Someone talk me out of this boat, before I make an effort to see it....

[Philster]

I've been looking at (express) cruisers. I don't know... they should be a touch less lounge and a bit more....umm... marine.... more 'yachty' for the prices they want. I don't sense they get used to actually cruise anywhere. I started looking at Silvertons... then Tiaras.

This piqued my interest.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1997-tiara-4000-685529/

 

[Scott Danforth]

Tiara makes a nice boat. Many of them have movable swim platforms (for loading a tender)

It has twin diesels, so thats a bonus

 

[Philster]

I have this inherent fear of my unknown: diesels. But that particular type seems to be considered a legit workhorse. I might coordinate a business trip to detour to FLA and if she presents well... who knows... offer/survey etc.

 

[SDSeville]

Beautiful boat. Do it!!

 

[Philster]

It's very tempting to spend that money on something 10 years newer, but that Tiara is built right and I have a feeling I will see things and take it places that a typical express cruiser won't give me confidence to do. It's just fear of 19-year old engines. The owner sure seems to have spared no expense. And that's what I look for: an owner who has motivation and $$$.

I have Tiara ranked pretty high by every standard. So tempting... I am going to make an effort to see the boat somehow... and presort a local surveyor in Florida.

Time for Advil... lol

 

[tlombard]

I would love to have something like that but even if I could afford it (I can't) it just wouldn't be practical for me. But when is boating practical?

It isn't as much buying the boat as all the other stuff that would come with it. Plus the lake I boat on is only 410 acres and has a 22' limit for boats. I could rent a slip on the river or down at the Lake of the Ozarks but that's just more money and time. As it is the lake I own my lot at is less than an hour away so it is perfect for me. It is closer than anywhere I could reasonably use something like that and I already have a spot.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have no problem with diesel engines since they have a 20,000 hour life in a marine environment with proper maintenance

 

[Philster]

Boat, dockage and storage I am confident about. My dilemma is that I know gas engines... which means I get my brain around maintenance and tackle things myself and no mechanic is going to BS me, should I need a pro. I know the nuances of every GM-Marine engine... and outdrives to boot.

I don't know diesels. I learned to work on Porsches when they were foreign to me, so it's time to hit the books.

To me, the joy is tinkering and boating. The work is pleasurable to me. Provided I know what the hell I am doing and don't need another 25 grand in tools!

 

[jkust]

It's only 100k. I say go for it. If you don't like it you aren't out a ton if you resell it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Boat, dockage and storage I am confident about. My dilemma is that I know gas engines... which means I get my brain around maintenance and tackle things myself and no mechanic is going to BS me, should I need a pro. I know the nuances of every GM-Marine engine... and outdrives to boot.

I don't know diesels. I learned to work on Porsches when they were foreign to me, so it's time to hit the books.

To me, the joy is tinkering and boating. The work is pleasurable to me. Provided I know what the hell I am doing and don't need another 25 grand in tools!

Suck....Squish....Bang....Blow...... However Diesels usually have a turbo...... and as we know from Jeremy Clarkson.. [h=3]exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens and you go faster[/h] all seriousness aside. diesels are easy to understand and work on.

 

[wahlejim]

CAT makes some workhorse diesel engines. When you listed the items gone through, injection and injectors would be at the top of my list for those engines. If they checked out, I wouldn't hesitate at all. In regards to a diesel mechanic, the CAT certified mechanics in my area are the best that I have come across. Honest, reasonably priced, and will help you out with any warranty issues in regards to replacement parts that are covered.

It seems you found a gem, don't let the diesel scare you, especially if it is a CAT.

 

[Philster]

I've got a broker working for me (yes, for me, not the seller) to get me info on the owner. Basically, the owner is an 'open checkbook' kind of guy and didn't miss a trick or hesitate to get work done on it. I don't have the hours yet on the engines. I saw the maintenance list, and in reading up on these engines, it's precisely the stuff that people neglect that causes problems. Tiaras are know for dry engine compartments, and good rigging, so I'm on it and I see no one is talking me out of it (can't depend on you people for anything!) lol.

I just need a real boat, of a real marine pedigree, with less fluff and more purpose. Damn thing looks timeless.

 

[GA_Boater]

Philster - Here's what you want to hear. Do Not Buy That Tiara Because You Are Eroding MY Dickering Power!

LOL

The ad has all the right words to attract a buyer's interest. She doesn't sound neglected and a surveyor will probably agree.

 

[tpenfield]

Oh here you go . . . started out looking for something in the 28-32 foot range and end up going for a 40+ footer. (you said that you wanted to be talked out of it).

Biggest issues might be the speed (lower) and the cost of maintaining it (higher)

 

[Philster]

Ah... sarcasm: It lives on.

I am making arrangements to see the boat (although this might not work out), and am looking up surveyors and such from a friend who boated extensively in Fort Lauderdale (a yachter/broker). There is a chance I could take a hop down there before or after a biz trip. And so the fun begins....

 

[David Young]

Beautiful boat. About $98,000 out of my price range

 

[jkust]

Ok, i'm coming out of left field on this one given you asked to be talked out of it....have you considered buying a shore house if you don't have one already and skip the size upgrade?

That was the route we took and are good with a 24 foot bowrider. Of course here you can get an acceptable place for less than $500,000 which is a lot cheaper than the shore.

 

[Philster]

Had a beachfront home already. Sold and moved on. I prefer the bayfront homes with slips. I don't have an extra 2 million for a bay front home.

 

[bajaunderground]

Phil,

I've commented on you 2400BRX Checkmate on here and checkmateboats.com, I loved that boat and If money having was in my favor, I would've made a phone call!

Anyway, based on my little knowledge of larger, yacht classed vessels I will ask if it's a displacement hull (like a trawler) or a planing hull? If you're going ocean cruising, a displacement hull, while much slower, is a much more fuel efficient vessel?! My only caveat is the Imron painted topside...I'm not a fan of painted gel-coat, while Imron is what airlines and UPS use to paint their vehicles and by all accounts the best industrial paint made...I don't care for it?<--me trying to talk you out of it!

I like your criteria for a PO...and clearly, you're of the same ilk?!

If I was ever in the market for a large cruiser, I'd consider a diesel long before I'd look into a gasser as speed is not (and should not be) the primary criteria for a boat IMHO.

Good luck with all the due diligence, I hope it works out the way its supposed to?!

I bet you still miss that CM?

Cheers,

~Brett

 

[Philster]

No Title

I miss the Checkmate. Who wouldn't!