Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

[kailec00]

I am looking at a new boat. I have decided on the Q5I, but am seeing a lot of posts bashing Tahoe. I thought it was a good boat, for the money and to begin with. Assuming everyone here has a Tahoe, can yall give me insight?

 

[jkust]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Tahoe's aren't randomly bashed without cause as it sounds like you have read some of the threads. Considering all the fantastic new and used boats on the market, how did you happen upon Tahoe as 'the one'? I will say i'd take a new Tahoe over a some 10 and 12 year old boats if those were my choices. The bummer about Tahoe is that they actually do look nice and have seen several with nice power options. I know multiple Tahoe owners and they are a dissatisfied bunch.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

I came across the Tahoe after looking at Bayliner. Seems to me you get a lot more boat for the money than Bayliner. I do not want or need some over kill boat that has a bathroom and seats 10. My first boat and just need something for me and my family to enjoy every weekend. I am leaning towards the Q5I with wake board tower and 220HP motor. I see a lot of Tahoe/Tracker bashing threads, but would think that is the minority as that can not be all the boats they sell. Also most of the reviews on line are positive.

 

[MelodyBay]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

My first boat is a 2009 Tahoe Q5i SF with 220hp and I am enjoying it. I haven't had any major problems with manufacturing or engine etc. like some of the other owners. The boat does what I need it to do. Down the road when I am more experienced maybe I'll upgrade to something else. For now it serves my family and I perfectly.

 

[bryan01601]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Someday you will want to trade it also consider the total cost of ownership and depreciation. You might be better off with a 2-3 year old boat that someone else already took the 50% plus depreciation on. Tahoe and bayliner have some of the worst depreciation levels in the market.

 

[das601]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Where did you get the stats on the depreciation figures? Could you let me know as I would like to see Tahoe compared to Glastron or Larson.

 

[maddog2112]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

I purchased my 06 Q6fish & ski last year and am very happy with the design of the boat, and the custom trailer. I`ve had no major issues so far. I did install a set of smart tabs for better planing and some porpoising in rough water, but I`m not sure if other boats of the same size would have had similar rides. I can drive mine by myself or with a full boat with little or no bow rise. It has the same engine, 5.o merc alpha one as other more expensive boats, so no problem there. I`m sure you could get much better quality, but at a much higher price. My boat is doing exactly what I need for quick fun on the water. hope this helps.

 

[MelodyBay]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Depreciation is on anything you purchase. It is a matter of preference if one buys new or 2nd hand. When I make a purchase I am not considering how fast it is going to depreciate.

 

[kaylex]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

I bought one and so far we like it. It may not be a top of the line but we had a Sea Ray a few years back and we had our fair share of problems with it. I have had a couple minor issues with this one but my dealer has taken very good care of me. We liked the layout, looks, engine size, and the price of this one. I have the 190hp and we have had 6 people in the boat with no problems. Pulls two people easly. I think its like anything else and it depends on how you treat it and do the proper maintenance.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Kaylex, I saw your post about the water getting in the back. Did that ever get figured out and what was the reason or out come?

 

[tholson]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

I've got a new 2010 Q5 SF, have been on the water a few times and love it. It's exactly what I wanted in a boat. I tend to go fishing in the morning when we're at the lake and pull the kids on a tube in the afternoon. It fits our family quite well, I've not noticed any difficulty getting on plane, in fact, it get's out of the hole quite nicely. It's a blast.

We bought from a local dealer, and I've been quite happy with the level of service thus far. I have to admit, the number of non-Tahoe owners that lurk around the boards warning of the perils of Tahoe boats has surprised me. I'm not concerned about resell value right now (I bought the boat figuring my 5 year olds who go in tubes now will have plenty of room for growth over the next 5-10 years). Everyone has their own preferences. I felt the Tahoe filled a niche, providing slightly better appointments than Bayliner but not as nice/$ as Sea Ray/Cobalt/Chap etc.

Best of luck on your decision.

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

It used to be there was a fella that always had comments anytime anyone mentioned buying a Tahoe. He pushed them toward Four Winns instead. Then Four Winns went belly up.

Most of the problems I've seen on the boards were minor: screws loose, speedo not working, etc. I sure there are exceptions. For my '06 Q6SF, I've been pleased, both in the money I spent when I bought it, and the small amount of money I've spent for yearly service.

 

[kaylex]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaylex, I saw your post about the water getting in the back. Did that ever get figured out and what was the reason or out come?

