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+--- Thread: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide (/showthread.php?tid=8477)
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Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - AtlasRearden - 11-08-2022
I have been doing a deep dive on Tiara's and am thinking that a 3800 Open would be a good fit for my purposes and budget. I have been trying to find any information to narrow the decisions further. I'm wondering if there's any current advice the experts here would have for someone that is shopping in 2022/2023. A lot of the information I've found is a little more dated, but probably still applies. For instance, I found this post really helpful:
(09-09-2013, 12:49 PM)Chris Burkard Wrote: The 3800 Open originally went into production in 1997 and stayed in production until 2008. An impressive run and shows the popularity of this model. The 38 is 11" wider than the 36 and overall feels considerably larger. The 38s were originally offered with Cummins C series engines or CAT 3208s. Both completely mechanical diesel engines. The Cummins are inline 6 engines and make for better engine access, but the 3208 CAT is also a great engine in terms of reliability and ease of service. Both of these engines are no longer in production as mechanical diesels no longer meet emissions levels. In 2005 Tiara began offering the Cummins 480 CE which was a mechanical engine with electronic fuel injection. A big improvement over the C engine with less smoke, lower noise levels and less fuel burn. Just a year later Tiara began offering the QSC a fully electronic diesel which is still in production today.
It seems like any 3800 is a great boat, but how heavily should I prioritize one engine configuration from another? I'm definitely leaning towards the Cummins, but not sure if I should really look for the later model QSC or not worry too much about that. These boats are becoming 20+ year old boats, which has me a little worried, but people also seem to take good care of them given the high build quality.
As background, I looked at a 3500 and really liked it. But I'm feeling like I might like the extra elbow room on the 3800 and the storage costs won't change in my particular situation (it will live on a mooring that I have), and the operating costs don't seem to be hugely different for the 3800. The 3900 Open also looks very nice, but it seems to make a big jump up in price. So the 3800 seems to be in a sweet spot for me personally.
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - MC1600 - 11-09-2022
I presume there’s a typo in your post and you’re looking at an 02/03 and not a 22/23.
We just bought a ‘99 Express (so same vintage) a couple years ago and have been thrilled with the boat. Tiara did a great job at the time in terms of construction and layout.
I was in the exact same position you were regarding engines. After reading lots of stuff, I really wanted the Cummins. After looking at several boats, however, it became clear that like anything boat related, it’s more about how something is cared for. The only real concern about the 3208 (particularly the 435hp version) is it stretching the limits of that block. They are sensitive to overheating so you have to watch things like cleaning HEXs/aftercoolers and changing impellers. But at the end of the day, isn’t that true of any engine?
In the end, we found an immaculately cared for boat with the CATS and went with it. Good records, maintenance, and obviously well cared for. We keep the cruise speed reasonable and don’t abuse her and (knock on wood) she’s performed flawlessly so far.
Hope this answers your question.
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - ReelMagic - 11-09-2022
Believe Tiara built a 37 Open in 1997 but the 38 Open was built from 2001-2011 or so. The 38 Open built from 2001 on I believe was totally new from the hull design to the windshield which is carbon fiber (Was told) and not Aluminum.. No corrosion or flaking of the windshield. Believe most were shipped with Cummins's from what I saw when I was looking in 2007 to purchase. Mine is a 2003 w/450 Diamond Cummins 6C's.. So far they have been bullet proof.. Have seen quite a few in my travels and most if not all said the same... Originally looked to purchase a 35 or 36 Open but quickly changed to the 38 as the beam (14+') provides better performance overall and space in the cabin.. BTW had a 31 Tirara prior to the 38 for 10+ years and enjoyed its performance as well but the 38 really makes traveling/fishing great... M2C
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - AtlasRearden - 11-10-2022
(11-09-2022, 06:28 AM)MC1600 Wrote: I presume there’s a typo in your post and you’re looking at an 02/03 and not a 22/23.Not a typo, but sorry if it wasn't clear. I meant that I'm shopping in 2022/2023 (i.e. currently), but I'm looking at 2001 - 2008 model years of the 3800 Open. Most of the discussion I have been able to find on these models is from at least several years ago, so I was just curious if there are new considerations a shopper should keep in mind in today's market as these boats continue to age.
