Planning a boat purchase - I'm thinking Tiara

Don't get a boat. Get a Seabreacher! http://seabreacher.com/.

 

Ted,

Go to the boat show and look around. Visualize seriously how you plan on using the boat. ask a lot of questions. Look at different options in your price range.

I believe Tiara makes a nice boat. I know someone with one. He has a 38' with pods and IPS and diesels. In other words, he did it right for his type of cruising.

"I could put together another 50k but that only puts me in the 2006 range and maybe diesels."

Is that the same size boat with diesels or a larger boat? It's unusual to see diesels in anything not around 40'

If you are going to be in that range of boat, I strongly urge you to understand the differences between diesels and gas engines. Do the math.... There is a reason all the commercial guys run diesels and pleasure boaters run gas. They want to get into a boat they can't afford so save money on the front end. But, diesels run more efficient, less likely to leave you stranded, and should last forever if you maintain her well.

I know a guy with 4800 hrs on his and they are running strong. Good luck with gas engines.

I did a comparison between a 35' gas boat and a 41' diesel and the diesel cost less in fuel to go cruise. So, more robust engines, heavier boat, much more room, and cheaper.... It might be a bit more for other things that get charged by the foot, but really, is that the big issue? A slip, a couple more $/ft, a haul out, a couple more $/ft, etc.

Bottom line is, there's a reason there are so many choices in boats. Everybody's "mission" is a bit different. For example, I see things in the Tiara that bother me... Might not others, but it doesn't suit me.

The other thing I suggest you do is ask these questions on boat forums and specific boat forums, like a Tiara forum. Get a sense of how strong the community is and if they can really help. One forum I suggest is thehulltruth.com .... Lots of good info there.

Good luck....

PM me if you want to get into more specifics.

 

A diesel is not needed in a 32 unless you need the range. Another style option is the intrepids wa series. They made a 339 and 359 series. They will be faster than the tiara and less systems/maintenance. Good luck.

 

If you are buying a boat with inboard engines such as the Tiara, I would suggest going with diesel engines. The are safer, more reliable and will provide you with a much longer range. If you are looking for a gas powered boat, I suggest a boat with 2 large outboard 4 stroke engines.

 

Finding diesels in a boat of tthat length will be difficult. In fact, if you do, really understand how she was designed and weighted. Diesels will weigh more and a boat of that length might have trouble carrying them. CG might be an issue as well....

I'm afraid you might need to move up in size... Keep me posted and good luck.

 

A pal of mine is just finalizing a deal on a Tiara 55 with twin Cats. He tells me (after touring their production facility) that they are the best. That is good enuf for me.

 

My father innlaw had two Tiaras IIRC. I know he had a 35' with twin turbodiesels for sure. The boat previous to that was a 32' Tiara with gas engines. The diesel boat was far less stressed when motoring. Trolling and idling around is fine with gas engines but I would not recommend them for long distances at higher speeds. Tiaras are great boats. Much nicer than the Luhrs boats he had previously. Definitely smart to buy used like you intend to do. Have fun and take a boating safety course with your wife.

 

Congrats on your decision....

 

Make sure you get a "boat survey" and take a sea trial.

 

If you are boating on the ocean, you need a ditch bag, life raft and the most important item, an EPIRB.

Lifts, look up Sun Stream. They are one of the best lift manufacturers. When calculating the weight of the boat for a lift, add fuel, water,gray water, gear, people, more gear......

 

I don't know if you are at the stage of looking for provisioning and purchase advice....

I would look into a marine survey and engine survey. Schedule them for diff days....

 

You should visit these two forums, boatdiesel.com and thehulltruth. All the info you will ever need.

As a note it always astonishes me that people regard diesels as cheaper to run. The fuel cost may be cheaper but the batteries, turbos, inter coolers, fuel systems, oil changes, heat exchangers, filters are much more costly to maintain. The only time a gas boat is not safe is when the owner is not maintaining it or following proper procedures during start up.

 

If you are waiting until early next year, go to the Miami Boat show.

Mind if I ask where you will be docking the boat. I see you mentioned OBX and we live in Chesapeake VA

 

Miami is in Feb 2014

 

I word about Epirb..... (and I think we are way ahead of the game here)

Remember that PLBs (w/gps) and Epirbs work in conjunction with satellites. It could be a few hours for one to come overhead and usually the USCG waits for a second hit before they start asking questions. So, they are good to have if you're going offshore, but have a preliminary plan.

Things like DSC VHF Radio, cell phone, filing a boat plan, are really more essential for coastal boating, IMO.

Ted, you use the same SN on THT? I'm over there too and you're going to get a wealth of info from that forum.

In regards to the diesel vs. gas debate, I'll say one thing and then leave it alone. Look at your commercial guys. The guys that are watermen and are only concerned about the bottom line. Ask yourself, what are they running....

Also, I really advise you to get to a good boat show and get on other boats of this size. See what you like and what you might not have thought about. you haven't pulled the trigger yet so there's an opportunity to really make sure it's a good fit.

The Annapolis show is coming up.... the Miami is great for Mega Yachts as is Ft Lauderdale.

You asked for advice, and my advice is to start a preliminary search. Go look at boats that might not be exactly what your looking for but are close. Look at the subtle differences. Initially things start to blend together, but the more time you spend on them looking at different ones, the more you'll be able to discern the right one. Don't be afraid to negotiate and walk away. You never know when the right boat will show on the market. Looking for a boat when you want it works against you because you want it "now". That might make you rush, etc....

Asking price is just that, an asking price.... Some owners are more flexible depending on their situation and how realistic they are. You need to get someone to tell you the BUC and soldboats pricing to give you a baseline of how they are really selling.

My feeling is things have picked up just a little bit this last year. But, who knows if that will hold... Lot's of owners are unrealistic about their valuations. It takes awhile, sometimes, to find one that's a good fit.