[robertjhoran]

Hello Tiara Owners

We are former 44 Sovran owners and have migrated to sport fish style and now looking at 52 Sovrans. I am sold on the quality of Tiara however I'd like some feedback on the 52 Sovran if anyone owns or used to own. 

There are a few on the market right now, we live in SE FL, but I can't seem to find much info on the performance, never had the 800 Cat engines, leaks, handling, docking, engine room access to components, any known issues to look for.

They are still an awesome looking vessel for being 20 years old, although I read something about a model improvement in 05 or 06, what flaws did that fix?

Thank you for any assistance and for the northerners have a great summer.

Barney

[jclark003]

I went from a 43 open to a 52. The 52 is a fantastic sea boat with great handling and a ton of room. The 3406 Cats are considered bullet proof but like all marine engines, that largely depends on how well they are maintained. They will cruise at 30 MPH @ just under 60 GPH. Tiara put a lot into the boat and they are all rigged with first class equipment. For the money they are really hard to beat. On the negative Tiara epoxied the hull and the gel coat had a hard time bonding. As a result they had to warranty most of the bottoms. They probably corrected this in the later production years. I was able to confirm the warranty work before I purchased mine as if not done, the cost is significant. Also Tiara missed sealing the air box drains on some of them and if left unchecked, resulted in wet hull sides. Something a good surveyor will find right away.
I am really happy I grabbed one of these. It really is an amazing boat. Of course most Tiaras are... send me PM if you want more details.

[robertjhoran]

Good morning and thanks so much for the comments. There is one if the Miami area, a 2004 that looks to be in good condition. It seems to be imported as it states taxes paid, which is common in Florida but would be concerned about Tiara warranty repairs on the hull while out of country. Cruise at 27 knots is awesome for a big express style, we always felt safe in our 44 and love in New England where the weather on the open ocean can kick to 6 footers easily. I will keep you notes if we proceed and make sure the surveyor know of them.
I'd also bet if I called Tiara they would be candid about the modifications made in the newer version 05/06 model. Hate to be stuck 300 or more miles into the Bahamas and have issues there, support is just not available.
I've had them all but Cats, everything I've read are they are fantastic, easy to work on and run forever if kept up.
Will keep you apprised, if you think of anything else please let me know.
Barney

[jclark003]

Yes Tiara will let you know if that year had bottom issues. They will also tell you if the boat had a warranty claim although they may need a release letter from owner. Get a good surveyor and have Cat inspect engines. Given the salt environment I would plan on replacing the turbine housings on the turbo if not already done. Cat can inspect rather easily during inspection if you ask. Aftercooler service is due every 6 years in saltwater. I think there is also an aftercooler upgrade that requires a new housing as well as core. Hopefully the PO has taken care already but if not, maybe room to negotiate as it is an expensive job.

Best of luck.