If Tracker Marine can't get you on the water and having a good time, you need to seriously think about a career change. Tahoe's new Q4 bowrider gets you into the game for $13,995, which is probably less than NFL big-man Warren Sapp spent on barbecue last year.

Obviously, you think, it's a stripped-down shell of a boat that needs a host of options before you can move it, sit down in it, or trailer it. Heck, the steering wheel is probably an add-on. And no doubt if you want some music, you'll have to bring along your boom box or a guitar. For that kind of money it probably looks like that blind date back in high school that you still have nightmares about. If only you could afford something like that stylish yellow runabout that is streaking across the lake ... you can't quite make out the name ... it's a Q4!

You definitely won't win any 'ugly boat' contests with the new Tahoe, whose bright hull colors, tasteful graphics, and sexy profile won't have you apologizing to your boating buddies. You don't have to tell them what you spent, but you probably will, just so you can see the looks on their faces ' especially if you ask them how much they spent on their boats.

But what do you get for the money? Lots. But first, let's see what you will really spend on this boat. Believe it or not, the total number of options you are probably going to choose is two. OK, maybe three if you want the $70 compass. One of the must-have options for the Q4 is the Bimini top, the other is a more powerful motor.

If you plan to go skiing, you will definitely need the upgraded engine. The standard powerplant is an
in-line, four-cylinder 130-hp MerCruiser sterndrive, which will net you about 42 mph and will pull your kids up on skis, but probably not your brother-in-law, who's a biscuit away from 250 pounds. For that task, you will need at least the 190-hp, 4.3L MerCruiser model that will only cost you an extra $1,550, thanks to a 'Power Up Savings' special. Pick up a couple of overtime shifts if you have to, because it will be worth it. The recommended engine would be the MPI version, because this fuel-injected engine is a turn-the-key-and-go operation ' no fooling with the choke and having to wait at the dock so you don't stall out, but $2,000 more than the carbureted model.

As you board the Q4, you mentally score some points for the oversized, integrated swim platform
that the folks at Tahoe claim is the largest in its class. Its unique design features an extra-long section in the middle and sports a two-step, stainless-steel boarding ladder and a pair of grab rails for easy boarding. The points continue to rack up as you enter the cockpit via the starboard-side transom walk-through, which keeps guests from having to step on the upholstery to board, assuming the captain has removed the slide-out jump seat.

The cockpit layout gives you a back-to-back convertible seat on the passenger side that folds flat to provide some laying-out space for tanning, which is important since there is no stern sun pad. There is a pair of jump seats on either side of the engine box in the corners of the stern, and the captain gets an adjustable bucket seat that also swivels. The helm station is a pretty basic one, but you get all of the necessary gauges, which are easily readable. The console is open underneath, so the driver gets an unlimited amount of legroom, although not a footrest.

The driving position is good, and the wraparound safety glass windshield provides good protection with very little distortion in the corners, but the aluminum header is just at the right height to intrude on the vision of the 6-foot driver. An easy fix to the problem would be to buy an aftermarket adjustable height pedestal like one made by Swivl-Eze, which runs about $55. There is a pretty prominent reflection of the white dash in the line of sight that can be remedied with a dark towel if it bothers the driver. On the passenger-side console there is a built-in cooler, in addition to the standard 25-quart carry-on Igloo and a pair of cupholders.

The standard sound system is an Aquatronics radio with a CD player that cranks out the music loud enough to get the party going. Up front, a pair of bowriders can recline comfortably with plenty of legroom on the nicely upholstered seats, although the backrests are too upright.

The test boat is equipped with the top-of-the-line MerCruiser 4.3L MPI engine, and it starts fast and settles into a steady idle right away. Shoving off from the floating dock at Big Cedar Lodge ' the upscale, yet rustic resort overlooking Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri ' the engine registers 66 decibels. Goosing the throttle puts the Q4 on plane in around four seconds with a moderate amount of bow rise, and the boat accelerates to 30 mph in just a little more than six seconds. The middle of the lake is very rough, and it's hard to find a planing speed that doesn't cause the Q4 to porpoise, so the driver slows down until reaching some calmer water, where the Q4 performs well at all speeds. Top speed is almost the 'double-nickel,' and the Tahoe's handling is predictable, even when thrown into hard turns.

With the option 190-hp MerCruiser engine, the Q4 makes a nice ski boat. There is an amidships ski locker and a standard ski tow that is set as high as practical on the stern for a more even pull. With only two people on board, the wake is small enough for slalom skiers to cut through easily.

Tracker has put together a nice package that includes a really nice Trailstar trailer that has some clever innovations, like the swing-away tongue to make it easier to fit in garages, and retractable safety cables, so you never have to hear the sound of dragging chains again. The trailer has a color-matched powder coat finish, sport chrome wheels, and diamond-plate step pads for a custom look.

For those who want to fish, the Q4 comes in a Ski-n-Fish configuration that gives anglers an 11-gallon aerated livewell, and stern seats that convert into fishing seats fore and aft. And to sneak up on the fish, there is a 12-volt, 54-pound thrust Motorguide trolling motor on the bow.

So whether you want to go skiing, fishing, or rafting up with your friends, Tracker can get you on the water in a stylish and fun-to-drive Tahoe Q4 without you having to change careers.