Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

Tracker has a broad lineup of boats and this year we have finally gotten to start testing them for you. The Tahoe 195 Outboard Deckboat is one of their latest editions.

At the Bow

Up front the 195 carries a huge bow platform where you can install two fishing chairs on pedestals when you’re in the fishing mode. In play mode, you have easy access off the front of the boat from a four-step telescoping boarding ladder with latching cover and easy grab handles. The ground tackle goes in its own locker with deep line storage that drains into the bilge.

Comfortable Seating

You’ll find ample seating on the port and starboard sides with finished insulated storage under the bench seats. A large walkthrough makes access to the bow and back safe. Between the companion station and the helm is a huge in-floor storage area that has ample room for kneeboards, skis and other large bulky items. In front of the companion seat is a refreshment station with two cup holders and a covered box.

Helm Features

The helm station features analog gauges and a digital depth finder arranged in an arc that is not obstructed by the wheel. Leg room under the swivel and slide adjustable seats is ample. The port bench is large enough for three or four adults and has more long item storage under it. Our test boat had two clever posts mounted in the box for the fishing seats. A carry-on cooler is under the stern bench seat for carrying your cold water and other beverages along for a full day of fun.

Moving Aft

The stability of the boat is evident when you step up the starboard step and pass the walkthrough to the aft section of the boat. The stern deck is spacious and provides suitable room for casting or just lounging in the sun. An aerated livewell is also located in the stern. The swim platform is also a surprise for an outboard boat of this size. Here you also get a wet line locker and another covered telescoping swim ladder.

Specs

The Tahoe 195 Deckboat measures in at 19’10” in length overall and 102” across the beam. She carries a hull draft of about 17” and weighs approximately 2,660 lbs. dry. She has a fuel capacity of 45 gallons and carries a standard engine package of a 115-hp Mercury outboard, but can handle up to a 190-hp outboard.

Performance and Ride

We tested the Tahoe 195 Deckboat with a Mercury Salt Water Series 115-hp outboard. With two people on board and about 23 gallons of fuel in the tank, we achieved a top speed of 37 mph at 6000 rpms. This motor was equipped with a 13 ¾ x 15 aluminum prop. Out on our test run, both myself, another test captain, and the Tracker representative agreed that this boat can do more and probably needed a little adjustment in the motor package to maximize speed. Even so, handling was great.

At 3000 rpms we found she was moving along just under 10 mph and at 4000 rpms she was at 23 mph and burning just under 4gph. The 195 was out of the hole in just over 5 seconds and running 30 mph in 11.9 seconds. Sound levels ranged from 63 dBa at idle to 94 dBa at top end.

This deckboat really seems to have captured the essence of melding a fishing platform with a stable family boat that can keep you on the water having fun all day long, regardless of your definition of a good time. If family boating that offers fishing and skiing is important to you, the Tahoe 195 Outboard Deckboat certainly has something good to offer.

• Top speed for the Tahoe 195 OB (2004- ) is 37.8 mph (60.8 kph), burning 11.2 gallons per hour (gph) or 42.39 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Tahoe 195 OB (2004- ) is 23.0 mph (37 kph), and the boat gets 5.81 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.47 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 235 miles (378.2 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 115-hp Mercury.