Kurt, from my reading on iboats it appears that all Tahoes suffer from really crappy low speed handling. The Smart Trim tabs reportedly fix the issue, and there's a LOT of positive feedback on the forums. I plan to look into the tight steering first, once it's fixed I'll re-assess the lack of directional stability.[/QUOTE]
Sorry I missed this thread - I would have chimed in a long time ago...
It may be that the outdrive anode needs adjusting. There is a little 'fin' on the outdrive that acts as a sacrificial anode in brackish/seawater usually just sitting under the first horizontal 'fins' on the outdrive. Look underneath where its mounted and there should be a bolt you can loosen to turn it - it is used to counteract the prop thrust. You might try adjusting this first before spending the money on trim tabs.
Also - I wouldn't recommend stainless steel props at all. I know Mercs have a rubber hub in them - but Stainless is too damn hard for a prop. If you hit something the softer gears in the outdrive get hammered - I'd recommend a bronze prop first, aluminum second. That way the prop takes a hit and not your outdrive... and they are cheaper to repair.
Did you get a date from the seller for last time the impeller has been changed? Plan on every year to two years depending on your level of OCD. You can do this yourself if you even slightly handy. And definitely use STABIL!
Any questions feel free to ask - I've owned many boats. Here's my current...
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Nice looking boat! Regarding the anode fin, wouldn't an adjustment tend to counteract a "pull" in one direction? My issue isn't so much a pull, but that the boat snakes through the water at low speeds. Ultimately it goes straight-ish but it gets there in a weird way, making it difficult to maneuver.