Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

1934MOM

Cadet
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
12
Hi, Im New At Boating And Intrested In A Deckboat. I've Done A Litte
Research And Found That Hurricane Puts Out A Really Good Deckboat, However They Are Very Priceeee In My Area. I Have Also Looked At The Tahoe Boats 195 And The 215 Outboards And Was Impressed By All It Has To Offer. But I Just Can't Believe The Price Differnce On Both Boat. Can Anyone Tell Me About The Tahoe Boats. Do The Have Wood Built Into The Hull. Or Does Anyone Have Any Other Suggestion On What Boat Would Be Similar To These With A Reasonable Price. Thanks!!!
 

triumphrick

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 26, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Here is the Tahoe website. From what I have read, they use fiberglass stringers, so there would be no wood in the hull construction. Haave you taken in any of the boat shows in your area? They pop up all the time around us here is Florida. Do you have friends who will suggest reliable brands that they are happy with. Have you considered a boat club membership to use different hull designs to see how they suit your family? Just a few suggestions...:)

http://www.tahoesportboats.com/segment/deckboats.cfm
 

haskindm

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2008
Messages
255
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Do a search on Tahoe in the forum and you will find some posts.
To a large extent with a boat you get what you pay for. More expensive boats are built using more expensive materials as a rule. Much of this will be reflected in the amount of labor needed to maintain the boat. For example, if you boat in saltwater it will be easier to care for a boat with all stainless fittings than a boat with aluminum or zemack fittings. Look at the details and determine the price level at which you will be happy. My first boat was an entry level, inexpensive boat with all aluminum and zemack fittings. I used it exclusively in saltwater and kept it 22 years and sold it to a friend that is still using it. The new boat has all stainless hardware, much easier to care for, but the old boat was just fine, just a little more work.
 

204 Escape

Ensign
Joined
Nov 17, 2007
Messages
909
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

We own a 2006 LARSON 204 Escape I/O drive. (Deck boat) We love it. BUT, there is a post here about a 204 Escape outboard boat that is less than good. The OB has been discontinued.

My advice, is be sure that you do all that you can to find a good dealer !!!!!

Our dealer is GREAT !!!!! Very fair, and so far HONEST !!!!! This is IMHO, very important in your decision with a boat purchase !!!!!!!!
 

Ret USN CPO

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2007
Messages
135
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Gotta agree with 204, finding a good dealer is paramount. I was on again off again between a Tahoe and another brand. Then I found the dealer I ended up buying from at a boat show. I bought a Tahoe from him because thats what he sells. I didn't buy from him because he sells Tahoes. The level of service I get from the entire dealership, from the service/parts department to the administrative department is amazing.

I have had a couple of minor issues with my Tahoe, but the dealer took care of both of them. They also did all of the warranty registrations for each piece of gear. When we took delivery, they spent about four hours going over the boat with us and taking us for a spin around the lake to familiarize us with all of the equipment. Even gave us a full tank of gas.
 

1934MOM

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Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
12
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Here is the Tahoe website. From what I have read, they use fiberglass stringers, so there would be no wood in the hull construction. Haave you taken in any of the boat shows in your area? They pop up all the time around us here is Florida. Do you have friends who will suggest reliable brands that they are happy with. Have you considered a boat club membership to use different hull designs to see how they suit your family? Just a few suggestions...:)

http://www.tahoesportboats.com/segment/deckboats.cfm

THANKS FOR YOUR INFO, VERY INTERESTING AND SCARRY AT THE SAME TIME. I REALLY DO NEED TO FIND A DEALERSHIP WHO IS IN THE BUSINESS FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFO ON THE TAHOE'S PLEASE LET ME KNOW. MAYBE I SHOULD BE LOOKING AT SOMETHING ELSE, OR JUST BREAK DOWN AND STICK WITH THE HURRICANE.
THANKS AGAIN!!!
 

1934MOM

Cadet
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
12
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Here is the Tahoe website. From what I have read, they use fiberglass stringers, so there would be no wood in the hull construction. Haave you taken in any of the boat shows in your area? They pop up all the time around us here is Florida. Do you have friends who will suggest reliable brands that they are happy with. Have you considered a boat club membership to use different hull designs to see how they suit your family? Just a few suggestions...:)

