What length Tiara for new boat owner?

While you're waiting for meaningful commentary I will just chime in that the 38 Open sure is easy on the eyes

http://www.tiarayachts.com/Brix?pageID=70&category_sakey=25&image_sakey=316

Kelly Cook

Which Tiara has the Volvo IPS drives?

Has anyone had a chance to try them out?

A friend has a 1996 33' Tiara Open. I've spent a few evenings aboard the boat, with one offshore jaunt in 3-4 footers from Port Everglades to Hillsboro Inlet. Tiara's are well-known for being among the most solid production boats made. They're a heavy boat, not built for performance, but built to last. Because I don't have any onboard experience with their larger offerings, I passed on responding to your post.

As an opinion... I've always liked the new Sovran series, with one exception... I'm not a big fan of boating from behind a large windshield. With South Florida's idle speed zones, expecially during summer, express style boats simply don't offer sufficient ventilation. Yes, some have A/C, but it is typically not adequate without an enclosure aft of the hard top. In northern climates, the protection these enclosed cockpits offer would be mandatory in my book, but for Florida... give me a flybridge.

Tiara made flybridge boats some years ago, but they discontinued them. Not sure why, maybe due to the offerings by other manufacturers, or maybe due to the demand for their open style boats.

Whatever you choose... remember August!

Something you might want to do AMGinfl is to do a comparison between their boats. Look at the specs from each one and see which would be better suited for you. When looking at the specs for just the 36 open and the 38 open, there are some big differences. For example, other than the extra length, it has another ft of beam, little more fuel, more sleeping accommodations, larger water capacity, holding capacity, and only has 1 inch more draft. All depends on what type of boating you like to do. I prefer the open series for I am not a big fan of the enclosed bridges. I have been on the 36 and the 38 and liked what I saw. Hope this helps

Here is an example of a 36' flybridge -

http://www.sabreyachts.com/motor_yachts/sabreline36_sedan/index.php

Note that in this size the flybridge is not exactly spacious. IMHO flybridges work better for designs over 40'. Under 40 my preference would still be the express type. Besides, I'm too old for all that climbing

Kelly

Tiara Yachts

Tiara's have been well know for their handling, placement of enignes, and lack of cabin space. Tiara's like some other boats move the enignes almost amidships to provide a center of gravity that is more condusive to adverse weather conditions, it also handles alot better at the dock than most other boats (Sea Rays, etc.) By moving the engines more forward the Tiara's lack in Cabin space. So it is really a give and take.

The 36, 40, 44, and 52 Sovrans are the "Cadillac" of the Tiara line, built for cruising. They handle well but if you are looking for a 30+Knot, slice waves, handle everything and not get wet - the Open line is the way to go. The top sides are as steep. I took a 38 Open with Cummins 480's from Chicago are to Milwaukee in 6-8 footers and it was amazing. The Hull ripped apart everything coming at it. As you may/may not know, the swells in the Great Lakes (Especially Lake Michigan) are closer together. The experience is a really CHOP,CHOP ride. The 38 Open and the 42 Open handle that water awesomely.


The new 40 Sovran has the new Volvo IPS drives and has lots more cabin space because now the engines are further back in the boat. This has not diminished the handling or ride characteristics that are synonomous with the Tiara ride.

Carl had mentioned that boating in Florida, he is not sure about boating behind a windshield. Good Point - But Tiara has thought of this and most all of the new boats have Helm Air. The 36, 40, and 44 Sovran's all have options for Cockpit A/C.

Tiara relaunched the 39 Convertible 2 years ago. This is their Flybride Boat. The ride is amazing. The 41 and 43 Open's are fun boat's to drive and make you look like a PRO at the dock.

The 44 Sovran is an amazing vessel with the Caterpillar Engine Package.

Let me tell you one thing though. We had a lot of people up here in the Great Lakes buy the 36 Sovran with Gas Engines. The boat in that configuration is a Pooch. If you are going to buy a Tiara, 31 Open and Up - Bite the Bullet, Open your wallet and spend the extra money for diesels. It's well worth it and the resell value of the vessel is going to be better when you decide to Trade Up or Sell.

Also, Many people now that own Tiara's are now moving "Up" into the Sabre line of powerboats. Interiors/Exteriors are nicer and the boat pretty much rides just like a Tiara. The difference is about 50-100K in price. Sabre has also designed a new 52.

I used to sell both. If you have any further questions, feel free to email me.

The 38 Open

If I were going to buy a Tiara (Which I have thought about recently) and I was going to Cruise the boat (No Fishing) I would consider the Tiara 38 Open with Cummins QSC8.3 (490HP) Diesels or the 480's (Depends on if you are buying new or used.)

It has a big 14'2" beam that actually feels wider. There are numerous options available on this boat. From a cruising standpoint and wanting to be able to utilize the cockpit of the boat I would try to find one with the aft bench fold out seat. What's nice about this is that is folds up when not in use and when deployed the Coaming Bolsters in the cockpit act as a backrest so that you are not leaning up against fiberglass.

I would deifnetly try to find a "Plan B" boat so that you can utilize the Bunk setup on the Port Side. The TV is in an iffy spot, but in my opinion that is the best layout. Also try to get one with a Teak and Holly sole in the interior. It looks the best.

As for an enclosed cockpit - we always had the front/side/drop curtains on every boat. We like to extend our boating season up here. We would also leave the companionway door open in the hot summer months to cool off the cockpit by turning on the helm air. Some of our customers even went as far to install a camper top as well. Although it looks weird, it gives you full use of the cockpit as well.

As for Electronics - if buying a new boat - the E120's from Raymarine Side by Side fit extremely well in the dash as do the Simrads while providing ample room for other electronics such as the AP, VHF, Sounder, etc. The Standard Clarion stereo Booms to say the least. They haven't chinced in that dept. Really nothing on a Tiara is chincy. Its a quality boat, built by the Slickers Family, who takes great pride in every boat that comes off the line.

Hope this helps. I know pretty much all of the Tiara Options and Boats. If you have any other questions, let me know.

Eisenglass

Congratulations on your new boat! One of my favorite production boats.
Which window you choose would be better determined by how you plan to use them. Since you are thinking of installing air conditioning at the helm, I would guess that you plan to keep the glasss closed most of the time. If that is the case, I would choose one of the heftier types of enclosures. They will provide a clearer view and better insulation properties for your air conditioning.
Now, if you EVER plan to remove them you'll need to consider storage. Since they don't roll (and barely even bend) they are very difficult to store. You will also want to store them with some type of fabric between the panels in order to protect them from abrassion.

I agree with Ken, the heavy duty stuff is the way to go if you keep it on all the time. Instead of removing it, you can snap them to your hardtop. This way you can have it open and not have to worry about the panels being scratched.

A panel of EZ2CY at the helm helps with visibility, it is optically clear. However as Ken says you can not roll it up, you might be able to fold it up flat up under the bimini. It is also much more expensive, but can stay clear for 5 or more years if it doesn't get scratched, especially by salt.
Tucker Fallon