Are Tahiti boats too good to be true? Opinions please.

[pkrrvr619]

So I have been looking at buying a deck boat these days and came across the below ad from Tahiti. A brand new build with 502 power for 80k, fully loaded. Since 12 year old Magic's are selling for the same price, this ad definitely got my attention. I am very intrigued but don't want to end up with a low quality build as the saying goes "you get what you pay for."

What would allow this builder to produce such a boat at such a low price point?

What should i be looking for if i decide to tour the factory etc?

I'm looking at the conquest model if you read the ad. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as the RDP brain trust is second to none.

Ad below.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/boa/5990741840.html

:thumbsup

 

[RiverDave]

I am actually putting up a review of their 247 early this week. I am busy with kids for a few hours but will respond with some of the good and the bad in a bit.

 

[Get415]

They look great, can't wait to see RD's write up. Canopy boat looks like the old Carrera deck

 

[AzGeo]

You need to 'seek and know what you pay for' , every time .

New builders always have 'growing pains', and it always takes a few years of 'new boat builds' to find their own 'niche' in this west coast boat business .

If you want to 'design and build a new boat', you should spend the TIME and MONEY to work with the builder, and seek a common ground that will make both of you happy .

If any buyer thinks they can 'cheap out and then nitpick and make more demands', you will never get what both of you want if the builder is not also happy with your deal .

The builder WANTS to make you happy, so you will tell all your friends and they will end up being his happy customers too . BUT none of them can 'give away the farm' on your build .

I do hope the future looks bright for Tahiti Offshore Custom Boats, and they survive the 'slings and arrows' of west coast boat building .............

"There is no better measure of a product than to have competition" .................

 

[DickieB]

You need to 'seek and know what you pay for' , every time .

New builders always have 'growing pains', and it always takes a few years of 'new boat builds' to find their own 'niche' in this west coast boat business .

If you want to 'design and build a new boat', you should spend the TIME and MONEY to work with the builder, and seek a common ground that will make both of you happy .

If any buyer thinks they can 'cheap out and then nitpick and make more demands', you will never get what both of you want if the builder is not also happy with your deal .

The builder WANTS to make you happy, so you will tell all your friends and they will end up being his happy customers too . BUT none of them can 'give away the farm' on your build .

I do hope the future looks bright for Tahiti Offshore Custom Boats, and they survive the 'slings and arrows' of west coast boat building .............

"There is no better measure of a product than to have competition" .................

The buzz word here is: Starting at $80,000.00.

 

[Bigbore500r]

'Starting' at 80k.

All the 2005 era Magic's I've seen sold for 80+k have had Mercury 525EFI power, not 496HO.

If you're looking for a new 28 deckboat, you should call Gary & ask how much this 'in stock' boat would be with a Mercury 8.2L Mag. on a tandem trailer.


2017 28' Fundeck ... ready for power, etc.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=162817&share_fid=10383&share_type=t

I have a feeling the Eliminator fun deck is 120k + with a base 8.2 motor and no frills.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Do Cheetah Wildcats still start at $56k?

If you are buying old proven molds at a discount, and not paying for the R&D costs, it seems doable. Certainly they are going to need some time to figure out their processes and builds.

I don't think this industry is sustainable when a deckboat starts at $120k, and smaller V bottom boats are $70k. The middle ground is simpler builds at a lower price point. For better or worse Tahiti seems to be filling a void in the market.

That is precisely why used Magics go for $80k, because there are no other options in between.

 

[Bigbore500r]

What about the American offshore deck? RD did a good eval on one and I remember it being priced right @100k

 

[nowski]

My first boat was a Tahiti, fully loaded with the Chevy 4 (140 hp) and Merc outdrive $2400...

 

[RiverDave]

My first boat was a Tahiti, fully loaded with the Chevy 4 (140 hp) and Merc outdrive $2400...

Different company.

 

[nowski]

Different company.

The name's the same just different players etc...

 

[RiverDave]

The name's the same just different players etc...

Actually name is different too.. "Tahiti Offshore". Todd hamed the company after the type of boat he grew up in. Name was old and not being used so he used it.

