Review of Tiara Boat, 32’ Tiara
When you step through the hefty transom door from the optional swim platform and onto the aggressive diamond nonskid of the Tiara 3200 Open’s cockpit sole, you’re stepping onto history. How so, you ask? Well, while not as momentous an event as, let’s say, the discovery of a tenth planet, this boat represents a milestone for a family-owned business from Holland, Michigan, that is approaching its 30th year of building boats.
It all started in 1946 when Leon Slikkers walked into the joiner department at the Chris-Craft factory in Holland and began his first shift making cabin tops. And while the idea for the first Tiara was still many years away—Slikkers would not found Tiara until 1974—the desire to not only be part of the boatbuilding community but make it better was already taking hold in his mind.
Slikkers went on to start his first company, Slickcraft, in 1955 and, after selling out to AMF almost a decade and a half later, began to solidify his boatbuilding vision. First came S2 sailing yachts (because of a non-compete agreement with AMF) and Tiara. Pursuit followed in 1977 (in 1987, S2 would cease sailboat production). Two years later the first of the Tiara 3100 Series was launched, a line of boats that would go on to become the most successful in the company’s history.
In January the 3100 will make way for the 3200 Open, which is both a foot longer and wider than her sibling and equipped, according to Rob Everse, Tiara’s marketing manager, with a host of enticing standard features (like 12,000-Btu Marine Air conditioning) and plenty of options.
Considering the success of the 3100 and the adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” you might wonder how Tiara made this boat different. So did I. To answer that question and a couple of others, I spent a day aboard a 3200 with Everse as she was being delivered to her new owner at the Portland Boat Works marina in Portland, Connecticut. Luckily for me, a new 3100 Series Limited Edition was docked right next to her.
I immediately noticed subtle differences in the two boats’ profiles. The most apparent are the 3200′s reverse transom compared to the 3100′s traditionally squared-off aft one, composite windshield frame—the 3100 has an aluminum frame—and an optional hardtop built specifically to blend in with the 3200′s new profile. That windshield, by the way, has an electrically operated opening lower section in the center pane, three washers and wipers, well-placed grab rails to either outboard side, and distortion-free tempered safety glass. In addition, the corner pilasters found on the 3100 are gone, thus providing better sightlines to either corner.
“We’ve also built in lots of room for wiring runs right up here in the hardtop,” Everse pointed out. I could see how that would result in a clean-looking electronics installation. The hardtop also had a pair of screened Bomar hatches, a pair of flush-mounted stereo speakers, and built-in lighting, which includes a pair of reds for running at night.
Everse pointed out more changes, including the addition of Tiara’s trademark retractable transom lounge, an in-house fabricated composite fuel tank, and improved scuppers in the self-draining cockpit with a new plenum-style draining system that Everse says can empty deck water four times faster than the 3100′s design.
Looking at her cockpit, I could easily see how that extra foot of width and length gave the 3200 an edge over the 3100. With more than 68 square feet, she could handily serve the dual purposes of cruising and fishing. An in-transombait well can replace the fold-down lounge, and the starboard aft-facing seat just behind the helm seat can be swapped for a bait-prep station. (A wet bar and refrigerator are two more cockpit options.) Other fishing options include four Lee rod holders and port and starboard gunwale stowage lockers. The 3200 can even be topped off with a custom-built half-tower and ‘riggers. “That tower is one of the few things we do not do in house,” Everse pointed out.
Just as Tiara designers maximized the added length and beam above decks, they did so below. The interior of the 3200 is remarkably spacious for a 32-footer and compares quite favorably to similar boats, including the 3100. At 6’2″, headroom in both boats is practically the same, and each has six port lights and three Bomar overhead hatches, thus offering plenty of ambient light.
But there is a difference in the port galley areas. The 3200′s Corian countertops are on one level as compared to the two levels found on the 3100. Whether this is a better feature seems more personal than functional. Still, 3100 owners partaking in a survey requested this change. There are also covers for the stainless steel sink and two-burner electric stovetop now, and I noted plenty of cabinets and drawer space in both boats. However, while the 3200′s under-counter refrigerator is a little small for cruising, by ordering the optional second refrigerator/ice maker for the cockpit, you’ll have more than enough space for provisioning for a long weekend’s excursion.
