TBM TEMPLATE - TAHOE Boats

Tahoe> q4 ssspend the $404 on power steering. It’sa no-brainer.Another must-have upgrade is the$445 drum brake system for the colorcoordinated,single-axle trailer. You’llwant a spare tire, too — but at $175for the factory spare, you’ll probablybe able to put your own spare andbracket together for less. All in all,however, Tahoe’s options prices aresuper reasonable — which is not somethingthat can be said of every boat.HAMMER TIMEOn our test runs across Table Rock,the Q4 handled the generally benignconditions with no trouble.Fortunately, the good thing about theRock is there’s no shortage of bigboats, so you can always scare upsome nasty wakes to see how a rig isput together. Featuring an 18-degree,semi-V design and fiberglass stringersthat are chemically fused to the hullfor maximumrigidity, ourboat picked■ Large multifunction gauges keep the Tahoe’s helm layout clean and simple. We commend theconsole cubby that helps square away loose items, and we really liked our boat’s optional Ritchiecompass (top middle).its way through the holes andlaunched off the lips with only minorpounding. Ride comfort in these situationsis largely proportionate tothrottle position and trim, and wefound that at midrange speeds andhigher, we had to keep the drivetucked in or the bow would float andbegin to porpoise.Bottom line is that she’s only an18-footer; as long as you slow downthrough the rough patches, you’ll be fine.When we dropped the hammer, theQ4’s 135 hp MerCruiser/Alpha packagestepped lively, and visibility whileseated remained unobstructed frominitial holeshot through top end. A21-inch-pitch, three-blade aluminumwheel spun our boat’s tach to 4800while painting 43.3 mph across ourGPS. OK... so it’s not the kind of topend that will have you bragging fromyour barstool,but just goahead andmention howlittle you paid.Whether performinglazy Sturns or carvingdoughnuts,the Tahoedeliveredsporty handling,andreminded usjust how nimbleboats with short waterlines can be.Steering via our rigs’s nonpowered,rack-and-pinion system felt neutralexcept at higher trim settings, wherewe noticed mild torque. Nothing toouncomfortable, though. The Q4’shelm seats donot have flipupbolsters,but eachswivels andadjusts fore■ Tahoe’s 18-footer topped outin the mid-40s with a 135 hp3.0L MerCruiser package, andshould manage even better inthe outboard version, which israted up to 150 hp.and aft. More importantly, they offergood lumbar support and cradle yourhips, providing comfort and security.In short, the boat feels tight in turnsand rough water, and so do you.COOL TOUCHESHelm instrumentation includes twooversize, multifunction gauges, which■ “It’s been niceknowing ya.”Tubing and otherwatersports are anatural attractionaboard the Q4 SS,which is a good fitfor families withsmall children.■ A drained locker under the stern seat can be used for wet or dry storage.The bow lockers also drain, and feature lift-off lids with stainless catches.54 APRIL 2008 I TRAILERBOATS.COMTRAILERBOATS.COM I APRIL 2008 55