Boat Test: 2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW

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Overview

Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW commands attention. Its sheer size and art-deco-styled carbon-fiber enclosure and ­tower captivate onlookers.

My tester’s Waveglider performance-package option added triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker ­acceleration. With a Suzuki dual-­prop 350 AP, the boat hit 50 mph and punched to 30 mph in a crisp 7 seconds.

Interior and Accessories

Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound enclosure is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving some room to better handle dock lines. Sharp touches include pop-up cleats and stylish docking and navigation light pods. Just about any size party will enjoy room for comfort aboard the Grand Tahoe. The bow features enormously long twin-facing lounges with elbow room for three per side. There’s abundant storage inside the welded aluminum seat bases. Dual-action hinges make stowage access easy and convenient.

The new-for-2024 Admiral III helm station features dramatic automotive styling and futuristic digital instrumentation. It features soft-touch control switches and a Garmin display with an information center. The framed, smoked-glass windshield creates a secure cockpit, with high-back captain’s chairs for comfortable cruising. Fusion’s Premium XL sound system with eight speakers, an amp and a subwoofer provides the sound. Optional canister speakers mount on the tower and point aft for watersports enjoyment. In-floor storage is cavernous.

Aft twin facing lounge seats create a third conversation pit, albeit a bit smaller than the bow section. A polished stainless-steel gate keeps everyone aboard safe while underway. A spacious aft deck provides more than enough room for watersports or just general relaxing near the water surface. The jewelry back here is a matching polished stainless-steel ski tow and a telescoping, folding boarding ladder. A small locker just in front of the Suzuki outboard hides the power-steering system. This Tahoe proved to be endlessly interesting and entertaining. It seems there was something new and innovative everywhere we looked. That bodes well for long-term ownership. With so much to play with, chances are you’ll never be bored with this 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW.

Read Next: 2024 Tahoe 2585 Cascade

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki APL four-stroke dual-prop 350 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki (one each right- and left-hand rotation) 15.5″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

• Wow appeal is big with a bright metallic-blue carbon-fiber perimeter enclosure and tower.
• It takes big power to move a big boat. This nearly 29-foot Tahoe moves with authority using a Suzuki 350.
• Party pits fore and aft accommodate big groups, while the captain and mate enjoy comfort behind the dual consoles.

Low Points

• While the carbon-fiber enclosure looks incredible, our test boat’s bow-entry door had trouble staying closed in rough chop.
• That power-steering unit could be mounted under one of the loungers, creating more room in the aft cabinet for lines and fenders.

Toughest Competitor

Vanderbilt’s 500S is 27 feet long by 9 feet wide with a Suzuki 300. It sells for $162,000 and has a top speed of 45 mph. Bennington’s Q25 Sport (28 feet long by 8 feet, 6 inches wide) retails for $236,000 with a Yamaha 425 hp XT0 outboard and tops out over 53 mph.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Tahoe 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW appeared first on Boating Mag.

Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-tahoe-2785-grand-tahoe-qlw-boat-test/