01/01/2005
TAHOE® 215
Our First ImpressionWe

first noticed the nice low and sleek profile of this deck boat. It just has one of those looks that scream performance. At first glance you don't notice all of the bells and whistles that come with this boat and we feel that having hidden amenities is a great feature. This 215 is ideal for skiing or for fishing and we couldn't wait to take her for a spin.
Consumer TestOverall

this is a very attractive looking boat. The splash of red and tan vinyl on the boat we tested ties in well with the helm console and the rest of the boat One nice feature is the removable bow cushion that helps provide easy access tot he boat. In the bow area there are two pedestals for the removable fishing chairs, a four-step telescopic ladder in its own compartment, plus an anchor storage unit.
One

of the unique hidden amenities is the refreshment center that is opposite of the helm. The sink with a wash down faucet and the trash receptacle store nicely under two covers. The other feature that is actually a great space- saving idea is the pop-up changing room that stores in the flow. You wouldn't know it was there unless you were looking for it and although it's a little difficult to open, it's there when you need it. This design may attract some dirt, but it does allow you instant privacy at a moment's notice.
In

the stern there are also two fishing chair pedestals, plus there is another four-step boarding ladder that is part of the rear entry design.
The

molded fiberglass helm has a nice automotive style instrument panel that has a built-in compass as well as a Lowrance
® depth finder. Next to the bucket helm chair (that is complete with a flip-up bolster_ is a great storage area for three fishing rods. With the aerated livewell trolling motor hookup, all that seems to be missing on this boat is some type of tackle storage.
Inspection TestThis

is a new model for 2005 and it still has the same high- quality construction that we've come to expect from all TAHOE
® boats. The modified V-hull with notched transom is well designed. Inside the hull the composite stingers are encapsulated and flotation foam is used.
Performance TestThe

acceleration out of the hole is very quick with this Mercury
® 200 Saltwater engine. She banks nicely in turns and the control of this boat is amazing. We can see why TAHOE
® incorporated the excellent grab rails throughout the boat. This boat is fun to drive and we know that the removable ski/tow pylon will be put to good use.
Final ThoughtsThis

is a great day-use boat that has just the right amount of features to keep everyone in your family happy. The TAHOE
® 215 is priced well and we feel you get a lot for your money. To have a deck that allows you to fish or ski on any given outing really says a lot about this boat's utility.
BOAT SPECSLOA.......................21'

Beam......................10'

2"
Hull

Design............Performance Fiberglass
Dry

Weight.............4,400 lbs.
Load

Capacity........10 People
Fuel

Capacity..........50 Gallons
ENGINE & PROPELLERSEngine...............................Mercury
®
200 Saltwater
Cylinder

Type...................V-6
Displacement/hp...............185.9ci/200hp

Lower

Unit Gear Ratio......1.75:1
Propeller............................19

Pitch
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A800........3

mph.........64
1000......4.7

mph......68
1500......6.7

mph......72
2000......8.1

mph......76.5
2500......10.2

mph....85.5
3000......20.5

mph....86.5
3500......27.5

mph....84
4000......31.7

mph....87.5
4500......37.4

mph....89
5000.......41.5

mph...90.5
5700.......48.75

mph.98
PRICESBase

$21,595, As Tested $27,095
WHY WE LOVE THIS BOATWe

love the versatility of this boat. It has just the right amount of fishing amenities to complement the cruising and family friendly features. It has a little something for everyone.
JUST BEING PICKYAs

much as we love the space-saving idea, the floor pop-up changing room is going to attract some dirt. However, it does allow you instant privacy at a moment's notice.
Reprinted
with permission of PDB Magazine, Jan. 2005.