 

[Rotten deal]

I think they should drop the offshore off the name. Those boats are definitely not offshore boats. But I do like the American offshore deck boat they can build.

 

[Tahiti247xs]

If you interested in seeing the Tahiti offshore product I have the first 247xs and love it. Your not paying for a huge R&D department just proven hulls at a reasonable price. I live in Gilbert Az if anyone is interested in seeing the work they do.

 

[Dirtbag]

I think in this industry the old adage you get what you paid for is very true.

If you find a 28' deck boat for 80 k dont expect to see what you would find in a 28 deck that starts at 120k and so on.

there are lots of little things that go into these boats that make them standouts.

that being said i have seen the tahitis at the boat show and from the outside looking in they look like very nice boats. The inside and rigging is very simple. Something most people will pay top dollar for.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

That ad reminds me of the old Raptor ads. Wonder what ole Rocky is up to these days.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think in this industry the old adage you get what you paid for is very true.

If you find a 28' deck boat for 80 k dont expect to see what you would find in a 28 deck that starts at 120k and so on.

there are lots of little things that go into these boats that make them standouts.

that being said i have seen the tahitis at the boat show and from the outside looking in they look like very nice boats. The inside and rigging is very simple. Something most people will pay top dollar for.

That is like saying you get what you pay for when buying a Corvette instead of a Porsche. I think is goes without saying that the cheaper boat may not have some of the detail in a $120k boat. Not everyone wants to pay $120K+ for a new boat though so it is nice having other options.

But again, I think most of the cost savings was realized in the procurement of proven molds and keeping overhead low. All of their boats have already been created in the past, so there should be a minimal learning curve to construct the boat, which saves time and money.

 

[Dirtbag]

That is like saying you get what you pay for when buying a Corvette instead of a Porsche. I think is goes without saying that the cheaper boat may not have some of the detail in a $120k boat. Not everyone wants to pay $120K+ for a new boat though so it is nice having other options.

But again, I think most of the cost savings was realized in the procurement of proven molds and keeping overhead low. All of their boats have already been created in the past, so there should be a minimal learning curve to construct the boat, which saves time and money.

oh the corvette argument...my gpa was a corvette guy...had them all...we still have his 99 and 04. he bought my mom an 07 but he passed away in 2010. without a doubt a fast car fun to drive looks cool but put together like absolute shit haha

 

[twocents]

If you want to check out the Tahiti Offshore models, they will have a nice sized display at the Havasu Boat Show, April 7-9 at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 3 & 4. This year the boat show has expanded again and will be using both parking lots. More info at http://www.lakehavasuboatshow.com

 

[nordic454]

The 28' deck boat Tahiti is offereing is the American Offshore mold. They tweaked it a bit. I think it looks amazing. Their 23' is the placecraft/Domin8er hull, and the 21 deck is the TPR/Ultra mold.
Cheetah's wildcats I believe are still starting in the mid 50's but with small block power. Looking at around $65kish with a 502

 

[pkrrvr619]

You need to 'seek and know what you pay for' , every time .

New builders always have 'growing pains', and it always takes a few years of 'new boat builds' to find their own 'niche' in this west coast boat business .

If you want to 'design and build a new boat', you should spend the TIME and MONEY to work with the builder, and seek a common ground that will make both of you happy .

If any buyer thinks they can 'cheap out and then nitpick and make more demands', you will never get what both of you want if the builder is not also happy with your deal .

The builder WANTS to make you happy, so you will tell all your friends and they will end up being his happy customers too . BUT none of them can 'give away the farm' on your build .

I do hope the future looks bright for Tahiti Offshore Custom Boats, and they survive the 'slings and arrows' of west coast boat building .............

"There is no better measure of a product than to have competition" .................

I guess the nature of my post was trying to figure out a few different things:

1. Is Tahiti going to get the reputation that Cheetah has and or use similar building techniques to keep costs low?

2. If these boats start at 80k and seem to have many good features, what features would really start to push up the price and which of those features in your opinion are mandatory?

