can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

[riverbottomhunter]

Im new here and was told this is the place to go to ask questions about boats and boating.

My family (me, wife and 2 small boys) are looking to purchase our first boat. I spent alot of time as a kid on small lakes riding in boats and miss it. I want my boys to have as much fun as I did on the water.

We went to a local basspro today to look at boats. We decided a pontoon wasn't right for us but did like the Tahoe q5 boat. It would be plenty of room for us with room for about 3 others if we took someone along. I am not into skiing, but maybe up for tubing at times. This boat looks to have more than enough power for what we need. I also like all the storage room under the seats.

One reason we are looking for a new boat rather than a used boat is because I am lost when it comes to being a mechanic. Therefore I am going to need something that wont need worked on all the time.

The lakes we would probably be boating on are located in northcentral missouri near our home. One is Thomas Hill Lake which is about a 4000 acre lake. There are some other lakes in our area about the same size or a bit bigger. One is Mark Twain Lake which I think is around 15000 acres.

What has everyone heard good and/or bad about these boats? Would this be a good sized boat for these sized lakes?

Any info you can pass along would be great.

Also, has anyone had a good or bad experience buying boats from basspro?

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

All I'm going to say is do a search on tahoe boats should give enough opinions of them.

 

[riverbottomhunter]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

I have tried, but really I can't find too much about them. Sounds like some people had some problems with 2004-2006 models, but cant find anything good or bad about the newer boats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

For starters, most boat manufacturers are using the same powerplants. So as far as mechanical reliability, all the available boat brands should be pretty similar. Tahoes are an entry level boat with below average fit and finish and I haven't been real impressed with what I've read about how they handle defects in their hulls if they occur. I definitely wouldn't expect much service after the sale from BassPro. It would be a difficult decision but I think I would personally prefer a slightly used boat from a more quality manufacturer. That being said, they sell a ton of them and there are certainly plenty of satisfied Tahoe owners.

I would also possibly caution you against buying a brand new boat as your first boat. NOTHING depreciates like a boat and you may find out after a season or two that a different style hull would better fit your needs and you'd take a real bath on resale if you tried to sell after only a short period.

 

[TimBobCom]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

I started looking at the Tahoes as well a couple years ago. After poking around this forum (and others) and looking at boats from other manufacturers I decided against the Tahoe since I wanted many of the nicer features other brands offered for just a tad more money (pop-up cleats, nicer hinges on seats, overall higher quality.) When I inquired about service at BassPro is when I completely decided against Tahoe, they have 1 "mechanic" in the stores that only does delivery items, if you need anything else you will have to take it (or pay them to take it) to one of their repairing dealers, which is about 30 miles away from the closest Bass Pro in my area, so the lack of any real local service killed the idea for me. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with Tahoes, they just don't seem to be as nicely built as others. In the end, I went with a barely used boat for well under 50% of the cost of a brand new one, and found a good local dealer to handle any issues I have.

As far as the lakes you mention, you shouldn't have problems on either of those lakes with a Q5 or similarly sized boat. I take my 22 footer to Mark Twain a couple times per year and I am usually one of the larger boats out on the water. The "Florida pool" area of Mark Twain can get a little rough if it is a windy day, but you should be fine out there in a 18 - 20 foot boat. Haven't been to Thomas Hill in years, and that was in a 16 foot jon boat, so you should be good there as well.

 

[SAlexander]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

I have heard of some negative things about the Tahoe boats, but I agree I think they have gotten better in the more recent years I purchased a Q-5 S/F last year and had nothing but positive things with it and NO problems what's so ever, we have a blast on it at the lake with two younger kids, and even loaded with adults and it seems to handle just fine and plenty of power for both tubing and skiing. Hopes this helps ignore the negative things I get a lot of compliments on the boat very user friendly.

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

Look around - if you are "sold" on buying a new boat - there are other options with better service out there.....A good local boat dealer will do alot more to earn your business IMO.

Tell them what boat you are looking at at Bass Pro - tell them you want something similar.

I have read some crazy things about Tahoes - but if you search hard enough, you can dig up dirt on any boat. I have a buddy that has had one for about 6 years and loves his.

The bottom line is you want someone to be there when "stuff happens".

I still run my family around in a Bayliner - Most people would say that the brand of my boat is crap - but I sure always seem to be the guy that is towing in the "sweet" boats. It's all in how you take care of it. Mine is 15yrs old and still looks/runs great.

