PERFORMANCE & PRICING :

TAHOE 215 CC

S PERFORMANCE S

MPHRPMMPGRANGE$/MILE*DBA PEAK

435,7002.91118.8398

CRUISE

253,5004.04164.6086

TIME TO PLANE

3.5 seconds

0-30 MPH ACCELERATION

9 seconds

Fuel consumption measured with FloScan digital fuel-flowmeter; range based on 90% of total fuel capacity.*Assuming a fuel price of $2.42/gallon S POWER S

TEST

Mercury 150 XL OptiMax SaltWater

HP

150

PROP

17-inch 3-blade aluminum

WOT RANGE

5,250-5,750 rpm

STANDARD

Mercury 135 XL OptiMax SaltWater

HP

135

PROP

3-blade aluminum

WOT RANGE

5,000-5,600 rpm

Craft available with outboards ranging from 130 hp to 250hp from most outboard manufacturers

PERFORMANCE OVERALL

We had two people aboard for our testand a half tank of fuel (23 gallons or about144 pounds). For power we had a 150 hptwo-stroke Mercury 150 XL OptiMaxSaltWater outboard spinning a 17-inch-pitch three-blade aluminum propeller.Our time to plane was 3.5 seconds andour 0-to-30-mph time was 9 seconds, which is on target for a deckboat and motor this size. Our peak speed was 43 mph at 5,700 rpm, which is near the marine top ofthis marine engine’s power curve — top-speedrange will be about 118 miles. Our mostefficient cruising speed was 25 mph at3,500 rpm, which will yield a cruisingrange of 164 miles.Driving a marine center console is always funbecause it puts you right in the middle ofthe action. The 215 CC has a playful,recreational feel to it, and the ability toup the power to 250 horses certainly gives you plenty of potential for moreperformance. We like what Tahoe offers boaters withthe 215 CC. The roominess and stability ofa deckboat makes it an ideal platform forfishing, and the center console makes iteven better. Plenty of comfortable seatingand large bow and stern swim platforms vastly improve this craft’s family appeal,much more so than your garden-variety fish ‘n’ marine ski. And the boat’s ability to tempt a little rough water increases your options for all kinds of enjoyment.With a base price not much above$25,000, the 215 CC is an economicaloption if you are on a budget and want agood measure of versatility. Whether it’s aday of fishing the bay with the pals or a day of water-toy fun on the lake with the kids,the 215 CC has you covered.

S LOAD S

PEOPLEFUEL (GALS./LBS.)MISC. TEST

223/14415 lbs.

TYPICAL

6-745/282120 lbs.

S BASE PRICE S

WITH TEST POWER

$26,120**

GO

WITH STANDARD POWER

$27,295*

**Price with “Power Up” savings on the featured engine -price does not include dealer prep and freight*Price does not include dealer prep and freight S FINANCING S $276/month for 12 years*
*Assuming a final price of $29,000 with a 15% down pay-ment and a fixed interest rate of 8.65% — does notinclude sales tax S FIVE NOTABLE OPTIONS S Changing room ($375), boat wakeboard tower and boat rack($2,370), snap-in carpet ($285), 24v, 82 lb. thrust, 50-in. hand-controlled MotorGuide trolling motor ($965), bow filler w/cushion ($375) S FIVE NOTABLE STANDARDS S Swim platform (w/concealed boarding ladder,insulated storage and fishing seat base), color- matched acrylic Bimini top w/boot and stainless steel frame, premium AM/FM CD stereo (w/MP3 jack and four directional speakers), Lowrance digi- tal depth finder, removable ski tow pylon A DIFFERENT KIND OFDECKBOAT — Tahoe’s215 CC gives you the roominess and com- fort of a deckboat along with center- console fishing func- tionality and a host of angler-friendly features. S BUILDER S Tahoe Boats , 2500 E. Kearney, Springfield, MO65803; (417) 873-4555; www.tahoesportboats.com Circle 33 on reader service card, page 65

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GO BOATING |june 2006