Tigé Z1 (2013-)

Brief Summary

When Tigé created the immensely popular Z3 it brought wakeboat design to new heights. The model became so successful that the company was forced to produce a smaller version. While Tigé already had a Z1, that model was abandoned in favor of this all new Z1 that mirrored everything the popular Z3 had going for it. In that sense, this Z1 has been reborn and now takes its place in the upper echelon of wakeboats.

Key Features

• Aggressive bottom design
• Competitive price
• Exceptional handling and maneuverability
• Maximum 8-degree list
• Balance of space
• Lifetime hull replacement
• 3-year bow-to-stern warranty

Specifications

Length Overall	21' 5'' / 6.55 m
Beam	102'' 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,285 lbs. 1,943 kg
Draft	N/A
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	48 gal. 181.7 L
Water Capacity	N/A

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	1 x 343-hp PCM EX343 5.7L MPI
Opt. Power	1 x 275-hp PCM ProSport 5.0L MPI

Warranty

Hull Warranty Extended	Lifetime Hull Replacement

Captain's Report

Captain's Report by Capt. Steve--

Mission Statement

The new Tigé Z1 was created to provide the ultimate platform for creating the "perfect wake" for whatever aspects of watersports are chosen at any given time, in a smaller, more affordable package. Not only can the desired wake be dialed in, but the Tigé Touch panel allows the specific parameters to be recalled at the touch of a button for each person being towed. She is also intended to appeal to people wanting an attractive general-purpose sportboat and still have the safety aspects of inboard power.

Major Features

•

Aggressive bottom design.

The Z-Series bottoms have been completely redesigned for aggressive functionality.
•

Competitive price.

Tigé specifically designed the Z1 to be competitively priced against any contenders in the inboard runabout class.
•

Exceptional handling and maneuverability.

All of our tests on Tigé boats have validated their fine handling characteristics without regard to whether we were cruising, ballasted or light.
•

Maximum 8-degree list.

For creating the ultimate surf wake, the boat is ballasted to one side. With ballast sacks filled to maximum, the Z1 will only exhibit a maximum list of 8-degrees providing prime surfing output while still maintaining a safe running attitude.
•

Balance of space.

Even with the roomy cockpit seating there is still plenty of space at the bow for lounging or sunning. A vast improvement over the old style Z1.

Styling

There’s something very unique about the styling of a Tigé boat. For example, the Z1 has some traditional features, such as the pointed bow, but as the eye moves back some aggressive styling details start to come into play. Molded-in contour lines, high freeboard and stylish graphics are all signals that a Tigé is on the loose. Add a stylish Alpha Z tower and the Z1 generates gawkers and dock envy.

The Full Spectrum...

First things first... how can Tigé make a boat that performs across the full spectrum, and just what is that spectrum anyway? Well, first it needs to be understood that a slalom skier is going to want to have a smooth, shallow wake for keeping up speed while going back and forth across the boat's wake and wash without stumbling. To get a shallow wake on a typical boat, it must go faster so that it planes on top of the water better. But a skier can only be towed so fast. They need a mid range speed in order to stay in control.
A wakeboarder, on the other hand, wants a fat wake to jump off of and get serious air as he flies across from side to side. To get a fat wake, a typical boat must have the bow up high and the stern dragging. That means slowing down which does the wakeboarder no good for high jumps. So what to do?
Planing isn’t a problem as most boats will do it at a moderate speed. So the slalom guy is happy. To get the wake up, all that’s required is to keep the speed and sink the boat lower. That means adding ballast by filling tanks or removable bags called “fat sacs”. But Tigé adds one more dimension.

Playing T.A.P.S.

T.A.P.S. stands for Tigé Adjustable Performance System, and it’s exactly as the name implies. Instead of the hull dropping down slightly in the stern like other wakeboats, Tigé’s hull has a slight rise, which Tigé calls Convex-V, and behind that, at the transom, is a plate that is adjustable at the helm to control the characteristics of the hull, and therefore, the wake.

Presto, now we have a planing boat with a light wake, and at the touch of a switch to lower and raise the plate, the operator can squat the stern to increase the wake. For even fatter wakes, add more ballast. It’s performance heaven for watersports enthusiasts and this system is on every Tigé hull.

The Perks

Not only does this offer great wake control, but also impressive boat performance at the same time. Thanks to her triple hull tracking fins, the Z1 runs straight, there’s very little slide so there’s no falling off the turn or losing control.
Since this is a V-drive installation, there’s more room in the cockpit without having to work around a bulky engine box in the middle of the boat. PCM engines not only have four engine mounts, but an additional two under the transmission as well. That translates into less vibration and less discomfort for the passengers.

What Makes a Z Series?

The new Z series boats have completely refined aspects of the successful Convex V hull including adjusted characteristics of the deadrise parameters. This was a natural evolution of the design that took what was arguably the best wakeboat and made it into the best wakeboat/surf boat combination.
The result allows operators to create a longer and more crisp wake allowing more room to advance as skills increase. This is without a doubt a professional level boat, yet also allows those new to the sport to cut their teeth with more docile wave characteristics until they are ready for big wake.
The interiors have been redesigned as well -- creating what is among the deepest freeboards in the industry. Secure seating while inside the deep cockpit is of paramount importance especially with the boat at an 8-degree maximum surf wake attitude.

Features Walkthrough

Bow

The bow of previous Z1 models has historically been a bit cramped, but this new style creates a good balance of space between the bow playpen and the cockpit. While it's still not large enough for say, a cockpit table, it is large enough to be enjoyed by two people. Padded bolsters run nearly 360-degrees with the exception of the walk-through windshield, adding comfort regardless of where one is sitting. A cooler is located fully forward under a filler cushion.

Helm

The helm of the new Z1 has been given a complete redesign and is now more reminiscent of a high-end luxury sports car than a wakeboat. Gauge clutter is reduced thanks to the multifunction display of the Tigé Touch. Operator comfort has been given much more attention with the development of a new captain’s chair with flip-up armrests and a reclining adjustment.

Cockpit

The cockpit offers wraparound seating that is as plush as any in class. Storage can be found underneath the seats. Vinyl is stitched with high-end Gore-Tenera thread which is not only UV-resistant, but has a high tensile strength.

Stern

The stern is as much a gathering and relaxing spot as it is a staging area for putting on boards. The swim platform is low to the water eliminating the need for a reboarding ladder. Storage is located under the sunpad cushions as well as in the transom.

Observations

It’s hard to imagine a more ideal boat for creating that perfect wake for wakeboarding or wake surfing. The Z1 has virtually everything one could desire packaged together in a size that easily transportable.
Because she has a slightly higher freeboard forward than some other inboard ski/wake boats the Z1 is also a viable alternative to a conventional sterndrive sportboat for general use. The added advantage is that she has the safety inherent in inboard power.