tahoe – Boating Mag https://www.boatingmag.com Boating, with its heavy emphasis on boat reviews and DIY maintenance, is the most trusted source of boating information on the web. Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:59:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/08/favicon-btg.png tahoe – Boating Mag https://www.boatingmag.com 32 32 2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-tahoe-2585-cascade-pbbg/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:58:56 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=87691 The 2585 Cascade combines style with confident handling.

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Buy Tahoe’s 2585 Cascade at a midrange price and you’ll get features, style and construction like those found in the manufacturer’s flagship models. Examples? The stylish, redesigned Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, Medallion Smart 80 touchscreen, and sexy wraparound windshield. Below, the Waveglider performance package offers a trio of 25-inch pontoons with a full complement of lifting fins, an underdeck wave shield, an integrated motor pod, SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade running
The 2585 offers a quiet, confident ride. Tom King

Our test boat had Honda’s new BF350, featuring 302 cubic inches of displacement and the midrange boost of power provided by VTec variable valve timing and lift. BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) advances ignition timing when the throttle is pinned off the bottom, delivering rapid acceleration. During our performance testing, it pushed the Cascade onto plane in 3.9 seconds, hit 30 mph in 6.4, and topped out at 52.2 mph. It also proved noticeably quiet, measuring only 71 decibels at 19.3 mph and 86 dB(A) at full throttle.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade bow seating
There are 5-foot-long parallel couches in the bow. Tom King
Tahoe 2585 Cascade helm
The central Medallion as well as an additional offset Garmin touchscreen centralize pertinent info. Tom King

Underway, the Cascade handled with confidence, easily cutting across the lake chop we encountered and cornering with an outside lean that was nonetheless quite grippy. The captain will appreciate the comfort provided by a high-back helm seat. The central Medallion as well as an additional offset Garmin touchscreen centralize pertinent info into an easy-to-see location. Bonus points for the phone cubby sporting a wireless charger. Opposite, the port console adds a lockable glove box to stow valuables.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade lounger
Aft, a pair 5-foot-8-inch lounges sit behind console seats. Tom King

The furniture layout is a Quad Lounge floor plan featuring 5-foot-long parallel couches in the bow with storage below. Add the optional filler gate seat for a continuous U-shaped lounge. Aft, another 5-foot-8-inch pair sit behind console seats. Recline against the aft-facing seatbacks or sit side to side with fellow crew. A unique touch? The entire bottom cushion lifts lengthwise on gas struts to access storage, eliminating the hassle of loose or individual cushions and making it simple to grab or stow gear.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade aft station
The Waveglider performance package includes a stainless-steel ski tow bar. Tom King

High Points

  • Waveglider performance package features three 25-inch pontoons, an aluminum wave shield and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.
  • High-performance Fusion sound package. 
  • Attractive matte finish on wall skins.
Tahoe 2585 Cascade performance data
Tahoe 2585 Cascade Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested

  • Engine: Honda BF350
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Honda 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Crew Weight: 640 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price:$144,480 (with Honda BF350)
LOA:26’6″
Beam:8’6″
Draft (max):NA
Dry Weight:3,200 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity:17/2,460 lb.
Fuel Capacity:100 gal.

Tahoe – Alma, Michigan; tahoepontoonboats.com

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2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-tahoe-2785-grand-tahoe-qlw-pbbg/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:51:39 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=87660 The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW is endlessly interesting and entertaining.

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The styling, colors and appearance of Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW command attention. Plus, Tahoe loads it with the biggest Suzuki you can buy, the dual-prop 350 APL, topping out at 50 mph while going from zero to 30 mph in 7 seconds flat. The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW we tested sported the Waveglider performance-package option, adding triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. The Tahoe employs power SeaStar hydraulic steering, and response is excellent, from hard-over turns at full speed to spanning lake chop and wakes.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW out for a ride
The Waveglider performance-package option adds triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. Bill Doster

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving room to aid in docking or to cast a line. The custom touches abound, from the pop-up cleats to the styled docking and navigation light pods. Even the front door latch is a custom part. The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side without crowding. There’s abundant storage, thanks to welded aluminum bases. Dual-action hinges make for easy underseat access.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW bow seating
The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side. Bill Doster

