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Tiara Yachts EX 60 Reviewed

• By Chris Caswell
• June 16, 2023

When Tiara Yachts created a new flagship for its fleet, it went big: The Tiara EX 60 is a full 10 feet longer than any other Tiara. More importantly, this 60-footer maintains the high level of construction, fit and finish and performance expected from the Michigan builder.

The broad strokes here are a three-stateroom yacht with a full-beam master and surprising performance—for moving 26 tons—from the twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS1350 diesels linked by jackshafts to IPS pod drives, giving a reported hammer-down speed of about 40 knots and a fuel-sipping 52-gallon-per-hour cruise at about 25 knots.

This is also a yacht for connecting with the water, with a single-deck living space stretching from the hydraulic swim platform all the way to the windshield. The cockpit, partially shaded by the hardtop overhang, and partially by an extendable awning, is where buyers can add modules that can be mixed and matched. The alfresco seating module has back-to-back couches with a folding table, while the aft lounge module adds another two-way settee aft. Other choices include an aft grill, a fridge and a sink, while the breakfast-bar version includes an aft-facing counter with three ottoman seats. Anglers can select packages including rod holders and bait-prep stations. Whatever the combinations, a pair of settees are tucked into the forward corners, protected from the sun and wind.

Also, in all configurations, the transom platform lowers to become a beach or to launch an 11-foot Williams Sportjet 345 (on hidden chocks). Both sides of the cockpit butterfly outward to create water-level terraces that extend the beam to more than 20 feet.

The salon is as bright as the outdoors, with windows from overhead to settee level, an electric sunroof and sliding doors that open fully. A raised settee to port has two removable bar stools and faces the long galley with twin Isotherm fridges, a Kenyon induction two-burner cooktop and stowage space that more than makes up for the lack of hanging cabinetry, which would block views.

Just forward, the skipper has a double-wide Stidd helm seat with a joystick on the armrest. It’s abaft a black dash with twin 22-inch Garmin monitors and a row of clearly marked buttons for systems. The sliding door here lets the skipper step onto the side deck to help with lines or get a better view when docking, since the throttle and thruster controls are next to the door. Just opposite the helm is a double companion seat. The optional Garmin multifunction display can be switched from navigation to ship’s systems via the touchscreen. For portside maneuvering, the skipper has engine and thruster controls tucked into a side locker of the cockpit.

While the salon and cockpit are about fun, the lower-level accommodations whisper serenity. The full-beam master is amidships for minimal motion and provides walkaround space on each side of the queen-size berth. The starboard nightstand has a slide-out workstation. There’s also a love seat, a flip-up vanity, a built-in bureau, a full-height hanging locker, and a washer and dryer. The en suite head has a full-stall shower. Like the VIP head that doubles as a day head, the master’s head has vessel sinks and Euro-style faucets.

The VIP stateroom is forward with an island queen berth (mostly walk-around). There’s direct access to the head, which has a stall shower. Between the two staterooms is a guest space with slide-together twin berths. Tiara created carved-wood headboards that not only warm the staterooms but also create an inviting textured effect. The decor, including the headboards, was orchestrated by Mary Flores Interiors of Seattle, and it includes everything from throw pillows to bed coverlets.

The systems, from diesel mains to jackshafts to Volvo Penta’s IPS pods, take up half the boat under the deck, and I was surprised that access was not just for the skinny. A diamond-plate walkway between the two Volvo Penta D13s provided good serviceability, and the EX 60 I got aboard was fitted with a Seakeeper 9, a Volvo Interceptor trim system and a 13.5 kW Onan genset. The bilge was fully gelcoated for easy cleaning, and sound- and vibration-deadening material was everywhere, resulting in just 72 decibels in the salon while the boat was running flat-out. That’s about conversation level, and most of the noise that registered was bow wave and wake astern.

