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1990 Tiara 3600 convertible information

Discussion in 'Tiara Yacht' started by Sdlineman, Aug 19, 2022.

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  1. Sdlineman

    Sdlineman New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2018
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    California
    I’m considering purchasing a 3600 convertible with 375 hp Cat 3208s, and wanted to hear everyone’s opinion of it, performance, and fuel consumption/range at trolling speed and cruising speeds. I guess Tiara changed from a 14 degree vee to 18 at some point, and was curious if anybody knew when. Thanks!
  2. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2013
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    897
    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, USA

    Tiara would probably tell you that.

    -Chris
  3. Prospective

    Prospective Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
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    232
    Location:
    New England
    I owned a 1990 Open with that same power. Great boat. I do think the hull is pre-change of deadrise but can't recall. I will say the boat ran great and cruised very comfortably at about 21knts. Burned around 28gph combined at that speed. I didn't fish it so cant say about trolling. I do know it could be a bit rolley if we were drifting on a beam sea. But I ran it in plenty of snotty conditions and was very pleased. The experience in the convertible may be slightly different due to the higher helm position and center of gravity. Quality was pretty good but we're talking about a pretty old boat at this point so owner maintenance will be key. Known weak points for the open were wet coring in the cockpit and helm areas. In fact, I'm guessing every Tiara of this vintage is wet around penetrations. But it was a very sold glass lay-up so never felt weak. But be prepared for your surveyor to tell you about all of the wet spots. Those CATs are old school but considered very reliable at the HP level. I never had any major problems with them in 5 years of use. A bit smokey but always ran. All in all it was a great boat but buying one now will have everything to do with prior owner maintenance and updates as well as how wet the boat is.
    Sdlineman likes this.
  4. motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2007
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    Location:
    smithfield, VA
    Prospective gave a good summary. I owned a 1989 31 Tiara years ago and I loved that boat. Wet core in places will be a potential issue and the engine room will be cramped. If the generator is in the lazarette take a close look as they didn’t age well in that location. I think Tiara modified their hulls in 1992. Atleast that is when they changed the hull on the 31s. Mine was not a great head sea boat but with tabs down they did fine (tabs down made it throw more water). To me it was a very good overall sea boat with no major strengths or weaknesses in different sea states. As Prospective said a lot will depend on its ownership history.
    Sdlineman likes this.
  5. Sdlineman

    Sdlineman New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2018
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    Location:
    California
    Thank you guys, I appreciate the replies.
  6. ReelLove

    ReelLove New Member

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    Aug 29, 2024
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    Location:
    33181
    I owned a 1985 36 Open with twin 5.9 Cummins many years ago (sold her when I purchased a home in Miami and did not need the cabin). Best boat I ever owned. Did everything well. Cruise was 27 kts w/top end just over 31. 1.25 gpm. Ran that boat from NJ to NC and fished many a tournament in very snotty weather. Quite a few times I fished her myself. She was comfortable to stay on. Biggest complaint what no shower stall and the constant battle to contain mold in the cabin. The 36 is a wet boat so be warned. I have no experience with the flybridge model.
  7. SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2021
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    515
    Location:
    S. Florida _ Bertram 46
    Neighbor bought their 28. Seems very well built but when asking him about my diesel preference his reply was the diesels are very noisy. Maybe their 36's have better ER sound insulation.
  8. ReelLove

    ReelLove New Member

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    Aug 29, 2024
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    Location:
    33181
    Update on noise. I seem to recall that at some point I changed out the engine room insulation. In all honesty, the noise was never an issue with me. That being noted, those in the salon are going to be on top of those motors so they should count on some (a lot?) of engine noise. Outside in the pit the noise should not be a non-issue.

    What I can tell you is that I have fished convertible style boats from many manufacturers. All are noisy at cruise in the salon. You can only do so much to contain the sound of the engines and exhaust while underway. Suggest you go on a sea trial to determine if you can live with the noise. You may also want to make a close inspection of the engine room insulation. As I noted above, I did reinsulate the bilge at some point.