The new Admiral III helm station features automotive styling coupled with futuristic digital instrumentation, with soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates security amidships, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. A Fusion Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer keeps the beat. A built-in cavernous ­in-floor storage locker is amidships.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW helm
The new Admiral III helm station features soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. Bill Doster

Aft, twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. A polished ­stainless-steel gate keeps crew safe while underway. The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports or just relaxing near the water. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW cockpit seating
Twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. Bill Doster

This Tahoe proved endlessly interesting and entertaining. There was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. Demo a 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW and see if you agree.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW aft deck
The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports. Bill Doster

High Points

  • Bright shark-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure is eye-popping. 
  • Dual-prop Suzuki 350 outboard helps the boat move with authority.
  • Large party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups for socializing.
Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW performance data
Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested

  • Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right-hand and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price:$260,750 (as tested)
LOA:28’6″
Draft:NA
Beam:8’6″
Dry Weight:4,500 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity:16/2,345 lb.
Fuel Capacity:100 gal.

Tahoe – Alma, Michigan; tahoepontoonboats.com

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Boat of the Year Category Winners 2023 https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/boat-of-the-year-category-winners-2023/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=86297 These six boats reign over their respective categories.

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Boating’s Boat of the Year is the most prestigious honor a boatbuilder can receive. The selection process starts with our team assessing each of the 100-plus boats we sea trial and publish a test about each year to see how any might stand out in their respective categories. Not every category of boat has a true standout every year, even though it may be populated by great boats. A BOTY category winner, besides possessing top construction, component installation and performance characteristics, must somehow advance its category, providing boat buyers with a better experience. From these, Boat of the Year will be selected. This year, we are proud to present the following category winners. Congratulations to each one!

Accessible/Skiff: Veer V13

The Veer V13  won first because we found it to be affordable for a segment of society not typically served by boatbuilders. It’s also offered colors that appeal to a younger, non-traditional demographic. We believe both of these features are great for the future of boating by helping to introduce new participants to the activity and lifestyle that is boating. Finally, we found the Veer V13 functional and safe, and it’s offered with your choice of internal combustion or electric outboard power.

Watersports: Montara Surf Boss 2.0

The Montara Surf Boss 2.0 is one the most innovative boats we have ever tested, seamlessly blending the very best of a V-drive towboat with the attributes of a pontoon boat. There’s more: Innovation alone isn’t enough. To win a category, the boat must be built to a high standard and meet ABYC standards, as well as the discerning eye of our editors, each of whom possesses decades of experience evaluating boats for a living. The Montara Surf Boss 2.0 ticked all these boxes.

Runabout: Four Winns H2e

First, this is an exceptionally well-done bowrider. The interior is luxurious, its construction is excellent and its appearance is at once fresh and classic. Performance-wise, it delivered superior speed, handling and ride quality. Finally, this Four Winns H2e bowrider is powered by an electric outboard. It gives boat buyers the choice of electric or internal combustion propulsion with the confidence of a longstanding and well-known—iconic, really—boatbuilder.

Center-Console: Formula 387

Our team tests over 100 boats per year, many of them center-console models. We selected the Formula 387 for its great ride and top-notch construction and pristine finish. But Formula has long maintained those bars high. What really wowed us was that Formula produced two distinct variants of the same boat for center-console buyers—a sport version and a fishing version. Putting a finer point on it, these two variants serve different missions with very little compromise between them.

Deckboat: Tahoe T21

Why did this Tahoe win? First, we found it to be priced lower than similar-size boats. But, a low price alone doesn’t win awards. No less than two members of our Tech Team stated that the Tahoe T21 is equivalent (if not superior) in ride, performance, construction and equipment to other similar boats. A review of our boat-test archive backs those assertions. As such, the T21 represents an outstanding buying experience delivering a higher-quality, higher-performing boat for a lower price than others in its category.

