Tahoe sportboat question

[texmacs]

I've been comparing a lot of 18ft, 190HP I/O bowriders lately (Sea Ray, Four Winns, Chaparral, Caravelle, Monterey, Glastron, Maxum, etc) for family fun on the lake. Fully loaded with similar options (bimini top, trailer brakes, etc), they all seem to cost around 21-23K. I had actually test-drove and decided on the SeaRay 185 Sport (really nice boat).<br /><br />Then I was in Bass Pro Shop over the holidays and saw a Tahoe Q4, which has a nationally advertised price of 17K (16K for the 4.3L, plus 1K of options like bimini and brakes).<br /><br />From posts on this site and others, I understand that the Tahoes are known as a "value" brand like Bayliner, but I don't see 4-5K difference in features or quality (granted, I've got a very untrained eye). There must be something important that I'm not seeing. Hull construction? Performance? Reputation? Bass Pro Service?<br /><br />Any comments or direct Tahoe experience would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Tahoe sportboat question

I haven't seen to many Tahoe's here in NJ (salt and fresh water) but I think that's because there aren't many dealers in NJ. Additioinally, I think the dealers in NJ have not been selling them very long.<br /><br />I have heard from others that the Tahoe is a "value line" but it does not seem to have the bad reputation bayliner currently enjoys. Maybe that's because Tahoe's have not been around very long? I don't know but it would be nice to hear what Tahoe owners have to say.

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: Tahoe sportboat question

If you want to save a few bucks and get a nice boat, look for a new 2003 Glastron GX 185, 195 or 205. You should be able to get an end of season deal on the 185 for 17K - 19K loaded. Trust me, with the new VEC process, the Glastron is nice.

 

[KCook]

Re: Tahoe sportboat question

You said it yourself for the Sea Ray - "really nice boat". Can you say the same for the Tahoe? If so then the Tahoe is the boat for you.<br /><br />From a strictly functional viewpoint you are correct. The Sea Ray will not work $4k better than the Tahoe. So the guys selling the pricey boat will talk in terms of "the experience". With a premium boat you expect somewhat better comfort, finish, prestige, resale, and support. Except for resale, none of that can be measured. And even the resale is tough to pin down.<br /><br />In the end this is a purely personal decision. Each of us has our own comfort zone on the market ladder. Doesn't mean any of us are wrong. I agree the Sea Ray is really nice and the Tahoe is a great value.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[samstutz]

Re: Tahoe sportboat question

I heard from a stoprage facility that 2 separate owners of Tahoes were unsatisfied with the quality of the boat. I looked at some last weekend and believe it. The rubber bumper line down the side was not straight and had a lot of caulking. The salesman seamed unfamiliar with the line so we just walked away. Looking at Glastron now.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Tahoe sportboat question

Hey Rookie: Look at the dates of all the old posts you're bringing to the top!!!