I found another big difference in the two boats’ sleeping accommodations. Where the 3100 had a forward double berth with a filler cushion, the 3200 features a queen-size pedestal berth with a step oneither side and a stowage compartment beneath the mattress that opens up easily via a pair of gas-assisted rams. For more sleeping space, the dining settee to port easily converts to a sleeper below—the 3200 has a hi-lo table, whereas the 3100′s table had to be manually dismantled and stowed—and a Pullman berth above. The arrangement makes it a perfect spot for the kids.
As for stowage, with the available area under the island berth, a port-side closet in the forepeak, cabinets above the dinette, and deep hull-side shelves, the 3200 provides ample room for a long weekend or even for some extended cruising, as does the 3100.
To finish off a nicely designed interior, my test boat had the optional teak-and-holly sole (long a popular Tiara option), a standard 15-inch Sharp Aquos LCD television in its own cabinet (with a stowage locker behind it), and a Clarion four-speaker AM/FM stereo/CD player.
One thing that hasn’t changed between the 3100 and 3200 is quality construction. Tiara has long been known for a rugged yet beautifully finished build. However, on this calm day, the waters of Long Island Sound would offer no opportunity to test either her strength or sea-keeping ability. Nevertheless, I noted her excellent sightlines all around, but did observe a fair amount of bow rise as I brought her through the 3000 rpm mark. I also noticed a nice turn of speed. My test boat had a pair of 385-hp Crusader 8.1 MPI gasoline inboards, which, according to my radar gun, produced a WOT speed of 34.7 knots (39.9 mph). When I settled her in at a comfortable 3500-rpm cruising speed, she registered 26.8 knots (30.8 mph). She’s also got decent cruising range: With all 256 gallons, my test boat should see a 170-NM range at a 3500-rpm cruise.
Replacing a popular boat like the 3100, after an almost 25-year run, may at first seem a daunting task. But give the 3200′s added length and beam, extra features, and subtle yet important styling changes, this new boat seems quite able to step right into the line as the heir apparent in this size range.
Here at Ballast Point Yachts we are experts at finding quality used yachts like this one and selling them at a price you can afford.
3900 Tiara Sorvan 2006
By Capt. Bill Pike, Power & Motoryacht Magazine
Tiara Yachts is gutsy when it comes to technology. The successful, family-owned company was the first in the United States to seriously venture into pod-type propulsion systems some years back, partnering with Volvo Penta to launch the first American-built powerboat with Volvo’s revolutionary Inboard Performance System (IPS). And now Tiara’s upping the ante yet again with the intro of a sleek, solidly-engineered, IPS-powered production vessel, the 3900 Sovran, with the same joystick control Volvo Penta demoed for dealers and members of the marine press at the Miami International Boat Show last year.
The Sovran’s an open-water greyhound. I know because I had the exclusive opportunity to wring ‘er out amid the islands of Lake Erie’s west end, thanks to the folks at Lakeside Marine Group in Port Clinton, Ohio. Conditions were uproarious. Winds whooped at velocities approaching 20 knots, and brown foamy seas crested at six feet or thereabouts, with short, steep troughs in between. But the Sovran took it all in stride, turning in an average top speed of 38.7 mph in a comparatively flat patch of water we found behind Kelley’s Island, accelerating like a rocket-propelled rabbit and producing a dry, true-tracking ride no matter which way I pushed her in the rough stuff, whether up sea, down sea, or side sea.
You couldn’t beat the handling. Cornering was tight and solid, the IPS electric steering had a smooth, automotive feel and the boat’s lithe power and responsiveness instilled confidence, even while I barreled the Sovran straight into jagged six-footers off Catawba Island at 20 mph. Visibility from the electrically adjustable helm seat was superb, as the Sovran’s windshield and side windows are immense.
Of course, all this grooviness was great, but it immediately took a backseat to the Sovran’s dockside-maneuvering capabilities back at Lakeside’s marina. I started the party by stopping the boat outside the breakwater, then hitting a push-button switch at the base of the joystick pedestal, thus boosting the maximum maneuvering revs of the Sovran’s IPS units from 1200 to 1500 rpm—I figured I might need a bit more oomph considering the way the flags ashore were standing straight off their staffs.
Control was totally intuitive. I pushed the stick forward, the boat went forward. I pushed it astern, she went astern. I pushed it sideways, the boat went sideways. I rotated the knob at the top of the stick, the 3900 spun in the same direction. And as I continued to play around, adding subtle combinations and permutations to my growing joystick repertoire, the wind seemed to hold little sway over the power of the two IPS units vectoring beneath the hull.