Pontoon: Manitou 24 Explore MAX

The Manitou 24 Explore MAX takes pontoon-boat ownership to another place. Powered by twin 150 hp Rotax S outboards (which themselves won our Marine Power Innovation award last year), which live under the expansive MAX deck aft, this ’toon offers sporty performance and the convenience of a joystick for docking control. But most importantly, the wide-open MAX deck provides pontoon buyers the ability to choose wide-open access to the water, as well as wide-open views.

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Boat Test: 2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-tahoe-2785-grand-tahoe-qlw-boat-test/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:26:34 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=86268 The Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW mixes stylish looks with a plethora of entertainment features and a smooth ride.

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Overview

Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW commands attention. Its sheer size and art-deco-styled carbon-fiber enclosure and ­tower captivate onlookers.

My tester’s Waveglider performance-package option added triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker ­acceleration. With a Suzuki dual-­prop 350 AP, the boat hit 50 mph and punched to 30 mph in a crisp 7 seconds.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW out for a ride
The Waveglider performance-package option adds triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. Bill Doster

Interior and Accessories

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound enclosure is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving some room to better handle dock lines. Sharp touches include pop-up cleats and stylish docking and navigation light pods. Just about any size party will enjoy room for comfort aboard the Grand Tahoe. The bow features enormously long twin-facing lounges with elbow room for three per side. There’s abundant storage inside the welded aluminum seat bases. Dual-action hinges make stowage access easy and convenient.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW bow seating
The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side. Bill Doster

The new-for-2024 Admiral III helm station features dramatic automotive styling and futuristic digital instrumentation. It features soft-touch control switches and a Garmin display with an information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates a secure cockpit, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. Fusion’s Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amp and a subwoofer provides the sound. Optional canister speakers mount on the tower and point aft for watersports enjoyment. In-floor storage is cavernous.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW helm
The new Admiral III helm station features soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. Bill Doster

Aft twin facing lounge seats create a third conversation pit, albeit a bit smaller than the bow section. A polished stainless-steel gate keeps everyone aboard safe while underway. A spacious aft deck provides more than enough room for watersports or just general relaxing near the water surface. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder. A small locker just in front of the Suzuki outboard hides the power-steering system. This Tahoe proved to be endlessly interesting and entertaining. It seems there was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. That bodes well for long-term ownership. With so much to play with, chances are you’ll never be bored with this 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW.

Read Next: 2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW cockpit seating
Twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. Bill Doster
Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW aft deck
The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports. Bill Doster

How We Tested

  • Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right- and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

  • Wow appeal is big with a bright metallic-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure and tower.
  • It takes big power to move a big boat. This nearly 29-foot Tahoe moves with authority using a Suzuki 350.
  • Party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups, while the captain and mate enjoy comfort behind the dual consoles.

Low Points

  • While the carbon-fiber enclosure looks incredible, our test boat’s bow-entry door had trouble staying closed in rough chop.
  • That power-steering unit could be mounted under one of the loungers, creating more room in the aft cabinet for lines and fenders.

Toughest Competitor

Bennington’s 25 QFXBWA with a 450 Yamaha outboard and arch and windshield comes in at an MSRP of $237,512. Bennington’s Q25 Sport (28 feet long by 8 feet, 6 inches wide) retails for $236,000 with a Yamaha 425 hp XT0 outboard and tops out over 53 mph.

Pricing and Specs

Price:$260,750 (as tested)
LOA:28’6″
Draft:NA
Beam:8’6″
Displacement:4,500 lb.
Bridge Clearance:6’6″
Fuel Capacity:100 gal.
Max Horsepower:1,000
Available Power:500 with single outboard; up to 1,000 with twin outboards

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW performance data
Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Tahoe – Alma, Michigan; tahoepontoonboats.com

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2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-tahoe-2785-grand-tahoe-qlw-bbg/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 20:05:40 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=85995 The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW is endlessly interesting and entertaining.

The post 2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW appeared first on Boating Mag.