http://www.tahoesportboats.com/segment/deckboats.cfm

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS. ACTUALLY WE WENT TO OUR BOAT SHOW THIS PAST APRIL AND THAT'S HOW WE GOT STARTED ON LOOKING FOR A BOAT. BUT IS WAS MORE LIKE AFTER THE FACT. WE TOOK A RIDE ON A PONTOON AND AS WE WERE SHOPPING FOR A PONTOON WE DISCOVER THE DECKBOATS. HERE IN CORPUS, FISHING BOATS IS THE POPULAR BOATS, THAN DECKBOATS. SO I'VE BEEN INTERNET SHOPPING IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, LIKE SAN ANTONIO AND AUSTIN. BUT I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVICE AND CONTINUE TO SHOP UNTIL I FEEL IT IS RIGHT WITH THE DEALER AND THE BOAT. THANKS FOR INFORMING ME THAT THE TAHOE HAS NO WOOD, I WAS CONCERN. JUST READING OTHER BLOGS. THANK YOU!!!!!!:)
 

Tahoe 55

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
226
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

We just bought a Q8i and love it. I agree, having a good dealer is a big part of it. Our dealer is the same as Ret USN CPO and they've treated us very well also.

As far as negative posts on Tahoe, I've read a lot of them too. I think you'll always see the negative comments out weigh the positive. People that have problems love to gripe and spread the word as far as they can. Mean while the vast majority that don't have any problems, don't post near as much. They're out enjoying their boat not sitting home stewing over problem... We've had a few minor problems with ours, the dealer and Tahoe are taking care of it for us. We couldn't be happier. I do hope to get the boat back by this weekend so we can get out on the water again.

I have no problem recommending a Tahoe product to anyone. I think for the money, you get one heck of a product! Good luck with whatever you decide.
 

1934MOM

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Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
12
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!


THANKS FOR THAT INFO. PRETTY WILD. HOPE THINGS LIKE THAT DON'T HAPPEN TO OFTEN TO BOATERS. HOPEFULLY IT WAS JUST A LEMON FOR A BOAT AND THE GUY GOT A NEW BOAT.
I WILL CONTINUE TO DO MORE RESEARCH ON THE TAHOE'S AND MIGHT JUST CONSIDER GOING WITH A HURRICANE, JUST HATE TO SPEND 10,000 MORE.
YEP, THAT'S WHAT THEY COST.
THANKS AGAIN, REALLY GAVE ME GOOD INFO!!!!
 

hazwild

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 28, 2007
Messages
131
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS. ACTUALLY WE WENT TO OUR BOAT SHOW THIS PAST APRIL AND THAT'S HOW WE GOT STARTED ON LOOKING FOR A BOAT. BUT IS WAS MORE LIKE AFTER THE FACT. WE TOOK A RIDE ON A PONTOON AND AS WE WERE SHOPPING FOR A PONTOON WE DISCOVER THE DECKBOATS. HERE IN CORPUS, FISHING BOATS IS THE POPULAR BOATS, THAN DECKBOATS. SO I'VE BEEN INTERNET SHOPPING IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, LIKE SAN ANTONIO AND AUSTIN. BUT I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVICE AND CONTINUE TO SHOP UNTIL I FEEL IT IS RIGHT WITH THE DEALER AND THE BOAT. THANKS FOR INFORMING ME THAT THE TAHOE HAS NO WOOD, I WAS CONCERN. JUST READING OTHER BLOGS. THANK YOU!!!!!!:)

let us know what u pick.i am looking at a tahoe 215CC.it has the best of a cc and bowrider that we want.I am looking for a dealer too now after reading the posts:)
 

1934MOM

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Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
12
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

FOR TAHOE 55:::Thanks For The Info, I Feel A Little Better About Looking At The Tahoe Boats. We Are Interested In 195 O/b Or The 215 O/b Deckboat. And The Dealer Is About 150 Miles Away And They Do Not Take You Out On The Water To Demostrate. So Im Just Concern That Once We Get It Home We Will Have To Drive Back For Service. Anyway But Your Comment Was Helpful!!! Appreicate The Feedback. Enjoy Your New Boat!!!!
 

RotaryRacer

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 18, 2004
Messages
1,361
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Are you looking at only outboard deckboats? There are several brands out there that have deckboats. Only a few offer outboards at this point though.
 

Tahoe 55

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
226
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

You're very welcome. 150 miles is a long way from the nearest dealer. Not too far to just buy from, but too far to get warranty work done (if it's needed). We bought a camper last year from a dealer about that same distance away and it's been a pain getting warranty stuff done for sure. Plus it cost $200 in fuel (round trip) to get it there and back.

The things wrong with ours have mainly been cosmetic related, because it's and "07 and has sat on the dealer lot for a year (minor scratches and things). Mechanically the boat has been great. Your dealer should do a "wet test" before delivering you the boat and anything wrong should be taken care of before you take it home.

