Posts: 16
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Home Port: Chesapeake Bay, Middle River
Vessel Info: Buying a Tiara 2001 3100
A couple of questions. I saw a mid 90s 3100 online with MerCruiser engines. Did Tiara do some boats of this vintage with MerCruisers or do you think these are replacement engines? Second question is, how do you rate the Crusader engines versus the MerCruisers of that era (1990-2000)? Thanks.
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Home Port: Ashtabula, OH
Vessel Info: 1986 Tiara 3600 Open, Crusader 454's
Tiara made boats with both Mercruisers and Crusaders. Personally, I prefer Crusaders, but both are good motors built on GM blocks.
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Posts: 701
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Home Port: Kings Park, NY
Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
I had a 1997 31 Open for more than 10 years with over 2000hr when I sold it. Now own a 38 Open. My preference was the Crusaders as I believe they were marinized better.. As an example the manifolds on the Crusaders were fresh water cooled and the Merc's were salt water cooled. As a result only the elbows needed change when salt corrosion required a change. Also, Crusaders used Balmar alternators (maybe Tiara spec'd this) which were bigger than the Merc GM alternations. Raw water pumps were solid bronze and the Merc's were a combination of plastic & Aluminum (I believe)... Crusaders have always had a better reputation but that may be just what I've heard.. M2C
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Home Port: Red Bank, New Jersey
Vessel Info: 1996 Tiara 29 open, Twin Crusaders 454XLI
Greetings,
I own a 1996 Tiara 29 Open with Crusader 454 XLI's for 17 years. Before purchase I did extensive research. Please read David Pascoe's review of Crusader engines on Yachtsurvey.com. It's a great review if you're considering these engines. As another member said, both are GM blocks but Crusader marinizes them in a superior way. Good luck.
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Home Port: Lake Ontario , OlcottNy
Vessel Info: 96 Tiara Open , Crusaders
I prefer the Crusaders over the Mercs .
I have to ad the Mercs wiring is a sloppy instalation compared to the Crusaders.
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Home Port: NJ
Vessel Info: 2001 Tiara 35 Open Cummins 370
Crusaders over Mercs. Take a look at starter location - Merc puts the starter down low where it is close to bilge water and difficult to access. Crusader mounts starters high and dry.
