Comments on Tahoe Boats?

[LHC30Victory]

Got a friend that is seriously looking at the Tahoe brand of boat. He wants to stay in the 20 to 22 ft range for general family use (3 kids) and of course $$ is important.
I don't have any experience with them, can y'all pitch in to give him an idea what quality he is considering?
PS please be kind :argue: :) :rolleyes:

[Ultracrazy]

Got a friend that is seriously looking at the Tahoe brand of boat. He wants to stay in the 20 to 22 ft range for general family use (3 kids) and of course $$ is important.
I don't have any experience with them, can y'all pitch in to give him an idea what quality he is considering?
PS please be kind :argue: :) :rolleyes:
I had a Tahoe deck boat.........sorry........but it was POS and the service was even worse. Don't know about the 20-22 ft.........but I hated mine.
UC

[Jyruiz]

Tahoe is like a Maxum, stay away.

[LHC30Victory]

thanks for the input - keep it coming! Specifics are always welcome if you have time.

[OLDRAT]

Entry Level, built in the same plant as the Maxums were.
Gel is inconsistent and wavy (and thin). Overall, probably
not much better or at least in the same class as a
Bayliner or Bryant, etc..etc.
It is a boat for peeps that don't understand boats or know
how to shop for boats, but just want to go to the lake or river.
Buy a used higher quality runabout a couple of years old
and he would be happier.
OR

[Jyruiz]

Entry Level, built in the same plant as the Maxums were.
Gel is inconsistent and wavy (and thin). Overall, probably
not much better or at least in the same class as a
Bayliner or Bryant, etc..etc.
It is a boat for peeps that don't understand boats or know
how to shop for boats, but just want to go to the lake or river.
Buy a used higher quality runabout a couple of years old
and he would be happier.
OR
Yup, I have an 18' Crownline for sale.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/2960CR.jpg

[2Driver]

Low end of the market in fit ,finish and quality components in my opinion. Go see one, it won't take long to figure it out for yourself.
If he is in the "family open-bow" market I'd try a Cobalt, Chaparral, Sea ray for decent middle of the road boat. If they are still too pricey new, I'd suggest looking at an 2004-2005 with real light use and a warranty.
For instance I just picked up a 21' SSI 2004 Chap with 25 hours on it for $10K under what the guy had just paid for it. Deals are out there if you take the time to look.
good luck

[Blacksheep]

Guys,
Lets keep this in perspective. All of us have "***boats", high performance custom boats for the most part. Not everyone is into them or can afford them.
For the "average" family boaters, the Searays, Seaswirl, Maxums, Rinkers, Tahoes, etc are just fine. For the most part they are all good quality (I might think twice on Bayliner though).
How can the Tahoes be built in the same factory when Tracker Marine, division of BassPro Shops, builds them? Different companies folks!
And how can you say they are for people who don't understand boats or know how to shop for boats? Just because someone doesn't want a mortgage for a boat loan doesn't mean they don't understand boats...get real!!
As far as Tahoe, I have a friend in MO that owns a 20' model. Great for going out having fun, great for skiing and tubing with the kids. They love it. It's nothing compared to my 27 Shadow but they don't have the money or need for a boat like that. I say if it suits their needs and budget why not. Tracker Marine builds some good all around family boats.

[Red Eye]

All boats are going to float... right? It may not be perfect, but how bad can it really be if they're still in business? If they don't have the money and their purpose is to go out on a lake/river and enjoy life, then I'm sure it will be fine. I believe all new boats have warranties, so if there's a problem, it will hopefully get fixed. Who cares about the "bling" factor?

[JB in so cal]

LHC,
I think you'd get a far better response if you went on, say boatingabc.com or something.

[2Driver]

LHC,
I think you'd get a far better response if you went on, say boatingabc.com or something.
Now you've done it.. I suppose Riverroyal will be here any second to call you a h-mo :D

[LHC30Victory]

Thanks all for your comments. JB I think you have a good idea there, maybe go to trailerboats.com as well.

[famaffair]

Wow, that is a nice looking boat u got there jyruiz
:) :) :)

[Jyruiz]

Thanks bro, how is your new one coming along?

[JB in so cal]

Now you've done it.. I suppose Riverroyal will be here any second to call you a h-mo :D
That homo wouldn't dare!