The EX 60 also has a sunning, sitting and dining area on the bow. Reaching it is safer and easier with the faux-teak decking from Teakdecking Systems. This material is easy to maintain and provides a nonslip surface. Tiara uses it on all decks as well as in the salon interior. Surrounding the deck are impeccably welded rails that are “bling,” along with deck cleats and chocks. The Lewmar anchor windlass is hidden in a locker with stowage for fenders and dock lines, and the anchor hawse is through the stem with a protective stainless-steel plate.

As the new flagship of the Tiara Yachts fleet, the EX 60 carries forward the traditions of impressive construction, thoughtful design features and surprising performance. And it’s a lot of fun too.  

Origin Story

Tiara Yachts traces its lineage to SlickCraft, the first company of Tiara founder Leon Slikkers. The company started building wooden runabouts in 1955 and fiberglass vessels by 1960. Leon, joined by sons David and Robert, launched Tiara Powerboats in 1976. In 2012, his youngest son Tom, took over as president and CEO. In 2021, after a 75-year career, Leon retired.

Meet the Fleet

In addition to the EX 60, Tiara has four Luxury Sport Series models, ranging from the 34LS to the 48LS. The Luxury Crossover Series has the 34LX, and the 43LE and 48LE are in the Luxury Express Series. Lastly, there is the three-model Coupe Series with the C39, C44 and C49.

Volvo Penta Interceptors

Part of the Volvo Penta Electronic Vessel Control system on the Tiara EX 60, the Interceptors are trim controls with vertical sliding blades. With the Active Ride feature, these blades diminish pitch and roll by up to 60 percent while keeping the boat more upright in sharp turns. The result is increased cruising comfort at all speeds and better fuel efficiency.

Take the next step: tiarayachts.com

• More: Express Cruisers , May 2023 , Motoryachts , Reviewed , Tiara , Tiara Yachts , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
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Tiara Today

Tiara: the new quality leader, by david pascoe.

We've always liked Tiara and Pursuit boats, both products of S2 Yachts of Holland, Michigan. In times past we've recommended them as good, solid quality, well-designed boats that are a bit more utilitarian than glitzy. The kind of boat that holds up well to year 'round use under the blazing Florida sun, as well as the five month monsoon season that can dump 80" of rain on your boat annually.

One of the things I've always liked about them was how they restrained themselves from loading their boats up with cheap hardware and other gratuitous junk just to give you the appearance of getting more. No plastic hardware to turn black with mildew, or to disintegrate from sunlight. No die cast zinc alloy or crummy aluminum.

Naturally, as surveyors, our primary business is with used boats, so we are usually several years behind the times on new models. Thus, it was several years ago that we began to notice a change in Tiara. For one thing, they started making an appeal to the high end sport fishing market. Whereas boats like the 3600 Open had rather plane-Jane cockpits, now we started seeing things like built in bait wells, tackle centers, rod storage lockers, Rybovich style hull vents and all those kind of goodies. Keeping up with the sport fishing Joneses as it were.

But the sport fishing market is a rather limited one, and so Tiara has wisely taken their "open" line of models and created both dedicated fishermen and cruisers. The primary difference of the two being the amount of seating and lack of obstructions in the cockpit areas for the fishermen.

Most recently we were assigned the task of looking over three brand new Tiaras. Now we get to see up close and personal what we'd previously been seeing only from a distance. Without question, Tiara has raised the quality a notch or two. Which, of course, means that the price tag has gone up along with it. That should go without saying. Want good? Gotta pay for it. We can say without reservation that, for the price, what you are getting is not a snow job, not some marketing ploy to sell you something that looks good today, but turns to dust tomorrow. No, these boats have some bone deep quality in them.

First off, we got to compare the 35 Open with the 4100. As is common in the industry, the overall quality tends to go up with the size and price of the boat, and that is clearly the case here. With the 4300 Open, Tiara is clearly taking a shot at Viking and Hatteras, with all the latest design, quality and style features to match. As for Hatteras, they seem too busy with their mega yacht business to bother with the little guys. Can't remember when we last looked at a late model under 50 feet.

