Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

[Daveboy]

Hi to everyone,
This is my first posting, I am a complete novice and bought a Tahoe 2010 Q4 s/f.

At low speed I can't keep it in a straight line.....any suggestions please.

Also I live in orlando and will soon be moving to the Gulf coast, can anyone tell me if I will be o.k. to use the biat in the Gulf or should I stay in the backwater canals.

 

[TahoeQ4Pilot]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

It is an oft reported problem here in the iBoats Tahoe threads, lots of folks recommend smart tabs. Me, I added a whale tail, it helped me deal with the problem.

Good luck.

 

[Daveboy]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

Thanks for the prompt reply, how about the Q4 in the Gulf , not sure if its limitations is is too small.

 

[On the water]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

With respect to the Gulf, probably depends on the chop on any given day. I live in Maryland (we have a Q7i) and we often take our boat into the Chesapeake Bay. As you can probably imagine, on a nice, flat day the boat is great but when the chop picks up, it can get a little dicey. By dicey, I mean that we will take waves over the bow (make sure your bilge is working) and can't run at anymore than low speed. You will get tossed around a little bit as well. While I know the Chesapeake Bay isn't the Gulf, chop is chop.

 

[mccownk]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

Look through this Tahoe forum and all the posts and results from installing the Smart tabs. I installed them on my Q6 and the performance difference was like night and day.
As for where to take and not take your boat. The answer is called "freeboard". The distance from the water line to the top of the gunwale. The more freeboard you have the bigger waves your boat can handle without risking taking on water. Take a look at the boats that are moored in the harbor where you plan on launching your boat. If you feel like a piece of driftwood compared to the boats around you, you probably should think twice before venturing out on anything other than a calm day. I've never been out in the gulf but I've seen fishing shows. They come in when the weather gets rough.
Enjoy!

 

[Daveboy]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

Thank's Boy's
I think I will fit the smart tabs this weekend, I do have a 300 SE sport do you think I should take this off.

 

[mccownk]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

IMHO = deep six the "whale tail"

 

[rdhawk1950]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

Sounds like your boat does not have power steering. and yes the steering tab on the drive may need adjusted

 

[Daveboy]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

I have power steering, I will try the smart tabs, does anyone one have these fitted along the 300 se fin, or is this considered belt and braces.

my prolem is just at slow speed its dificult to keep a straight line, the boat wonders, but only at slow speed.

As I said I am a complete rooky, bought the boat in 2009 new, Tahoe s/f, had a custom foul weather made, thing has sat in my garage,not used it for a full year, determined to get some useage.
Thanks for the info, its much appreciated, please keep it coming.

 

[kenny26]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

Nauticus doesn't recommend having any other planing devices installed along with smart tabs. You won't need the whail tail anyway once you put on smarttabs. Take it from me the boat will track straight, plane at lower speed and handle better with smarttabs on it. I had the same problem.

 

[Mordekai]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

Nauticus doesn't recommend having any other planing devices installed along with smart tabs. You won't need the whail tail anyway once you put on smarttabs. Take it from me the boat will track straight, plane at lower speed and handle better with smarttabs on it. I had the same problem.

+1 on what he said, your boat will feel like a complete new boat with the tabs.

 

[Daveboy]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

I have a Tahoe q4 sf Merc 135, should I fit the smart tabs #40 or 60's

 

[Mordekai]

Re: Newby Tahoe Q4 sf steering

60lbs is what you want. Also check your hydraulic cooler. If it's made of plastic, call the dealer and demand metal replacement.