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The styling, colors and appearance of Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW command attention. Plus, Tahoe loads it with the biggest Suzuki you can buy, the dual-prop 350 APL, topping out at 50 mph while going from zero to 30 mph in 7 seconds flat. The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW we tested sported the Waveglider performance-package option, adding triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. The Tahoe employs power SeaStar hydraulic steering, and response is excellent, from hard-over turns at full speed to spanning lake chop and wakes.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW out for a ride
The Waveglider performance-package option adds triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. Bill Doster

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving room to aid in docking or to cast a line. The custom touches abound, from the pop-up cleats to the styled docking and navigation light pods. Even the front door latch is a custom part. The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side without crowding. There’s abundant storage, thanks to welded aluminum bases. Dual-action hinges make for easy underseat access.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW bow seating
The bow section features twin facing loungers with room for three per side. Bill Doster

The new Admiral III helm station features automotive styling coupled with futuristic digital instrumentation, with soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates security amidships, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. A Fusion Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer keeps the beat. A built-in cavernous ­in-floor storage locker is amidships.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW helm
The new Admiral III helm station features soft-touch control switches and a Garmin digital information center. Bill Doster

Aft, twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. A polished ­stainless-steel gate keeps crew safe while underway. The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports or just relaxing near the water. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW cockpit seating
Twin facing lounge seats ­create a third conversation pit. Bill Doster

This Tahoe proved endlessly interesting and entertaining. There was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. Demo a 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW and see if you agree.

Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW aft deck
The aft deck provides plenty of room for staging watersports. Bill Doster

High Points

  • Bright shark-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure is eye-popping. 
  • Dual-prop Suzuki 350 outboard helps the boat move with authority.
  • Large party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups for socializing.
Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW performance data
Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested

  • Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right-hand and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price:$260,750 (as tested)
LOA:28’6″
Draft:NA
Beam:8’6″
Dry Weight:4,500 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity:16/2,345 lb.
Fuel Capacity:100 gal.

Tahoe – Alma, Michigan; tahoepontoonboats.com

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2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-tahoe-2585-cascade-bbg/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:37:55 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=85876 The 2585 Cascade combines style with confident handling.

The post 2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade appeared first on Boating Mag.

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Buy Tahoe’s 2585 Cascade at a midrange price and you’ll get features, style and construction like those found in the manufacturer’s flagship models. Examples? The stylish, redesigned Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, Medallion Smart 80 touchscreen, and sexy wraparound windshield. Below, the Waveglider performance package offers a trio of 25-inch pontoons with a full complement of lifting fins, an underdeck wave shield, an integrated motor pod, SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade running
The 2585 offers a quiet, confident ride. Tom King

Our test boat had Honda’s new BF350, featuring 302 cubic inches of displacement and the midrange boost of power provided by VTec variable valve timing and lift. BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) advances ignition timing when the throttle is pinned off the bottom, delivering rapid acceleration. During our performance testing, it pushed the Cascade onto plane in 3.9 seconds, hit 30 mph in 6.4, and topped out at 52.2 mph. It also proved noticeably quiet, measuring only 71 decibels at 19.3 mph and 86 dB(A) at full throttle.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade bow seating
There are 5-foot-long parallel couches in the bow. Tom King
Tahoe 2585 Cascade helm
The central Medallion as well as an additional offset Garmin touchscreen centralize pertinent info. Tom King

Underway, the Cascade handled with confidence, easily cutting across the lake chop we encountered and cornering with an outside lean that was nonetheless quite grippy. The captain will appreciate the comfort provided by a high-back helm seat. The central Medallion as well as an additional offset Garmin touchscreen centralize pertinent info into an easy-to-see location. Bonus points for the phone cubby sporting a wireless charger. Opposite, the port console adds a lockable glove box to stow valuables.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade lounger
Aft, a pair 5-foot-8-inch lounges sit behind console seats. Tom King

The furniture layout is a Quad Lounge floor plan featuring 5-foot-long parallel couches in the bow with storage below. Add the optional filler gate seat for a continuous U-shaped lounge. Aft, another 5-foot-8-inch pair sit behind console seats. Recline against the aft-facing seatbacks or sit side to side with fellow crew. A unique touch? The entire bottom cushion lifts lengthwise on gas struts to access storage, eliminating the hassle of loose or individual cushions and making it simple to grab or stow gear.

