[JRBruenning]

Hi, I'm in the market for a mid-90s 3100 Open. After a good deal of research I'm seriously considering this model. Port will be Chicago - Lake Michigan with frequent trips from Chicago north to Green Bay and then occasionally across to Michigan and back. Some weekends at port with short cruising with family, some fishing, some longer cruising. At least that is the plan...

So, questions are;

1) This boat well suited for this sort of use?
2) Any particular things I should watch out for buying this year range and model? Trouble spots?
3) Looks like I will likely need to buy a boat that is on the east coast or florida and have it shipped up to chicago. Any tips on that process?
4) Suggestions on buying a boat remotely? Certainly plan to have it surveyed but, anything else?

Thank you for any and all advice! - JB

[rose_surfer]

How big is the family? 3100 is great for 4 (2 kids), would be tight for overnighting any more. The 3300 with the floor plan with the bench across from the dinette would give you space for another kid. Sounds like a perfect model for what you are describing. We're in the Chesapeake and use ours the same way. I think it's perfect. You'll need to decide gas vs diesel. That's probably the biggest thing to think about. If I were you I'd try to work out a trip to FL or wherever and look at a few of you can so if you get a bad survey you have a couple of backups you've seen. It's a lot of boat to buy sight unseen. May seem expensive to buy a round trip ticket to FL for a few hundred dollars just to look at a boat you may or may not buy but then again you'll spend that on the first oil change so in the grand scheme of things its inconsequential. Finally, if money is a concern I wouldn't write off the idea of one a few years older - you'll give up the prop pockets and a little deadrise but it'll still work great for what you want. For engines if they claim a recent rebuild you'll want to ask for documentation and otherwise take any verbal assurance with a grain of salt.

[DavidB]

I bought my Tiara 2 yrs ago.  I am in Florida but yet I traveled all over the state looking at boats that looked good in pictures but in person were not.  I would start the search in Yachtworld and contact a broker to help you with the search.  A good broker will line up choices for you to see and make it a worthwhile trip.  A good broker will also assist you with transportation back home.  The wrong purchase can turn a great lifestyle into a financial nightmare.

[Dakota773]

JB

I may be interested in selling my 98 31 Open.  May upgrades and great Bristol condition.  

If you provide an email, I'll send images and details.

alternately my e-mail: ma.schwartz@outlook.com

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FYI, I'm in Chicago, and can give you he full scoop on acquiring a Tiara from here!