The interior of the 4300 is a real eye-catcher. Done out all in teak (Gasp! Dark wood!) it is positively scrumptious. I wish a picture could tell the story, but it really can't. The last time we raved about quality wood work was on the 1997 Viking 43 SF which had less of it, but better overall quality. Frankly, I'm glad to see teak interiors making a come back. Why? For one thing, it is durable. If you screw it all up, the finish can be restored. Not so with light color woods like ash, oak and maple that get permanently stained.

The 4300 Open. No pretense at luxury here, it looks better live than this photo.

Up north, where the sun doesn't shine that much, dark interiors are understandably unpopular. But here in the tropics, sunny days can get just as boring -- not to mention the blinding light, heat and carcinoma that it causes -- so popping down into your deep dark abode immediately renders a sense of soothing coolness, away from the glare and shutting out the rest of the world. If you like that sort of atmosphere, you'll love this one. And it is decidedly masculine. No red or green leather and brass, but you can get teal. Close enough. Spittoons and cigar clippers are optional, for those of you who defy convention and love your Monte Chistos and La Habanas. Easy clean vinyl headliner if you're into the soothing effects of tobacco.

With the 4300, start with a beveled edge, tongue-and-groove teak planked sole with holly stepping. Not the most practical design in terms of keeping dirt out of the cracks, but boy it sure looks great. The sculptured effect is immediately obvious and exudes an amazing sense of quality. Then we've got a fold up dinette table with round, solid teak edge banding a good 2" thick with 180 degree round over; joiner work is first class.

The 3500 had a limed ash or oak interior that was nice, but the veneers weren't the best, nor was the joiner work really great. There were cabinets and drawers veneer faced with veneer edge banding that left very hard corners and a failure to give the impression of great workmanship. Nice, but not impressive to those who recognize quality; the finish on the wood was also thin. Contrasting this with the 4300, where we find a lot more rounding, the finish is obviously well done. So what's the big deal with rounding? Well, for one thing square is cheaper to make than round. Secondly, I'd much rather bump into a rounded corner than a sharp one. I got enough scars on my body. But the finish on the woods is clearly better than the 3500, giving the impression (whether it is or not) of overall higher quality and better workmanship.

The overall design, selection of materials and color scheme is superb. Everything is mute without appearing dull. Color freaks won't care for this, but when it comes to a yacht, it's foolish to stray into the realm of the trendy or flashy. Gotta think about resale; if it's loud, it gets hard to sell when the flavor of the day constantly changes. The color schemes used here are timeless and will not go out of style. Call it subdued good taste. Smart money stays conservative. Moreover, the use of foam padded vinyl is kept to a merciful minimum and you're new Tiara won't smell like like a vinyl factory; instead, it smells like wood.

Full, fiberglass liners make our day for the head compartments, with hose-down ease of cleaning on the smaller models, stall showers on the larger. While the galley on the 3500 resembles more closely a sandwich board, on the 37 and up, they're darn nice, although having wood cabinets directly above a pot of boiling water doesn't make good sense. Yet in all models, the amount of storage space is more than adequate, plus sensibly designed with spaces to store pots as well as dishes without any contortionist exercises.

The trained eye can't fail but to notice the detail work on this hatch cover. Have you had enough of glued-on insulation falling off? That's not going to happen with this one.

Even though a bit too much is crammed into this 3500 engine compartment, it's hard not to be impressed by the high quality detail work, starting with fluorescent lighting and the deep hatch gutters to keep water out.

As a true sport fisherman, both the 35 and 43 flunk the test by virtue of cockpits compromised for the cocktail crowd. There is altogether too much upholstery and obstructions for those who are going to give a cockpit a lot of hard use. Some of this glitz is optional, so you'll need to check on how much can be eliminated from the show models. On the 35, the large, L-shaped settee at forward cockpit creates a serious traffic bottle neck, leaving only a 14" wide walk thru. Along with a hinged, pneumatically operated rear seat, there are too many obstructions. For sports-minded people, for the outdoorsy types, the last thing you want is clutter in the cockpit; that's for the cocktail cruisers where seating a lot of people is the primary requirement.