Once I’d gained some joystick familiarity, I took the Sovran through the narrow opening in the breakwater, sidling sideways at one point to counteract a powerful set toward some rocks, arrived at our slip, pivoted the boat in her own length by rotating the joystick knob, and then slid her home, broadside to the zephyrs. Easy? The entire maneuver was so effortless and fun that an idea dawned on me: Why not give a local youngster a shot? I could do my dockside walk-through while we waited for school to let out!
“My son’s eight years old,” suggested Lakeside employee Brian McCune, catching fire with the concept. “Lemme make a phone call.”
While awaiting Donnie McCune’s arrival, I discovered a raft of nifty features onboard the Sovran, the niftiest of the lot being a midcabin area Tiara calls “The Theatre.” Not only is the place lofty (with 4’5″ sitting/stooping headroom), open to the bright, spacious saloon, and easy to enter, it’s arranged in an exceptionally useable way, with two comfy, longitudinally configured sofas on either side (upholstered with French-stitched Ultraleather), a Majestic LCD TV solidly mounted in the aft bulkhead, and a Denon Surround Sound system nearby to add auditory pizzazz to your viewing pleasure. The existence of the theatre is attributable to the space savings compact IPS units engender.
Craftsmanship was another biggie. While the Sovran offers a conventional express-style interior layout with an island berth forward, head (with shower stall) and midcabin area aft, and saloon (with galley) in between, installation and finish is special. Drawers, for example, are crafted of solid, half-inch-thick oak with expertly dovetailed corners. The saloon sole is paved with real teak planks and holly strips—not imitation. And the aviation-style doors on the overhead cabinets in the saloon are fitted with high-end Blum articulated hinges, SpringLift gas shocks, and Lamp latches.
Tiara 3500 Sovran
By Capt. Ron Svoboda
Despite a rocky season for most of the marine industry, Tiara Yachts has had much success with their niche of buyers. Those seeking high quality, extended range cruisers don’t seem to be affected by the fickle market. In an effort to bring new buyers into the Tiara experience, the company has unveiled a smaller version of the popular Sovran cruising platform – it is the 3500. This stout, yet agile vessel is geared towards couples, baby boomers and empty nesters that don’t really need several staterooms but demand quality, technology and comfort.
Overall I would say that the 3500 dispenses ample room for a couple in the salon and a number of guests in the cockpit. Any cruising couple should have an enclosed hardtop that makes foul weather passages dry, and cool mornings tolerable. She also gave a very impressive ride from the twin 300-hp IPS diesels that behaved much like a gasoline powered cruiser. Thanks in part to the IPS pod drive propulsion from Volvo, the robust vessel handled with the finesse of a stern drive despite her displacement of over 17,600 pounds.
Best cruise was at 3000 rpm going 28.5 mph, burning 20.6 gph giving a range of 271 nautical miles.
Following with the long range motif, Tiara fitted the boat with a 250 gallon fuel capacity giving owners a 271 nautical- mile range at best cruise. That means you can easily go from Miami to Nassau or from NYC to Nantucket on a tank of fuel. All of this, plus Tiara’s reputation as a quality yacht builder means that you can cruise the 3500 in confidence, just as you would her bigger sisters – but for far less money.
Shipshape Bow and Foredeck
Up front, the bow has a fiberglass molded pulpit which sports a remote controlled search light, a Delta plow anchor with Maxwell windlass, and a deep rode locker with freshwater wash down. Tall bow rails and an aggressive non-skid deck surface keeps foredeck work safe and sound, while generous side decks, cockpit steps, and handrails keep your mate from going for a swim.
A large helm with instrument panel large enough for two screens.
The Bridge Deck
Back topside, on the bridge deck, the Sovran’s helm is well thought out and is simple to use with digital engine monitoring and navigation displays, joined by a traditional Mahogany destroyer wheel and an untraditional IPS joystick for control [a $8300 option]. To port an L-shaped companion lounge keeps the skipper company and supplies enough room for guests to relax under the shaded composite hardtop. A wet bar is located to starboard, just behind the helm seat and has a sink with faucet and a storage locker that can be optioned-out with a fridge/freezer combo or an icemaker.
Room for friends and al fresco dining as well.
The Cockpit
Those seeking sun and fresh air can enjoy the lower, cockpit area that features a pair of richly upholstered facing lounges and access to the starboard side transom gate. The stern gets treated to a large transom locker, fresh water shower nozzle and a large swim platform that measures a full 42 inches deep and includes a large, 3 rung boarding ladder.
