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
Bennington’s 25 QFXBWA with a 450 Yamaha outboard and arch and windshield comes in at an MSRP of $237,512. 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
| Price: | $260,750 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 28’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Displacement: | 4,500 lb. |
| Bridge Clearance: | 6’6″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 100 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 1,000 |
| Available Power: | 500 with single outboard; up to 1,000 with twin outboards |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Tahoe – Alma, Michigan; tahoepontoonboats.com