(11-09-2022, 08:33 AM)ReelMagic Wrote: Believe Tiara built a 37 Open in 1997 but the 38 Open was built from 2001-2011 or so.That makes sense, since I have not seen any 3800 Opens prior to 2001. However, it seems like they started making the 3900 Open in 2009, which looks very similar to the 3800 Open, but comes with 600hp QSC engines and seemingly commands a premium over the 3800 Open.
Thank you both for the feedback.
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - ReelMagic - 11-10-2022
You could be correct WRT the 38 ending production in 2009. Your also correct in that the 39 Open is virtually the same as the 38 except w/bigger engines and the beam is 1ft wider.. The 38 is a great boat in my estimation and believe the 39 would be as well.... M2C
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - hiccup - 11-14-2022
Those comments you quoted aren't very accurate. Production was '01-'08, and there were very few made in '07 & '08 (recession). The 480CE is not a common rail engine, it has mechanical fuel injection but an electronically controlled injection pump governor. The 450C & 480CE are the same engine except for that one difference (which does little to nothing for smoke in my experience, and absolutely nothing for noise). The QSC is a different animal with fully electronic common rail fuel injection. I would pay a premium for the QSCs. I would avoid 3208 at 435hp, although it's not as if each and every one dies an early death. Some in 2008 had pods--I would put these last on my list (ok, off my list), but even the pods have their fans.
The 3800 was available from the start with all kinds of different options from the factory--seats vs livewells as an example. However, it appears that around 2005 the 'default' or most common arrangement shifted. Pre ~2005 the 3800 were overwhelmingly filled with seats--an aft facing seat on the starboard side, aft facing seat on the port side, and a forward-facing fold down seat along the transom. Post ~2005 it seems the more common layout was much more fishing oriented with a livewell/bait prep on the port side in lieu of the aft facing seat, and a fishbox/livewell along the transom in place of the fold down seat. The aft facing seat on the starboard side seemed to stick around although you'll see some with a freezer here.
Keep in mind that earlier years could be outfitted with livewells etc and later models could have all seating, but what I outline above is what you're likely to find. So, if you want mostly seating, you're more likely to find what you want in an earlier model (and vice-versa). The ~2006 later also appear to be predominately Plan B cabin layouts (no portlight windows, different cabin arrangement).
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - AtlasRearden - 11-14-2022
Thanks, hiccup - that's very helpful. My strong preference is for the Plan A layout (with the U-Shaped dinette, closed off stateroom, larger head & galley). I can see how the Plan B layout would appeal to a lot of people with the added settee/bunks and more open floorplan, but it's not the best fit for my family's application.
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - ReelMagic - 11-14-2022
When I looked in 2007 for my 38 Open the vast majority were Cummins's 6c's (diamond 450 hp) plan A w/the "L shaped" seat on the port side and the rear facing seat also on the port side. On the starboard side is also a rear facing seat and the transom had the foldable stern seat.... Great boat
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - hiccup - 11-15-2022
(11-14-2022, 07:00 PM)ReelMagic Wrote: When I looked in 2007 for my 38 Open the vast majority were Cummins's 6c's (diamond 450 hp) plan A w/the "L shaped" seat on the port side and the rear facing seat also on the port side. On the starboard side is also a rear facing seat and the transom had the foldable stern seat.... Great boat
Then you were likely looking at 2001-2003 boats. after that you see more 480ce's. around 2005 is when the typical layout started changing and the QSC's started showing up (although fairly rare at first).
My point with this information is to prevent a wild goose chase--if you want a 2008 with a Plan A and all seating, you are likely going to have to be very very patient.
RE: Tiara 3800 Open - Buyer's Guide - AtlasRearden - 11-17-2022
(11-15-2022, 07:12 AM)hiccup Wrote: ...around 2005 is when the typical layout started changing and the QSC's started showing up (although fairly rare at first).Point taken. While I am partial to the Plan A layout, I am more ambivalent to the cockpit configuration. I like to fish, so some of the fishing goodies might be nice to have. But if I'm with my wife or family, we'll probably be cruising most of the time (in which case the seats would get more use). Net, net, I think I could go either way on the cockpit assuming I find a nice boat the checks the other boxes.
My point with this information is to prevent a wild goose chase--if you want a 2008 with a Plan A and all seating, you are likely going to have to be very very patient.