New Boater w/Tahoe

[Fu-Inator]

Hey folks! I have been lurking around the forums here for a couple of months so I figured I would write a quick intro. I'm new to boating and purchased a used '07 Tahoe Q4 this year that we named "Lil Yella". The boat has been running great so far, with only one minor problem. Family and I love it, I just wish I had more time to use it... dang job!

One funny thing so far; my 6yo and 15yo sons were riding on a 2-person tube. It was the first time out for my 6yo and he fell off the tube. My older boy rolled off too, so his brother wouldn't be alone in the water. While I slowed and turned around to pick them up, I heard this screeching sound from my youngest when he came back up. I'm thinking "oh great, first time out he is either hurt or scared". When we pulled up to them my youngest boy yelled "That was awesome!!!!"... LOL. So, it turns out the screech was a "Whoo hooo."

This pic is of my wife on a dock with the boat, which is kind of a joke between us. She says "I'm always left holding the line"... lol.

Boating has turned out to be a great experience so far for my family. Thanks to everyone at iBoats for the great advice, help, and tips. I have to say that you folks really make noobs feel welcome here!

See ya around the forums!

 

[valkcycle]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

I have the same boat, except mine is the 2008 Q4. Love it and it has beeen nothing short of perfect so far. I have 3 kids, 8, 5 and 2. I pull a two-person tube behind it, (when I'm not wakeboarding or the wife isn't skiing) and the two older kids just absolutely love it!

Boating is expensive with the gas and maintenance and everthing else that is involved, but you sure can't be the smiles you see on those kids faces when they're zipping across the water.

Anyway, nice boat.

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

I didn't see many Tahoes around my area, let alone yellow ones. After I got mine, I have seen 5-6 Tahoes, including two yellow.. lol, oh well thought I was special.

We have a blended family, kids range 6, 6, 15, and 22. It is fun to watch when we hit a big wave, adults go "ugh" and the kids go "YIPPEE!!!"

 

[metfan34]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

i ma thinking of getting a tahoe boat. You have had no problems huh?

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

i ma thinking of getting a tahoe boat. You have had no problems huh?

I just bought an 08 Q7i FS, and we love it. Only had one minor problem so far, and that is the rod holder (fish and ski model) has a hole in it. Not even sure how it got there, but the dealership already got the replacement in and I just need to find time to get it down for them to fix it.

I recommend you buy from a local dealer vice a big box store like Bass Pro Shops or Gander Mountain. The local dealer will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy where the big box guys only care about making budget for the month.

Sure, definately go to a BPS or wherever to sit in as many different models as you can. Climb all over them. When we first started looking, we had pretty much decided on a Q4. Then we found a dealer that had a Q6 and we were sold, almost. Shortly after, we went to a boat show that had a Q4, a Q6 and a Q7i lined up side by side. The rest is history.

Good luck and make sure you ask lots of questions. Not only at the dealership, but here as well.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

I have a 2008 Q7i...Black Cherry Elite...

I absolutely love it. Had a couple of very minor issues that were repaired under warranty at the dealer...after that, nothing but fun...

I am considering smart tabs but that will likely be down the road a bit. I will see about posting a pic sometime...

 

[valkcycle]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Love my Tahoe. No problems at all. I have about 35 hours on the engine and she runs like a top. Actually, the only thing I have noticed is that after I run for about 30 minute or so and shut it down, usually takes 2-3 key turns to fire back up. Where as when I first start it up, one turn and she's purring. That is not so much a Tahoe thing as it is a Mercruiser thing. Very minor issue with me though.

I have the 2008 Q4SS, 135hp, 3.0L Mercruiser Alpha One Drive. Was a little hesitant at first about the smaller engine, but it has done great. As for power, it tops out at about 44 with 4 adults in the boat. Sure, not "write home about it" top end, but plenty fast for me. It pulls me right up with three other adults in the boat, no problem at all.

As far as the dealer goes, I DID purchase mine from a Bass Pros Shops, the one in Memphis. They couldn't have been more friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the boats. The service, thus far, has been good. They have a separate service center and I can't complain. So why I don't disagree with Ret USN CPO, that smaller dealers give great service, not all BPS can be lumped into the "just got to make the sales quota" statement.

Anyway, I know two other Tahoe owners around here and they love their boats as well. Good boat purchase in my opinion.

 

[Hashi]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Love my Tahoe. No problems at all. I have about 35 hours on the engine and she runs like a top. Actually, the only thing I have noticed is that after I run for about 30 minute or so and shut it down, usually takes 2-3 key turns to fire back up. Where as when I first start it up, one turn and she's purring. That is not so much a Tahoe thing as it is a Mercruiser thing. Very minor issue with me though.

