Tige Backslapping tour...

[zone6]

Chris, Unfortunately, as I previously mentioned.... the influencing of other people from our "Ski" club (who are in the majority) was the main objective of the weekend. They are already Ski Nautique owners and would rather stay with the dealers and a brand they know. Yes, I like the Tige, and I had the a chance to convince them.... As for my friend, a Tige was number 3 on his list (he owns a Mastercraft) and it still is, looks like hes going for an X-star next year...

I'm sure anyone "serious" about buying a Tige would be stupid not to have a private demo before buying. Its the people "serious" about buying boats from your competitors who you may only get one chance to influence.

[Tony]

To Zone 6

I am an existing Tige customer. This is my second Tige boat in 2 years

I will say that whether spending £5,000 or £50,000 I would check out thoroughly the product. EG test driving car.

I checked out Mastercraft UK, T V Ski and Midland Marine. If you want to pay top dollar for a Mastercraft and keep their highly polished marble floor in the showroom in fine condition, AND ensure that your service bills are in excess of £500 for an oil change and new plugs then buy a mastercraft. But check out there annual returns to ensure they have made sufficent profit to provide your backup for the next 5 years. What happens if you experience major engine failure. Parts can only be purchased from Mastercraft UK and no where else.

Nautique make a good wakeboard boat, but the build quality and finish is nothing compared to the Tige. I was not impressed with their approach or customer focus. A club member at our club had a faulty LPG conversion. It took TV ski almost 3 months to drive from datchett to the midlands to effect a repair. Not that good if you run a ski school.

Anyone serious about spending this kind of money on a boat especially where robustness, reliability and after sales back-up is of paramount importance would have contacted the dealer and organised to visit Tige Boats in Nottingham to view the boats, workshops and back-up facilities - Not just turn up to a coastal demo which gives no comparison for a lake based ski school.

I hope for your members sake, some of whom may be champions of the future, before you purchase a nautique you evaluate all ski / wakeboard boats available in the UK

[zone6]

It seems you have missed the point...
I am a Tige fan, I may have mentioned that, but thanks for your testimonial.

I am sure your points are well researched and very valid. I am, however, in no position to comment on any of them. I'm sure the representatives of both Mastercraft and Nautique must use this professional venue and will respond.

(p.s. Thanks for editing out the pointless personal "Slagging" from your post, it adds a lot more weight to you arguement)

[Dan]

Sounds like Tonys one of the backslappers, take no notice!

To quote:
"On a personal note I do feel that hyperlite do make the right board for my daughter but for customer service and advice, O'Brien via Nial Staples provide the best pre-sales advice and after sales support."

and:
"Anyone serious about spending this kind of money on a boat especially where robustness, reliability and after sales back-up is of paramount importance would have contacted the dealer and organised to visit Tige Boats in Nottingham to view the boats, workshops and back-up facilities - Not just turn up to a coastal demo which gives no comparison for a lake based ski school."

What was the point of putting on a demo tour then?

[Jed]

Give the guy a break - He obviously loves his boat or it's Tige Boats posing as a "happy customer". Whichever - who really cares.

As wakeboarder - give me deep ramp to big air - Who cares which boat it is as long as we can ride - drink and chill.

By the way - Live 2 Ride Tour was awesome this year even as a spectator and the coaching superb although short on time. Well done Shawn and John. Can't wait till 03

[interfearence]

I also went to the Mudeford demo, a guy I meet there had been on both days hoping to get a ride in the boat (he owns a Mastercraft and was interested in changing). He also told me he had visited Midland Marine and spent 2 hours there talking to them, and even then did'nt get to ride in the boat! He got the idea that they did'nt actually want to sell any!? Strange...