Opinions on upgrades

[helmut]

If many people are changing their prop why does Tige not put or offer that as an option?

[da.bell]

People are changing their props because they are adding a lot of weight into the ballast tanks or they are skiers that need a little more top end. The prop that Tige provides is good for and without their ballast system.

[Jason B]

The fuel flow meter is not necessary. You're still going to use the same amount of fuel, you'll just know more accurately how much you're using. I think the savings from watching it would be very much offset by the stress added to your "hobby" trying to minimize fuel usage. This is just my opinion, but if I have to worry that much about how much it's costing me--it just isn't fun anymore. (obviously this assumes cost is within reason, not like flying a jet or something)

The props can be found used on ebay or WW for around $250-300 if you're patient.

Basically, you need to decide how your boat is most often used. If you're normally at the party cove kickin' tunes then put your $ into the stereo. If you board mostly then look to the ballast or the prop. As someone mentioned earlier, you may be needing the new prop with more ballast anyway...so maybe starting with the prop would be a good idea for you!?

[quick]

We put the FAE on last night (only one trip to Home Depot!)- it kicks arse to be able to talk while cruising across the lake. The stereo now rules!

A pair of 400 lbs fat sacs and an ACME 653 prop are next on the list.

Thank you to everyone on this board - it just rules to have so many knowledgable Tige Owners on tap.

We put the boat on the water one year ago today - it had 150 hours...I checked the hours last night and it read 349 Not bad!

That is about where I am also....I bought my boat last June with 40 hours on it and i am at 269 now. My wife thinks i have a problem.

[balair]

Balair,
Everybody loves loud exhaust at 22

OH yeah....I always forget that I am in the minority on this site..age wise that is lol. I could go talk with ppl my age at WW, but they are mostly tools.

[balair]

If many people are changing their prop why does Tige not put or offer that as an option?

It also reduces your top end speed when you get a different prop and most people don't wan't to buy a brand new boat that tops out under 40MPH

[jmstige]

The fuel flow meter is not necessary. You're still going to use the same amount of fuel, you'll just know more accurately how much you're using. I think the savings from watching it would be very much offset by the stress added to your "hobby" trying to minimize fuel usage

Since I keep it on the lake, I pay $5.00 gas and logging 200 hours in a year means I'm not too worried about it. Fuel doesn't stress me - sure I have adjusted certain things like we don't drive back/forth across the lake for the heck of it anymore ;

The main thing for the meter that would be nice is knowing how much gas I have left. Twice this year we have underestimated the "when we should fill up" question. About a month ago - I was leaving the slip and said - let's just fill up now so we don't have to jack w/ it later - we put 42.73 gallons of gas in it -

The gas gauge doesn't work worth a crap - so I'm looking at it like fixing my gas gauge and not something to track my usage.

The meter will wait - prop and ballast for now...Do you really think I can find one for $250-300? I've been searchin high and low and $379/free shippin is the best I can find

[dogbert]

Am I the only one that likes the sound of the exhaust? Then again I am a huge motor head.

Pretty much.

If you want loud motor noises, get a Harley.

[Coach]

Am I the only one that likes the sound of the exhaust? Then again I am a huge motor head.

I like the sound, but I just listen to my buddies boats now. They all have big blocks on custom boats and they are all very loud. I just don't like the noise in my boat.

[SPBFAN]

FAE is the next item on my list. Even after the stereo upgrade it is hard to hear it over the engine. I love the surfing and after surfing on Dogberts boat with his FAE I am going to have to add it to mine. It was so nice to be able to talk to the person in the boat rather than yell at them. And the big bonus was not exhaust smell.

[NICKYPOO]

One thing nobody has mentioned about the FAE is the reduction of fumes in the cockpit. Sure it works great for cutting engine noise (not that I dislike the sound of a V8) and all but eliminating fumes for the rider, but these boats have a huge "station wagon effect" to them. I would put one on even if I didn't ride at all. Until you put one on your boat, you'll never realize how much exhaust you're sucking just by riding in your boat.

[Jason B]

....

The meter will wait - prop and ballast for now...Do you really think I can find one for $250-300? I've been searchin high and low and $379/free shippin is the best I can find

Yes, keep an eye out on wakeworld and ebay and you will come across one. Mabe even put out a "WTB" (or want to buy) for the prop you want on here and wakeworld. You may have to be a bit patient but you'll find one.