Tiara applied its considerable experience with boatbuilding magic to conjure a unique sport yacht. The outboard-powered 43 LE provides the best attributes of a cruiser and a dayboat. 

Twin Mercury Verado V-12 600 outboards power the 43 LE to nearly 50 mph. These “big boat” engines are super-quiet and can go a long time between scheduled maintenance. They are also loaded with the latest technology. Did you know that only the gear case of these V-12s turns when you spin the steering wheel? That allows mounting them closer together, which in turn provides space for other nice things, such as the expansive platform extensions the 43 LE boasts on each side of the engines.

Speaking of rotation, Tiara incorporates a seating and entertainment module in the cockpit that you can spin around to suit the moment. For instance, while underway, you might face it aft. While enjoying a beach or cove at rest, you can align it to face the portside terrace—the foldout cockpit side—to see family and friends coming and going from the water. The seats of this module feature plush upholstery. On its back half, we discovered a stylish faux-stone counter, with flush lids concealing a sink and grill. 

Now that you’re at the cove swimming and grilling, how about co-mingling with those in the cabin? The aft bulkhead of the 43 LE’s deckhouse opens wide to bring the outside in and the inside out.

On the other hand, you can close up the cabin and cruise in climate-controlled luxury. In the salon, you’re treated to amenities such as a teak sole, pop-up TV, ­expansive portside lounge with a teak ­table, and a galley with beautiful cabinetry, a sink, microwave and dual-burner cooktop. There’s a great view through the expansive windows for all aboard. The helm has a solo swiveling captain’s chair and teak dash bedecked with all controls.

Belowdecks, find two large cabins, each privatized by a bulkhead. The 43 LE’s forward cabin features an island berth, while the aft cabin (make this space yours) spans the complete beam of the boat. A well-appointed head features designer style and a separate shower stall.

High Points

• Cockpit lounge rotates to face the portside “terrace” or up to 180 degrees to face fully aft.
• Portside gunwale folds out with the push of a button to create a “terrace” to the water.
• High bow rail and handholds on the hardtop ensure safe transit.

How We Tested

• Engine: Twin Mercury 600 Verados
• Props: Verado 12 15 ³/₄” x 26″ 3-blade and 17 ¹/₃” x 26″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 438 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The new 48 LE, the flagship of Tiara’s outboard-powered lineup, lives up to the company’s hard-earned reputation for overbuilding its boats. It will wow you just as much with its seakeeping as it will with its luxurious amenities.

Let’s start with the coolest feature, the power-actuated rotating lounge module in the aft cockpit. With the push of a button, you can rotate it a full 180 degrees. But its unique tracking system lets you stop and lock it in place at any angle. Facing forward, it creates a great conversation pit with the aft-facing lounges under the hardtop. Facing aft, it provides a great view off the transom while lounging at anchor. Turned to port, it offers seating to enjoy the foldout terrace, another great feature that provides water access away from the outboards while at rest. The integrated swim ladder there makes for easy reboarding.

The salon under the hardtop is bathed in sunlight thanks to the 360-­degree windows. Retract the sunroof to create a more open feel. The glass door to the ­salon slides open, and the window to starboard electrically retracts into the bulkhead for more airflow. Belowdecks, the master and guest suites are brightly lit thanks to the expansive windows built into the hullsides. The master stateroom has its own head with a separate stand-up shower, which has a built-in bench, as does the guest head.

At the helm, the captain sits at the doublewide seat with built-in teak toe kicks. The Garmin Marine Navigation System displays are easy to read at the dash and bolstered by companion MFDs at the settee to port. The deep-V sport hull tapers to 21 degrees of deadrise at the transom and handles rough water with aplomb.

The 48 LE is perfectly paired with a trio of 600 hp Mercury V-12 Verado outboards. It climbs onto plane in just 7.4 seconds and hits 30 mph in a sprightly 10.5 seconds. What’s more, the boat does not squat while coming out of the hole, so the captain never loses sight of the water from the helm. We hit a top-end of 52.5 on our test day; Tiara noted slightly higher speeds in its own sea trials. 