On attention to design detail, we're getting close to as good as it gets. I'm talking about things like:

• Whether salt water is going to leak all over your engines and machinery when you go to sea. Or when you hit the deck with a hose to wash it. Take a look at the hatch design detail in the nearby photo. A hatch like that probably costs 4X what the run of the mill hatch would cost. Notice that the insulation is not just glued on so that it's going to fall off in a few years. And that you can take the underliner off in order to replace the insulation when it gets all tore up, as it inevitably will.
• Hatch gutters: The gutters on the electrically lifted large hatch section are very large and deep. The drains are 2" diameter so they won't clog up easily. Know what happens when an improperly designed drainage system gets clogged up? Yep, the water overflows and onto tens of thousands of dollars worth of machinery. If you wonder why we ridicule bad design, that's it.
• Details like the hatch and cabinet doors are thru-bolted, not screwed into fiberglass.
• Details like the transom door hinges are double thick stainless with an adequately constructed jamb so the whole arrangement isn't going to break apart from the tremendous leverage applied by the door.
• Details like proper rounding of fiberglass moldings so they don't fracture at sharp angles.
• Details like gaskets and strong dogs on all hatches.
• Overall better quality hardware.
• A properly constructed hull/deck joint and rub rails so that 5 years from the time you write the check, the side of your boat doesn't look like it went through a hurricane
• Strong windshields with base gutters to drain off the inevitable leakage.
• Well laid out electric panels. Various other switches and panels aren't scattered all over the place. For example, on one new boat we recently looked at, we found electrical controls in five different locations, taking a good hour just to figure out where things were and how they operated. On these boats, everything is instantly clear; never spent more than a minute looking for a switch.

The day prior to writing this, I did a survey on a 36 footer that had the electric panel crunched between the helm and the cabin side, literally at floor level. Had to get on my hands and knees to operate a switch. How on earth could anyone tolerate such a thing, I wondered. I mean, is it someone's idea of great fun to have to stand on your head to read a volt meter or throw a switch?  Talk about a designer with his head up his ass. Where are the panels on a Tiara? At eye level where they should be.

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Real quality is not only in materials but in the design details, all of which make ownership and operation of the vessel far 6easier and less costly, often requiring you pay for things once, rather than twice or three times.

The engine compartments on all the Tiaras were something of a let down. Not that they're not loaded with good quality stuff, but like a Sea Ray, not much thought was given to how anyone is going to reach a lot of stuff for repair or service. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, this has got to give you a pause for consideration. Even with the opening full deck section, things are still hard to reach, yet it's hard not to be impressed with the quality.

The down side on the smaller models. Some engine compartments that can be pretty cramped. It's extremely hard to reach anything. That's the transmission down there.

As you can see in the photo above, there's a nice, easy-clean glass headliner, along with fluorescent lighting so at least you can see what you're doing. The problem is simply too much in too small a space. You got your nice big cabin and cockpit, but this is the price you pay for that.

But you'll find other great features like the cabin door on really good rollers and also with a sliding screen. Both slide as easy as can be. And the electrically opened center windshield is another nice feature. So too is the manner in which the Bimini top is fitted to the windshield; it has only an 8" high eisenglass zippered section that is easy to open to let the air through. Neat.

I also like the heavily rounded toe rails with at least a 4" radius. Not only does this look good, but it makes the gunwale stronger and much less prone to stress cracking when you really bang against a piling.

Another real strong point is the ergonomics of the helm which I found superb, particularly with an electrically operated helm seat. Of course, this is just another electric gizmo to crap out on you, but like electric seats in a car, it is a nice feature. However, if you like to sit and steer with your hands, forget it. This is one for sitting back and steering with your feet, which is my usual method.

One thing Tiara did that is a real head scratcher is that they made the deck up under the windshield black. I don't think I need explain why that is not good for a variety of reasons.

The helm designs are generally superb. This is the 3500 with a power seat.