Tahoe 2585 Cascade aft station
The Waveglider performance package includes a stainless-steel ski tow bar. Tom King

High Points

  • Waveglider performance package features three 25-inch pontoons, an aluminum wave shield and a stainless-steel ski tow bar.
  • High-performance Fusion sound package. 
  • Attractive matte finish on wall skins.
Tahoe 2585 Cascade performance data
Tahoe 2585 Cascade Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested

  • Engine: Honda BF350
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Honda 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Crew Weight: 640 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price:$144,480 (with Honda BF350)
LOA:26’6″
Beam:8’6″
Draft (max):NA
Dry Weight:3,200 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity:17/2,460 lb.
Fuel Capacity:100 gal.

Tahoe – Alma, Michigan; tahoepontoonboats.com

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2024 Tahoe Sportboats T21 https://www.boatingmag.com/sponsored-post/2024-tahoe-sportboats-t21/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:53:31 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=85486 The T21 blends a sporty ride with great performance.

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It’s hard not to get excited when you get on a new boat and you want to punch the throttle, and that’s exactly what we did on this Tahoe T21. We made 57mph at top speed with this boat, which is pretty sweet for an 11-passenger carrying capacity. You get an extremely fast hull shot, thanks to the Mercury V8 which is ideal for when pulling skiers. Nearly 2 years of R&D went into this before they built the first one.

It’s all composite construction and Tahoe was one of the first brands to do this. It has complete level flotation, even though the Coast Guard only requires boats under 20 feet to have it. The dashboard is entirely touch screen, the boat has great storage, and even better stability. There’s a big story here to tell you and we’re here to walk you through it on the Tahoe T21.

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Boat Test: 2024 Tahoe T21 https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-tahoe-t21-boat-test/ Sat, 30 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=85215 The T21 brings comfort, exciting style and performance at a great value.

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Tahoe T21 cruising comfortably
The T21 offers a smooth ride across all speeds. Bill Doster

Overview

Tahoe Boat’s new T21 is an ­aggressively fun, waterborne machine. Its wide-open interior’s minimalist design is sleek, begging you to grip the wheel and take it for a rip. It offers heady 57 mph top speed, hot-rod acceleration (3 seconds to plane, and zero to 30 mph in a quick 4.5 seconds). Its ­design brings comfort, exciting style and performance at a great value.

Tahoe T21 helm
The console is 100 percent digital, with an 8-inch touchscreen multicolor display. Bill Doster

Engine

The fast-planing hull and Mercury 200 XS carve tight turns without complaint. It holds plane at a low 16 mph, which appeals to watersports enthusiasts, along with the ski pylon and ski locker, both standard features. This rig is capable of towing multiple riders, even with a boatload of ­spectators aboard.

Tahoe T21 bow seating
The twin facing lounge seats can handle two riders each. Bill Doster

Interior and Accessories

Tahoe aimed for a high-­utility rig and nailed it. In front, the twin facing lounge seats can handle two riders each. There’s plenty of storage room for gear, and insulated bow compartments will drain overboard if ice is added. An anchor locker with chain stowage brackets under the step up to the bow is easy to access. Cup holders and grab rails are situated within handy reach.

The cockpit is deep and wide, featuring contoured and bolstered pedestal buckets for the pilot and navigator. A cubby with a Kicker stereo head unit resides in the copilot console, with a good-size glove box under a lockable latching cover next to it. Abaft, there’s three-across seating, and the center seatback folds down to reveal a step up to the aft sun pad. Just aft of the sun pad is a textured swim and watersports platform with a folding, four-step, telescoping stainless-steel boarding ladder.

Tahoe T21 aft seating
Abaft, there’s three-across seating. Bill Doster

The Tahoe is built to last. With all-composite construction, there’s no wood to rot. ­Upholstery is thick, quality vinyl with excellent stitch work. The components and accessories are well-installed, with aluminum and stainless-steel backers and fasteners. The rub rail is installed straight and true with no dips, an uncharacteristic trait at this price point.

