|
WakeWorld 2012 Tige Z3 Boat Build Pics
9 Attachment(s)
Yes, I'm talking about a boat in the general wakeboarding section. It's good to be the king! :)
It seems like a lifetime since I stood in the Tige Boats booth at Surf Expo salivating in front of their 2012 Z3. I was like a kid in a candy store as I rifled through every compartment and took pictures of every nook and cranny of this brand new Tige model. Since I had just spoken to Tige’s marketing director, Daniel Gutierrez, about the future production and delivery of WakeWorld’s very own Tige Z3, they had a tough time getting me out of the booth when the show’s closing time rolled around. Tige spent a little more time in this fall tweaking the hull of the Z3 to make sure they got it just right before unleashing it on the public. Those extra few months were excruciating, but now that the fine folks at Tige are sending me photos of our boat’s first days in production, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Those of you that have been following our quest have probably happened upon the thread in which we asked for your help in determining the design for the exterior and interior of our new ride (http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=790346). Dan Balich (PLR) provided the best-looking design, in my humble opinion, so he was awarded some WakeWorld clothing for his efforts. Since our tow vehicle is silver, we ended up settling on a silver and black color scheme that would make any Raider fan giddy with excitement! In fact, the boys over at Boatmate even went so far as to hook us up with tires and rims for our truck so that it matches just perfectly with the trailer that they generously pimped out (more on that later). So without further ado, let’s get started with this build… Prep and Gelcoat My first reaction was that red was definitely the wrong color, but that’s actually the mold you’re looking at in this photo. It’s the mold for just the bottom half of the boat. The top half, or deck half, is a separate mold (see second photo). The surface of the molds are slick just like the outside gelcoat of a boat. In fact, they clean and wax the surface of each mold after each use to make sure it’s super clean for each boat build. Attachment 19311 They build the boat from the outside in, so the first thing that goes into the mold is the outside gelcoat. They spray the colors in layers by first taping off the areas that won’t be getting hit with the main gelcoat color. Once they spray that in and it dries, they pull some of the taping off and hit the recently exposed section with the next color. They repeat the process until all the gelcoat colors/layers have been shot. Then they do it again with the deck half of the mold (although there are usually fewer or just one color). When they’re done shooting the gelcoat into the mold, it looks like they’ve only shot one color, but you’ll see how the layers turn out once they pull it from the mold. Attachment 19312 Lamination If they try to pull the gelcoat out of the mold at this point, they’re going to have a mess on their hands because there is no structural strength to the boat hull or deck just yet. That’s where lamination comes in. They hand-lay several layers of fiberglass onto the gelcoat to build the hull and deck. This job looks like a complete pain in the butt because they have to use sprayers, rollers and squeegies to get resin on every square inch of fiberglass and make sure it’s all laid down perfectly with no gaps or bubbles. At least they’ve got those cool racks on which the hull sits so that they can tilt the whole thing and make it easier to work on. Attachment 19323 Attachment 19313 Attachment 19314 Attachment 19315 After all the fiberglass is laid, they drop the Tige Lifeplus Core Stringer System into the hull. This one-piece stringer is made of high-density closed-cell foam and fits like a puzzle piece into the bottom of the hull and provides a sturdy foundation for the hull. It’s also supposed to suppress noise and give the boat a more solid overall feel. They must be really confident in the way they build these bad boys because they offer a lifetime replacement warranty on composite hull construction! Attachment 19316 After the installation of the engine mount beams and floor systems, they get the satisfaction of pulling the hull and deck from their molds and seeing the beautiful gelcoat that will grace the outside of the boat. You can’t really see it in these photos, but we opted for Tige’s optional pearl metallic finish for all the colors on the boat, so it should have a little twinkle to it when we get it in the sun. Attachment 19317 Attachment 19318 Scroll down a few beats to see the next update of the WakeWorld Tige Z3 build... |
awesome!!!!