Easy boarding. Some of the cockpit designs we've seen lately are truly atrocious. It's hard to image that a designer figures that you could tolerate only boarding over the transom, or having to climb all over the upholstered seating -- or worse yet -- walking across a wet bar. But they do. The 3500 has a built-in step each side, which is completely out of the way so you don't get to trip over it, and immediately behind the arch where there is a handy grab rail. And with that pointed diamond non-skid pattern, there's no chance of slipping and getting your bones rearranged. Even Grandma could board with relative ease. But, if you like to mimic the Europeans, who apparently don't have many docks, she's got a 30" wide platform that is removable. It looks like it's integral, but it's not.

Aside from the upholstery, there isn't much in the cockpit area to go to rot and ruin. The little wet bar has a heavily rounded, deep lid with no steel hardware and not much else. Apparently Tiara designers know that salt water comes cascading over the bow to frequently douse the cockpit with that wonderfully corrosive fluid. If stuff can't withstand salt water, it shouldn't be on a boat. In this case, it isn't. Plus you may think that the windshield is ungainly high -- would you like to have a nice, sleek, low Euro style windshield. Well, just keep in mind that the high windshield keeps salt spray off most of your goodies at the helm. Euro style is great in the showroom but it sucks canal water in out here in the real world.

Clearly Tiara is taking a run at being the quality leader. Equally clear is that they're getting close, particularly with the smaller models. In the forty foot range, the engine rooms are a bit of a disappointment and don't measure up to Hatteras or Viking, the later of which has the best machinery installations of any production builder.

If you're not an aficionado, this won't much matter to you. But for today's yachtsmen, a well designed and gleaming machinery space ranks just as high as the exterior appearance, a throwback to our early days of hot-rodding and chrome plating everything. Half the fun of ownership is show-and-tell, like cruising the burger stand on Friday night and opening your hood for all to see. Hey, buddy, whatcha got in there? My Awlgripped, chrome plated 8V92, turbocharged, after burner Dee Twa Diesels, man. The ones with the 250 cc injectors, man. Good for one weeks fishin' and then rebuild 'em. Divorced the wife, bought a boat. A hot rod boat, that is. And why the heck not? Nobody makes a car these days anyone could have an ounce of pride in owning. They're all the same plastic junk. Not even a spot of chrome left on a Jaguar, for God's sake.

It's an injection molded, throw-away, plastic world out there folks. Boats like these represent the last of the world of quality and pride in ownership in something that is mass produced. For those who can afford it.

For the time being, for production builders who turn out a lot of boats, I'll give Tiara the number two spot behind Viking.

See ya at Walker's, chum. Wanna race?

Posted May 20, 1999

Boat Reviews Articles At-A-Glance

• Introduction to Boat Reviews
• Albemarle 305
• Aquasport 215
• Baha 260 Targa (not "Baja")
• Bertram Yachts
• Bertram Yachts: Introduction
• Bertram 26.6 II
• Bertram 28 II
• Bertram 30 Express
• Bertram 30 Moppie
• Bertram 31 SF
• Bertram 33 SF
• Bertram 36 Moppie
• Bertram 42 Convertible
• Bertram 46 Convertible
• Blackfin Yachts
• Blackfin 29 SF
• Blackfin 29 Combi
• Blackfin 32 Flybridge
• Blackfin 33
• Boston Whaler Outrage 26
• Cabo 31 Sport Express
• Century 3000
• Chris-Craft 302 Crown
• Contender 25
• Cranchi Mediterranee 40
• Cruisers 4270 Esprit
• Cruisers 4280
• Glacier Bay 2640 Renegade
• Grady-White Offshore 24
• Grady-White 24 Voyager
• Gulfstar 43  Trawler-style Yacht
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts: Introduction
• Hatteras 36 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible - Updated Review
• Hatteras 39 Sport Express
• Hatteras 45 Convertible
• Hatteras 52 Convertible
• Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht & Convertible
• Hatteras 61 Motor Yacht
• Hyatt 45 CMY
• Island Gypsy 40
• Legacy 34 Express
• Luhrs 320 Open
• Luhrs 34 - 340 F.B. Sedan
• Luhrs Tournament 360
• Mainship 31
• Mainship 350 Trawler
• Mako 221- Updated 11/05/99
• Maxum 4600 1998
• Morgan 462 Ketch
• Offshore 48
• Post 46 Convertible
• Pursuit 2855
• Pursuit 3000 Offshore
• Sea Ray and Balsa Core Bottoms (from "Structural Issues")
• Sea Ray Sundancer 290
• Sea Say Sundancer 290 Update
• Sea Ray 370 AC
• Sea Ray 39 Express
• Sea Ray 500
• Shamrock 26
• Thompson Santa Cruz 2700
• Tiara 3100 Open
• Tiara 3600 Convertible
• Topaz 28_1981
• Trojan 10-8 Meter
• Trojan 14 Meter Convertible
• Trojan 440 Express
• Viking 43 Open
• from other cat.
• Marlin Monroe 42 Bertram Convertible Make an Old Boat New
• Tiara Today The New Quality Leader?