3. I have never owned a deck boat so this is going to be a new venture for my family and I want to make sure I make a good decision. A new custom build for 80k is very attractive....


My plan is to not nickel and dime a builder, and I would be willing to pay more for features that are " a must have." Just trying to get your guy's/gal's opinions on the matter as you guys know deck boats quite well.

 

[pkrrvr619]

The 28' deck boat Tahiti is offereing is the American Offshore mold. They tweaked it a bit. I think it looks amazing. Their 23' is the placecraft/Domin8er hull, and the 21 deck is the TPR/Ultra mold.
Cheetah's wildcats I believe are still starting in the mid 50's but with small block power. Looking at around $65kish with a 502

They are offering 3 different 28' models from what the ad says. I'm looking at the conquest variant....

TahitiOffshore.com
3 x 28' Deckboat models to choose from.
Loaded turn key packages starting at $80,000.00 with 502Mag HO Power.
Livorsi Gauges
Eddie Marine offshore control and billett accessories
Washdown bow kit
Auto Bilge and Blower
Extreme Triple Axle Trailers
5 Color Gel Coat
3 Color Interior
Kicker Marine Audio

1. 287 Party Deck (Canopy deck 29' Party Deck starting at $85,500.00)
2. 28 Deckboat (Conquest style party seat 28' Deckboat starting at $80,000)
3. 277 Party Deck (Placecraft 28' Molds- twin console performance party deck 27'8" starting at $75,000)

 

[Taboma]

I think they should drop the offshore off the name. Those boats are definitely not offshore boats. But I do like the American offshore deck boat they can build.

I dunno, this 35' appears pretty offshore worthy ---- their lineup contains more than river / lake boats.

 

[CobraDave]

I'm interested in seeing River Daves opinion of them. I also have these questions. I guess it would come down to how the hull is built. They are still using Mercury power, billet hardware which is through bolted, good gauges, shifter, etc. I think there is some truth to a name on the side of a boat making it more money.

 

[Rotten deal]

I dunno, this 35' appears pretty offshore worthy ---- their lineup contains more than river / lake boats.
View attachment 542008

I stand corrected. I only saw the advertising for the lake boats. My apologies

 

[Singleton]

I dunno, this 35' appears pretty offshore worthy ---- their lineup contains more than river / lake boats.
View attachment 542008

Different company offers the ocean boats

 

[pkrrvr619]

I'm interested in seeing River Daves opinion of them. I also have these questions. I guess it would come down to how the hull is built. They are still using Mercury power, billet hardware which is through bolted, good gauges, shifter, etc. I think there is some truth to a name on the side of a boat making it more money.

I am interested in RD's thoughts as well.

Your points listed above are why I started this thread, seems like a pretty good deal.

 

[Taboma]

Different company offers the ocean boats

Same website offers both Offshore and Family Customs :headscratch:

http://tahitioffshore.com/

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Different company offers the ocean boats

The owner of the company has posted in here before. Same company. Developed most of the offshore line first before venturing into the "family custom" boats.

 

[Bigbore500r]

That ad reminds me of the old Raptor ads. Wonder what ole Rocky is up to these days.

I think they seem much more coherent than Raptor lol

Let's give them a chance, it would be great to see a lower priced company that can build a quality boat

 

[boatpi]

I believe they are made by Fiber Composites (Joel Casillas ?)in Hemet, like a number of other brands. So is it just the name and an mold shared by other makes??

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think they seem much more coherent than Raptor lol

Let's give them a chance, it would be great to see a lower priced company that can build a quality boat

I've talked to the guy with the 247 via PM a few times. He is really happy with the boat so far.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I believe they are made by Fiber Composites (Joel Casillas ?)in Hemet, like a number of other brands. So is it just the name and an mold shared by other makes??

Is he the one that has the Cole molds too?

 

[RiverDave]

Different company offers the ocean boats

not correct

 

[RiverDave]

Is he the one that has the Cole molds too?

the 250 interceptor has.. The others I believe Carrera has still.

 

[JBS]

Looking at the CC info not much there. I wonder how many they have built?

