Tahoe q5's

[Redbirdz97]

Hello guys, Mike here. First time posting here but I've been reading this site for months. I have been looking at getting into the boating world and am finally ready to hop in. I have decided on a q5 for my choice and I just had a few questions. First and foremost besides the obvious of what everyone says about boating and the amount of money you pour into it, are there any major things that are going to be ahead of me particully with this boat? Known issues problems? I will be buying new as it seems you can't beat the deals out there right now. Also what is the deal with the MPI/carb engines? I know everyone says that its a ford chevy type argument but any opinions would be awesome. I'm new to this and have some basic mechanical knowledge but I didn't know if one or the other was going to require much more maintence. I think that is my major hold right now is just deciding which way to go with that. Thanks guys and look forward to chatting and being active here on this forum.

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: Tahoe q5's

Welcome to the forums...The q5 seems to be a fine boat. One thing you must consider is what the normal load in your boat will be...How many people, ice chests, tubes, ski's. Just make sure the q5 will handle the number of people that your wanting to take on the water. As for the mpi vs carb, I love my mpi, I wouldn't take anything else. While were on the engine conversation....Spend the money on the biggest engine you can afford, DON"T skimp on the engine. Because when you have it loaded down, there is no replacement for displacement. One other thing, make sure you get a depth gauge on your boat, it will save your lower unit. If you have any other questions you can pm me, plus I'm sure others will be along shortly.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Tahoe q5's

OK, I have to mention it... Are you set on Tahoe??? I too, nearly purchased a brand new "Hoe" but this website helped me make a more-informed decision. Like you said earlier, new boats are dirt cheap right now so you'd be surprised what make/model you can afford. Tahoe's are descent boats (I've ridden in a few of them) but there are much better boats out there for nearly the same price. Best of luck!!!

 

[ralphy670]

Re: Tahoe q5's

I have a Q4 with the carb engine. If I was to buy again I would opt for the mpi. It is more money at the start but I think it is a little more efficient than the carb. I would also look at other brands as well. The Q5 series has I believe a 15 or 16 degree deadrise which can make it a little rough on choppy water. Look at the size of lake you will mostly be at and what the water is like on windy days.
Also the smart tabs have helped my Q4 alot with porpoising and I don t think you can put them on the Q5 hull. Just another draw back.
I would have a strong look at Four Winns, Chapparal and Larson boats as well.
JMO though.

 

[Redbirdz97]

Re: Tahoe q5's

I agree and I have looked at some other brands, I want to be in 19-20 foot range and a minumum of the 4.3 engine. With my budget of wanting to be below 20k the tahoes and bayliners are the only one's who fit and have dealerships close. That being said the bayliner dealer doesn't want to seem to move on prices and the tahoe guy has actually been somewhat responsive and actually seems as if he wants to sell a boat. Like I said I'm ready to jump but want to be informed and am still considering all. Thanks for the comments so far and keep em comin, hopefully I can decide something before boating season starts lol.

 

[ralphy670]

Re: Tahoe q5's

That was one of the reasons I went Tahoe as well. That being said I do like the boat alot. I have the 4.3 carb and just this past summer I learnt how to ski at 300lbs and 30 years old. I swallowed half the lake in the process but after 20 or so tries I got it. The boat has enough power for water sports and is great for cruising. My only peave is roughness on choppy water and the lake I frequent gets turned up easily. I noticed the Q5 has some different options than mine that I would love to have.
If you like the boat, buy it and enjoy the summer. I have not had any problems with mine at all.

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: Tahoe q5's

There are some Tahoe ?haters? on here but the family and I love our Q4. Got it used last year and it has held up well. I?m a noob to boating, so it took some abuse during my learning curve too?lol. I was at a Bass ProShop (Tracker dealer) recently and they had a good selection of Tahoe?s at great prices.

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Tahoe q5's

Jacknbella wrote:

"I too, nearly purchased a brand new "Hoe" but this website helped me make a more-informed decision."

Jacknbella,
Why are you constantly on the Tahoe group bashing Tahoes? Why don't you stay on the 4Winns site, and discuss those boats?

My neighbor has 4Winns sitting in my backyard right now waiting to rebuild the engine, but I'm not on the 4Winns site trashing 4Winns. I don't own a 4Winns, as such don't know all the details about why that boat has been in the shop 3 times and still isn't running.

I think most of us Tahoe "owners" have been upfront with issues with our boats, both pro and con.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Tahoe q5's

For the record, I've never bashed Tahoe boats. Re-read all my previous posts on the Tahoe site. Like many other people who subscribe to iBoats, it is perfectly normal for people to read other forums and make comments. Besides, I made that post over 2 weeks ago and you are just now responding to it? Old news my friend, get over it.

 

[Redbirdz97]

Re: Tahoe q5's

Ok well I made my decision and appreciate what people had to say. I put a deposit down on an 08 Q5 today and greatly look forward to being a part of the "Tahoe Family". Dealer says it will take a week or so to get it transported to town but seeing as how we had a mysterious snow storm last night I don't imagine hitting the water any time soon in the next week or two. Thanks for the advice and suggestions and look forward to chattin tahoes with you fellow members.

Mike

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: Tahoe q5's

Congrats on the new boat.....YOu will be happy with it. I can't complain about mine.

 

[boughtthewrongboat]

Re: Tahoe q5's

I agree with Jack, although I have a Q5. If I could do it again, I would buy a different boat. I have personal experience--quality is subpar. Get's you on the water cheap, but will dime you to death in the long run.

 

[LS1Fan]

Re: Tahoe q5's

I've had my Tahoe for a little over 3 years, bought it new and I'm pretty satisfied. It's held up really well, no repair issues. My only gripe is at low speed it will not go straight and steers like it is a piece of plywood. I'd recommend them as long as you felt comfortable with the dealer and provided he was reasonably close to you.