Tahoe questions for current owners

[Glassmaster77]

I'm thinking of getting a new 2006 / 2007 215 I/O OR a 195 I/O.

(1) What kind of performance difference is there between the 135 Hp and the 190 Hp?

(2) How much fuel do they use approximately?

(3) Do I for sure want an I/O?

My current boat has a 2 stroke 115 Evinrude O/B on it and its rated at 13 GPH @ WOT.

Tahoe salesman was vague on fuel economy. Says I need the 190 Hp with either of them or it will run like a scow with more than 2 passengers.

I plan to cruise the lakes, bays and rivers here in South Carolina; I also plan to pull a tube on occasion; I plan to Fresh water fish, Salt water fish & bow fish said waters around here and even around the jetties and shark fish on the edge of the ocean.

I think the Tahoe will be the one boat to do everything we want in one package. I would like input form owners.

Thanks in advance for reading and answering.

 

[Glassmaster77]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Bump

 

[MRS]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

I was watching your post because I was thinking of getting the 196 WT O/B model they look like a sweet set up for all around useage. If I get any info. on them I will post to here but so far have not talked to anybody that has owned one Good luck......

 

[King of Clubs]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Can't comment on the 195, I just bought a Q4 SF with the 3.0L. I/O. I had it for about three weeks now and take it out about three days a week. As far as performance I had 2 adults and 5 teens on board and was able to get 45mph on the speedo. I've towed wake boarders, knee boarders, and three person towables with no problems. My wife pulls me on the wake or knee board with all the kids on board and I weigh 230lbs. My neighbor has a Q6 with the 4.3L. and is able to hit 55-60mph- on the speedo. I have not ran my tank past 1/2 empty yet. I usually go about 10hrs before adding fuel. I cruise at 3035mph- most of the time. If I had to do it over, I would probably get the 4.3. just to know the extra hp is there if I needed it. If the boat you want is significantly heavier than the Q4, get the bigger motor.

As far as problems with the boat overall, I have not had any major problems yet. I will advise you to take a screwdriver and go over all of the screws for added security. I found a couple loose.

 

[pakrz]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

I have decided to purchase a Tahoe 215 deckboat with a 5.0 liter Mercruiser. In fact, I pick it up tomorrow. This is my first boat and we are pretty excited about it. I'll post something on here when I get a chance to test it out.

 

[Glassmaster77]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Sweet! Thanks for the info from everyone.

I have discovered since I started looking at the Tahoe's that the 3.0 L and both of the 4.3 L will get between 4.3 and 6.0 miles per gallon depending on hull style, throttle setting and loading. The 220 Hp. 4.3 is EFI and the 190 Hp. has a Carburetor.

To winterize an I/O at the local dealer is double what they charge for an O/B.

 

[pakrz]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

I have decided to purchase a Tahoe 215 deckboat with a 5.0 liter Mercruiser. In fact, I pick it up tomorrow. This is my first boat and we are pretty excited about it. I'll post something on here when I get a chance to test it out.

Ok, it's been a few weeks since the purchase. In short, we love the boat. It did not come without problems though.

Day 1 on the Mississippi River I hit a wing dam. Tore up the skeg, prop and a bit of fiberglass hull. Good thing for insurance. We got it back good as new after a few days. Live and learn I guess.

Things I like -

Lots of power. It has the 5.0 liter I/O and does everything I need it to. I've had it up at 53MPH. Cruising speed is usually at or near 30MPH.

Lot and lots of room. I have a family of 5 and the room seems endless. Glad we chose a bigger boat.

The trailering is simple, especially for such a heavy boat. It lines up on the bunks perfect every time. No complaints there.

The Bad -

I find myself tightening things up on the boat everytime I check. Screws seem to loosen up after a day on the water. I am told this happens to all boats, but it is a bit discouraging.

I don't have my cover yet. I ordered it on the day of the purchase but it won't be delivered until the end of August. I guess the company is back-logged. So the new boat sits in the driveway with a big ugly blue tarp on it.

When I first power up, the bow rises a TON. I have to stand up before the boat gets on plane just to see in front of me. I am told I should look into trim tabs to fix this problem.

Overall, we are very happy with this boat. We had no experience in boating and wanting to buy the right one. I was fearful of saving some money in the beginning and wanting something different after a few months. I'm confident that won't happen. Plenty of room, power and style. There are a few areas where I'd like to see improvement, but we are happy with this total package.

Hope that may help any prospective Tahoe owner(s).