The T21 cuts through wind chop and wakes cleanly and without complaint, accelerates to speed like a Saturn rocket, and dances on the pad at nearly 60 mph like a high-performance bass boat. Capable of seating 11 fun-seekers, this bowrider is sure to be a party favorite at any sandbar gathering. And it’s priced low.

Tahoe T21 cockpit
The cockpit is deep and wide. Bill Doster

How We Tested

  • Engine: Mercury 200 Pro XS FourStroke
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.2″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

  • No traditional gauges for this dash; the console is 100 percent digital, with an 8-inch touchscreen multicolor display giving control and information on all boat and engine functions.
  • The 100 percent composite construction means a long life and excellent resale value.
  • There is a high utility quotient due to the wide-open interior and well-engineered seating arrangement.

Low Points

  • Smoked, frameless, low-profile acrylic windscreens add a racy touch, but there’s no top rail to protect them from careless boarders. Aboard boats, what can be grabbed will be grabbed.
  • Access to below-transom rigging is tight for troubleshooting or servicing pumps and hoses.
  • We think the Mercury Pro XS is the ideal power for the T21, but it does eliminate a full beam-to-beam platform. 

Toughest Competitor

Chaparral’s 21 SSI OB boasts a walk-through windshield and sells for $57,095 with a Yamaha F200 outboard. 

Pricing and Specs

Price:$46,825 (with test engine)
LOA:21’5″
Beam:8’2″
Draft:1’1″ (motor up)
Displacement:2,150 lb.
Transom Deadrise:16 degrees
Fuel Capacity:42 gal.
Max Horsepower:200
Available Power:Outboard

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Tahoe T21 performance data
Tahoe T21 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Tahoe Boats – Springfield, Missouri; 417-873-4555tahoeboats.com

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2022 Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2022-tahoe-2485-ltz-versatile-rear-bench-pbbg/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 15:09:17 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=80834 The 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench proves to be a diamond in the rough.

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2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench running near shore
The Wave Shield helps improve ­airflow and efficiency. Bill Doster

Tahoe’s 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench features a unique reversible aft lounge storage seat and a cool aluminum diving board securely bolted to the aft deck. Powered by a Suzuki DF200 outboard, the 2485 gives excellent performance. We accelerated to 30 mph in 7.6 seconds and topped out at 42 mph. At best cruise speed, we recorded a stingy 4.9 mpg (3.3 gph) at 3,000 rpm and 16.2 mph. At this speed, the noise level was a workable 70 decibels, and the fuel tank range is over 167 miles. All this for an as-tested price of $62,198 makes the Tahoe a diamond in the rough.

2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench bow seating
The 2485 has a full-surround bow seating arrangement. Bill Doster

Our test boat had optional triple 25-inch-diameter Sport performance pontoons with lifting strakes mated to the deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams. An aluminum underdeck Wave Shield helps improve airflow and efficiency. The deck made of 3/4-inch-thick PTP marine flooring has a lifetime warranty, with optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch-tall aluminum rub rail wraps the deck with a black rubber insert to cushion docking. Tahoe seat frames are all aluminum, which gives excellent storage room underneath along with ventilation to minimize moisture. 

2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench helm
The helm sports a full gauge package and a Garmin graph. Bill Doster

The 2485 features a full-surround bow seating arrangement that comfortably seats six, with Buckskin premium cushioned vinyl upholstery. The center removable bow seat connects the twin facing loungers; beaching or docking access through the bow door requires moving this filler seat. The driver’s console is positioned amidships, with a matching co-pilot’s chair to port. The helm sports a full gauge package and a Garmin graph, plus a Fusion silver sound package with four speakers. Abaft, the reversible lounger creates a great sun pad for aft-facing sun-seekers with the backrest positioned aft, or serves as a forward-facing addition to the conversation pit amidships. A ski tow is a must-have option, as is the LTZ Premium Package, which provides the high-back -recliner chairs, Garmin graph, mooring cover, LED chrome docking lights, and nice touches like polished deck corners and a soft-grip, chrome-spoked steering wheel with a tilt helm.

