid and quiet the tower is - you can not move it. I watched Eddie and Nick put up the bimini - it took just a couple minutes. I was so nice to have all the rear seating areas shaded in the 100 degree CA sun. Also, it's cool how the tow pylon on the tower swivels, so you have a overhead dome light or anchor light depending on the the position. Overall great design, it will do well - especially with the swivel board racks and the wet sounds installed!

[talltigeguy]

Tall dude, we should just have you go over to Mesquite and grap that beauty for us. The driver that we hired to bring it back from INT has been broken down all of last night and today:)

I could keep it safe for a few days, I am sure!!!!!!!!!!

Call me if you need me to test it out on the lake tomorrow morning on it's way home to your place!

That is only 40 minutes away.

I could feel a ripple in The Force...I sensed that an RZ2 was in the area. The dark side made it break down just a little too far away.

[dogbert]

Dogbert - did you get an opportunity to collapse the Alpha Z tower while in Bakersfield?

Yes, it's a piece of cake (pull two pins) and it folds down into the cockpit so it's lower than the windshield. This means it's easy to get into a garage with an 8' door (like I have). I have to admit, I really liked the tower, especially with the bimini extension they had on it. Because the bimini is not up too high, it shades the entire cockpit area, which is very nice for warm climates. It was pretty hot in Bakersfield, so we really appreciated it.

Not sure how it would work out if you actually had speakers mounted where they are supposed to go, but I thought the height of it was ok. My current tower is really low, but the bimini is always up when we use it, so I never bump my head on the speakers.

The visibility was really nice. One downside is the mirror has to be mounted to the windshield. This makes putting a cover on it somewhat problematic and it creates a blind spot just above the windshield. The blindspot would be an issue if you're surfing because of the attitude of the boat. On my boat, with the tower up, I can put a cover on it because my mirror is actually mounted to the tower. I've seen Malibu's solution to the issue and it's not very pretty either. If you could remove the mirror easily or it had some kind of pop-up mount or fold up mount on the windshield, then it would work better. I'd be curious to see what others think and recommend.

Other than that, every other detail on the boat was well designed. The trashcan in the walkway is a nice touch. It makes it easy to store stuff there also, especially for items you want access to more quickly (like Babe's Boat Bright and other cleaners).

The boat was really, really smooth and quiet. I was amazed how well it performed.

One other thing to consider would be to add a removable ballast sack for the walkway that's plumbed so you can just quick connect it and throw the bow cushion over it. Like most Tige V-Drives, the boat really likes more weight up front there, but you only want it there when wake boarding. The rest of the time it gets in the way. Not sure how you'd do that, but that's something to consider. The in floor ballast was much appreciated because you don't lose space.

Now I just gotta figure out how I'm going to pay for one of these. ;)

[dogbert]

I could keep it safe for a few days, I am sure!!!!!!!!!!


Wanna draw for it? I think this boat would be better off in Austin TX. ;)

[Domsz06]

u know I can haul that boat anywhere it needs to be? My three quarter ton ford powerstroke is just sitting in my back yard. It's black too would look mean running down the road!! :)

[dogbert]

u know I can haul that boat anywhere it needs to be? My three quarter ton ford powerstroke is just sitting in my back yard. It's black too would look mean running down the road!! :)

And Lord knows, they need you driving that thing to make it perform just right for competitions! ;)

[zad0030]

Im kinda partial to the black hull....
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll146/zad030/Untitled.jpg
Maybe too much Red.
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll146/zad030/Untitled2.jpg

[talltigeguy]

One advantage to all white is that I could take off the stickers in 1-2 years and then wrap it with something fresh.

[zad0030]

One advantage to all white is that I could take off the stickers in 1-2 years and then wrap it with something fresh.

Hey, Its your boat, your money. Im just offering my opinion. Sometimes you need an outsiders perspective.

[da.bell]

One advantage to all white is that I could take off the stickers in 1-2 years and then wrap it with something fresh.

With very little color fading. Good point.

When my grahics were changed, there some some very minor fading going on with the orange. They were able to buff it out but when you have red or black, fading is going to be a bigger issue. :02:

[turbonine]

One advantage to all white is that I could take off the stickers in 1-2 years and then wrap it with something fresh.

My plan as well. I am happier every day because of going with all white.

[JWALK]

Tall, did I mention that Tige is willing to build a blue one for you when you jump on the Cougar band wagon in a few weeks. I could pick you up on my way to the Fiesta Bowl. I will bring an extra Cougar jersey for you to wear.

[Matt Garcia]

Im kinda partial to the black hull....
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll146/zad030/Untitled.jpg
Maybe too much Red.
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll146/zad030/Untitled2.jpg
Webkinz? :)

[zad0030]

Webkinz? :)

This is the family computer... I have a little sister.:D

[LovinPowell]

Tall, did I mention that Tige is willing to build a blue one for you when you jump on the Cougar band wagon in a few weeks. I could pick you up on my way to the Fiesta Bowl. I will bring an extra Cougar jersey for you to wear.
:ot:
What makes you think that you'll be driving to the Fiesta Bowl? I assume that it is because you want to watch Oklahoma vs Alabama.:D

[JWALK]

Those two teams will both be in Miami. The Cougs are a year away from the Championship game.