[Seadog]

Anyone that classifies Bryant as same level as Bayliner is not very knowledgable about boats. Bryant is in the Cobalt level of quality. Bayliner is a decent boat, but it is still a value boat in the under 25' range. Actually, Tahoe, according to my memory, is built in the same factory as the Bayliner deckboats were built. Bayliner moved the production to Mexico and after a couple years sold the factory to Tracker. I second the recommendation to ask about them on boatingABC and Trailerboats. A wealth of knowledge at boating ABC.

[JB in so cal]

Anyone that classifies Bryant as same level as Bayliner is not very knowledgable about boats. Bryant is in the Cobalt level of quality. Bayliner is a decent boat, but it is still a value boat in the under 25' range. Actually, Tahoe, according to my memory, is built in the same factory as the Bayliner deckboats were built. Bayliner moved the production to Mexico and after a couple years sold the factory to Tracker. I second the recommendation to ask about them on boatingABC and Trailerboats. A wealth of knowledge at boating ABC.
I can't post over there any more 'cause my exhaust doesn't go out the hub and my boat goes over 50.

[ekbearly]

Seadog, you are right on... My Dad has a 21 foot Bryant and it is definitely in the same class as a Cobalt. The fit and finish is awesome. They only build 400 boats a year. We boat at Lake Tahoe every year (the mecca of Cobalts) and we wanted something different. He has through-hull exhaust on it and it sounds louder than my boat.
I grew up on runabouts and absolutely loved every minute I spent on our Bryant. My Dad wasn't blessed to make much, but the boat brought us together as a family. I always looked down the beach at the custom boat guys and dreamed.
Now that I have a Nordic, I can go out in heavier water and get more looks, but I wouldn't say I enjoy boating anymore than I did when I was on my Dad's boats. Being fresh to the custom (or not custom if you don't classifiy Nordic in that realm) boat world, I think we can tend to lose sight of the fact that we are blessed to own such nice boats... yet the enjoyment in boating shouldn't be all about the looks we get or the pride, but about being able to get away from everything... stress, the city.. and spend time with our friends and family. Just a thought.. your friend will enjoy boating no matter what he gets... and it will probably break down, crack impellers and suck as much money as my boat already has in a month.

[shaffewm]

The only thing worse about the boat was the customer service at anglers marine..who sold the boat... :mad:

[beyondhelpin]

Although Bryant boats lack style they are a very well made boat. I looked at them a few years back.

[cola]

Although Bryant boats lack style they are a very well made boat. I looked at them a few years back.
How about you post a larger pic of your avitar. That is soooooo nice. :)

[beyondhelpin]

If I told you that is my wife would you believe me? If I told to hang tight by the computer while I take some pics of her giving me my nightly rub and tug............ :)

[Captain Dan]

If I told you that is my wife would you believe me? If I told to hang tight by the computer while I take some pics of her giving me my nightly rub and tug............ :)
WOW - You're married to a porn star?

[ELVIS]

a buddy of mine bought the deck boat, back seat blew out on the freeway on his first trip, the dealer failed to step up and take care ou it.

[shadow]

Never tow your boat with your back seat installed. Once you start heading downhill at any type of speed, it's gone.
Sounds like poor craftsmanship if your rear seat blows out while towing downhill at any speed.Maybe the manufacturer could redesign the fit,add a couple of straps with snaps,well placed velcro would probablly work.
Bet Bayliner seats dont blow out while towing down hills. :D

[Riverkid]

Maybe he's the guy that owns "Delirious". :rollside: :rollside:
That's F-ing funny!!! Parker local! :)

[shadow]

The back seat of my Ultra blew out twice coming down the hill right before Corazon. I'll have to get with John West on that one. ;)
Probablly driver error. ;) Is Corazon located anywhere near Cabazon?

[doesitfloat?]

