A Versatile Platform for the Growing Family
Tahoe 225
By Capt. Rob Smith
I have to say, Tahoe created room aboard this model somehow without adding width and length to the footprint. This model replaces the older 222 from Tahoe.
Starting at the Swim Platform
The swim platform is an oversized full width deck with built in insulated cooler and separate line locker. With this much space, you can relax while strapping on the skis or a wakeboard or just enjoy a cold beverage while the kids frolic in the water behind the boat. The swim ladder is concealed on the top of the platform now where it is easy to get to. The walkthrough door locks open so it doesn’t get in the way when you are playing at anchor and there is storage in the floor of the walkthrough.
Power Plant
The aft bench seat lifts up to reveal the power behind the punch on the 225. We had a 220hp MerCruiser 5.0L carbureted engine. This model has options ranging from the 220hp installed to the MerCruiser 6.2MPI 320hp V-8 with Bravo 3 stern drive. If you load her up with options like the wakeboard tower and want strong performance, you may want to bump up to the 5.0 MPI, at least. The hinge system on the seat for the engine hatch isn’t the easiest to use, but does give you good access to the engine to check it out before you shove off for the day.
Cockpit Accommodations
Showing her fishing features, she starts with storage for a couple rods in the side as you enter the boat. The walkthrough door actually protects the reels when the door is locked open. The L bench seat wraps around from the helm seat across the stern to the walkthrough. The helm is a comfortable bucket seat with open back and flip-lip bolster. When you have a skier in the water, the observer can relax on the port side lounger which is more comfortable than another bucket style seat, in my opinion. When it comes time for snacks, you can pop a table in the aft section. Kicker speakers are mounted high in the seat backs so everyone can hear them better. Just behind the helm seat is an insulated locker than can be converted to a livewell for the family that really enjoys a lot more fishing. Long boards and skis fit neatly just aft of it in the bench seat along the starboard wall. The aft end of the port lounger has three drink holders and a concealed trash bin conveniently located. Under the forward end is a storage drawer and the middle covers the carry-on cooler.
Helm and Entertainment Center
Moving forward, the entertainment center is the forward end cap to the portside lounger. It has a concealed sink and twin divided ice buckets on top with a large storage compartment underneath to stow table tops and fishing chair. The helm has the same feel of an upscale car with burlwood accents and white-faced gauges. The stereo was satellite ready and has an iPod/MP3 input so you can play your own mix of music. The one thing that I wasn’t happy with was the cover over the fuse block which is stuck on with Velcro and difficult to pull off. There is a large locker inside the helm pod that could be used for a port-a-potty for the kids.
Room for Extra Gear the Sole Lockers and Bow Seating
Two connected sole lockers mean you can keep everything stowed away and not crowd the seats with gear on your ride. For fishing, you have additional rod storage built into these lockers as well as clips for the oar and navigation lights. The front bench seats have finished bases making it easy to clean when the day is done. On the front is a beach boarding ladder making it easy to pull right up to the beach and not have the outdrive hanging in the sand. For those days you just want to do a little fishing, a casting chair sets up easily in the bow.
Measurements
The 225 is 22’5” length overall with a beam width of 102”. On the optional trailer, she measures 26’7” long and 8’6” wide. Weighing around 3,720 lbs., she should be easy enough to tow behind the family SUV or van. With the added space and seating, the 225 from Tahoe is set to add more family fun for families that enjoy fishing and skiing.
