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With comparisons between another major manufacturer, and reader opinions running rampant, we’ve finally got some information on Tigé’s line of boats for 2009. It looks like it’s been a pretty busy year for the R&D department and their OEM suppliers, as Tigé has made a number of substantial changes. Read on as we outline the 2009 Tigé model year changes.
Exterior
The major update for 2009 is one we broke the cover on a few weeks ago, but now we’ve got a little more information about the Alpha Z wakeboard tower that Tige hopes will become a distinctive styling point of their boats. Beyond the forward-leaning profile, the Alpha Z tower also incorporates some interesting features including grab handles for passengers entering the boat, integrated docking lights on the leading edge of the tower and is designed for Wet Sounds speakers to mount to the factory locations. We can’t lend any credence to the rumors that Metcraft designed this tower for Malibu and they passed on it, but it definitely seems better thought out than the Illusion X and Illusion XS towers.
Interior
On the inside Tigé has also updated the dash with a transflective LCD display dubbed Medallion LCD that shows readouts for fuel percentage, Taps and control of Tigé’s standard SpeedSet cruise control system. No doubt this is a huge step forward for Tigé in terms of features for the drive, but the integration leaves a little to be desired. The Medallion display is housed in a brushed aluminum enclosure that is unceremoniously tacked onto a dash that is finished in a fully polished finish. The display ends up looking like a bit of an afterthought, although we may just be splitting hairs.
Power
The final substantial change for 2009 is a new partnership with Pleasurecraft Marine Engines to provide the power for all Tigé boats. The standard engine is a robust 343HP 5.7L V8 while the 6.0L ZR409 is an available option. PCM’s Catanium exhaust catalyst system is onboard to meet the more stringent emissions requirements.
Check out the full press release below for more information on the changes Tigé has made for 2009, or head down to your local Tigé dealer to see the new boats in person. 2009 model year boats should be arriving at dealers throughout the country in the next two weeks.
Gallery: 2009 Tigé Boat Photos
2009 TIGÉ LINE FEATURES DRAMATIC STYLING, INNOVATIVE TOWER DESIGN AND PCM MARINE ENGINES Portland, OR – Presenting some of the industry’s most dramatic styling and technologically advanced developments, Tigé Boats today unveiled the dramatic 2009 line of Tigé multi-sport inboards. The ’09 product line premiered before Tigé dealers, members of the press and thousands of spectators attending the three-day Tigé Pro-Am Wakeboarding Championships in Portland, Oregon June 20-22.
Tigé pulled out all the stops in the development of its 2009 line, which includes bold new graphics, plush interiors, advanced technology and, most noticeable, the innovative and dramatic new Tigé Alpha Z tower.
Sculpted to fully integrate with unique Tigé styling, the Alpha Z clearly sets a new standard in tower design and functionality. The unique, precision-cast aluminum structure is fully-collapsible and the most solid, rattle-free tower on the market. An advanced six-step powder-coating process creates a polished, lustrous finish to the tower. The Alpha Z tower includes integrated docking lights, a unique swivel ski pylon/anchor, built in handles to assist passengers entering or exiting the boat and a full range of options including swivel board racks and tower speakers.
Tigé also announced that all 2009 models will be powered by PCM Marine engines, the most elite, fuel-efficient and reliable power plants in the industry. Tigé chose PCM for its proven performance and superior record of customer satisfaction.
“PCM are clearly the most powerful, quietest, vibration free and fuel efficient inboard engines available today,” said Tigé CEO Charlie Pigeon. “Without a doubt, Tigé and PCM represent a superior, winning combination unmatched by any other inboard or stern drive.”
All ’09 Tigé models include the PCM EX343hp 5.7L Multi-port EFI base engine. PCM power options include the PCM 6.0L ZR409hp and the PCM ProSport 5.0L. All PCM engines offered by Tigé are available with the performance-enhancing Catanium catalytic converter, the most advanced clean emission system in the industry.
Other highlights of the 2009 Tigé line include:
- Enhanced Tigé SpeedSet cruise control. Standard on all Tigé models, SpeedSet is more accurate and easy-to-use than ever and this year includes technically advanced memory settings and other features. Combined with advanced PCM and Medallion technology, SpeedSet is by far the most intuitive, user-friendly speed control in the industry.
- New dash designs and technology. Intuitive layout delivers enhanced functionality and features, including the Medallion 3½” transflective color display with exclusive Tigé function and systems monitoring programming.
- Aggressive graphics and gel coat design options. New graphics and gel coat lines visually integrate hull, deck and tower while offering customers greater style options.
The 2009 Tigé lineup includes eight V-drive and direct-drive models from 20 to 24 feet in length. Tigé styling is distinctive and diverse, from the razor-edge RZ and Z series to the flowing lines of the Vé series. All Tigé models feature the patented Tigé ConvexV hull and TAPS² technology, which delivers full hull trim for outstanding performance, fuel efficiency and watersports versatility unmatched by any other inboard or stern drive.
For more information about Tigé and its 2009 line of multi-sport inboards, visit www.tige.com.
What do you think of the changes Tigé has made for 2009? Let us know in the comments.