Does anyone know if they are bringing a CC to the Havasu show?

 

[AzGeo]

I guess the nature of my post was trying to figure out a few different things:

1. Is Tahiti going to get the reputation that Cheetah has and or use similar building techniques to keep costs low?

2. If these boats start at 80k and seem to have many good features, what features would really start to push up the price and which of those features in your opinion are mandatory?

3. I have never owned a deck boat so this is going to be a new venture for my family and I want to make sure I make a good decision. A new custom build for 80k is very attractive....


My plan is to not nickel and dime a builder, and I would be willing to pay more for features that are " a must have." Just trying to get your guy's/gal's opinions on the matter as you guys know deck boats quite well.

NO boat builder WANTS anything less than the BEST public opinions, and very few would get into the game today, with intentions of being a 'lesser quality build' . The public opinions will follow the products no matter what the builder 'advertises his brand as' .

When I get back into building new boats again, I'll do what I've always done . Start off with a 'reasonable price point' on the first few boats, and then allow for a little more profit as those sold numbers pick up, and more of the public sees our products . This may be what this builder is doing .

NEVER rely on 'what others have said', ALWAYS drive any boat yourself, BEFORE purchase . Even the 'well known brand names' with hundreds of units sold, may not have what you are looking for . If they don't have a 'demo boat' you may ask to drive a 'customer's boat, and then you could also get input from them .

One more thing as far as 'custom order gel designs' , and that is "keep it simple" for your first shot . God knows how great your new deck boat will look MATCHING your 1979 custom Dodge van, but DON'T do it . Odd colors, patterns and designs will ruin a great boat, and kill it's value .

The glass work, the bulkheads, bracing, and the inside finish, are things to look for . On a water test, drive over some 'bumps', listen for squeaks, rattles, banging, or over movement (shaking/wavering) of deck and sides . Butts hitting the plywood seat bottoms (thin foam). Cables and wiring are required to be 'supported' every 12", and nothing should be 'dangling', or 'shaking' when under way .

How the wiring and plumbing are arranged and mounted will be the next area to inspect . Organised, mounted and tidy, or all over the place are the extremes, and you will be able to 'know it when you see it' .

THRU BOLTING, with stainless bolts, screws, washers, with nyloc stainless nuts on everything . (wood screws are for sailboats)

Brand name rigging hardware, cables, controls and power, only . No major components by an unknown maker .

Trailer needs to 'support the boat', and should not rely on the boat for its rigidity . It should also be VERY EASY to launch and retrieve on shallow or steep ramps . If it's not easy, it ain't fun .

 

[RiverDave]

I went out and ran the 247 they built, as well as have seen some of the hulls that were ready for power at the LA show.

The good is they are a new boat mfg. That means you are going to get aggressive pricing right up front and they are generally going to over achieve on the build (go the extra mile on little things). Todd is not new to the marine Industry and has been a rigger for several big name manufacturers. The boats he is building are all proven boats, and he wisely chose boats that will sell well.

The bad is they are a new boat mfg. No "Nada Values" means banks won't lend on the boats. Todd has a way around that (it's not shady, so you will have no concerns on that front), but it's kind of a perpetual problem that I'm not sure what the solution is long term. It's a smaller company, so invariably the build is probably going to take longer than is quoted (things come up). With any start up companies you can never be sure they will be around later if warranty work etc is needed.

I was going to write a very long post about all this and get into all the details of everything, but I'm going to sum it up with this.. I'd let Todd at Tahiti Offshore build a boat for me and my family. I think he's a good guy and a straight shooter, and I think his quality of builds far outweigh the price he's charging for them right now. In short I think they are great deals, and it's worth the gamble to buy them if you are in the market for a mid level custom boat.

I have talked to him at some length about building a Wake Boat for my kids. Ultimately I think we are going to go a different direction (Pontoon / or used wake boat), but if I was going to build a new wake boat he was the guy I was talking too about it.

RD

 

[Dirtbag]

I guess the nature of my post was trying to figure out a few different things:

1. Is Tahiti going to get the reputation that Cheetah has and or use similar building techniques to keep costs low?

2. If these boats start at 80k and seem to have many good features, what features would really start to push up the price and which of those features in your opinion are mandatory?

