TAHOE 2150

September 2016 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2016 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

Three Things

Sleek design, multi-purpose use and a fun-to-drive nature are the highlights of this deck boat; you could also add value-driven to that list.

Breakdown

Purpose-built boats are nice when they target a specific function like fishing, but there’s something to be said for great all-around models that offer up a good variety of different uses, like this TAHOE. With the 2150 you could start the day fishing, pull the kids on tubes after having lunch onboard and end the evening with a sunset cruise. All of this is possible thanks to the versatility of the design.

Let’s start with fishing, which some might overlook because the features are so well disguised. In the bow step is a built-in cooler that could be used to keep your catch fresh (aerated livewell available as an option) and just to the side of the captain’s chair is a storage spot for three rods. Having your fishing poles with you at all times while not taking up any extra space is a perfect design in our book.

For lunches and snacks, across from the helm station is a great entertainment center that includes a deep sink with a pull-out wash-down that doubles as a sprayer. This is also where you’ll find the stereo controls, a 12-volt outlet, as well as an MP3 jack for your music. There are actually two designated places you can set up the removable table and we especially love that it has its own storage compartment below one of the seats. And finally, built into the stern step is a deep compartment for a trash can, which we feel every boat should have.

For water sports, the 2150 comes standard with a stainless ski/tow pylon that stows in a dedicated space at the back of the L-lounge. We’ll get to the performance later, but worth noting are the two telescopic boarding ladders located on each end that drop down plenty deep—3 feet, 9 inches in the bow and 3 feet, 8 inches in the stern. There is also a specific spot for your rope under the bench seat across from the helm where you can wrap it around a built-in holder. In the deep in-floor ski locker is a great place for your water toys and there is even a place holder for a paddle. We love it when builders include amenities like this where everything has its own spot.

And lastly, for that evening cruise the solid bucket helm chair with a flip-up bolster allows you to get comfortable behind the dash that is tight and well-organized with easy-to-read gauges and labeled toggle switches.

Inspection

TAHOE refers to its 100-percent fiberglass hull as the POWERGLIDE and with the HYDROSTEP strakes it offers a smooth ride. The hull and stringer liner is hand-laid for strength and durability and the hull and deck is chemically bonded and mechanically fastened.

There is nearly 10 feet of deck space inside the boat and from a safety standpoint, it’s great to see a stern gate. With smaller children onboard, it’s nice to have a deep cockpit with a gate to help keep those little ones safe.

Handling

Built for all-day use, this TAHOE is fun to drive and handles very well. With the Mercury 150hp four-stroke engine we nearly reached the 50-mile-per-hour mark at full throttle and of course with this POWERGLIDE hull she banks beautifully in the tight turns.

Final Thoughts

This is a great multi-purpose boat that comes in at an attractive price and has a little bit of something for everyone in your family.

2016 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 11

Maximum Speed 47.6 mph

Wild Ponies 150 hp

No. of Gates 1

0-20 MPH 5.87 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 9”

Why we love this boat…True versatility combined with a budget-friendly price tag should help earn a spot on buyers’ short lists when shopping for a new deck boat.

Just being picky…The seating is a little firm and could maybe use a little more cushion, but we’re guessing over time they’ll get more comfortable as they get used.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

We like that the freshwater sink is covered with a lid and that everything seems to have a specific spot so you don’t have loose items sliding around.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

POWERGLIDE hull, bow platform w/ anchor locker and telescoping boarding ladder, wraparound bow lounge seating w/ storage below and 15 gal. insulated compartment, port refreshment center w/ sink, pull-out sprayer, and 5 gal. freshwater tank, AM/FM Bluetooth-capable stereo w/ MP3/USB ports/4 speakers, in-floor ski locker, removable table w/ storage area and dual mounting locations, aft L-lounge w/ underseat storage including ski rope rack and removable 36 qt. cooler, color-keyed Bimini top w/ drop-down changing curtain, aft swim platforms w/ boarding ladder and removable ski/tow pylon.