Tahoe Q4 SF
By Capt. Rob Smith
Tahoe got it right with this easy to trailer and easy to fish runabout. Just the right size for the small family that enjoys both fishing and water sports, yet easy to fit on a trailer and in the garage. Tahoe is one of the Tracker Family’s fastest growing lines of business. The Q4 SF fits well as the first boat a family that loves both will buy delivering the best of both worlds with a price that doesn’t break the family budget.
From the Stern
Even though it is considered an entry level boat, it does have a large swim platform. Most entry level boats don’t even bother with a platform and still try to call it a fish and play model. You have to have a swim platform to enjoy water sports and the Q4 SF has a large one for its size. The center of the platform extends out even further to completely cover the outdrive, but you still should not have someone in the water with the engine started or use the outdrive as a swim ladder. It is too dangerous.
The sunpad also is large for an entry level boat. I can see it easily accommodating a skier while they slip on their skis or wakeboard or prepare to leap out onto the inner tube for a thrilling ride.
In the Cockpit
The aft seats in the cockpit are split into two jump seats and a center seat that conceals a livewell in the bottom. For power, the Q4 SF only offers the MerCruiser 135hp carbureted sterndrive. This helps maintain the affordability of this model. Storage in the cockpit includes slash pocket storage in the side panels, typical of most ski boats. The speakers are mounted in the side panels and floor lights are LED, for brighter, lower power draw and extended life.
The helm and observer seats are typical sport bucket seats that have slide and swivel adjustments. I would still like to have a bolster on the driver’s seat, at least, as often a teenage may be the one at the wheel while mom or dad are on the skis. Good visibility is crucial to safe operation. Gauges are well laid out for good visibility underway and the full framed windshield offers good protection and sight lines. Over on the observer’s side things were a bit snug for me, but I am a full-bodied 6’ captain! The glove box and stereo are over on the observer’s side along with a jack for your iPod or MP3 player input. They even thought ahead and have a 12volt outlet for your MP3 player or to charge your cell phone.
The sole locker has a wide opening that surprisingly did not get bound against the seats when opened, so good planning, Tahoe! Clips are mounted to keep the nav lights and oar handy. If you store your skis and other polished items in here, you probably want to buy a drainable rubber mat to put on the floor since it is not standard on this model.
Bow Features
The walkthrough is plenty wide, but does not have a lower air dam, so when you are heading out in the mornings or just getting back in the early evening and the air is chilly, take along a couple extra large beach blankets to cover up. One of the things Tahoe did was to stretch the bow area to add seating room and make room for the fishing features such as the Wireless 40lb thrust trolling motor. When you are at anchor, you can add a filler cushion and make this a great place to lay out and enjoy some sun. When fishing, you can add the filler and set up a casting chair to relax and do some serious fishing.
Measurements
The Q4 SF measures 19’5” length overall with a beam width of 91”. She weighs about 2232lbs and carries 23 gallons of fuel. Her draft is about 17”, so getting into skinny water should be good.
