Features

Tiara Yachts 48 LS

A thoroughbred of yachts. BY ALAN WENDT

Objectification no longer has a place in proper society, unless we’re talking head-turning yachts like the Tiara Yachts 48 LS gracing this month’s cover of Lakeland Boating. Go ahead and flip back for another peek. I’ll wait.

Hit the print button or get your scissors out and post conspicuously on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator — wherever you file bucket list aspirations. Powerful, statuesque, poetry in motion, the aerial picture of this thoroughbred of yachts taking control of the water is reason enough to shave, hit the office early, lead your team and dream of a weekend aboard.

Independent thinking

Designed to harness the strength of triple Mercury Marine 7.6L V-12 600-hp Verado outboards, Tiara Yachts has checked every box with this two-stateroom, Luxury Sport model featuring an innovative twist with multiple social zones to match guests’ preferred relaxation style.

The majority of dayboat layouts fall into three phases: Bow, helm and aft cockpit. Tiara — known for its independent thinking and design — has deftly created a fresh take on bow seating, asymmetrical gangways on the port and starboard side that create additional headroom below, and a brilliant aft deck that combines an expansive summer kitchen with a port hullside terrace, where we begin our tour.

Tiara pioneered a rotating Euro- Chaise module a few years ago and has incorporated new bells and whistles that allow for electric multi-position backrests for both port and starboard seats. At anchor, the module rotates and locks in forward-facing mode or aft-facing positions for maximum cockpit arrangement flexibility. Coupled with an aft-facing U-lounge seat, simply insert the leafing teak table and alfresco dining awaits. Change the mood with the port hullside terrace with synthetic teak decking and the Tiara Transformer becomes much larger than its 14-foot, 2-inch beam. A starboard side opening boarding door and twin walkways to the transom add to the ease of movement between zones.

Of the initial six boats I tested with the new Mercury 600-hp Verado outboards, this was one of my favorites for its seamless integration of engine and transom. Plenty of foot room, no steering cable or hydraulic spaghetti messes to tip-toe through, and a finely blended aesthetic look between engine cowling and aft-facing seating. In essence, the engines almost disappeared, especially when operating, as they’re so quiet in comparison to other outboards. Tiara made sure to add cupholders next to every seating arrangement onboard, along with plenty of USB charging stations for our ever-present smartphones.

Nice touches

Another feature to see at dusk is the 12V LED multicolor underwater lights. Cue your favorite Coldplay mood mix, pop a bit of bubbly and let me show you below deck.

There are two staterooms, accessed through a sliding door at the helm: A forward pedestal berth with private head and the aft stateroom featuring dual twin berths, which easily convert for a more comfortable adult sleeping accommodation. Throughout the cabin, Ultraleather and teak is blended with a mix of stainless steel to amplify the elegance of every amenity aboard. A flat-screen TV, a microwave and designer fixtures in the head and shower area have a distinct clean, minimalistic approach that make weekends or that summer staycation even more enjoyable.

Another thing I like about Tiara’s thought process was to remove the traditional galley from below deck and make a standout summer kitchen right behind the helm. This layout with wings offers just the right amount of counter space for food prep and incorporates standard amenities of an electric Kenyon smokeless grill, Vitrifrigo drawer refrigerator/ freezer, sink, storage and optional icemaker, all underneath the protection of the hardtop. An additional bench seat folds down from the back of the U-lounge to create, in essence, a fourth social zone around the cook or mixologist.

Forward of the kitchen is a Captain Kirk special. Three Garmin GPSMAP

displays monitor every navigational and systems operation tool of this digitally connected vessel and are right at your fingertips. Mercury’s Digital Throttle & Shift, joystick piloting, Skyhook with advanced features, Vessel View 7-inch LCD touchscreen display, auto pilot, Active Trim and electro-hydraulic power steering beg to hear you say “Beam me up Scotty.” The extra-wide, four-person helm seat is climate controlled with a roller bulkhead that disappears into the underside of the hardtop. Port and starboard electrically actuated sliding doors provide protection from the elements or ventilate the helm.

A new wonder

The foredeck is yet one more entertainment zone. A rather unique design, the nearly 360-degree seating area includes triple seats that can extend into loungers at the push of a button, bench seating that wraps around the bow with storage below and moveable armrests. Six to eight adults can easily sit here. I managed to test the boat when we hit speeds of nearly 60 mph and the ride up front was dry.

Cruise is a recommended 4500 RPM, 38.2 mph that translates into a range of 368 miles. Speed and economy are thanks to those new pearly whites hanging off the back. Mercury’s 600-hp V-12 Verado outboards don’t require maintenance for two years. This new wonder of the propulsion world makes it possible for a 48-foot, 25,000-pound boat to embrace Mercury’s technological advancements like a steerable gearcase that enhances control particularly at low speeds.

“Product launches are always an exciting time for our company, but this one is further elevated with the announcement of the Verado V-12s,” states Tiara Yachts CEO and President Tom Slikkers. “We’re proud to have partnered closely with Mercury and be one of the first manufacturers debuting this new propulsion package, fully integrating these engines into the 48 LS. You really have to climb onboard for a test ride and experience the two-speed automatic transmission as it doles out torque and acceleration in first gear to get the boat on plane quickly, then silently shifts to second for efficient cruising and an impressive top speed.”

Tiara Yachts’ 48 LS is on tour during the summer for a VIP Tour; your local dealer can help facilitate an invite. ★

Tiara Yachts 48 LS

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 48’4” Beam: 14’2” Weight: 25,000 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 660 gals. Water Capacity: 100 gals. Max Power: 1,800 hp MSRP: 1,365,900

TIARAYACHTS.COM

DEALERS SkipperBud’s

SKIPPERBUDS.COM Walstrom Marine

WALSTROM.COM

Aft seating arrangement stands out from competing dayboat designs. Cockpit TV folds down from hardtop with locking storage.

Could benefi t from a cabin refrigerator. Why make the bed sheets and mattress pad an option?