Hmmm...have you tried to turn the key to energize/prime your fuel pump? On my Tahoe (fuel injected), I turn the key halfway until the the fuel pump has energized and then turn the key full to crank the motor over. Starts right up everytime.

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Hmmm...have you tried to turn the key to energize/prime your fuel pump? On my Tahoe (fuel injected), I turn the key halfway until the the fuel pump has energized and then turn the key full to crank the motor over. Starts right up everytime.

Yeah. Turn the key about halfway, listen for the fuel pump to make a noise then stop (takes about 4-5 seconds), then turn the key fully. I had that problem too at first until I figured that one out.

 

[geezlouise]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Congrats on your Tahoe. I got a Q6 earlier in the spring and have enjoyed it this summer. I live 900 feet from the water at Lake Ray Hubbard in Texas. It's pretty handy!

In case you haven't been told (I noticed you are using the bimini top in the picture) you can twist the front bimini tie down straps a couple turns before you hook them to the boat and they wont buzz when your running fast. Also, I quit using the back straps altogether...didn't seem to do anything and got in the way of tubing, skiing etc.

One more thing...investigate "smart tabs" trim tabs. I put them on mine and they do everything they are supposed to. I started with 80lb actuators but had to change them out for 60 lb.

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

i ma thinking of getting a tahoe boat. You have had no problems huh?

Only two little things right now; fuse on my 12v accessory power plug kept blowing w/engine running and I had to tighten up my bimini top mounting brackets. Other than that "Lil Yella" has been running great!

Starting my boat the first time of day, it usually takes a second key turn to start. After that, rest of the day it starts up first time. I will try the fuel pump priming technique described above next time out.

Twist the bimini straps... that is a good one, I will try that one too. iBoats ROCKS! I have learned a lot here... Thanks folks!

 

[valkcycle]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Thanks for ther advice about priming the fuel pump. I'll give it a try and see how it works.

 

[C-17 Pilot]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

***Thread Bump

Well, went out yesterday to pick up my 2008 Q5i...taking it to the lake today for the first time. All in all, I cannot complain about the deal. Came with all the standard stuff, then the seller threw in a 2 person and 3 person tube, some adult and kid skis, ropes, and life jackets. test ran it on the water, and it purred like a kitten.

Anyway, this is my first boat as well...I didn't grow up around boats but I look forward to getting the kids on the lake as much as we can.

 

[the_smoo]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

I like reading good tahoe stories.. they tend to get bashed a bit on the forums. I have had my second hand one since july last year and it has been great. Had it out for the first time this year, and it ran like a top also..

spent today googlificating smart tabs.. Have you had any problem with low speed wander or porpoising?

 

[maddog2112]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Fu-Inator, welcome aboard the Tahoe forum. My Q6 f/s is my first boat and this will be my 3rd season. The fun that my children have tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and fishing has made it worth every penny I`ve ever spent. It gives us family time which is so hard to find these days and creates memories with us and their friends that they will have forever. Mine are 15 and 12, and man does the time fly. Happy boating to you and yours.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Valkcycle:

You been having to use your Tahoe to get home at night on the Wolf River?

Those floods have been tough around the NE end of Memphis.

 

[the_smoo]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

just realised that this thread is nearly 3 yrs old!

 

[C-17 Pilot]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Hence...4-5 posts above the "Thread Revival" comment.

 

[zwar0003]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

Yeah. Turn the key about halfway, listen for the fuel pump to make a noise then stop (takes about 4-5 seconds), then turn the key fully. I had that problem too at first until I figured that one out.

What was the initial problem that this solution (turning key halfway) solved? My issue is that when I turn the key, I only get a click. Engine does not turn over. It seems it would only start with gas on full throttle, then I could back it off and it was fine, but it took several 'clicks' of the engine first. I initially thought it was something to do with how the engine was getting gas or spark plugs, but a friend told me he thinks the starter is starting to go bad (and that it just was a coincedence that the starter was catching when I had the gas to full throttle). I saw this post and I thought "hey, maybe this is my problem". I had never heard this process for starting. So when you say 'turn the key about halfway' is this putting it into the 'ON' position so the alarm sounds? Or do you mean turn it halfway between 'ON' position and the position that will turn over the engine.

 

[zwar0003]

Re: New Boater w/Tahoe

An update: I have been out twice since posting my last question, and this was exactly the issue. I thought I would post for anyone else having the same problem. The key needs to be turned to the 'on' position and left there for about 5 seconds before turning the key the rest of the way. If you don't wait long enough it will not turn over. I love easy solutions. Thanks!