The Q4 SS is Tahoe’s entry level bowrider. And while it’s “entry level” I still found that it makes a package worth looking into. At the helm, there was full instrumentation. On many entry level boats you only see a speedometer, tachometer, and a fuel gauge. Then the rest of the necessities, volt meter, oil pressure, engine temp…etc, are relegated to warning lights nestled within the other gauges. The panel still had an uncluttered look to it, and a clean look, with the imitation burlwood surface. This makes for good looks with low maintenance.



Tahoe boats also come standard with bucket seats. That’s a welcome sight as they always have a mild wrap-around that holds you in position better than the regular forward/rear combo seats do. And while we’re on seating, the aft side seats also have a semi wrap around to hold the passengers in place too.

Storage is underneath the aft center seat and under the bow lounge seats. Ski and wakeboard storage is in the deck and accessed via the hatch between the two bucket seats.

There’s a sunpad that is reached by climbing over the aft seats, and abaft that is the integral full width swim platform. It included the standard flip out swim ladder for re-boarding and the whole platform is roomy enough to relax on while dangling your feet in the water and enjoying a drink or just listening to the sounds of the waves lapping against the hull.



The Q4 SS is powered by a standard MerCruiser® 3.0L 135-hp Inline 4-cylinder engine and it doesn’t come with power steering, nor is it really necessary in a boat this size. But if you crave the easier feel of power steering, it is available as an optional upgrade. Either way, you’ll be reaching speeds of over 40 MPH with this engine.

The builder has priced this 18’1” boat, motor and trailer package at a mere no haggle, no hassle price of $18,635, and yes, that even includes freight and dealer prep. How do they do it for such a good price? The answer is quantity of production. Tahoe is built by Tracker Marine, which builds more boats than any other brand on the planet. Remember, that is pricing for the 2009 models, so hurry, if you are going to bite the bullet.



What’s not to like?