David Pascoe's Power Boat Books

• Basic Considerations
• Boat Types: Which is Right for You?
• Old Boats, New Boats and Quality
• Basic Hull Construction
• Evaluating Boat Hulls
• Performance and Sea Keeping
• Decks & Superstructure
• Stress Cracks,Finishes and Surface Defects
• Power Options
• The Engine Room
• Electrical & Plumbing Systems
• Design Details
• Steering, Controls, Systems & Equipment
• The Art of the Deal
• Boat Shopping
• The Survey & Post Survey
• Boat Builders by Company
• What is Pre-Purchase Survey?
• Business Practices and Client Relations
• Sound vs. Seaworthiness
• Hull and Its Structure
• Surveying the Hull
• Using Moisture Meters
• Stress Cracks & Surface Irregularities
• Deck & Superstructure
• Drive Train
• Gas Engines
• Fuel Systems
• Exhaust Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Plumbing Systems
• The Marine Investigator
• The Nature of Investigations
• The Nature of Evidence
• Marine Insurance and Issues of Law
• Bilge Pumps & Batteries
• Finding the Leak
• Sinking Due To Rain
• Fire Investigations
• Machinery Failure Analysis
• Fraud Investigations
• Interrogation Techniques
• Deposition & Court Testimony

Published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc. Articles, Images: Copyright © 1997 - 2018 David H. Pascoe All rights reserved. Articles, Images: Copyright © 2019-2020 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Web site design & developement: Copyright © 1997 - 2021 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe

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2021 Tiara Sport 43 LE

• By Kevin Falvey
• Updated: April 21, 2021

Boats sporting convertible cockpit arrangements have become all the rage. But the flip-down hull sides and swiveling, sliding seat modules aboard Tiara Sport’s 43 LE do more than just expand social and recreational opportunities. They combine with its racy, offshore hull form, gobs of outboard power, and a cabin chock full of amenities to make this boat as much a sport yacht as it is a dayboat.

BTG0521_FT1_01

Dayboat functionality begins with the ability to deliver the advantages of speed and performance to your crew. Powered by triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards, the 43 LE blasts you and a dozen or more close friends to 60 mph, ensuring not only thrills, but also that you get to where you want to go—and back—in a manageable time. I found it fun to run, and responsive whether cruising, transiting the swift current of Shinnecock Canal, or cutting just-for-fun S-turns out on the open water.

BTG0521_FT1_16

The 43 LE is available with the triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards that we tested it with, as well as triple Yamaha 425 XTO outboards .

Interior and Accessories

BTG0521_FT1_17

Of course, a great dayboat proves much more than just a water taxi. It also requires the flexibility to accommodate a large group, as well as smaller, intimate groups. Certainly, size helps provide the space for separate, dedicated social zones. On top of that, Tiara Sport’s design team displayed ingenuity throughout the 43 LE. Two examples are the All Sport Module and the flip-down terrace in the cockpit.

BTG0521_FT1_06

Now enter the cockpit—via either a port or starboard walkway—and check out the front side of the module. You’ll discover a pair of lounges, upholstered stylishly in luxurious but boat-tough fabric, and with chaise-style footrests. Flip down the middle armrest to reveal drink holders, or mount the glossy teak table and serve up snacks.