Scott

 

[shawn7]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Scott.. great write up. I too just purchased my first boat, and went w/the Q4 OB. I live on the east coast, and figured that was the best set up for Salt Water. I am also finding screws loose. Actually picked it up yesterday. Took it out today..

My problem is w/the service dept. This particular boat was inside (Bass Pro Shops). So, everyone and their mother was in the boat. When I went to get it, I was assured by the salesman they would clean it up, and adjust the steering wheel (not perfectly straight w/the motor is straight). I was told I could get it middle of next week (this was a Friday afternoon). I received a call that evening asking if I would like to pick it up tomorrow. Of course, I said yes. Well, before leaving w/the boat I noticed the drivers seat had two screws missing, dirty carpet, and steering wheel not fixed. And it being a saturday, the service dept. left early. A little displeased, we took it home. I had a chance today and take it out. Man.. I am very happy w/my purchase, and hope to have plenty of good boating stories. I have to re-tighten the screws and still fix the steering wheel, but did really well.. still breaking in motor, so.. not sure of top speed.

~Shawn

 

[MRS]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Scott I am glad you gave an update I want to get the cc 215 with and outboard. I have heard from every one that has bought any Tahoe that all the screaws come loose. other than that they love the boats so I plan on getting one but I will Take all screaws out and add lock tight or something to them to keep them tight. Thanks for update.....

 

[pakrz]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Scott I am glad you gave an update I want to get the cc 215 with and outboard. I have heard from every one that has bought any Tahoe that all the screaws come loose. other than that they love the boats so I plan on getting one but I will Take all screaws out and add lock tight or something to them to keep them tight. Thanks for update.....

Ya know, I never thought abou the lock-tight option but it makes sense. Can that product be used on fiberglass? Concerning your purchase, I don't think you can go wrong with a Tahoe. I'm sure you'll be happy. The only suggestion I would make is to try and stay away from Bass Pro Shops. I've heard a TON of poor feedback about their customer service AFTER the boat is purchased. I bought mine from a deal in Madison, Wisconsin that treated me well.

 

[MRS]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

I would probably try something like gorilla glue it is water proof and is said to hold on fiberglass. I am going to buy some and try out this weekend no I did not get new boat yet but will try out on old boat and let you know if it worked. Sorry did not ansewer earlier but was working out of state for awhile. Man I really want that cc215 with the o.b. bad glad you got and like your new boat.

 

[MRS]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

pakrz, I did buy some loctite this weekend it is called (loctite sumo) and is made for fiberglass and alot of other things. Seems to work alright my old boats fiberglass is pertty thick not sure how thick it is on the Tahoes plus it is 100% waterproof. Hope this helps.......

 

[pakrz]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

MRS - Sorry for the long delay in response. Glad to hear the loctite worked out for you. I will give that a try for sure. I just received my boat cover yesterday. I had the boat covered with an ugly blue tarp that would blow off in poor weather. Those days are gone.

 

[Jeff62]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Hey folks -

Last year I purchased a Q4 S over Labor Day Weekend.
The boat had over 25 hours when it was winterized Halloween Weekend.

My question concerns the bimini top. Who has suggestions on how to keep the lower poll in unison with the top two. The pole seems to slip under and out to the side when the top is folded down.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

How about a simple SS screw to hold them?

 

[Nightfire]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Scott.. great write up. I too just purchased my first boat, and went w/the Q4 OB. I live on the east coast, and figured that was the best set up for Salt Water. I am also finding screws loose. Actually picked it up yesterday. Took it out today..

My problem is w/the service dept. This particular boat was inside (Bass Pro Shops). So, everyone and their mother was in the boat. When I went to get it, I was assured by the salesman they would clean it up, and adjust the steering wheel (not perfectly straight w/the motor is straight). I was told I could get it middle of next week (this was a Friday afternoon). I received a call that evening asking if I would like to pick it up tomorrow. Of course, I said yes. Well, before leaving w/the boat I noticed the drivers seat had two screws missing, dirty carpet, and steering wheel not fixed. And it being a saturday, the service dept. left early. A little displeased, we took it home. I had a chance today and take it out. Man.. I am very happy w/my purchase, and hope to have plenty of good boating stories. I have to re-tighten the screws and still fix the steering wheel, but did really well.. still breaking in motor, so.. not sure of top speed.