High Points 

• Mercury joystick is integrated with a bow thruster to make close-quarters handling a far easier task.
• Along with the boarding door built into the starboard gunwale, there’s a built-in cockpit step with a handhold to ensure an easy transfer from the dock to the boat.
• Power-actuated rotating lounge in the cockpit can lock in place in almost any position in the cockpit, helping maximize the entertainment possibilities.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12 outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Verado 12 24.5″ duo props
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 442 gal. Water on Board: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 950 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Tiara Yachts 48 LE appeared first on Boating Mag.

Scout Boats

Scout Boats will be showing a fleet of boats including the new 357 LXF and 281 X Signature Edition. Also, they will be revealing more about the in-development 67 LX series (rendering shown). Lots to see and learn about at: Bahia Mar Dock C/D 45.

Aviara AV28

Aviara’s AV 28 is one unique dayboat. It is available in three versions, one with outboard power, one with conventional sterndrive power and one with a forward-facing sterndrive that allows this great-looking, high-performing dayboat to deliver its owners a wakesurfing experience, too. Bahia Mar F/G Dock.

Blackfin 400 CC

Wow! Our Tech Team was impressed by this Queen of the Blackfin fleet. It sports multiple outboard power, all the fishing features contemporary anglers demand, plus high-performance and a confidence-inspiring ride. See it at: Convention Center 2075.

Formula 457 Center Consoles

Formula is debuting the 457 Center Console Sport and the 457 Center Console Fish at FLIBS 2023! Hot off the success of its 357 CC Sport and Fish version CC’s, the renown boatbuilder breaks out with these bigger sisters. See them! Bahia Mar Yachting Center, slips H818-H824.

Grady-White

Man, get yourself to the convention center if you are a fan of this storied, North Carolina boatbuilder. Grady-White will be debuting a brand new boat , so top-secret that even we could not get advance intel. Don’t miss it! Convention Center 2025.

Wellcraft 435

Looking for speed, style and seakeeping? Versatility and luxury combine aboard this newest Wellcraft. Its powered by over 1,000 horsepower. Check out the outboard-powered Wellcraft’s 435 at: Slip H821 in the North Basin of Bahia Mar.

Axopar 45 ST (Sun Top)

This is the boatbuilder responsible for the rise of the “adventure” or “ commuter” class of boats. Increasingly popular, these stepped-hull, straight-stemmed vessels offer great versatility and also quality, but without lots of frills. Axopar’s newest is the 45 ST Sun Top. See it: Bahia Mar F/G dock, booth 9. (Nautical Ventures)

Four Winns TH36

Is it the year of the cat? This 36 foot Four Winns dayboat rides twin hulls for ride comfort, efficiency and a completely different use of deck space, compared to monohull dayboats. See it at: Slip B214 in the South Basin of Bahia Mar.

Cruisers Yachts

Celebrating 70 years of boatbuilding, Cruisers Yachts will have a large fleet on display. So, why not see a large boat! It shows the open bow layout, the transforming aft cockpit and more. The 50 GLS evinces style and substance and innovation and you, “must-see” it at: Bahia Mar Dock GH, Slip 3.

Sea Ray SLX Outboard Series

Here’s twin engine bowriders/ dayboats up to 40 feet. They are built to the highest quality and with every feature oozing thoughtful detail. Luxury, a 55-mph top-speeds, touchscreen helm displays…. these Sea Rays are certainly a, “must-see.” Do just that at: Bahia Mar GH Dock.

Intrepid 51 Panacea

Sport Yachts are an elite segment of recreational boats. One of the most unique sport yachts must be the new Intrepid 51 Panacea. Naturally it runs on Intrepid’s vaunted transverse step hull form, delivering ride, handling and performance that is unrivaled. Learn more! See it at: Bahia Mar (on land and in water) at G Dock.

