Horsepower question...

[Jacque]

We are looking at purchasing a 2008 Tahoe Q5 SF. Main uses will be for fishing, towing inflatables (adults and kids) and general family fun on the lake and river. We are not skiiers, but there is a chance we'll have friends who might want to ski from time to time. The Q5 SF comes with a 4.3 L 190 HP engine, but there is an option, for an extra $2000, to upgrade to a 220 HP engine. Our question is: is it worth it to upgrade to the 220 HP? We want to have enough power to run the boat with 5-6 adults and are not sure that the 190 is enough; however, we don't want to upgrade if it's not necessary. Thoughts?? Thanks in advance!

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: Horsepower question...

More horsepower is always better, imo. However, check this thread out and read about what kind of service you might be getting into by purchasing a new tahoe.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=235489

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Horsepower question...

it's basically a 20 ft boat. upgrade the hp. you won't be sorry. buy may be with the 4.3. i consider that minimum.

 

[Jacque]

Re: Horsepower question...

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like bumping up to 220 HP is worth it...can't argue with more power. The thread re the hull damage on the 2006 Tahoe is disturbing, though hopefully it is a fairly isolated incident. I have not heard bad things about Tahoes before...and it sounds like this has been more of a customer service issue than anything else. But just for curiosity's sake: do y'all think Tahoe's are generally good boats, and what are some other brands/vendors that those of you who are experienced recommend? We really like the Tahoe and what it offers; it's the ideal boat for our needs...but if cracked hulls are the norm for them then we are willing to look at others. I've been around boats most of my life but my history is primarily sailing, so I'm not as familiar with boats that have motors on them!

 

[Jacque]

Re: Horsepower question...

Oh, and btw Tashadaddy: GO GATORS!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Horsepower question...

Tahoes are good boats. i think the link is a isolated case. Bayliner offers a lot of boat for the money also. and Maxium. they are all owner buy Brunswick who also make mercury and mercruiser. i personally like boats without as much BLING, fiberglass liners, rather than carpet and the living room sofa.

 

[ralphy670]

Re: Horsepower question...

I have a Tahoe Q4 2007 which is basically the same as the 08 Q5. I have the 4.3L 190 and I love it. I pulled 3 adults tubing and 3 in the boat. Had no trouble at all. I am not saying to not look at the MPI but it all depends on if you can afford the 2000. To me it was not worth it. jmo though.
There are lots of Tahoes at the lake I go to. Q4's all the way to deck boats.
I think that is an isolated incident. I have also been watching it closely.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: Horsepower question...

The MPI will be a more efficient engine over the standard carb'd version and *may* be easier to maintain. I can tell you that most people find the MPI motors to be very modern-car like.. That is, single turn start and rock solid idle... Either motor will be fine in terms of HP for your boat.

 

[orion25]

Re: Horsepower question...

MPI may also help resale when you decide you need another 2 feet or a V8.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Horsepower question...

Get the 220. The MPI is a nice set-up. I honestly think that the damaged Tahoe in the thread you referenced was literally dropped while loading or unloading on the manufacturers transport. Isolated incident, not representative of the Tahoe line.