that must be a huge hull... it makes those guys look tiny.... |
Quote:
|
that thing is HUUUUGGGGEEEEEEEE
|
Quote:
I like the simplicity of the color scheme. Those colors will hold up well. Dave, did you have the throw a custom Wake World logo in the gelcoat somewhere? |
It's 23 feet long, so it's big, but not HUGE! :) No custom logo in the gelcoat, but we're working on something cool to make it stand out. Stay tuned!
|
Dave, I just ordered my Z3 at the boat show in Denver.. Your pictures are killing me man!. Tony from Tige will be sending me my build pic's early in February. Cant wait. Nice looking ride you got there!! Congrats!!
|
Looks great Dave.I love the detailed explanation your giving Wakeworlders.I've toured the factory twice,once when i bought my 2007 22ve and again after i got my 2011 RZ2.It is very helpful when you do your own maintainence.You get to see exactly how it's put together.Keep those pictures rolling in!
|
Cool to see the build process, keep the updates coming.
|
Great explanation of the steps involved. Love the pics, and I am a bit jealous, because mine haven't started hitting my inbox yet.
|
I love this thread! Very cool to see all of the detailed steps. Do all of the manufacturers have them on a spindle like that?
|
The hulls look massive like that, we took a factory tour, and the attention to detail that tige takes is amazing. As far as I know they are the only manuf that puts the boats on a spindle like that, because each one costs like $40k. Take a look at those pictures, and think of how this work if the boat was NOT rotated, like most do it.
|
Nice David. Keep us posted! Tige IMHO is making THE sexiest boats right now.
|
Great thread! Love seeing the build progress.
Quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US6_VFTLVE4 |
I love that name, the rotisserie. You can definitely see how using one is beneficial.
|
8 Attachment(s)
Hull/Deck Fusion
It’s about time these two giant chunks of fiberglass and gelcoat start looking like a boat! The joining of the hull and deck is probably the most exciting part of the process because you can finally start to see what your boat is going to look like. The edges of the hull and deck are first ground smooth and holes are cut for component installation. They use what is called monocoque construction. This is where they bond the hull and deck together to create one single solid fiberglass unit. They do this by hand-laying fiberglass on the inside of the hull/deck seam. Tige also integrates their seat bases and floor as a part of this solid unit by fiberglassing them to the hull rather than just screwing them down. All of this bonding keeps the unit strong, solid and quiet. Attachment 19446 Rigging and Electronics The coolest part to watch is when they take the bonded hull/deck unit and use these massive hoists to roll the boat upside down. This makes it easier to install the tracking fins, strut and rudder to the bottom of the boat without the workers having to do it on their backs or above their heads. Attachment 19447 The boat then gets flipped back upright to install the carpet, throttle by wire system, dashboard components, Tige Touch touchscreen (can’t wait to try that out), Tige Speedset speed control, a stereo system loaded with Wet Sounds components and all the other gadgets required to drive the boat. Attachment 19451 Attachment 19450 Attachment 19448 Engine and Transmission Tige uses Pleasurecraft Marine engines and transmissions. There are quite a few choices for your powerplant. We went with the 6.0L 409 HP beast, so we can load it up with all the weight we want. These engines feature PCM’s Fuel Control Cell, which ensures constant flow of fuel to the engine, as well as their Catanium Clean Emission System. The 6-point engine mounts get through-bolted to the mount beams that were installed in the hull when the stringer system was installed earlier. Attachment 19449 Interior Tige’s upholstery is crazy! They’ve got stitches going this way and that, a million different colors to choose from and some very creative convertible pieces that allow you to convert the engine cover and walk through areas from a walkway to a padded lounge. We went with white, gray and black to keep the upholstery matching the gelcoat and it appears to be looking pretty good. Tige does all the upholstery in house using 36-ounce marine-grade vinyl, triple density foam and stainless steel staples and fasteners. All vinyl is treated with PreFixx coating to protect it from stains, wear, UV rays and abrasions. All the upholstery seams are sewn with super-strong GoreTenera thread that won’t fade or stain. However, I still won’t allow Cheetos or M&M’s on board my boat! They use a CNC machine to cut out the seat backings, made of Virgin Proboard, and the vinyl. Attachment 19452 The windshield gets through-bolted to the hull. The tower is not just mounted to the surface decking, but is somehow mounted in a way that transfers the load to the main structure of the boat. The Alpha Z tower is spring-loaded in order to make folding the tower a snap with just one person. It folds backwards into the back seat and lowers below the level of the windshield. Of course, we’ve got some beautiful Wet Sounds Rev 10’s hanging from the tower and they have been adorned with LED light rings for a little extra bling to go with the lights that are integrated into the tower. Attachment 19453 Thanks to Tim White at Wet Sounds for going above and beyond to make sure our boat system was set up just right. It’s so nice to get your boat from the factory with quality stereo gear already installed and ready to go rather than having to upgrade the stereo as soon as you take delivery! We'll have more on the system details later. WakeWorld’s Tige Z3 is almost done. In our next update, we should have some pics of the finished product in all its glory, so stay tuned. |
nice rack!