Tiara 48 LE

The 48 LE is a great blend of entertaining comforts and adventure amenities. The rotating lounge module has power actuation allowing the seat to be positioned towards the terrace, aft, and anywhere in between. See more of the Tiara 48 LE! Bahia Mar C/D Dock.

Fountain 39 DX

Dual consoles are one hot boat segment, offering offshore hull, build and ride with the layout and comfort of a bowrider. Two consoles, three outboards, one great boat: Fountain’s 39 DX! See Fountain Powerboats in the Convention Center at Booth 2017!

Chaparral 280 OSX

Outboard dayboats are among the most popular on the water. Want to see a top-notch example? See the Chaparral 280 OSX in the Convention Center at booth 2072.

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Overview

The Great Lakes waters can go from flat-calm to “sporty” conditions in the blink of an eye. Getting caught in rough conditions, with big waves and tight wave periods between you and safe harbor, is something that, when you go through it, makes you understand why ­Michigan-based builder Tiara Yachts “overbuilds” its boats. Tiara has long been known for building ruggedly seaworthy boats capable of withstanding rough seas. Tiara models are also steeped in luxurious amenities and a high degree of fit-and-finish. The new 48 LE, the ­flagship of its outboard-powered sport yachts, is just the latest in its lineup to prove that Tiara has earned this reputation.

Interior and Accessories

The place to start when reviewing this boat has to be the aft cockpit, with several great features that will surely make it a prime spot for recreating and socializing. Your eyes, and the rest of your body, will be immediately drawn to the power-actuated rotating lounge module. With the push of a button, you can rotate it a full 180 degrees. But its unique tracking system lets you stop it and lock it in place at any angle you desire. Facing forward, it creates a great conversation pit with the aft-facing lounges under the hardtop. Fold out the wings on the high-gloss teak table, and fire up the electric grill for some on-water dining. Facing aft, it provides a tremendous view off the transom while lounging at anchor. Angle it to port to enjoy the foldout ­terrace, another dynamic feature that provides swimmers with water access away from the outboards while at rest. The integrated swim ladder makes for easy reboarding.

Let the socialization continue in the salon under the hardtop, which is bathed in sunlight thanks to the 360-degree windows. Retract the sunroof to create a more open feel. The glass door to the salon slides open and the window to starboard electrically retracts into the bulkhead to create and open flow with the cockpit. Everything adds up to create a boat that’s primed for entertainment.

Belowdecks, both the master and guest suites are brightly lit and feel bigger than they should thanks to the expansive windows built into the hullsides. The master stateroom has its own head with separate stand-up shower that has a built-in bench. Even the guest head has a separate shower with a bench. Looking back, both are far superior to the one in my first apartment. 

At the helm, the captain will no doubt have as much fun, if not more, than the crew behind him at the double-wide helm seat with built-in teak toe kicks. The Garmin Marine Navigation System displays are easy to read at the dash and are bolstered by companion MFDs in the settee to port, so someone can take on navigator duties without crowding the captain.

In terms of performance, the 48 LE lives up to the Tiara legacy. The deep-V sport hull that tapers to 21 degrees of deadrise at the transom handles rough water outside the inlet with aplomb. Adding the optional Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer takes the boat’s already excellent seakeeping to the next level while running offshore. Crewmembers prone to seasickness will welcome the addition.

Engines

Tiara has designed the 48 LE to be perfectly-paired with a trio of 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards. With this power package, this 16-ton boat climbs onto plane in just 7.4 seconds and hits 30 mph in a sprightly 10.5 seconds. What’s more, the boat does not squat while coming out of the hole, so the captain never loses sight of the water from the helm. We hit a top end of 52.5 on our test day on Lake Michigan—Tiara noted slightly higher speeds in its own Sea Trials. We did take note at how smooth this 48-footer handled turns at speed, like a much small and lighter boat. Tiara also notes that in its own trials, the 48 LE passed the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Quick Turn Test at wide-open throttle.