3. I have never owned a deck boat so this is going to be a new venture for my family and I want to make sure I make a good decision. A new custom build for 80k is very attractive....


My plan is to not nickel and dime a builder, and I would be willing to pay more for features that are " a must have." Just trying to get your guy's/gal's opinions on the matter as you guys know deck boats quite well.

man i feel for ya....we just went through this last year...we ended up going overboard on a new build and came out more than pleased. This was our first new build and had been out of the boating industry for a good 15+ years. This site literally built our boat. With the help of Bob @ Shockwave and all the members here we took everyones ideas and advice and made a list of everything we needed for our family. Then we made a list of extras we wanted but didnt necessarily need. In the end we put just about everything on the boat.

So what i would do is get with the family and make a list of what you need to have on the boat. And then add the wants. It worked out great for us. And we put a price next to everything. At the end of the build we had our dreamboat and when we got it on the water it was pure heaven.

 

[Englewood]

Haven't read all the posts yet but if Joel Casillas is involved, I would run. Fast. I'll go into further detail if needed.

 

[RiverDave]

Haven't read all the posts yet but if Joel Casillas is involved, I would run. Fast. I'll go into further detail if needed.

Pretty sure he just lays up the hulls, like he does for a lot of different mfg's and guys.

 

[Goodtime$]

I went out and ran the 247 they built, as well as have seen some of the hulls that were ready for power at the LA show.

The good is they are a new boat mfg. That means you are going to get aggressive pricing right up front and they are generally going to over achieve on the build (go the extra mile on little things). Todd is not new to the marine Industry and has been a rigger for several big name manufacturers. The boats he is building are all proven boats, and he wisely chose boats that will sell well.

The bad is they are a new boat mfg. No "Nada Values" means banks won't lend on the boats. Todd has a way around that (it's not shady, so you will have no concerns on that front), but it's kind of a perpetual problem that I'm not sure what the solution is long term. It's a smaller company, so invariably the build is probably going to take longer than is quoted (things come up). With any start up companies you can never be sure they will be around later if warranty work etc is needed.

I was going to write a very long post about all this and get into all the details of everything, but I'm going to sum it up with this.. I'd let Todd at Tahiti Offshore build a boat for me and my family. I think he's a good guy and a straight shooter, and I think his quality of builds far outweigh the price he's charging for them right now. In short I think they are great deals, and it's worth the gamble to buy them if you are in the market for a mid level custom boat.

I have talked to him at some length about building a Wake Boat for my kids. Ultimately I think we are going to go a different direction (Pontoon / or used wake boat), but if I was going to build a new wake boat he was the guy I was talking too about it.

RD

Thanks Dave,

Just call me @ 949-466 9844 , there are no secrets. I bought a lot of tools, and a lot of tools are just sitting in the yard. So we activated the ones we wanted to build. I extend killer pricing on new models so I can promote the model, get pictures on the website and roll forward.

Low Overhead, buy parts in bulk, stick to 2 - 3 custom boats per month keeps our retail price low this year. Next year the prices will go up.

When I started Tahiti Offshore I wanted to do 80% offshore stuff and 20% custom boats (21 jets only really for my neighbors) Now it is much different and 80% customs, and 20% offshore.

Compare our quality at the Havasu show to all the builders. I will be in NADA next month, bank financing has not been too hard without.

I miss Force Offshore, I missed Magic Boats and when Ultra was pumping out 21s. That is where I position my build quality and parts purchased.

I have no desire to be the next Eliminator or DCB or Howard. I like where we are. Slow Growth is key.

My center consoles are:
177 SKIFF - didnt sell well but a cool light tackle skiff.
23 Open - bottom mold done
31 Open - Larry Smith Scarab tool - willard licensed it
35 Tournament - Seahunter 35CC I purchased tooling a year ago. New console plug is almost done.
41-44 Fish Around- Next

River Boats:
21 Skier
21 Deck
247XS
23 Placecraft
287 Deck (American Offshore Tools)
I have access to the 28 AO (conquest party seat and Rons 28 Placecraft deck molds if someone wants one)

Joel Casillas gel coats everyone of my boats, got the old dog back spraying. Myself and two other guys rig the boat, Issac and Raul do my interiors and Extreme gets paid to build a trailer. I buy from Eddie and Bob at MWI for the billet stuff.