[Matt Garcia]

This is the family computer... I have a little sister.

Ah...my bad. :o

[LovinPowell]

Those two teams will both be in Miami. The Cougs are a year away from the Championship game.

Don't forget about Penn St. They could be in Miami, then those Cougs could be headed to the Rose Bowl.

Hijack over.:D

[Domsz06]

And Lord knows, they need you driving that thing to make it perform just right for competitions! ;)


That's right and I would love to drive!! If there is a comp down your way hollar. I need an excuse to visit mom, I mean drive a tige in comp for the boarders!!

[Domsz06]

:ot:
What makes you think that you'll be driving to the Fiesta Bowl? I assume that it is because you want to watch Oklahoma vs Alabama.:D

Um OU will be in the orange bowl!:)

[LovinPowell]

We'll know more after this Saturday

[Duncan]

Webkinz? :)

This is the family computer... I have a little sister.:D

Hah! Likely story... I can see "Lemon Lime Gecko" outfitted with a tiny Radar slalom ski perched on the Bu dash as a mascot! :cool::eek::cool::eek:

[zad0030]

Hah! Likely story... I can see "Lemon Lime Gecko" outfitted with a tiny Radar slalom ski perched on the Bu dash as a mascot! :cool::eek::cool::eek:

Man, I was expecting more crap about the Malibu Crew shortcut rather than my sisters Webkinz.

[thtrog]

And Lord knows, they need you driving that thing to make it perform just right for competitions! ;)
That's right and I would love to drive!! If there is a comp down your way hollar. I need an excuse to visit mom, I mean drive a tige in comp for the boarders!!

I Agree....after watching closely I know it could get up to wb speed in half the distance. Anyone driving a Tige in a comp this big should be experienced in using the TAPS properly. In my boat, direct drive sacs full, I always start with the TAPS on 1 and gradually bringing it up as I get up to speed. The RZ2 was throwing the best wake on the water, but sure wish Doms was driving!!!

[ibbrown]

Picked up a RZ2 last month from Jason at Wasatch Marine in SLC. It is my first Tige and I love it. Great boat, great dealer!! We are headed to Sand Hollow this weekend for one last trip, can't wait!

[eks]

Picked up a RZ2 last month from Jason at Wasatch Marine in SLC. It is my first Tige and I love it. Great boat, great dealer!! We are headed to Sand Hollow this weekend for one last trip, can't wait!

Welcome to the Tige family ibbrown. Good to have another Tige owner in Utah. I am also in Utah county.

Wasatch Marine is a great dealership. I am very please that they took over selling Tiges.

[eks]

Picked up a RZ2 last month from Jason at Wasatch Marine in SLC. It is my first Tige and I love it. Great boat, great dealer!! We are headed to Sand Hollow this weekend for one last trip, can't wait!

Create you own thread and post some pictures of your new RZ! We would love to see some pictures.

[JWALK]

Create you own thread and post some pictures of your new RZ! We would love to see some pictures.

eks, you will like his boat, it was our RISE and SHOUT boat. Although, not much Rising now days just Shouting:mad:

[LovinPowell]

eks, you will like his boat, it was our RISE and SHOUT boat. Although, not much Rising now days just Shouting:mad:

JWALK: I stopped by your shop last Friday, wanted to stop in and introduce myself personally. I was disappointed to see that you were all closed up. Oh well, I'll try again next time I'm up in your area.

Don't give up on the cougs just yet, Utah can beat TCU and then BYU beats Utah and you can still get to the Vegas bowl. No BCS bowl, but what the heck. :D

[eks]

eks, you will like his boat, it was our RISE and SHOUT boat. Although, not much Rising now days just Shouting:mad:

We will rise again when we beat the Utes.... :02: (At least I hope :rolleyes:).

[talltigeguy]

Picked up a RZ2 last month from Jason at Wasatch Marine in SLC. It is my first Tige and I love it. Great boat, great dealer!! We are headed to Sand Hollow this weekend for one last trip, can't wait!

IBbrown, I sent you a PM. Give me a call if you get a chance, I would love to see the boat, even if it is a cougar style boat.

BYU had it coming, after a couple of subpar showings, the TCU debacle was no surprise. The Vegas oddsmakers had TCU as the favorite before kickoff. Although I don't think anyone expected a full on buttwhipping. They are going to have to work a little harder to show that they are as good as people once thought they were.

[JWALK]

IBbrown, I sent you a PM. Give me a call if you get a chance, I would love to see the boat, even if it is a cougar style boat.

BYU had it coming, after a couple of subpar showings, the TCU debacle was no surprise. The Vegas oddsmakers had TCU as the favorite before kickoff. Although I don't think anyone expected a full on buttwhipping. They are going to have to work a little harder to show that they are as good as people once thought they were.

Admit the Cougars rule and Roger R. is the best bball coach ever or RZ2's go up 5k:cool:

[da.bell]

Admit the Cougars rule and Roger R. is the best bball coach ever or RZ2's go up 5k:cool:

hahahahaha :p

[LovinPowell]

Roger R. is the best bball coach ever or RZ2's go up 5k:cool:

Looks like the RZ2 price is going to go up.:D

Majerus lives.