Good luck.

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

We bought a Tahoe Q8i back in 08' from a Tracker dealer. Not Basspro. It's been a great 1st boat for us. I knew little about boats before our purchase and have learned a lot since. We got a great deal and have had trouble free summers out on our local lakes. I always get a lot of complements on the boat and that makes you proud. I've read some negatives on the Tahoe line too, but mainly think it revolved around dealing with Basspro and not a local Tahoe/Tracker dealer. We had a few issues at first that were taken care of by our great dealer.

I think the Tahoe brand is a great 1st boat especially a Q5. Great reliability and easy price point. I'd look for the closest real Tahoe dealer in your area first. Even if you have to drive a few hours it would probably be worth it. You can buy from a Basspro, but definitely find a local dealer if you run into any warranty issues.

Good luck with whatever you decide. No matter what, get your family out on the water. Those good times and memories will be priceless.

 

[JUST BECAUSE]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

I am on my second Tahoe boat, I started out with the Q4 which was the 19' 6" version as the Q5 is now. I did buy from a dealer and service has been outstanding, and the fit and the quality of the Q4 is what led me to buy the last 265 deck boat off the line. As with the Q4 we have had no problems with this boat and get "great looking boat" from people on the dock and on the lake all the time. The boat handles well, has pop up cleats, seats are great, great sound system, Merc. 350 with bravo 3 outdrive for power. This just to say the componets on the boat are the same as used on other brands but in my case I paid about $25,000 less. I thought it was a great boat to start out with now I think it's a great brand to stick with. Good luck and happy boating.

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

Some have stated that the quality on the Tahoe brand is substandard. I totally disagree. You get a lot for what you pay. So, I have to add, a little detail to this about my Tahoe. Now I know I have a Q8i, the top model, but most of the hardware rival top brands such as Chaparral (that's what we are looking at for the next boat). All hinges and latches are high quality stainless. Five stainless pop up cleats. Bimini is all stainless and is mounted out on the gunnels to give extra support and provide more coverage. It also has a cross support arm that allows you to run with it open (huge plus). Helm and passenger seats are high quality buckets with flip up bolsters. It has cool effect bright white LED interior lighting with courtesy remote. Great helm dash with full instrumentation, switches with indicator lights and pop out breakers built in under each switch (no more chasing blow fuses under dash). Nice padded arm rest next to throttle, makes for great control at any speed. Six built in coolers that drain overboard (including one very large one under port bow seat) and a removable igloo with its own compartment under the starboard wrap around seat. Bow storage/cradle for Danforth style anchor and line. Stainless four step rear boarding ladder (even the Chap's and Cobalt's only have 3 steps) and 5 step bow. Electric lift engine hatch with great access to the Merc 5.0 MPI. Refreshment center with pressurized sink, Corean counter top, stainless rail and trash can. Nice stainless gunnel rails bow and stern. Great sounding Jenson stereo with Sirius Sat.

Boat handles great. Quick to plain and tops out at 52 MPH with the 5.0 MPI and Alpha I w/ stainless prop. With Smart Tabs I can stay on plain down to around 12 MPH with four on board. Boat is good on fuel. 52 gal and I can get 4 outings on 3/4 of a tank (don't let it get below that). Name plate has a 11 person capacity. At most we've had 8 adults and 2 kids on board and the boat performed well with comfortable seats for everyone.

All and all we couldn't ask for a better 1st boat. I take great care of her and she still looks new. Talked to our dealer last month about resale value and he said it was going to be very high given the condition. We plan to put her on consignment with him early next spring if we are in the right position to buy our new Chaparral by then. If not, we'll just keep enjoying our Tahoe.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: can i get some advice/reviews about the tahoe q5 boats

I would recommend that you look at a late model used boat. You'll get a lot more boat for your money. Back in 2007, I bought a 2002 Four Winns 214 Deckboat from an individual. It had about 50 hours on it. The cockpit table hadn't even been taken out of the plastic. In the intervening years, I've had ZERO issues with the boat except for one that was caused by a "certified" mechanic. By taking good care of it and using good quality mooring and cockpit covers, I still get "good looking boat" comments, even though the boat is nine years old.

As far as buying from the local Bass Pro, I've been less than impressed with the marine sales department of the one in my area. I was looking for a part last year and called to see if they had one. My call was routed to a voicemail box. They never called back.