Mercury puts power in
I am set up with Suzuki for outboards if you do not want a Verado.

 

[pkrrvr619]

Thanks Dave,

Just call me @ 949-466 9844 , there are no secrets. I bought a lot of tools, and a lot of tools are just sitting in the yard. So we activated the ones we wanted to build. I extend killer pricing on new models so I can promote the model, get pictures on the website and roll forward.

Low Overhead, buy parts in bulk, stick to 2 - 3 custom boats per month keeps our retail price low this year. Next year the prices will go up.

When I started Tahiti Offshore I wanted to do 80% offshore stuff and 20% custom boats (21 jets only really for my neighbors) Now it is much different and 80% customs, and 20% offshore.

Compare our quality at the Havasu show to all the builders. I will be in NADA next month, bank financing has not been too hard without.

I miss Force Offshore, I missed Magic Boats and when Ultra was pumping out 21s. That is where I position my build quality and parts purchased.

I have no desire to be the next Eliminator or DCB or Howard. I like where we are. Slow Growth is key.

My center consoles are:
177 SKIFF - didnt sell well but a cool light tackle skiff.
23 Open - bottom mold done
31 Open - Larry Smith Scarab tool - willard licensed it
35 Tournament - Seahunter 35CC I purchased tooling a year ago. New console plug is almost done.
41-44 Fish Around- Next

River Boats:
21 Skier
21 Deck
247XS
23 Placecraft
287 Deck (American Offshore Tools)
I have access to the 28 AO (conquest party seat and Rons 28 Placecraft deck molds if someone wants one)

Joel Casillas gel coats everyone of my boats, got the old dog back spraying. Myself and two other guys rig the boat, Issac and Raul do my interiors and Extreme gets paid to build a trailer. I buy from Eddie and Bob at MWI for the billet stuff.

Mercury puts power in
I am set up with Suzuki for outboards if you do not want a Verado.

Good info! Thanks for chiming in.

 

[HBCraig]

I can give you an opinion on the 247 itself. I have one of the last ones John West built. I cant give you an opinion on Tahiti because I havent dealt with them. I can give you insight on what options are worth putting in what ones are not.

 

[Ultra247]

I can also speak to the 247. Great looking boat that runs well in the rough stuff. Happy to show mine and give rides if needed.

 

[Goodtime$]

I can give you an opinion on the 247 itself. I have one of the last ones John West built. I cant give you an opinion on Tahiti because I havent dealt with them. I can give you insight on what options are worth putting in what ones are not.

I love the 247XS, I remember when i got that tool years ago I was so excited to build some. Unfortunately everyone wants a deckboat now. Such a cool family custom open bow. The new MERC 350HP small block is the best set up. Robs boat came out sweet!

 

[Abc123]

I have talked to him at some length about building a Wake Boat for my kids. Ultimately I think we are going to go a different direction (Pontoon / or used wake boat), but if I was going to build a new wake boat he was the guy I was talking too about it.

RD

Come on Dave. Just cut open the bow and put a roll bar on that Schiada.

 

[RiverDave]

Come on Dave. Just cut open the bow and put a roll bar on that Schiada.

Right? lol

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Come on Dave. Just cut open the bow and put a roll bar on that Schiada.

I'm pretty sure Dave would burst into flames as soon as a tower is test fitted on the Schiada. Such a sacrilege for such a devout Schiada man to think about doing. Lol!!

 

[RiverDave]

I'm pretty sure Dave would burst into flames as soon as a tower is test fitted on the Schiada. Such a sacrilege for such a devout Schiada man to think about doing. Lol!!

There's a 21 being built right now and the deck is being cut open to make it a center console. (no shit!). They are "custom" boats.. whatever the owner wants they get