2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench
The reversible lounger creates a great sun pad for aft-facing sun-seekers. Bill Doster

High Points

  • Suzuki DF200 outboard installed on our test boat  is a powerful and efficient inline-four engine that provides solid power and helps make a value-priced package.
  • Diving board installed at the portside stern platform will make the water-loving members of your crew flip.
  • Reversible aft lounger provides a fantastic viewing point for watching watersports action aft or serves as a plush, forward-facing sofa.
Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench performance data
Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested

  • Engine: Suzuki four-stroke 200 hp
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 33 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price: $62,198
LOA: 24’6″
Beam: 8’6″
Draft: 1’7″
Dry Weight: 2,800 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 12/1,780 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 38 gal.

Tahoe Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2914; tahoepontoons.com

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2022 Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2022-tahoe-2485-ltz-versatile-rear-bench-bbg/ Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:41:40 +0000 https://www.boatingmag.com/?p=79846 The 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench proves to be a diamond in the rough.

The post 2022 Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench appeared first on Boating Mag.

]]>
2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench running near shore
The Wave Shield helps improve ­airflow and efficiency. Bill Doster

Tahoe’s 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench features a unique reversible aft lounge storage seat and a cool aluminum diving board securely bolted to the aft deck. Powered by a Suzuki DF200 outboard, the 2485 gives excellent performance. We accelerated to 30 mph in 7.6 seconds and topped out at 42 mph. At best cruise speed, we recorded a stingy 4.9 mpg (3.3 gph) at 3,000 rpm and 16.2 mph. At this speed, the noise level was a workable 70 decibels, and the fuel tank range is over 167 miles. All this for an as-tested price of $62,198 makes the Tahoe a diamond in the rough.

2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench bow seating
The 2485 has a full-surround bow seating arrangement. Bill Doster

Our test boat had optional triple 25-inch-diameter Sport performance pontoons with lifting strakes mated to the deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams. An aluminum underdeck Wave Shield helps improve airflow and efficiency. The deck made of 3/4-inch-thick PTP marine flooring has a lifetime warranty, with optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch-tall aluminum rub rail wraps the deck with a black rubber insert to cushion docking. Tahoe seat frames are all aluminum, which gives excellent storage room underneath along with ventilation to minimize moisture. 

2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench helm
The helm sports a full gauge package and a Garmin graph. Bill Doster

The 2485 features a full-surround bow seating arrangement that comfortably seats six, with Buckskin premium cushioned vinyl upholstery. The center removable bow seat connects the twin facing loungers; beaching or docking access through the bow door requires moving this filler seat. The driver’s console is positioned amidships, with a matching co-pilot’s chair to port. The helm sports a full gauge package and a Garmin graph, plus a Fusion silver sound package with four speakers. Abaft, the reversible lounger creates a great sun pad for aft-facing sun-seekers with the backrest positioned aft, or serves as a forward-facing addition to the conversation pit amidships. A ski tow is a must-have option, as is the LTZ Premium Package, which provides the high-back -recliner chairs, Garmin graph, mooring cover, LED chrome docking lights, and nice touches like polished deck corners and a soft-grip, chrome-spoked steering wheel with a tilt helm.

2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench
The reversible lounger creates a great sun pad for aft-facing sun-seekers. Bill Doster

High Points

  • Suzuki DF200 outboard installed on our test boat  is a powerful and efficient inline-four engine that provides solid power and helps make a value-priced package.
  • Diving board installed at the portside stern platform will make the water-loving members of your crew flip.
  • Reversible aft lounger provides a fantastic viewing point for watching watersports action aft or serves as a plush, forward-facing sofa.
Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench performance data
Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested

  • Engine: Suzuki four-stroke 200 hp
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 33 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Price: $62,198
LOA: 24’6″
Beam: 8’6″
Draft: 1’7″
Dry Weight: 2,800 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 12/1,780 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 38 gal.

Tahoe Pontoon Boats – Alma, Michigan; 800-334-2914; tahoepontoons.com

The post 2022 Tahoe 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench appeared first on Boating Mag.

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