Seadog, you are right on... My Dad has a 21 foot Bryant and it is definitely in the same class as a Cobalt. The fit and finish is awesome. They only build 400 boats a year. We boat at Lake Tahoe every year (the mecca of Cobalts) and we wanted something different. He has through-hull exhaust on it and it sounds louder than my boat.
I grew up on runabouts and absolutely loved every minute I spent on our Bryant. My Dad wasn't blessed to make much, but the boat brought us together as a family. I always looked down the beach at the custom boat guys and dreamed.
Now that I have a Nordic, I can go out in heavier water and get more looks, but I wouldn't say I enjoy boating anymore than I did when I was on my Dad's boats. Being fresh to the custom (or not custom if you don't classifiy Nordic in that realm) boat world, I think we can tend to lose sight of the fact that we are blessed to own such nice boats... yet the enjoyment in boating shouldn't be all about the looks we get or the pride, but about being able to get away from everything... stress, the city.. and spend time with our friends and family. Just a thought.. your friend will enjoy boating no matter what he gets... and it will probably break down, crack impellers and suck as much money as my boat already has in a month.
Great post. I've had flats, day cruisers, (sanger, eliminator, rayson craft) and for several reasons including cost, I went the conservative "nerd" boat route last year and bought a Four Winns. Yes, I miss the speed and hp, but I love the family style layout (kids are 7 & 4), the cost new $26-28K, the reliability and warranty, and like ekbearly said, when I'm floating in the middle of some lake with the tunes cranking, I'm as happy/relaxed as I can be in life. Doesn't matter what I'm floating in...just that I'm floating. :cool:

[beyondhelpin]

WOW - You're married to a porn star?
Damn her. That bitch is in trouble when she gets home. :rollside:

[shueman]

Thanks all for your comments. JB I think you have a good idea there, maybe go to trailerboats.com as well.
Glastron makes a good boat....I'm a Yamaha 230 guy...

[Old Texan]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is resale. When your friend is ready to trade up from entry level (everybody does and we all know it) he should consider what his boat will be worth.
My experience says stay away from Bayliner, Tahoe, and other cheapies. Research your area for what seems to be the popular models with available, reliable service outlets.
I presently own an '05 Chaparral and '00 Monterey. Both east coast boats that are popular here in GA.
Chaparral, Cobalt, Four Winns, Sea Ray, and Crownline all hold good value and high levels of fit/finish.
I personally recommend a new boater to buy used. Get an experienced boater to help research and find a clean, maintained entry level boat to start with. Buying new means you will often lose big money if selling within first couple years. Used offers a chance to get the feel and see what type boat is best for you and when it's time to sell, you can recover the most from a financial point.
A point to stress to your friend, "It doesn't matter how much you pay initially if you don't spend the money to maintain your purchase. Clean used boats don't happen on their own." Make sure he realizes the cost of ownership.

[Red Horse]

When the Bass Pro Shop opened in Vegas of course we had to go. We were checking out the boats. Buddy of mine was interested in the deck boats. Real attractive price. Well we go to to looking and were pretty shocked at what we found. The hull to deck joint in the front of the boat had a gap of about 1 1/2 inches. Was all filled in with silicone and the screws were pulling loose. I can understand entry level, but come on. That was an accident waiting to happen.

[socaldj1]

2 Years ago I bought a Tahoe. I had looked at every boat out there but I had to stay at a certain price. Tahoe Dealers sell every boat at the same cost or pretty close. Where you get a break is by making them throw in things like the cover and hour guage. Tahoe is the cheapest deck boat out there. The fit and finish does show. And yes you have to take out the seat pads to travel, they have nothing to hold them in. I've added pop in connectors from RV cupboard doors to all my seats. The sales guy at Cowboys RV in Havasu was great and easy to work with. The service guys are not so good. But the dealer made things better when they delivered it back to Riverside because the service took longer the it should. They did say that Tahoe manufacturing is tought o get parts from so make sure the boat is complete before taking delivery. It took 5 months to get the bow filler I ordered with the boat.
Now with all that said. It was all I could afford and I love the storage, the seating is just what I wanted. I have had it up to 62mph on the GPS and have pulled 2 wakeboarders up (200+ lbs each) with 8 others in the boat. They put them on a great trailer (retractable safety cables, reverse brake cut-off, I added LED lights). So if you don't mind dooing a little work to the fit and finish its not a bad boat.
I hope to upgrade it in the next couple years to a 28' cat. First I have to find one with a large open bow. I usually have 4-5 up in the front of mine now.
Tahoe 204, 5.7 liter, PhatBuddy Tower with custom Kneeboard Racks on top, Every option (-deep well) $30,500 cash
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/502/2453towersideview.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/2453DVC00076-med.JPG

[Ultracrazy]

The only thing worse about the boat was the customer service at anglers marine..who sold the boat... :mad:
Yep......I agree.

[rivercrazy]

bump