Now, say you want to face aft or 45 degrees toward the flipped-down portside terrace. The All Sport Module manually rotates into multiple positions and locks firmly in place. A sunshade extends aft, offering sun cover, and a pair of aft-facing lounges (stowage within) at the cockpit’s forward end complement the arrangement. Tiara provides ladders for the terrace, the swim platform and starboard-side boarding door. Besides the swimming potential, consider that there are multiple ways to get on and off the 43 LE.

BTG0521_FT1_09

The helm deck can be separated from or made part of the cockpit thanks to a unique, center-opening, sliding enclosure ($11,100) that’s not quite doors yet not quite clear canvas. This ingenious entry combines with a huge single-expanse windshield, sliding side windows, and a wide skylight overhead that opens in its center. The double-wide helm and companion seats rotate to face aft as desired. A TV flips down from overhead.

BTG0521_FT1_12

The helm itself is a lesson in an operating station done right. It tilts aft for service, a decades long hallmark for Tiara. I did not see its dark surface reflected in the windshield, and the hardtop’s brow further reduced glare. There’s ample handy stowage for phones, keys, lip balm and miscellaneous items, another Tiara hallmark. Placement of every item, from engine controls and accessory switches to the two large Garmin multifunction displays, I deemed ergonomic.

The galley, as such, is up here too, where it serves best for entertaining, along with the grill in the cockpit. This consists of a sink, two drawer refrigerators, a Yeti cooler, pantry stowage and a 120-volt AC outlet.

BTG0521_FT1_14

Belowdecks, backlit paneling carries the fashionable embossed pattern of the topside seating upholstery into the teak and beechwood bedecked cabin. I found wide-plank flooring underfoot, with indirect lighting at ankle height, and a combination of upholstery and fiberglass overhead. The look is cool, interesting and modern. There are big hullside windows with privacy shades.

Aft, the private midcabin berth boasts a full-size mattress with decent sitting headroom. There’s standing headroom at the long settee, a hanging locker, and a light from a hull window with an opening porthole. The forward stateroom offers a queen pedestal berth and is privatized by a curtain. The hullside windows and an overhead hatch provide light and natural ventilation.

BTG0521_FT1_18

The head offers a separate shower stall, more solid teak flooring, a Vacu-Flush commode, an exhaust fan, and a lot of style.

The Tiara Sport 43 LE rates as a must-see for boaters seeking performance, weekending luxury and dayboating versatility.

Design and Serviceability

Tiara is a builder that cares about the marriage of design and function, a DNA marker I’ve noted through more than two decades of testing boats for Boating . Certainly the images do the first part justice. The function part?

BTG0521_FT1_08

Aboard the 43 LE I noted ruggedly installed fixtures and fittings that were beautifully made and functional. And an eye toward serviceability is evident throughout: I direct your attention to the helm, described above, and the way it flips down granting access to wiring and the cables for the networked electronics. Technicians will love working on this boat.

Climbing into the bilge aboard the 43 LE, through the generous access hatch in the cockpit sole proved easy. I found service points and equipment such as seacocks, batteries, genset, gyro stabilizer and more securely installed and easy to examine and lay my hands on.

Not too many boats boast this kind of performance, amenities and twin-cabin accommodations. But we’ll direct you to inspect Intrepid ’s 438 Evolution, which can also be powered by triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards (starting around $900,000).

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 450 hp Mercury Racing 450R
• Drive/Props: Outboard/14.6″ x 18″/19″/18″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 400 gal. Water on Board: 60 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Best multiuse cockpit arrangement we’ve seen yet.
• Ingenuity melds with excellence in build and finish; check the All Sport Module, hardtop aft enclosure, and more.
• Exciting-to-run powerboat features 43 feet and 22,000 pounds.
• Boat includes a flip-down TV, a bow social zone, and a side boarding door.
• We’d like to see the aft cleats moved farther aft so cross-tied dock lines will be less likely to abrade the outboards.
• Adding fiddle rails around the top of the grill covers/stowage lids on the All Sport Module would inhibit items from sliding off when the space is used for serving.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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

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50 YEARS OF INSPIRED LUXURY

Since 1974, there has been a single theme in all the boats we craft: that only the finest will do, from materials to quality standards, all the way through to the customer buying experience. This passion and drive instilled by Tiara Yachts founder Leon Slikkers is still alive today in the second and third generations of Slikkers family boat builders, as well as the employees at Tiara Yachts.

