Z1 with no factory ballasts

[Goody99]

I am considering buying a new Z1, and my local dealer has a 2008 remaining that has every option I want, but no ballast system. My questions are:

(1) I am only a beginner/intermediate wakeboader, so will the TAPS throw a big enough wake for me, or will I find I want more weight?

(2) What about for surfing? If I put a manual sack on each side of the engine, would I be happy, or will I regret not getting factory ballasts every time I have to fill and empty the ballasts? (My wife rides goofy and I ride regular).

[chpthril]

(1) I am only a beginner/intermediate wakeboader, so will the TAPS throw a big enough wake for me, or will I find I want more weight?

(2) What about for surfing? If I put a manual sack on each side of the engine, would I be happy, or will I regret not getting factory ballasts every time I have to fill and empty the ballasts? (My wife rides goofy and I ride regular).

1st: TAPS does not make the wake, its the Convex V hull, the TAPS is used to adjust the wake shape. Now, the wake will be bigger with TAPS at 8 (plate up so it's not acting on the water so the Convex hull settles in the water naturally), then is will be at 1 (plate down creating stern lift). There is a great video showing how the hull and TAPS work. www.tige.com, click on "tige superiority" then click "cutting edge tech" then on the right hand side of the page, click on "learn more" under CONVEX V/TAPS.



2nd: Tough question to answer, our boat was not ordered with ballast, and we were happy with it. I did not really begin to think about adding ballast till we got into surfing.

The Z1 puts out a nice clean wakeboard wake with great shape (as do most Tiges ) that most any skilled rider can do most any trick off of. To be honest, you will probably get hungery for more wake as you progress, just like any other rider does. If you are going to use manual-filled sacs, you'll find that a 60/40 (60% front/40% back) split is best. The Z1 definitely likes weight upfront IMO.

As far as surfing goes, the Z1 is surfable with no ballast, but really likes to have some weight added to it, but not like other brands. You will definitely like the Z1 with ballast.

Bottom line, if you like everything about the boat (need to sea trial, including riding behind) and the price is right, dont look at ballast as a deal breaker. There are aftermarket ballast systems that can be added by your dealer, or you, when the time is right.

[jake's02-22i]

a lot of people on this site put after market ballast in the boat and seem to like it better then the hard tanks. the hard tanks will permanently take up room where the sacs you can empty them and have your storage back

[tigesinaus]

it will be sweet, mate, we have the ballast for ours but we board without it!!
its a heavy boat with a beautiful unweighted wake, and you can always get people for more weight.
you will probs need the bags for surfing, but thats no big deal.

first time out behind, i charged the wake like i used to on the malibu and got absolutely launched into the flats... scared myself..