No, I haven't had it back in the water. My dealer thinks it may be that Tahoe uses the same mold for the Q5i and the Q5SF. There are 3 holes in the back of the boat, one has a brass drain plug and one has the plastic drain plug. He thinks the other hole that doesn't have a plug could be for the live well that I don't have. He is going to get a plug for it and see if that stops the water. We will see. Anyone else with the Q5i have 3 holes in the back of your boat?

 

[mccownk]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Here we go again. Anytime you have a mass produced boat, like Tahoe or Bayliner, you will have some boats that have issues. Likewise, you will have a lot of very satisfied owners who really like their boat. Tahoe is produced with the Mercury power packages and are a very reliable power train. The hull design is not made for pure speed or ultimate rough water handling. It is a middle of the road, affordable family package. If you take your time and ensure that you will get good service from your dealer, you should get years of enjoyment from your new boat. Boats, just like cars or homes or recreational vehicles , all depreciate once you leave the lot. The first comment by the Chapparal owner with lots of Tahoe friends that are all dissatisfied, my only comment may be that misery loves company. On the other hand, you have had many comments, including myself, from owners that are very satisfied with their Tahoe. Use your best judgement, and enjoy yourself. My two cents (again).

P.S. the third hole in the transom IS for the livewell.

 

[maddog2112]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

A good friend of mine just purchased a 08 Q5 and it looks like a very nice boat. We had my Q6 and his Q5 on the lake last sunday, and I was watching his boats ride very closely as it was a windy day and alot of chop with heavy traffic on the lake. I knew my boat would handle very well, with my smart tabs I installed last season. I wasn`t expecting the Q5 to ride as well, but was surprised to see it handle so well. It`s a newer design and a little different than my Q6, so I think they may have improved the design a little. I must admit, I think it did ride better than my Q6 in similar conditions before I installed my tabs. The boat came well equipped, and I love the 15 in. wheels on the trailer. As Mccownk said, for the price and versatility of these boats, i think they are well worth the money. Hope this helps.

 

[MelodyBay]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

I second that!

 

[gi139fire]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

So I just purchased a 2009 Q5I. So far I love the boat. I traded in a 21Maxum cuddy for the ski / fish, love the concept. First off this is a great forum for tips, ideas and upgrades. I want to thank mccownk for the fish finder mount picture. I couldnt bear the thought of drilling holes into my brand new boat. I to however am victim of the rear seats not latching. I'm having the dealer install a stainless steel locking hasp. The 2010's have a hook and latch on them. Better late than never. So here's my questions - anyone install a inline battery charger for the trolling motor? 2) What's everyone using to clean the scuff marks off the fllor, and 3) The motor has a hesitation when going from 1/4 throttle and accelerating. Havent had it WOT yet. Dealer has never heard off this before. Anyone??

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

I have an 01 Q7 and have had it for 3 seasons without issue. The previous owner left it sit outside and never used it, so it only had 55 hours on it, but it was trashed. Seats destroyed, rust under the rear of the engine cover. But after fixing what they caused it has been a great boat. Now its down due to an engine issue, but it is 10 years old. The issue is that the head gasket had a kink in it. Looks to be a factory defect, but that has nothing to do with Tahoe. My biggest issues have been poor storage, but I see they have fixed that in the newer boats. I had to cut into both my consoles myself and make a hatch so as to use that wasted space. Now I am happy as hell.

My father has a 04 215 deck style boat and has been very happy with it. It is a bit rough on heavy water, but we are hoping the advise of others here fixes it with some smart tabs. He bought it new and it was about $10k less than any other deck boat on the market at the time. It has served him well.

I would buy another one. Especially for the bargain they sell them for compared to, like you said, Bayliner or any other boat for that matter. If I had all the money in the world I would buy another Chapparrel. Now that was a nice boat, but they are pretty proud of em.

There is a boat dealer near me that has 2 brand new Tahoes that were bank repos from dealers. Never been titled, one Q7I with a 350 mag and Bravo outdrive, and the other is a Q5i. I bet you could get a great deal on one of them. Where are you located?

I think you will be happy with it. Especially after you explained what you are looking for. It was Dad's first boat too.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

There is a boat dealer near me that has 2 brand new Tahoes that were bank repos from dealers. Never been titled, one Q7I with a 350 mag and Bravo outdrive, and the other is a Q5i. I bet you could get a great deal on one of them. Where are you located?


I am located in Central TX. Have pretty much decided on the Tahoe. Just trying to find a dealer and boat I like now.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Tahoe 2010 Q5I, Good or Bad?

Yeah thats a bit of a drive. There are plenty out there, and I have been more than satisfied with mine, especially for the price.