Looking at a Tahoe Q4

[hibbert6]

I've been looking for an 18'-19' family boat with an outboard. (Upgrading from an old 15' trihull.) Found a 2005 Tracker Tahoe Q4 with a 90hp merc. Price is good for the vintage. I'm going to see it next weekend and, if the weather's reasonable, take it out on a lake.

I know general things to look for, but I've heard mixed reviews on Tahoe boats (all on i/o's though). Does anybody have any input on what things to look for on this particular boat? For instance, I've heard that the seats on some of them open above 30mph... There haven't been any recent posts on the Tahoe board, so I'm asking here.


Dave

 

[hostage]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

Out of all the different people I have talked to about boats, I have yet to hear one good thing about them. Normally I don't spread rumors, but when I hear people from different forums, locations, and backgrounds say negative things, it raises some red flags

 

[cr2k]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

Although limited my understanding of Tahoe Boats is consistent with the above posting.

That being said, choose as you will based on condition and maint of the boat. DO do a compression test at a minimum, leak down if indicated by the compression test would be next as well as spark test of the ignition. Take to boat shop for an opinion, might cost up to $200 but it could be money well spent if saves you from a costly blunder.

Whatever you buy, plan on the following as needed before you go out with a used boat...Water pump impeller Do you know the real condition of it?, Engine and drive fluids and filters. Good or dirty/milky? Fuel & filter, moving a boat from one setting to another can stir up sediment/water in the fuel tank. Don't let it get to the engine, how old is the fuel?

 

[the_smoo]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

you are better off asking actual owners... there is a small thread started here..

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=438789

I dont mind when people bad mouth a particular brand.. but its a bit rich when they have never owned one. Lots of negative opinions around about Tahoe, try chatting to a few owners..

dan

 

[mike343]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

The reported problems with Tahoes are not the engine but the quality of the fiberglass, upholstery, and things actually done by Tahoe. I looked at their big deckboat 8 years ago--really bad. If you can believe recent tests (Boating, I think) they may be doing better. Look carefully at the details of construction.

 

[hostage]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

you are better off asking actual owners... there is a small thread started here..

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=438789

I dont mind when people bad mouth a particular brand.. but its a bit rich when they have never owned one. Lots of negative opinions around about Tahoe, try chatting to a few owners..

dan

I am actually not bad mouthing, just said I have never heard anything good about them

Every company has horror stories from customers. Though you will see most of those companies will have very few complaints about a said product and a lot of loyal followers. Granted any company can make a defective product, though what sets the best apart, is how they deal with that mistake.

Though when I hear nothing good about a particular brand, I tend to shy away from it. That also comes from a bit of research about the products, not just the opinion of one or two disgruntled customers.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

Earlier this year, I was looking for a Fish and Ski - and Tahoe's were on the list since they used to make an OB model. I found a Q4, with the 115 Merc ELPTO motor. I was able to take it for a test ride and it moved right along, but nothing spectacular. I then found another Q4 with the 4.3 and what a difference. If I remember correctly, it was about 38 vs 50 mph. I ended up passing on both as I found I liked the bass hull style better and finally settled on my Procraft with Merc 200.

Couple of notes on the Tahoes. Just in case you didn't catch it, the Q4 changed in 2007. The Q5 today is the same as pre 2007 Q4's in case you are looking for specs. I liked the lay out of the OB outfitted Q4. The layout gave plenty of room for a 19' BR, just realize you do give up that big swim platform on the I/O (still have small sponsoons on either side of the motor to climb in and jump off of). I thought the quality was definitely lacking (hinges, doors, seats, hardware, etc), but it should be expected with the entry level price of the boat.

Good luck with the test drive. If it speaks to you, it doesn't matter what anyone tells you. Have fun.

 

[jkust]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

Sure I've here a ton of negatives about Tahoe, moreso than other brands. Because they are so cheap, they sell a lot more than the higher end, luxury brands so you are going to hear many more opinions just due to shear numbers. The complaints I have heard from owners tend to be very substantial and material as opposed to poorly installed accessories or similar. I say go for it though, no matter what, it'll be a huge improvement over your old trihull. Tahoes, give you a lot for your money maybe not the best quality, reputation or image but you get a lot of boat for the money. If I had a low budget but wanted a newer boat, i'd look at them. The odds are in your favor that you'll get a good one. At the end of the day, your kids don't care about the differences between a high end boat or low end boat. I have nothing but great memories growing up on a 1960's runabout, a mid 80's Bayliner and some crappy tinnys too, boats considered refuse compared to today's models. I never say, 'wow that day back in 1987 on the boat boarding with the family was fun but it would have been funner in a nicer boat'. Truthfully, I sometimes feel I wished I had an old clunky but reliable boat to quit sweating the small stuff on my boat.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Looking at a Tahoe Q4

I own a 2010 Tahoe and love it. Have not had any issues with it that the Tracker dealer didn't take care of right away. Have only had it for about 5 months but used it just about every day up until last month. Also have a skeeter that I use for fishing.

Check out the Tahoe form and post your questions there. You will get better feed back on what owner of Tahoe have to say, both positive and negative.