[Maineboater]

Hi all,
Just signed up to this site even though I'm not officially a Tiara owner, but getting close.  I've read a ton of helpful information here already about the different models that is helping to make our decision but I still have a few more questions if you could indulge me.

First and foremost, what are the hull differences between the early 2000s Open models VS. the Express models?  I hear a lot of people speaking highly of the OPEN vs. EXPRESS and that the hulls are different, but how so?

Here is what we have going on.  My wife and I have been long time boaters and have owned many different boats mostly in the W/A fishing style and smaller express cruisers.  We just sold our 2000 SeaRay Sundancer 290 with twin small blocks because we want to move up in size AND switch to diesels (we have an ace in the hole because our son is a diesel technician).  Here is what our criteria is for the next boat, I value any input on the subject.

MUST HAVE diesel engine(s) would really prefer twins but could be swayed either way
MUST HAVE a hard top (so sick and tired of a lot of canvas, i.e. express cruiser style)
MUST HAVE sleeping for at least 4 adults (two separate areas would be great, but enclosed master with big settee is ok)
MUST HAVE no fly bridge, not ready to move up to a boat that tall yet.
MUST BE in the mid $100s price wise (we aren't ready to live aboard full time yet, just for the summer weekends)

We have been looking very seriously at the Mainship 34 Pilot which checks off most all of the boxes but the cockpit area is a bit small (we like to entertain friends outside often) and the cabin below decks is a tad on the smaller side as well (compared to some of the Tiaras I've been looking at).  Other than that, we can find some of the Mainships that fit pretty much all of these criteria but there aren't A LOT of them around us up here in Maine or nearby.
My wife found a couple of Tiaras that she really liked and now I'm kinda hooked!  Everything I see says they are very well made and they seem to have a lot of really nice configurations between 34'-40', I'd really like to stay under 40' to try and keep overall costs down a bit (compared to going over 40, slip fees etc. etc.)

So, all that being said, I'm looking for ideas, suggestions and whatever else you all have to offer up.  Thank you in advance for any and all help.
Rob

[Sans Peur]

First, Welcome. The difference between the open and express is the open has a low open cockpit for fishing. The back of the boat is much lower while the express has a higher rear end with more seating and comfort. If you don't fish go with the express.

I agree with you on a flybridge but for other reasons than it is tall. When I owned a flybridge boat I was captain for the day. When fishing everyone was down in the cockpit rigging and running lines. I was driving. When cruising everyone was in the cockpit having fun and, you guessed it, I was driving. I hated that boat. Went to a 41 Open and never looked back.

My 41 does not have a hard top but it works just as well. Even in FL it didn't spread heat and with the front window open and with the 2 fans I put on the top corners of the windshield it stayed pretty comfortable.

To me Diesel is an absolute must. Safer, more efficient and live longer. I prefer Cats and have had a few. Mostly trouble free and the maintenance (if kept up with) isn't to tough.

Stick with the Tiara. They build a really good boat. I still have my 41 (for sale now) but just purchased a Tiara 50 Open (only 7 ever made from what I hear) and because of my experience with the Tiaras I will keep in the family. Just a good boat.

[Maineboater]

Found a very nice 4000 Express in FL.....has anyone had recent experience in transporting a boat this size up the eastern seaboard? Wondering if it would be better to try and truck it or have someone drive it up?? Curious on what rough numbers would be to bring it north? Any thoughts would be appreciated.....

[frank.koetter]

Found a very nice 4000 Express in FL.....has anyone had recent experience in transporting a boat this size up the eastern seaboard?  Wondering if it would be better to try and truck it or have someone drive it up??  Curious on what rough numbers would be to bring it north?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.....

I'm in a similar situation.  I've found a 4000 Express and want to transport it up North along the eastern seaboard.  I've been shocked at my first quotes.  Significant cost due to beam.  I've been told this requires the shipper to obtain a permit for each state they need to travel.  Some states have different requirements for which roads and what time they can be traveled.  So they can't take the shortest route.  This boat will require two escort cars the entire route. 
Based on my first quotes we're seriously thinking of bringing the boat up North ourselves.  I haven't looked into the cost associated with having a Captain bring it up.

If you or anyone else has experience with this please let me know.

[emarrero]

I had my 4000 Express transported from Hampton, VA to Long Island on the water. The captain I hired did an excellent job for a very fair price. I had basic service (impellers, new oil, new belts, new fuel filters) done at the yard in VA and I bought enough oil & coolant to completely refill one engine, Travelers Yacht policy covers the captain & mate, bought an EPIRB because I was going to buy one anyway, bought toilet paper for them. They did Hampton, VA - Cape May, NJ on the first day and got to East Rockaway the second day.

Whatever you decide, congratulations, these boats are great!