Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 vs Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 or the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008?

For trailering, the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 has the edge at 1 800 lbs dry weight versus 2 800 lbs for the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 tops out at 250 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 and Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 or the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008?

The Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 has the bigger tank at 45 gallons, versus 28 gallons on the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 and Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 and the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 are built by Tahoe Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 vs Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008

Tahoe Boats

Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004

2004

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Tahoe Boats

Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 vs Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 vs Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004's 250-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 carries 45 gallons versus 28 gallons in the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 with its 250-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeTahoe Boats

ModelQ5 S

ModelQ7i SF

Model Year2004

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in.

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise16 degrees

Deadrise20℃

Draft [max] - Detail12 in.

Draft [max] - Detail24 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.3

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches12

Draft [max] - Inches24

Weight - Detail1800 lbs.

Weight - Detail2,800 lbs. with engine

Weight - kg816.47

Weight - kg1270.06

Weight - lbs.1800

Weight - lbs.2800

Height - Detail34 in.

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.86

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches34

Height - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in.

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Meters5.69

Length overall - Meters6.25

Length overall - Inches224

Length overall - Inches246

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail32 in.

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters81.28

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches32

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet20

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Detail45 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99

Fuel tank capacity - Liters170.34

Fuel tank capacity - Gal28

Fuel tank capacity - Gal45

Engine max250

Engine max300 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMerCruiser? 4.3L 190 hp V-6

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people9 Persons

Maximum people9 (1,700 lbs.)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,700 lbs.

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailCustom single axle drive-on

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight3,631 lbs.

Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 vs Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 or the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008?

For trailering, the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 has the edge at 1 800 lbs dry weight versus 2 800 lbs for the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 tops out at 250 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 and Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 or the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008?

The Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 has the bigger tank at 45 gallons, versus 28 gallons on the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 and Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 and the Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 are built by Tahoe Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Tahoe Boats Q5 S 2004 full specs ← Tahoe Boats Q7i SF 2008 full specs