Planning a boat purchase - I'm thinking Tiara

Tiara's are great boats... and the "Open" line is really usable.

That said,... Be realistic about how you will use it.

I love the Grand Banks East Bays... Have my eyes on a 48. But it would NEVER get used. It's not a day boat,... and the 1 or 2 weeks a year we would actually take it to the Bahama's aren't worth the ownership costs.

I have a Hydra Sports 2500VX with Twin Yamaha 150's. The boat is easy to handle. So easy to use,... I'll of take it out for 90 minutes. Get's used all the time.

The bigger the boat,... the less it'll get used.

 

I've always wondered whether a small hand-crank battery charger makes sense to have in the "ditch bag". If your batteries die, at least you can re-charge them and keep the electronics going. I guess re-chargeable batteries, too, then.

CW

 

Hi Ted, I have a similar boat, a 2008 Bertram 360 with twin Volvo Penta 575hp diesel engines. Bertrams are also great sportfishing boats. Take a look at this model, it might be of interest to you and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards, Tarek
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The ailment you suffer from is called "2 foot itis." The only solution is to buy a larger boat ; )

 

Ted, you are an excellent listener.... You're going to do fine.

Remember that the industry was hit very hard in the past few years. Many builders went out of business. So, even though shows are a great resource for seeing a lot of boats in a few days, they are only part of the process..... If you're looking for a used boat go to a brokerage marina and walk a bunch of them. The broker might be able to steer you to a make you might not have considered.

It's fun shopping around...

 

Lots of good info here already, and being on the hull truth will help. Once you find a boat, the survey is very important. Is it just family or fishing too? An express with outboards might be a good place to look for the first boat, less draft for the island exploring, less to maintain, the new four strokes are strong and quiet. And there are some cool builders of Downeast style boats too.
Another option is to find some captains that have boats you like and pay for a charter with the understanding you want to run the boat, see what it takes to use it. The boat shows are good also. You may find you want a smaller day boat and a larger trip boat.

 

I'm on my second Tiara. First was a 39' with Volvo IPS. I've got a 47 Sovran now with C12 Cats. Tiara makes a good boat. Just be eyes wide open on maint costs and how much you'll use it. We've made 5 Bahamas trips so far this year so the boat gets a lot of use and is a good fit for that mission. As others have said, figure out the true use first and the boat fit second. Boats have more trade offs than you may think. I've also got a 25' boat with twin 4 stroke outboards which is great for the light cruise, bar taxi mission. Good luck and PM if I can help with anything.

 

Ted, one consideration as you consider size is draft. As you probably know, the OBX on the sound side is extremely shallow and on the ocean side there is no where to dock so if you just need to be mindful.

Another potential consideration is how much overnighting do you plan to do on the boat, vs bunking onshore. The former usually results in a larger boat, for the latter you're really looking for cool transportation and an occasional overnight (maybe something like a Hinckley?).

For your first trip, if you've never been, is to head for the Inn at Pamilco Sound

 

I had a Tiara 3100 with Crusader 454's for a long time. All I did to her was pitch the props to help get her on plane a little more quickly. Lots of good memories on there.

The 3500 will be a little easier on your ears at speed due to the step up from the motors but not much, since you're still in the hole. They do have a 36' flybridge you know.

Tiara's are about the best pop-out boats you can get, just below the Sunseekers, IMO.

 

Did the OP ever end up buying a Tiara?

I am flying to Naples, Fla. next week to buy a 3000 Open with Cummins diesels.

Wondered what the the experience has been for OP

 

For salt water cruising, nothing but a diesel will do.

 

That's what I'm thinking.

 

agreed . glad he now seems settled on the diesel. have fun in your hunt!

 

As the gun guys say, "better to have it and not need it than..."

 

EPIRB... is a must have... it can be the difference of being located in an hour vs days and unaware of being in trouble... it's like a fire extinguisher, they do nothing until there is a fire... have one at the right time to put out a fire and you will allow an hour for a crowd to gather so you can kiss their collective backsides

 

I had an EPIRB on mine. It was either that or always wear a Breitling Emergency watch while on board.