Press Room

Go Ski, Go Fish
Tahoe Q5i Ski Fish
BY ALAN JONES

Tahoe has been getting families into boating for years by following a few simple rules: give them a boat with loads of standard features, make it attractive, fun to drive and price it right. If it ain't broke don't fix it seems to be the template for the new Tahoe Q5i Ski Fish, which brings a whole new level of user-friendliness and capability if you want more than a one-trick pony.

Unique Factor
The Tahoe's attractive styling sets it apart from some other fish and ski models. Its profile isn't marred by an overly large, upright windshield, but it's tall enough to do the job. The extra-large, integrated swim platform makes it easy to board, and entering the cockpit doesn't require you to stand on the full sun pad courtesy of the starboard walkover. You don't have to walk on the stern bench seat bottom either thanks to a sectional that slides rearward and out of the way for boarding.

Tahoe has upgraded the storage in the bow section with hinged hatches on the SF model rather than having to remove the entire cushion/bottom unit to access the fully finished compartments. They also made sure you have quick access to a beverage with a carryon cooler under the stern bench and another on the swim platform, which can also be used to store wet items.

Performance
Tahoe doesn't confuse prospective owners with myriad engine choices that can lead to a buyer choosing an under- or over-powered boat. The designers have figured out what will power their boats properly and give you a choice of carbureted or fuel-injected engines in a fairly narrow range - in this case, 190 to 220 horsepower. This is smart because typically a hull works most efficiently with a specific engine that's in what we writers call the "sweet spot," just like on a golf club. Too little power and you will be prematurely aging your engine whenever you put it on plane or run it too high into its rpm range. Conversely, too much power usually doesn't give a commensurate return of performance for your investment.

TAHOE Q5i SKI FISH
Our test boat was powered by the 190 hp carbureted version of MerCruiser's 4.3LV-6. In the old days having a carb meant pulling the power lever sideways to put it in neutral and priming the engine with a magical number of pumps of the lever and then when it catches, skillfully feathering the throttle until it stays running. This talent is now relegated to the same category as being able to work a slide rule thanks to MerCruiser's Turn Key Starting system (TKS), which like its name implies, only requires you to know how to twist a key.

Our Q5i was clearly dialed in as we got on plane in the extremely fast time of 2.6 seconds and streaked to 30 mph in 5.3 seconds. Top speed was a robust 52 mph, which is 1 mph more than Tahoe lists on its Web site as the boat's predicted top speed. We tested a prototype model of this boat earlier in the year and that boat wasn't as fast, topping out at 48 mph. Not surprising since they tend to be heavier than production models, not to mention that tite prototype had a four-blade prop vs. our three-blade model.

Handling
The Tahoe Q5i was a blast to drive. Its cornering ability was superb, and we were able to keep turning the sport wheel all the way to its stops without blowout. Some sterndrive-powered bowriders in this size are prone to porpoising at moderate cruise speeds with the trim up, but the Q5i didn't display this trait.

The Q5i's PowerGlide hull has 16 degrees of dead rise at the stern, which is fairly flat, but with a beam of 7 feet, 7 inches, it's a good call by Tahoe because if it had a deeper-V hull it might be too tippy. It's all a trade-off; while this might make it a little less comfortable in rough seas, it helps give you more lift to get you out of the hole faster and allowed us to stay on plane at only 17 mph.

Best Uses
For fishing aficionados, the Q5i SF is rigged to handle multispecies angling with features like the wireless 12v MotorGuide trolling motor in the bow. Some setups have a large foot control that looks like a giant, truck accelerator pedal with a huge cable attached, but the standard wireless foot control unit is compact and unobtrusive. You can even get an optional key fob-like controller and guide it from anywhere on the boat. When you remove the stern pad it reveals a large casting deck with a receptacle for another fishing seat. This is more of a lure-casting boat, but live bait anglers still have a livewell under the stern bench that is fairly small at 8 gallons.

Although the Q5i resembles the smaller Q4, it is a far better boat for skiing, since the latter is rated for only a four-cylinder 135 hp motor. With more horsepower along with a larger swim platform, aft sun pad and full stern bench, it's more capable of handling up to eight passengers than the less expensive model. It's rather small 23gallon fuel tank means its range will keep you from venturing too far without planning your fuel stops carefully.

Preferred Setup
Rigged with the fishing package, you only need a few add-ons to bring out the Q5i's potential. Tahoe offers the optional LowranceX51 fishfinder, which is a lower-end black and white model. You'd be better off heading to Bass Pro Shops and picking up a color Lowrance X67C or Eagle Fish Easy 350C on your own. Don't get carried away with screen size, because the Tahoe's sporty helm setup is pretty compact and only has room for smaller bracket-mounted units.

For ski buffs, there is a wide centerline locker that's just deep enough to store your slashing weapon of choice. Those who are into skiing more than fishing might opt for one of several wakeboard tower options, but this would prevent the angler on the stern from casting rearward with any distance. The standard ski tow is located at the top of the transom and will get the job done, but a good compromise would be a pylon where the rear fishing seat inserts, but it would need reinforcement.

BOATING WORLD MAY 2009

View 529-Boating World May 2009.pdf