Tiara Timeline

From humble beginnings to masters of boat building. Take a look at the history and drive that lives in the DNA of Tiara Yachts and the Slikkers family.

Leon Slikkers begins building boats at Chris-Craft

Leon leaves Chris-Craft to start building boats for himself under the SlickCraft name; SlickCraft builds wooden runabouts during its first official model year

Leon begins experimenting with fiberglass hull construction

Original home of SlickCraft

SlickCraft eliminates wooden hulls from its lineup, offering only fiberglass

Production moves to former skating rink on South Washington in Holland

Leon and Dolores sell SlickCraft to AMF Corporation, Leon remains as president of the SlickCraft division

February 18, S2 Yachts, Inc. is founded by Leon Slikkers, joined by his sons David and Robert, with a focus on building sailboats; Construction on a 72,000 square foot plant at 725 E. 40th begins later that year.

Tiara Powerboats are introduced, starting with the 20’ Overnighter and 25’ Vacationer (pictured)

S2 Yachts adds the Pursuit Fishing Boat series to its portfolio

Slikkers family purchase SlickCraft name back from AMF; Leon becomes CEO of S2 Yachts; son David named president

A 72,000 square foot plant is built in Fort Pierce, Florida. Production of the Pursuit line would be concentrated in Fort Pierce, leaving the Holland plant to focus on Tiara.

Sailboat production ends in 1987, but due to popularity, S2 7.9 meter sailboat re-enters production on a limited edition basis

Leon Slikkers named Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young (’96); inducted into the Michigan Boating Hall of Fame (’98) and NMMA Hall of Fame (’99)

David named CEO of S2 Yachts; Tom, Leon’s youngest son, takes over as president of Pursuit; Bob elevated to president of Tiara; Leon becomes Chairman of the Board

Tiara Yachts becomes one of the first boat builders in the world to use Volvo Penta’s revolutionary new propulsion system, the Volvo Penta IPS on the 38 Open.

Tom named CEO and President of S2 Yachts; Coupe lineup is released

38 LS, the first outboard-powered Tiara, makes its debut at the Corporate Yachting Center in Holland, Mich.

S2 Yachts, Inc. divests Pursuit Boats

September 8, Leon Slikkers officially retires at the age of 93, capping a 75-year career in the marine industry

In partnership with Mercury Marine, Tiara Yachts launches the 48 LS, the first model by any manufacturer designed specifically for Mercury’s new 7.6-liter V12 600hp Verado® outboard engine.

Leon awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by International Boat Industry and Metstrade; son Tom accepts on his behalf

Tiara Yachts launches the EX 60, their largest and most innovative model to date.

Tiara Yachts celebrates its 50th Anniversary on February 18, marking half a century as a family-owned boat manufacturer in Holland, Michigan. To commemorate the anniversary year, an oil painting by local artist James Brandess was commissioned, representing Tiara’s heritage and history in the Holland area.

Our Commitment

IT’S NOT MERELY OUR CRAFT. IT’S OUR CALLING

Experience the unique craftsmanship found in Holland, Michigan, and witness the pride we carry in manufacturing an American made product. Our craft, calling and passion are the common threads woven throughout not only the products we build, but also our relationships with our dealer network, vendors partners and ultimately, our customers. Just like our yachts, our story is based around friends, family and the water.

Leon Slikkers

A legacy of excellence.

Over 60 years ago, Leon Slikkers embarked on a voyage to create the finest yachts in the world, made in the U.S.A. It all began when he founded Slick Craft in 1955. In 1974, he went on to establish S2 Yachts, Inc., later known as Tiara Yachts. Since then, the evolution of our designs, technology and manufacturing have evolved with the needs and desires of our customers.