Still window shopping? It’s hard to directly compare boats at this level since they have so unique and customizable features, but do take a look at the Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS ($2,485,000 with triple Mercury 600s) which also has unfolding gunwales in the cockpit to enhance space and water access at anchor. Also take a look at the Intrepid 51 Panacea ($2,307,512 with quadruple Mercury 600s), which has living space belowdecks but is more of a center console layout.

But definitely keep your eyes on the stunning new Tiara 48 LE. It will turn heads at the dock, keep the crew comfortable and entertained, and handle some of the sportiest conditions you’ll see outside the inlet. Another case where being called “overbuilt” is earned. 

Read Next: Tiara EX 60

How We Tested

• Test Engine: Triple 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 outboard motors.
• Propellers: Verado 12 24.5” duoprops
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 442 gal. Water on Board: 100 gal. Passenger Weight: 950 lb.

High Points

• The Mercury joystick system is integrated with a bow thruster to make docking and close-quarters handling easier.
• Along with the starboard-side boarding door, there’s a built-in step-down into the cockpit, with a handhold to ensure easy transfer from the dock to the boat.
• Storage and bilge access is greater than that aboard boats with inboard or sterndrive power.
• The power-actuated rotating lounge in the cockpit can be locked in place in almost any position, helping maximize the ­entertainment possibilities.

Low Points

• Galley countertops could use a fiddled rail to keep food and dishware from sliding ­underway.
• Compared with inboards and sterndrives, ­outboards take up a lot of space on the ­transom platform.

Extra Point

The main cabin berth has wireless phone chargers built into either side so the owners never have to be too far away from their smartphones.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Tiara Yachts 48 LE appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Wanting to create a new flagship for its fleet, someone at Tiara obviously said, “Go big or go home.” And thus was born the largest and most luxurious Tiara ever built: an inboard IPS-powered yacht that, at 60 feet, 3 inches, is the queen of the fleet by a full 10 feet. Tiara also created a new EX line, which I can only assume stands for excellent or exceptional. 

The EX 60 is simply brilliant in many ways, allowing owners to tailor the layout to fit their needs. To create this newest crown jewel required combining the superb quality in construction and finish that Tiara is known for with a satisfying level of performance—in this case, 46 mph.  

I found the interior serene and surprising. It features a full-beam master amidships (you can walk around both sides of the centerline berth) and an equally spacious VIP forward, each en suite. A guest cabin with slide-together berths shares the VIP head. 

But the appeal of the EX 60 is the flow of the main deck from the windshield to the hydraulic swim platform. This is a yacht for enjoying the outdoors, with oversize folding doors in the salon and a power window to embrace the aft deck. Here, Tiara offers several seating modules to tailor the cockpit for every need. Our test boat had the aft lounge and breakfast bar, creating an alfresco dining area with a folding table, a galley with a grill, sink and fridge, and an aft-facing bar with stools. Perfect for relaxing on anchor, the cockpit also expands like an origami butterfly thanks to hinged sides that stretch the beam to more than 20 feet.  

Power for the Tiara EX 60 consists of twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 turbo diesels. These inline-six 12.8-liter engines connect by jack shafts to IPS pod drives. 

It was everything you’d expect. When hammered down, we hit 30 mph in just 17 seconds and topped out at 46 mph. At a mile-eating 29 mph, we were sipping fuel at 52 gph (besting 0.5 mpg is great economy for a boat this size), and joystick maneuvering takes the white knuckles out of tough docking situations.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 1,000 hp Volvo D13 turbo diesels linked by a jack shaft to IPS pods
• Drive/Prop: IPS/Volvo Q6 nibral contra-rotating prop sets 3- and 4- blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.88:1 Fuel Load: 700 gal. Water on Board: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 1,000 lb.