|
Sweet! Looks like you got the pearl on the inside of the boat too?
|
Looking pretty awesome.
|
Very nice! I'm loving those new clamping easy to use racks. What's up with the hinges on the floor? Does it hinge up for access/storage?
|
Pearl metallic everywhere! I'm going for the bass boat look! :)
I think the floor panel just give you access to the v-drive and strut. I'll let you know when it arrives! |
Quote:
|
Looks good Dave. Can we get a sticky (or whatever you call it when it's stuck to the top of the forum) for this thread?
|
That looks great! Looking forward to seeing all the final pictures!
|
Your wish is my command!
|
David I love the interior colors in latest pictures you posted but they look different from the original build thread pics. I am about to order a Z3 and just want to confirm your colors. Interior base - Chrome, interior accent - Black, interior texture - Diamante, dash accent - Black. Am I close?
|
Saw the Z3 for the first time at the Minn boat show... just an awesome boat. Great color choices David, can't wait to see it totally done!
|
David, when did the boat actually go into production? You posted the first build pics on the 26th and it looks like within a week the boat was nearly done! My new RZR was scheduled to go into production Feb. 2nd. I can't wait to start seeing pics of it.
|
Quote:
- Deck Stone - Deck Accent Stone - Split Deck Stone - Deck Bow Accent Stone - Hull Black - Main Panel Stone - Main Panel Accent Frost - Second Panel Black - Hull Aft Accent Black - Hull Bow Accent Stone - Hull Bow Accent (Nose) Stone - Swim Step Black - Tower Black - Speakers Black - Interior Base Chrome - Interior Accent Stone - Interior Texture Diamante - Dash Accent Stone |
Quote:
|
If I am not mistaken the black you see on the seats is the Diamante Interior Accent. As for the black getting hot, I can speak for Florida, and it was never an issue for us. If it is, splash some water on it and plop a squat.. LOL
Dave the boat looks amazing! I also went with a lot of Stone in our color scheme with Red and Black accent colors. I opted out of the Metallic Pearl because of overall pricing, but man does it look awesome! You get a delivery date yet? |
Some of it is, but some of it is also a chosen color that was supposed to be stone. I actually like the look of the black better as long as it doesn't get hot. I'm still waiting on a delivery date. The boat is done (pics will be up this week), but it's waiting for the next bus out to the west coast.
|
According to your list they gave you the wrong tower as well?
|
Oops, sorry about that. We did change the tower after I sent that list.
|
Patiently awaiting more pictures!
|
10 Attachment(s)
We are happy to announce that the WakeWorld Tige Z3 is officially done and it looks even better than I imagined it would! The color combo looks clean and it really pops. The colors are stone (light gray) and black in metallic pearl (kind of a glittery finish) with a little stripe of frost (white).