Master berth, and salon are all in one open, bright area that is easy to live in for a couple.
Below Deck is Cozy
Below the main deck, the swanky salon gives a wide open feel and is wrapped in striking teak joinery and supple, ultra leather furnishings. A queen size island style berth takes center stage and provides liberal storage space under the mattress in addition to space in the upper cabinets. A 20 inch LCD TV is mounted here too for the owner’s entertainment and relaxation, while large hanging lockers are situated on both sides of the berth giving his and hers style closet space. If you decide you must have guests for a sleep-over, they can retire to the yacht’s aft lounge that converts into a cozy berth and offers a second 20 inch LCD TV.
The mid cabin is a good place for two couples to have cocktails or to watch TV after a day’s run up the ICW.
Galley Time
Meal time calls for the starboard side galley and its enormous counter top. The work surface includes a deep sink and recessed two-burner cooktop. Below there’s a fridge/freezer combo and a pair of extra-large storage drawers. The chef’s creations can be enjoyed at the port side dinette with room for up to four adults. There is a microwave oven.
The head compartment is situated just aft of the dinette and supplies separate shower and vanity areas for greater functionality.
I found the new Sovran to be a great combination of space amenities and performance. Best of all the nimbleness of her size and articulation of the IPS drives make for a yacht that can get into waterways and slips that many of the boat’s rivals would not be able to easily accomplish.
For most couples, this is all the boat they really need, so why spend the extra money just to have “big” when you can cruise this boat in confidence just about anywhere? Just grab your gal and go.
Tiara 4800 Convertible
By Capt. Patrick Sciacca
I turned my back to the optional teak helm, and with an unobstructed view of the cockpit, I pictured my angler—complete with his gold Penn VSX16 loaded up with green high-vis line—reeling for his life as I backed the Tiara 4800 Convertible down after an imaginary hot white marlin. I pushed the Glendinning controls into reverse until there was a full-on ocean-meets-transom moment. The standard transom door and top-locking gate showed no signs of leakage, and while some water did splash up and over, the cockpit stayed mostly dry. She danced backwards and spun around, displaying fleet-footed finesse and grace. While all this was a mere simulation on a warm mid-February Miami morning, the 4800’s handling and aggressiveness made me see her piscatorial possibilities.
If I were going to seriously fish the 4800, I’d remove the optional ($3,980) 30-inch-deep swim platform, as it’s a fishing-line hazard and counteracts the boat’s line-preserving Bennett recessed trim tabs. (All Tiaras over 43 feet have recessed tabs.) That said, the builder’s commitment to fishing was clearly evident in the cockpit, which comes standard with two in-deck macerated fishboxes that can easily hold a few rod-breaking bigeye tuna. On centerline, there’s a 2′x2′ aluminum backing plate for a fighting chair laminated into the balsa-cored deck. Live-bait aficionados will likely go for the optional ($3,880) 80-gallon livewell. It has a powerful pump, which can be accessed from the lazarette and can evacuate those 80 gallons of seawater in just five minutes. Tiara says its research has shown that a livewell’s high turnover rate is the most efficient way to keep live bait, well, alive, and this one’s interior contours prevent baits from banging into the walls, getting damaged, and dying off. (When goggle eyes are running $120 a dozen on tournament day you want every one of them to have constant water and room to swim.)
My boat was also fitted out with a bait-prep station to starboard, complete with a cutting board, lure tubes, and leader holders. To accommodate it, the ladder leading to the flying bridge was curved. Gentlemen fishermen (or those with bad knees) can eliminate the station and install a molded-in bridge stairway, a $4,200 option that also costs you some cockpit square-footage. Other fishy options include Rupp outriggers, a six-rod rocket launcher on the flying bridge, port and starboard under-gunwale rod stowage, and teaser reels.
This boat was not only rigged to chase pelagics, she was powered to get you to them fast, thanks to optional 1,015-hp Caterpillar C18s, which come at an upcharge of about $58,000 over the standard 885-hp Cat C18s. (Yes, it’s the same model designation.) The extra horsepower produced a cruise speed of 35.6 mph at 2000 rpm while the Cats burned 68 gph and provided 0.52 mpg. Based on her 1,000-gallon fuel capacity, the 4800 has a cruise-speed range of 471 statute miles. At 2350 rpm (WOT), my 4800 hit an average top hop of 41.4 mph, a speed that will cost you 100 gph, but still offers a relatively efficient 0.41 mpg and 373-statute-mile range. I also recorded a 1000-rpm speed of 12.6 mph, so if slow trolling live or dead bait is your thing, I suggest getting the optional trolling valves ($9,920).
