Tigé RZ4
By Capt. Rob Smith
Climb on board the Tigé flagship RZ4 and you have climbed aboard one of the finest multi-sport performing platforms with the latest technology. Tigé has a patent on the hull design that eliminates one of the design issues others have, hook in the hull, for creating that perfect wave design. With their patented ConvexV hull and TAPs, you get the wake you want when you want it yet have the edge in handling you need to have a safe, fun day on the water. In mere seconds you can go from wake board massive waves to cutting a fine edge for slalom skiing. No pumping, no worries.
From the front
With seating for 17 on board, the front has to have room and the RZ4 doesn’t disappoint. While two can relax in lounger style, several can join you for the exhilarating ride and views. Without the need for ballast tankage, the bow seats actually have room to stow all the gear you may want to bring along for swimwear, toys and snacks. Tigé takes advantage of the “pickle fork” design making the bow area seem even more massive than her 30 square feet of space. Often times, a good indicator of how many are expected in an area by a builder are the number of drink holders and there are 4 stainless drink holders in the bow of the RZ4.
The tower
Every RZ4 is built with a tower in mind. Tigé has reinforced the deck for some of the best, including this Tower of Power upgrade with Clarion Marine stereo, six speaker system with amplifiers, 6 speakers, Wet Sounds XS 10” sub woofer and Pro 60 150watt coaxial tower speakers. The optional collapsible tower has swivel racks for the boards and optional tower lights. The aluminum is 6463 T6 grade aluminum which means you will have this tower in great shape for many years to come.
Cockpit and helm
The helm is very well laid out using Medallion can-bus digital instrumentation. Tigé has a clear understanding of the need to have the controls within easy reach of the driver’s hands. I found it simple to keep my left hand on the wheel while working with the throttle, setting the speed and using the TAPs 2 system with my right. All the seating was comfortable and the Vision Air driver’s seat should help keep you cool on the hot summer days. The lounge seating wraps from the port side dash around to just behind the helm seat, meaning everyone has a good view of your tricks when your turn on the boards arrive. Cockpit space measures 71 square feet with 10 drink holders for your chilly beverages. Docking cleats and fender holders are easy to use so you aren’t fumbling around when you come into the marina to freshen up or take on another tank of fuel. Talk about storage, with 64 cubic feet of storage, I was able to slide into the aft compartment and stretch out my full 6 feet along the port side. The storage is continuous from the aft to the bow! Another feature I have seen on other Tigé boats is the cool corner cushion that flips over to form a step off the transom activity center rather than stepping on the cushions. In the center just behind the aft seat back is a ski pylon for that extra height you want for skiing without using an optional tower.
Aft
At anchor, two adults can stretch out and relax in the sun on the sunpad. There are three hatches in this section for excellent access to storage and extended access to the multiple power plants offered. Even if you are a super pro and add ballast systems to this rig, they don’t eat up all the storage leaving you with no room for snacks and gear. The transom activity center offers a comfortable spot to slip on the boards or just frolic in the water with room to sit and enjoy the tunes. An oversized swim platform gives you space to prepare for your run.
The measure of it all
The Tigé RZ4 measures 24 feet length overall with a beam width of 102”. She seats 17 with a load capacity of 2715 lbs people and gear. Weighing 4485 lbs dry, she has a 26” draft. This model carries up to 48 gallons of fuel.
Conclusion
If you are really into the fine art of water sports, including wakeboarding, competition ski or another of the popular sports that requires precision waves or handling, the RZ4 has the guts to deliver with the heart to prove it. She can take everyone out for those days you are just enjoying the fun of the sport, yet produce the eye-popping action on the days you are competing in the local wars.