~Shawn

Shawn, I'm thinking about a new Q4 SF OB, and am glad I saw your posts with good things to say about it because I also read the ones about the Tahoe deck boats having fiberglass cracking issues. What size motor did you get? Right now I have a '76 Chaparral with a 198? 70hp Merc, 2-stroke on it so I was thinking that the 90hp Merc, 4-stroke that they offer will be good enough for me. I'm in Southeastern NC and go in some brackish water on the New River inlets, and some freshwater lakes in Canada so I agree with the outboard vice the I/O. I'm just wondering if I should get a bigger motor than the 90 if I'm going to have 4-6 passengers and occasionally pull a tube or skier?
Thanks, Robert

 

[mandopickr]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

I have a 2006 q6 SF with the 4.3 190 that I bought this season. I get outstanding gas mileage compared to our 70 hp two stroke ob on a Tracker Bass Buggy. I typically run about 3500 rpm (29-30 mph). Today according to the gauge, I used 1/4 of a tank in 4 1/2 hours on the water. (Just me and my wife though, and no skiing, etc.) I haven't found a comparable boat for the money.

However, since I see you are from Swansea, I had a fit with ORVMW Pendleton and Greenville. Greenville no longer comes up on the Tahoe site for dealers. Pendleton is now closed. Bought the boat May 22, they finally got the trolling motor installed on July 2nd.

The registration was handled in by their Columbia location. When I didn't get the registration I started calling. Initially they blamed it on the DNR. So I called DNR and found out they had not received it. I called ORVMW five times, each time they were going to return my call and let me know what was going on. Never happened. In fact in talking with one of the people he actually said, "this time I'm going to check on it!" Of course I couldn't use the boat since I was past the 60 days.

As it turned out they didn't send in my registration until August 1st after I had contacted SC DNR and Tahoe customer service. Luckily DNR immediately processed the paper work and even called to tell me it was on the way.

If that's the dealer you are talking with, don't do what I did, let them tell me the boat was ready. Do your walk through with the boat before you give them the check! If its not ready, walk out the door check in hand. I wasted most of the summer just trying to get my boat on the water because of them.

 

[Paul DuLaney]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

I have a Q 3 ski/fish with a 150efi(had a 115 opti max thats another story) would recommend anyone going to the max or as close as possible on hp.We ski with six people and the hp is sure noticed. The boat is used here in Ohio and Tennessee and at time we've had to make a mad run to get back so base and beat the storms,it does make a difference.It,s used to striper & walleye fish as well as skiing and tubing.

 

[aguyindallas]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Scott.. great write up. I too just purchased my first boat, and went w/the Q4 OB. I live on the east coast, and figured that was the best set up for Salt Water. I am also finding screws loose. Actually picked it up yesterday. Took it out today..

My problem is w/the service dept. This particular boat was inside (Bass Pro Shops). So, everyone and their mother was in the boat. When I went to get it, I was assured by the salesman they would clean it up, and adjust the steering wheel (not perfectly straight w/the motor is straight). I was told I could get it middle of next week (this was a Friday afternoon). I received a call that evening asking if I would like to pick it up tomorrow. Of course, I said yes. Well, before leaving w/the boat I noticed the drivers seat had two screws missing, dirty carpet, and steering wheel not fixed. And it being a saturday, the service dept. left early. A little displeased, we took it home. I had a chance today and take it out. Man.. I am very happy w/my purchase, and hope to have plenty of good boating stories. I have to re-tighten the screws and still fix the steering wheel, but did really well.. still breaking in motor, so.. not sure of top speed.

~Shawn

Wow does this sound familiar....

I bought my new 2006 Tahoe Q4 Sport OB last week from Bass Pro. It was a hell of a deal...got about $7300 off for it being a leftover 2006 model that was also a floor model. Like you, my steering wheel is not straight either. I got it out on the water this weekend and although we had an excellent time, it made me mad to find that my speedometer does not work. Mine has the 90HP Optimax. Since it was the floor model, it has its share of scratches and things like that, but for the price, I am ok with it. I paid 15K, plus TTL including the trailer/motor etc...

I guess I need to make an appt w/service to get it fixed. I will keep an eye out for loose screws though. I had no clue this was a known problem. Its my first boat and it was a total impulse purchase. I went in to get a deer feeder...left buying a boat.

 

[aguyindallas]

Re: Tahoe questions for current owners

Well - I went out and checked several screws.....maybe I got lucky....everything seems real tight.

One question I have is what are you folks doing about the bimini top bars when you lower it all the way down? I have to lower it to get in my garage and so they just flop around between my house and the dock. I am worried it will scratch up my boat.