Regarding her fuel capacity, those 1,000 gallons come from two athwartships tanks, one under the cockpit, and the other just forward of the engine room. The aft tank feeds the port motor while the forward tanks runs the starboard diesel and the standard 13.5-kW Onangenset. (An auxiliary 5-kW Onangenset with soundshield is available as an option. It’ll run you about $17,160.) This independent setup provides a margin of safety: What are the chances of a problem in both fuel systems? But keep in mind the forward tank will burn fuel more quickly thanks to the genset.
Besides having fish-chasing agility, the Tiara 4800 was also impressive in flat-out runs and turns. This is due in part to standard power-assisted Teleflex SeaStar steering. After a little wheel time, I’d venture to say she’d be a pleasure to run out to the canyons and ply the 1,000-fathom line for “the man in the blue suit” (blue marlin). And while you’re at the helm, your guests can easily watch baits from the cockpit mezzanine, the flying bridge, or even from the saloon via the optional cockpit camera ($1,310) hooked up to that Sharp TV.
The flat-calm conditions on test day certainly contributed to my test boat’s efficiency, but so did her easily planing, modified-V form and a hull that is as solid as it is quick. The 4800 is built with a hand-laid, solid-fiberglass bottom and balsa-cored hull sides, which ensure rigidity and strength without adding excessive weight. And less weight means more efficiency.
The flat-calm conditions on test day certainly contributed to my test boat’s efficiency, but so did her easily planing, modified-V form and a hull that is as solid as it is quick. The 4800 is built with a hand-laid, solid-fiberglass bottom and balsa-cored hull sides, which ensure rigidity and strength without adding excessive weight. And less weight means more efficiency.
But while this convertible combines the muscle of a sprinter with the endurance of a marathoner, her big powerplants eat up a lot of engine-room space. Headroom here is 4’10″, and inside it’s a tight fit, even for me at 5’7″. Accessing the batteries, Cablemaster, and ice chipper, which are outboard of the port motor, requires some gut sucking to get around the front of the engine. Big engines in a relatively small space are the trade-off for outstanding performance.
Space is not an issue in the saloon, which offers 6’7″ headroom. An Ultraleather L-shape settee provides a clear view of the retractable 37-inch Sharp LCD TV to starboard, but I wasn’t fond of the fact that it faces aft. When the boat is running, gravity is basically forcing you off of it. I’d prefer to see it moved to the aft bulkhead, facing forward. One very cool option here are the electrically operated remote-control blinds for the cabin-side and aft windows. Granted the price tag is $4,560 for them, but it’s worth it. (And make sure you hide the remote from the kids.)
The 4800’s interior also features an impressive amalgam of Tiara’s trademark grain-matched, satin-finish teak, including bulkheads and galley cabinetry. The optional teak-and-holly sole (teak is standard) is equally impressive. And while you’re sitting in this warm and woody environment, you can cool down after a day of hard fishing thanks to 20,000-Btus of standard Marine Air air conditioning.
Keeping your food cool are four drawer-type Sub-Zeros (two ‘fridge, two freezer) in the port-side galley. A standard issue Quartz countertop with tile backsplash, a three-burner electric cooktop from Kenyon, a microwave/convection oven from Sharp and pasta-pot-deep stowage round out the amenities here.
Your crew will appreciate the forepeak stateroom, too. Why? Because Tiara was willing to trade off a little bit of floor space for a true double berth in the bottom bunk of this standard two-bunk setup. (With a traditional forepeak bunk arrangement you usually get two singles.) For teams spending time on the tournament circuit, this is preferred to a step-up queen as it gives you an extra place for someone to rest.
Rounding out the accommodations are the port-side amidships master with an en suite head and a guest stateroom across from it that’s equipped with bunks. The forepeak and second guest stateroom, which are both equipped with optional ($1,220 each) Sharp Aquos flat-panels TVs, share a head. If you stockpile rods—as many anglers do—you can add rod stowage facilities in the guest staterooms for $320 per room.
One thing is certain: The 4800 makes the case that Tiara is committed to constructing offshore-capable and angler-friendly convertibles that are ready to battle big fish. Are you?
If you want to take a look at other fishing boats, check out our used Sea Ray yachts for sale.