Attachment 19584 Here is the list of all the colors we used… - Deck – Stone - Deck Accent – Stone - Split Deck – Stone - Deck Bow Accent – Stone - Hull – Black - Main Panel – Stone - Main Panel Accent – Frost - Second Panel – Black - Hull Aft Accent – Black - Hull Bow Accent – Stone - Hull Bow Accent (Nose) – Stone - Swim Step – Black - Tower – Stone - Speakers – Black - Interior Base – Chrome - Interior Accent – Black - Interior Texture – Diamante - Dash Accent – Stone Attachment 19587 We’ve got a black on black Z3 logo on the rear and we will be adding a WakeWorld logo to the front once it’s delivered. You’ll notice that there is no swimstep pad installed because SeaDek has generously provided us with a custom swimstep pad that is sitting in my garage awaiting the boat’s arrival. Attachment 19590 As pretty as the boat is, you can’t get it to the water without a trailer. This is where Boatmate enters the scene! The boys at Boatmate took it upon themselves to customize a trailer to match the boat, including two-tone paint. They went with stone on the frame and black on the fenders and steps and it looks amazing. Attachment 19592 The trailer also features 5-bar tread plate on the steps and fenders, LED lighting and LED runway lights and 18” Gear Alloy wheels and low profile tires. They even added their brand new rear transom steps, which won’t be available on Tige trailers until 2013, so they made us feel extra special! Attachment 19591 Our next update will happen after we take delivery of the boat. Right now it’s sitting in Texas packed up for shipment and waiting to hitch the next ride out to So Cal, so we’re obviously getting pretty excited. Once we get it, you’ll have more pictures than you can stand and we’ll be sure to let you know all about every nook and cranny as we put it through its paces…stay tuned! Attachment 19585 Attachment 19586 Attachment 19588 Attachment 19589 Attachment 19593 |
What's the WakeWorld logo gonna look like?
|
That transom step is LEGIT! I have always thought why they (any trailer) extend that corner, that's the most used area for me to get on the back and take my shoes off. Good on Tige for "stepping" up, LOL! WW logo will finish off that front area for sure!
|
Quote:
|
She is gorgeous Dave!
That rear transom step on the trailer is really cool. Looking at the pics and the way the Z3 sits on the trailer that step will come in very handy. Wondering if I can talk them into adding it to mine. |
That is a beautiful boat! Tige really has it going on these days.
|
That is seriously one of the nicest looking boats I have ever seen.....its damn beautiful Dave
|
Dave,
Looks amazing! Glad to see the final pics. I remember talking at expo about what colors you wanted to do. I think you nailed it. Super clean. I can't wait to start my Z3!!!! Tim Wet Sounds |
Gorgeous! Congratulations, she's a beauty!
|
Looks great Dave!I love the colors and the rear step looks sweet.:D
|
Wow, very nice, and as much as you can see the little sparkles in some of the pics, it's going to look that much better on the water!
Congrats! Can't wait for the next update! |
DAMN! That looks sweet David.. Congrats..
|
Congrats on the new ride Dave, she looks great!
|
x2 on that trailer transom step... cant believe that hasnt been standard on wakeboat trailers.
I love the drivers dash, low profile, clean, simple. Tige is doing so many things right. |
looks great.
it actually blends really well with the factory in the back ground too. |
Congrats on the new ride! Looks great!
|
Looks awesome Dave! Congrats.
|
The pictures don't do justice to the metal flake. You have to see those in person and up close to really appreciate. I haven't seen this boat in person, but seen those colors. That interior looks incredible. Making me antsy to see pics of our own.
|
Boat looks fantastic..