High Points

• Shhh! Just 69 decibels at cruise and only 72 decibels flat-out, making conversation easy.
• Elegant decor by Mary Flores. Plus, Tiara’s design team created carved wood headboards in the staterooms and jewellike welds on rails and other metalwork throughout the boat.
• Seakeeper 9 gyro kept the EX 60 rock-solid, and Volvo Interceptor trim flaps had the boat running flat, even during hard acceleration.

Low Points

• A two-burner cooktop on a 60-footer (not counting the cockpit grill) hints strongly at dining ashore.
• Deck has a lot of ups and downs: Step up to the helm level, up to the dinette, down two steps to the cockpit seating, and down two steps to the swim platform. Sure-footed guests are welcome.

Toughest Competitor

Sixty-footers without a flybridge aren’t common, but the Sunseeker Evo 60 ($2.4 million) or the Princess V60 ($2.6 million) are similar, although missing the fold-down cockpit sides and flexible cockpit layouts.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Tiara EX 60 appeared first on Boating Mag.

We walked through the Tiara Yachts 43 LE during the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Watch now to see some of our favorite features of this luxury yacht. To learn more about the 43 LE, including MSRP and to see their full lineup, visit tiarayachts.com.

The post Boating On Board the Tiara Yachts 43 LE appeared first on Boating Mag.

Tiara’s 43 LE exudes luxury, style, innovative functionality and performance. Powered by twin Mercury Marine 600 hp V-12 outboards, it’s capable of nearly 55 mph, but also grants more than 250 miles of range at speeds between 37 and 43 mph.

Tiara capitalized on its heritage in cabin boats to incorporate comfort throughout the 43 LE, including an aft seating/lounging/cockpit galley module that rotates to face forward, aft and 45 degrees in between, while also opening up different areas of deck space as it swivels. An additional pair of aft-facing seats reside within the bulkhead between the aft cockpit and bridge deck. If you want to lay out and catch some rays, make your way to the big bow sun pad atop the cabin roof.

The aft swim platform extends the deck area astern, and creates an expansive amount of deck space when coupled with the motorized fold-out hullside terrace on the port side, as well as unrivaled access to the water for swimming, snorkeling and more. It can also make boarding much easier. There’s also a dive door on the starboard side of the cockpit.

On the bridge deck, both the extra-wide helm and companion seats can pivot from facing forward to face the cockpit. When it’s chilly or wet, you can quickly close the aft companionway to the bridge deck with easy-to-use sliding clear vinyl doors on roller tracks. When it’s hot, you can button up and turn on the air conditioning to cool off. There’s also a drawer-style fridge abaft the helm seat.

In a very cool touch, the helm console features a pair of Garmin 16-inch multifunction displays, but there’s also a 16-inch Garmin MFD on the port console. The cabin of the 43 LE immerses the crew in comfort and convenience. The centerpiece as you step below is a beckoning island berth. Side windows usher in light, while an overhead hatch can let in a cooling breeze. There’s also a surprisingly spacious and private midcabin with a comfy twin berth and standing headroom for changing clothes. A full-featured head with designer accents and accoutrements, and a separate shower provides all the conveniences of home while afloat. 

High Points

• Step-down cabin features an island berth, luxurious head compartment with separate shower, and midcabin berth with standing headroom.
• Swiveling seating/lounging/cockpit galley module offers multiple deck arrangements. 
• Motorized fold-out hullside terrace complements the aft swim platform.
• Bridge deck can be quickly and fully enclosed with innovative  clear-vinyl pocket doors. 
• Awning extends aft at the push of a button from the stylish hardtop to shade the cockpit on sultry days. 

Pricing and Specs

Tiara Yachts – Holland, Michigan; 616-392-7163; tiarayachts.com

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Get a closer look at the Tiara Yachts 43 LS with Mercury 600s. This powerful package maximizes the harmony and performance of craft and powertrain.