Good luck again on what ever you decide and remember, researching different boats and the anticipation of purchasing a new one is half the fun. Take your time and enjoy the ride!
 

1934MOM

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Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
12
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

We just bought a Q8i and love it. I agree, having a good dealer is a big part of it. Our dealer is the same as Ret USN CPO and they've treated us very well also.

As far as negative posts on Tahoe, I've read a lot of them too. I think you'll always see the negative comments out weigh the positive. People that have problems love to gripe and spread the word as far as they can. Mean while the vast majority that don't have any problems, don't post near as much. They're out enjoying their boat not sitting home stewing over problem... We've had a few minor problems with ours, the dealer and Tahoe are taking care of it for us. We couldn't be happier. I do hope to get the boat back by this weekend so we can get out on the water again.

I have no problem recommending a Tahoe product to anyone. I think for the money, you get one heck of a product! Good luck with whatever you decide.

Are you looking at only outboard deckboats? There are several brands out there that have deckboats. Only a few offer outboards at this point though.

YES, STICKING TO O/B DUE TO THE BAY THAT WE WILL BE BOATING AND FISHING IN. SHALLOW WATERS, SALT WATERS. SO THAT'S WHAT I'VE BE TOLD IS TO STICK TO THE O/B'S
 

NCLakeboater

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 1, 2008
Messages
117
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

I've been looking at Hurricane deckboats and also Azure deckboats, not sure what budget you are working with. I also looked at Tahoes at Bass Pro Pro Shops. There is definitely a difference in features as well as in the fit and finish between the Hurricane line and the Tahoe which explains the higher price. That being said, if the Tahoe meets your budget then find a good dealer that you're comfortable dealing with.
 

mlukich

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 13, 2008
Messages
48
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Concerning the Tahoe 195 deckboat - I won't comment on the quality of the build or the customer service as I have not had any serious problems with my boat - but I also don't get to use it nearly as much as I'd like to...

One thing I will say, take a good look at what you want to do with the boat. My previous boat was a 20 foot Sea Ray bow-rider. My mistake was thinking the Tahoe would be similar to it in ride and handling. Was I wrong... The Sea Ray would throw you out of the boat if you cut it hard enough. The Tahoe deckboat, on the other hand, will skip and slide if you cut it too hard. The V hull just isn't deep enought to cut a decent corner.

May not be a big deal for you, but I was quite disappointed - especialy when pulling a tube...

Mark
 

Hashi

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
502
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

Concerning the Tahoe 195 deckboat - I won't comment on the quality of the build or the customer service as I have not had any serious problems with my boat - but I also don't get to use it nearly as much as I'd like to...

One thing I will say, take a good look at what you want to do with the boat. My previous boat was a 20 foot Sea Ray bow-rider. My mistake was thinking the Tahoe would be similar to it in ride and handling. Was I wrong... The Sea Ray would throw you out of the boat if you cut it hard enough. The Tahoe deckboat, on the other hand, will skip and slide if you cut it too hard. The V hull just isn't deep enought to cut a decent corner.

May not be a big deal for you, but I was quite disappointed - especialy when pulling a tube...

Mark


That's kinda how my Tahoe performed with the standard aluminum prop. But, when I changed over to the Enertia, it completely eliminated the skipping and sliding...It grabs the water and turns on a dime.

1934 Mom...You sure you want to consider a deck boat for saltwater? Not sure where you'll be using it but, the waters may be too rough for deck boats and bow riders.
 

streetskirt

Recruit
Joined
Jul 3, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

I would reiterate that choosing the right dealer is key. It seems like many of the customer service problems that people are having with their Tahoes are on the Bass Pro side of things. We have a 2008 Q5i and absolutely love it. We went through a small dealer and both they and the district rep have been right on top of any questions or problems we have encountered. (just minor stuff like a missing cooler and trying to get the promo that Tahoe was offering when we bought the boat) There is the possibility of problems with anything manufactured and while there are examples of some of those problem cases on these boards there are also a ton of happy Tahoe owners out there.

Good luck with your decision

Justin
 

KCook

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
1,624
Re: Info Needed On Tahoe Boats!!

"Dealer Is About 150 Miles Away And They Do Not Take You Out On The Water To Demostrate"

ABORT - REPEAT - ABORT

There is no reason to spend lots of $$ with a jerk dealer. There should be several dealers in your area with fishing boats. Simply get a fishing boat instead of a deckboat. Deckboats are great for lakes, but for a big bay I would rather be in a fishing boat.

Kelly
 
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