Innovative New Design with Equally Impressive Performance
Tested By Capt. Bob Smith
This year Tahoe promises a list of amenities that are almost as big as the oversized swim platform. The builder has engineered some fine differences into the Q4, ones that make me scratch my head and wonder why others haven’t already done this. For instance, the bow storage boxes look like the standard long under seat boxes, but they’re actually insulated so you can use them as coolers.
Deck Layout
Other than the ultimately useful bench storage, each side is designed with lounger backs on the helm and companion pod fronts. A grab handle and cup holder round out the amenities for the bowriders. Marine-grade carpet covers the floor from the walk-through area to the stern seats. The walk-through windshield has a great point and receiver catch to hold it open.
The companion pod has another fine feature, a glove box that really is another cooler for a few cool beverages for you and your companion underway. The right side of this pod has the AM/FM CD player, a handy padded area for your glasses and small items and two cup holders. The grab safety handle is mounted on the port side next to the back-to-back seat. This seat folds down to become a full-length sunning station. In-floor storage has a wide lid that allows wide boards like kneeboards to easily fit in.
At the Helm
The helm seat is comfortable and adjustable to your favorite driving position and swivels to keep you in the action at anchor. The instruments on the console are spread in an arc over the wheel for easy viewing and have white-faced dials with black numbers that stand out. Just ahead of the instrument pod and before the windshield is an area for the driver to store their glasses when not being used.
Moving Aft
The stern has two seats separated by the engine cowling. Cup holders for these riders are in the cowling which can be easily removed for access to the critical components of the power plant. The wide swim platform is the star on this model. Two grab handles and a telescoping two step boarding ladder make getting yourself back on board simple. This wide platform is certainly going to be the center of activity every time you stop and anchor. The options list is short, with a bimini top, two trailer upgrades and a compass on the dash in the list.
Trailer
Every Q-series boat from Tahoe has its own custom-built trailer which is specially designed to accommodate the specific model. These trailers include carpeted bunks with extra padding, carpeted fender pads, chrome wheels, EZ Lube hubs, folding tongue jack, nylon winch strap, retractable safety cables and a handy swing-away trailer tongue.
Performance
Testing the Q4 was a pleasure to drive with sure handling and dry rider. She was out of the hole in about 3.4 seconds and off to 30 miles per hour in about 6.7 seconds. At a cruising speed of 3000 rpms she ran at 29.7 mph and burned 6.2 gph for a range of 99 miles. At full throttle she topped out at 51.1 mph turning 4850 rpms with the 4.3L MerCruiser MPI engine.
Specs
Tahoe’s Q4 measures in at 19 feet 5 inches long and 91 inches wide. She comes equipped with a standard 135-hp 3.0L 4-cylinder sterndrive from MerCruiser. Tahoe offers four optional power plants up to a 4.3 MPI 220-hp V-6 sterndrive from MerCruiser.
If you have been looking for an innovative ski boat that makes packing for a long day in the sun a pleasure, the new Tahoe Q4 is an exiting model for you to see.
