Tahoe TAC 2485 RL

November 2013 Boat Test Monday Brady L. Kay

What You Need To Know

A better name for this boat might just be Transformer, based on its versatility. There is a lot to love on this boat which left a solid first impression, but it's the industry's only electric-powered rear loungers that had the dock buzzing with excitement.

The Highlights

Let's just go ahead and start with those rear loungers that seemed to draw a lot of attention. Each is equipped with a button that can lower the seat flat to be a bed or rise to be a true lounger. Plus below one of the loungers is a hidden pop-up changing room. But this isn't the only unique feature in the stern; we also like the full setup that includes dual boarding ladders as well as vinyl flooring. Part of the standard package is a stainless steel rail around the rear loungers with a safety chain across the back. An enclosed rear-entry with a gate is available as an option if you have smaller children who may need more adult supervision. Our only knock on the stern is the height of the changing room that we wish was just a little bit taller, but we know we're being picky.

Moving forward, we also like the automotive-style helm console that flows well with the design of the boat. Tahoe refers to it as the Captain's Level stand and it includes a Bluetooth stereo, USB jack, stainless steel gauges and on the boat tested it was equipped with an optional Garmin GPS that is mounted in the center of the helm.

With the tilt steering and adjustable bucket seat, the captain can really get comfortable. As for the other passengers, the 50-ounce Matrix vinyl used for the furniture is as comfy as it is durable. Rated for up to 15 people, there are plenty of great places to sit. Those rear lounge spots will probably go first, but not to worry, the forward-facing chaise lounges in the bow are a great way to stretch out as well. Plus below each lounge is a great storage compartment and under the actual seats there is plenty of room for loose items because of the aluminum seat bases that offer ventilation.

On the exterior, the two-tone wall panels are a nice added touch, but our favorite is the new docking light system with LED light accents that are mounted to the wall. We really like the clean look that Tahoe was going for when they designed this `toon.

Inspection Notes

For added durability, there are full-length risers, inside and out, for each 25-inch diameter pontoon toattach to the deck. We also like the protective side keels as well as the anodized rubrail that will help protect your pontoons at the dock.

It's the added touches like the mats in the below-seat storage areas, as well as the non-skid mat for the pop-up changing room that indicate to us that this is a well-thought-out boat designed by engineers who are also boaters. As tested it's well-equipped with those features that you need with most of them being standard. We love the well-built design with the quality construction to back it up.

Performance Evaluation

With the SeaStar hydraulic steering, this `toon is easy to steer-especially at lower speeds where we

could really turn the boat sharply. The Evinrude 250 E-TEC is a great fit for this 25-footer and we were able to reach speeds close to the 50 mile per hour mark at full throttle. This is a great cruising boat w

ith plenty of room for everyone to come onboard.

Final Thoughts

It's the electric-powered rear loungers that will draw you in, but it's the quality and overall design that will impress you the most.

Number of Occupants 15

Price As Tested With Power $60.2K

Maximum Speed 47.1 mph

Wild Ponies 250hp

No. of Gates 2

0-20 MPH 5.4 seconds

Ladder Measurement 1' 11" deep

Why we love this boat.We couldn't stop talking about the electric-powered rear lounges or the rest of the stern area that includes vinyl flooring and dual boarding ladders.

Just being picky.The pop-up changing room is well-hidden below one of the rear loungers, but we just wish it were a little taller.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Electric rear reclining loungers, Captain level Fiberglass Drivers stand with soft touch accents, Sea Star Hydraulic Steering, Built in SST dock lights with LED accents, Aluminum flow through seat frames, Polished aluminum deck corners, Matrix 50 seat vinyl, Rear entry deck with two ladders and woodgrain vinyl flooring, Mooring cover

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Garmin 431 S GPS, Buckskin Vinyl

VITAL STATS

LOA 25' 5"

Beam 8' 6"

Hull Design Triple Performance Pontoons

Dry Weight 3000 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 45 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Evinrude 250HP HS-HO

Cylinder Type V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 210ci/250hp