Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

[ildoc]

I currently have a 95 Harris Kayot Ultima Deckboat and am looking to move to something newer.

What's everyone's opinion on the overall quality-for-the-price on Tahoes, Stingrays and Yamahas?

Our family are not heavy-duty boaters as we use our current boat probably 60 hours / season. I'm not looking for luxury, just functionality and reliability at a decent price.

Any thoughts?

 

[bucky7680]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

I looked hard at the Tahoes before I bought my Regal. A friend of mine bought a Q4 last fall and is happy with it. Tahoes are "valued price" they come standard with some nice features. In my opinion they need extra attention. The hardware is cheap and not through bolted. My friend runs around the boat after each trip and tightens all the screws. Also, do not, I repeat do not buy one from Bass Pro Shops. Their service after the sale is nonexistant. The price of Tahoes is the same for every dealer per the factory but individual dealers will throw in the extras (anchors ,life vests, dock lines). In my opinion they are good boats for the price, just don't abuse them.

Yamahas are not in the same class as Stingray and Tahoe. They sell alot here in Ca and I've never heard a complaint about them. They do use more fuel, because they are a jet boat.

I've never seen a Stingray. I don't know how many the ship to the west coast.

 

[KCook]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

If you have a strong preference for one of these, just go for it. If you need a tie breaker, factor in how good your local dealer is. I would have a tough time with that choice too. No dealers for Caravelle, Glastron, or Maxum?

Kelly

 

[ildoc]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

Thanks for the replies.

We do have a Maxum dealer about 40 miles from our lake, but it appears their deckboat is well over $40,000. Probably more than we're willing to spend.

Any more thoughts on Yamahas? I'm intrigued by the idea of having two engines on board instead of one. Are jet boats really difficult to maneuver at low speed?

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

I have a '95 Stingray that has had nothing but normal maintenance do to it. They all, except the Yamaha, have the same engines and outdrives though. Stingray is a smaller factory and doesn't produce nearly as many boats as the other manufacturers.

How your boat holds up over the years mainly depends on you.

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

The Yamaha's are loud and suck a lot of gas. They are also cramped inside.

The smaller ones are fun though but I don't think I'd want to have one as my only boat.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

When you say Yamaha, you may need to clarify. Do you mean like the size of an AR230? Everything I have read on those is that they do have a lot of room and are actually pretty good on gas (150+ miles at cruising speed). Easier to maintain according to most that have made the switch from I/O to jet drive. To get the same slow-speed handling, you will need practice and also possibly an add-on device.

 

[KCook]

Re: Opinions on Tahoe, Stingray, Yamaha boats?

Deckboat? Yamaha doesn't have a deckboat model, so I assumed it was bowriders that you were comparing. If you already have specific boat models in mind, it would help to know what they are.

As for Yamaha, here are some more threads that may help -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=133282

http://www.boatingabc.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=10&Number=233077

Kelly