[flyliner]

My wife and I just sold our 1989 36 Tiara Open with 454 Crusaders (1950 hours) and are looking to get an newer, smaller Tiara. We had our boat for about 6 years and in the time put almost 1,000 hours on the engines.

Our price range is roughly $100k. Looking at a 29 or 31 open starting in the 2000 vintage or newer.

Would love to hear from someone that has been on a 29 and a 31 in this year range that can comment on the difference in ride. Also would love to get a general idea of the fuel efficiency with crusaders versus cummins diesels.

This will be a day boat for fishing/scuba diving around Catalina Island (30 miles off the Southern California Coast).

We loved our 36, especially the giant cockpit/deck area, but don't quite need that much cabin room anymore. Saving on slip fees and fuel costs will be nice as well. We would cruise our 36 in flatt conditions at 21/22 knotts, doing 3200 rpms, burning 40 gallons an hour. In rougher conditions we would slow down to 15/16 knots, 2900 rpms, burning 32 gallons an hour. I loved how quiet the 454s were, but we use our boat often, and am thinking the diesels are the better way to go.

Thanks in advance for any advice/comments!

Jonathan