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The marine industry has certainly faced some interesting challenges. It has truly been a rollercoaster ride recently between COVID-19, supply chain issues and hiring challenges. These external threats resulted in maritime trade contracting by 3.8 percent in 2020, followed by 58 percent of marine manufacturers experiencing supply chain issues and an average of $27 billion being spent annually on additional freight costs caused by congestion. It would appear all these circumstances have created a perfect storm for almost any business that is attempting to grow.

Yet, the U.S. demand for new powerboats reached a 13-year high in 2020 with nearly 320,000 units sold. Quantities like this had not been seen since prior to the Great Recession in 2008. Outdoor recreation contributes significantly to America’s economy. It creates $689 billion in economic output while supporting 4.3 million jobs.

With this level of desire in the market, there is an urgent need for skilled labor, but this problem isn’t new. The people side of our business has been something we’ve been voicing concerns about since the last recession. However, I’ve recently discovered one solution in finding skilled marine carpenters and technicians.

The Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS), located in Cedarville, MI, is the only marine industry school in the Great Lakes region. The school has been there for quite some time, but, until recently, the curriculum was largely focused on wood boat building skills. Today, it includes mechanical systems, thanks to a significant sponsorship from Mercury, and has also expanded into composites. This is exactly the type of program our industry has been longing for. This school is a reality, not just future hype. GLBBS currently trains up to 24 students annually, but the plan for the new facility would allow it to grow that number up to 100 students each year. To date, they have trained more than 200 individuals in the industry, and they have a 100 percent career placement rate over the last six years.

Read Next: Passionate About Boatbuilding

During a recent visit, I recognized the important role GLBBS plays in supporting the marine industry and the equally important role leaders in the industry have in ensuring the future of these schools. Tiara Yachts has invested in both the capital campaign to expand the physical size of the school and in two sponsorships for students going forward. I’m certain that Tiara Yachts can make a positive impact upon the school, but just imagine the impact our industry could make if we invested in this school and others like it, together. Whether we invest via funds, time, or mentorship, I believe supporting this program and others like it is how we right the ship when it comes to our need for skilled people in our field.

Tom Slikkers is CEO and President of Tiara Yachts. He has worked in the marine industry for more than four decades beginning his career as a Summer Employee at S2 Yachts, a sail and powerboat company founded by his father, Leon Slikkers. As S2 Yachts grew, so did Tom’s career, working his way up the ranks through sales and leadership positions. Throughout his career, Tom worked as President of Pursuit Boats, a brand within the S2 Yachts portfolio focused on sport fishing models. In 2018, Tom participated in the successful divestment of the Pursuit brand in sale of Pursuit Boats to Malibu Boats. Tom is currently the President and CEO of Tiara Yachts, a position he’s held since 2012. He’s passionate about leadership, building and nurturing a team, new product development and facilitating organizations forward.

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The 49 Coupe blends classic Tiara Yachts legacy with a contemporary balance of materials and improved layout, increasing social zones while maximizing seating and comfort. Interior, the single level salon offers unparalleled height, 360-degree visibility, cross conversational seating and a generous 48’’ wide helm seat. Accommodations for up to six guests await below deck. The centerline master berth boasts private head entry, storage and an abundance of natural light via the large hull side windows. VIP accommodations enjoy natural light and a private head entry as well. Connect interior and exterior zones via sliding glass doors that open the galley to the single-entry cockpit complete with spacious L-lounge. Elegant fabric colorways blend with teak, Corian and quartz accents to present a contemporary look and comfortable feel aboard the 49 Coupe.

The 49 Coupe carries our longstanding partnerships with Volvo Penta and Garmin® electronics, offering glass cockpit, joystick control and current marine navigation technologies. Seakeeper gyro stabilization technology is an optional addition to your 49 Coupe. Integrated audio system, Bluetooth and advanced led lighting are each seamlessly blended throughout.

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