1988 3100 Open gas tanks

[SlowPoke]

Hi--new member. Trying my best to decide which boat to buy and I'm torn---naturally---between a couple of different makes. I'm greatly interested in one 1988 Tiara 3100 that has been refurbished about 6 years ago (actually it's my favorite) and has 454 Crusaders with 1475 hours and the original gas tanks. Other than that, every system has been upgraded. I gather if the boat was used for normal cruising---not WOT---those Crusaders should be OK??? But what about the 30 year old gas tanks. Any idea if engines need to be pulled---the cockpit cut open---or can they just cut out the old and slide in something fabricated to fit? 

Whichever way the tank replacement goes, any idea of a ballpark price? 6K --8 K?

As long as I have your attention lol, other than being a much more refined boat, how would you compare the 3100's seakeeping to the Blackfin 29 combi? I've never been on either. All I keep hearing is the Blackfin is the best ever---you'll never have to slow down or turn for a wake ever again. That may be true, by all accounts, but how close is the ride of the 3100? I saw that they continued to sell the hull for a few more years under the Pursuit moniker so I guess it can't be that bad? Can I go out on those days "when everyone else stays in port" just like the Bertrams and Blackfins?

Anything specifically I should be on the watch for?

Is it basically OK to just do an engine survey and call it a day ?

What is a fair price for this for both the buyer and seller? All the "values" I've turned up have been all over the place and didn't really reflect what the boats were actually selling for. I didn't know if the Tiara Owners Club members might actually have a better handle on the current values?

Was hoping to pursue this ASAP so any info is greatly appreciated

Sorry if this sounds rushed. I've been on the computer for days and really need to step back and take a break.

Thanks very much for any help and guidance!

Best wishes,
George

[RCKLAW]

You didn't mention power on the Blackfin.
The 31 Open is perhaps second only to the classic 31' Bertram for ride and handling. They are the 2 best 31' boats.

I don't know what factory support is available from Blackfin, but Tiara's is fantastic regardless of the age of the boat. I bought a 1995 31' Open 5 years ago and could not believe how helpful the factory has been - even sending a few parts without charge!

The Blackfin is a great boat and built for offshore fishing while the Tiara is more of an all purpose boat. I think the creature comforts on the Tiara are far superior to Blackfin.

Both are the highest quality non-custom built boats you can buy, and won't go wrong with either. Personally, though, its apples and oranges.

Good Luck!

[Misdirection]

I have an '86 3600 with the original Crusaders. They have about 4250 hours on them. Had a valve job around 2500 hours or so. If maintained properly. They will certainly last. I believe the motors can be replaced on the 3100 with out any cutting.

I know certain years had tank problems, but if there is no reason to replace them, then just keep using them.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[SlowPoke]

Thanks, guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Some recent financial setbacks have put me in the exact position I didn't want to be in---cutting it close with no room for error.

If the motors and transmissions were good, the only other big ticket item to blow my budget would have been a 30 year old gas tank developing leaks the first year I own it. Year two, not a problem but year one it would. Despite knowing better, I'm cutting things close. I'm not getting any younger so it's now or never

The cockpit of the Combi lifts out to provide access to the fuel tank. I've read that when Tiara recalled their tanks, they did cut out the deck and reglassed it afterwards. I've also read accounts where some people---with different make boats---had come up with clever workarounds for this problem and was wondering if such workarounds had been successfully utilized on the 3100.

I think I'm just gonna play the game and go with the Tiara--it's a might sweet boat

[RCKLAW]

Everyone I have ever spoken to says the Crusaders are pretty bullet-proof. When I was younger, marine engines had to be rebuilt every 600 hours or so. The Crusaders seem to be measured in the thousands...

[Sans Peur]

I don't think you will go wrong with the Tiara. Good boats and well laid out. When I was looking for a boat I crawled all over a bunch of different brands. Most of them seemed to be laid out for some hard core offshore fishing or a charter operation. The interiors were kind of utilitarian and confining. The staterooms were kind of open to the rest of the cabin and only separated by a curtain.
The Tiara seemed to be designed for both. Interior was laid out perfectly for the wife and family while up top is great for offshore fishing.

[SlowPoke]

For what it's worth, I joined the ranks of proud Tiara owners today. Took the plunge and bought the boat---my first real boat. Had a 15' runabout 30 years ago but nothing since so this is a little intimidating. I don't know how long it will take to get the hang of it---the electronics as well as the handling---guess there's only one way to find out.

Mechanically and cosmetically (for the most part) it's in really good condition. Those gas tanks I was concerned about were beefy tanks well mounted high and dry. Not an issue. A little bit of the exterior teak needs some attention, the stainless sink is rusty (?) and the headliner and a fuzzy band around the v berth has specks of a black mold (?) that needs cleaning.

Would anyone be aware of a link that has a list of all the cleaning and polishing chemicals suitable for the interior surfaces? I'm so psyched!