tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

[77chaos]

I just bought a new 2007 Q6 sport. The boat is great on plane and I'm thrilled w/ its performance and good fuel economy. At low speeds (5 kts - no wake) the boat meanders about 10-15 degrees to port and starboard without any movement of the wheel. It is irregular and causes some issues driving in congested waters. My wife and kids don't like to drive it because of this

On plane it handles like its on rails - its fantastic.

I've been in and around boats for 30+ years ( mostly sail and smaller outboard boats) and never had a boat handle like this. My last powerboat - (a 17ft maxum w/ a force 120 o/b) didn't meander.

Is this function of the "bow rider" design or is there something wrong w/ the hull/steering.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Welcome to iBoats!!! If you read thru a bunch of Tahoe posts, you'll notice many individuals are adding "trim tabs" to stabilize their boats (most other brands seem to work fine without them). Not sure how much good they will do at slower speeds though. I'm sure someone will chime-in with their experiences to guide you better than I can. Best of luck!

 

[Hashi]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Welcome to iBoats 77.

My Tahoe meanders, too! Most boats meanders some but I do think it is the bow rider design (light bow) that makes it move from side to side. My old bass boat used to do it, too. So, I compensated by filling my front livewell. But, I do believe that trim tabs will help this situation by forcing the bow down at slow speeds. I still have yet to get mines.

Rich

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Mine does it as well, but not so bad that I worry about it.
I'm installing the Smart Tabs before this season and have been told they do take care of this problem, but that's not why I'm adding them.

If it bothers you and the family, you should check into the Smart Tabs. They should at least make the problem better.

 

[77chaos]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Thanks all for your advice. I'll look into the Smart Tabs.

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Why would you spend the money on the smart tabs, instead of just turning the wheel slightly. This really seems like a nonissue, as all boats will meander.

 

[cpplum]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

I have a Q4 and mine does the same thing. as for the guy that says it seems like a nonissue! It is! We have to travel a narrow channel between lakes and it's not just a matter of simply turning the steering wheel a little bit. I have talked to quite a few Tahoe dealers and they assure me that this is normal for my boat and that trim tabs will help, but I haven't installed them yet. I will be however putting them on before this season and hopefully this solves the problem.

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Hey 77 Welcome aboard!

I have put the smart tabs on my Q7i and noticed a big difference in the wandering. They also made a huge difference in the overall handling and the hole shot is much better too. Well worth the investment. If you can read and follow simple directions, the installation was very easy and you can do it yourself in an hour or less.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

New to forum....2006 Q6 S/F 4.3 carb 190hp. I can simpathize with your tahoe meandering (was put to me as "bow steer"). Since day one, a SEVERE meandering problem! I too have to ride down a narrow river at no wake speed for20-25 minutes before can get boat moving at a cruising speed. the back and forth zig zaging on its own is totally NOT NORMAL for a boat. I have had nothing but a tremendous hassle with this boat and this issue, not to mention a list of quality issues a page long of things that were wrong with the boat upon delivery. I was going to post and ask if anyone had this similar problem, but now I see. This boat was sent back to the factory for the meandering problem with tahoe saying "it is within specs" and sent back to me. If anyone else could drive this boat you would say WTF! I have read about smart tabs curing this problem. Please advise. This meandering problem is almost to the point of being "unsafe", and it is now coming down to the point of a marine surveyer looking at it and most likely litigation against tracker marine! comments and/or advise to cure this problem in the meantime are very much welcome!

 

[tahoetahoe]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

what was the outcome with your meandering issue and or litigation..?

 

[maddog2112]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Welcome aboard the tahoe forum. You`ll love the help and the fact that we all run into alot of the same issues, with our similar boats. I have the 06 Q6 5.0 carb, and the smart tabs fixed 90% of my meandering at low speeds. They also made a huge difference, almost instant planing, very little bow rise, and steady cruising thru moderate chop and other peoples wakes. the best 100 bucks I`ve ever spent. Very easy to install. Hope this helps.

 

[dhendersonm]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

I plan to install Smart tabs on my 2005 Q6 SF. I absolutely cannot stand the walking on the front end and having to constantly oversteer to compensate for it. This has been an issue from the test ride I took when I bought the boat to now. I was told it was inherint in the Tahoe Boat family and I would just have to deal with it. i like the Tahoe becuase it offers more "bang for the buck" as far as I was concerned for the money I paid. I'll post some pics once they are installed.

 

[mccownk]

Re: tahoe q6 handling at low speeds

Go to the Tahoe Boats forum and do a search on "smart tabs". I did an install on my 06 Q6 and posted the installation with detailed pictures. The tabs did the trick and it performs like a totally different boat. Best investment you can make. Here is a link to the thread
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=360754&highlight=smart+tabs