In a previous thread in the boating section - I mentioned something about Tige always "displaying" and "Advertising" boats that had really "busy' exteriors. And while I don't necessarily dislike that - I always thought they could KILL if they also advertised some more subdued versions.. This is exactly what I was thinking.. Throw in a similar boat with a white and silver theme in the marketing/ad campaigns and they will REALLY start to take off. This thing looks beautiful. I love the ghosted Z3 graphics. Care to tell us about the stereo and the ballast set up? |
I'll have more details on the stereo and ballast setup once I take delivery and everything gets dialed. I do know that it comes setup with Wet Sounds speakers. We'll have at least two Rev 10's on the tower, but we haven't totally settled on the final setup just yet.
|
Good for you Dave! Boat looks Awesome. Good color choices!
|
6 Attachment(s)
It's been kind of like a baby shower the last few weeks because I've been getting all kinds of goodies for my new baby...
Attachment 19736 Jason at SeaDek took our logo and came up with a spankin' rendition for our swimstep pad... Attachment 19737 Chris at Regal Connection provided us with extra thick trailer guide pads and tons of silver rope, all adorned with our logo... Attachment 19738 Attachment 19739 No boat can hit the water without being properly protected, so Patrick at Boat Bling sent out the entire arsenal of "sauce" to make sure that happens... Attachment 19740 And, or course, a little extra weight never hurts! Troy at Pop Products sent out some more Pop Bags to add to the 800 lbs. I already have! :) Attachment 19741 |
Must be nice to KING!
That seadek pad is Jawesome! I recently switched to Boat Bling products and LUV it! |
Quote:
Hopefully she can hitch a ride out to CA soon! Guma, thanks for the support! Zack www.boatbling.net |
Great to meet you too. So cool to see the success that Boat Bling is having. Make a good product and people buy a lot of it...what a crazy business plan! :)
|
Boat looks great Dave.Remember to sauce it often and it will continue to shine.Love the Seadeck also.Can't wait to see finished pics.
|
I can't wait to invite myself on that beast!
|
while it makes me really want to get started
Good job.beautiful passion :) |
Quote:
|
That is looking great and love the seadek! We finally got a dealership here in Chicagoland and I got a chance to stop in yesterday and check them out for the first time and was really impressed!
|
1 Attachment(s)
Wow, it's been a tough month waiting for a truck to be headed west that can give our boat a ride!! However, Jean from Tige just sent me a pic of it getting loaded onto the truck today!!
Attachment 19850 |
sweet!! how long will it take to get to your local dealer??
|
Probably Friday would be the earliest. Then they have to prep it. After that Chris at Tige Watersports wants to take me out on the water in it and show off all the features, which is pretty cool, so we have to set up a time to do that!
|
Gonna video of the trip out with Chris so we can all see? Definitely a great looking boat!
|
David - I can honestly say I think that may be the coolest boat I have seen. I love the color choices and everything about it. It really must be good to be King.
VERY WELL DONE! |
Sure, why not? Gotta mount a GoPro on there and document the whole thing! :)
Thanks Scott!! |
Ok, here's my quick and dirty video of our sexy beast. Me and two of my kids picked it up from Tige Watersports today. Brian took us out on the water to make sure we were familiar with everything on the boat. So stoked on the new ride!!
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37459206?portrait=0" width="720" height="405" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> |
Looks like it's a sexy boat and you know it! Enjoy your new toy!
|
Wow, I like it. Do you have a pic on the water yet?
|
Great looking boat, can't wait to see what the wrap is going to look like on it.
|
David,
Please don't wrap it...it looks way too good just like it is. |
1 Attachment(s)
No water pics yet. It's raining, so now it's sitting under the cover. The frustration continues. I did put a temporary WakeWorld decal on one side yesterday. It looks a lot better when you get something into that gray space. I hope I'll be able to capture the sparkle (pearl metallic) in the pics when it's finally on the water.
Attachment 19980 |
I like that with the wakeworld logo on it! Looks nice! Might look good in the same color as the Z3 graphic too.
|
I was thinking gray would look cool to maintain the low-key graphics look.
|
That shot of the trailer looks awesome!The lower light level brings out the color much better.I like the gray decal idea also.
|
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:47 PM. |