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Tiara 3000 Open

Tiara Yachts founder Leon Slikkers originally established the company on Open models like the 3000.

This had the makings of an “uh-oh” trial run. It was 54 degrees with a stiff wind blowing across Lake Michigan and directly into the face of our test boat. We were leaving the mouth of the Grand River near Grand Haven, Michigan, where erratic 3- and 4-foot waves rolled off the big lake. A big walkaround or express cruiser would have been slam dancing, with passengers scrambling for heavier offshore attire. But in the cockpit of the Tiara 3000 Open, cruising toward open water at 23 mph, three of us sat with shirtsleeves rolled up while engaged in a casual conversation.

There are few conditions that would keep owners of the 3000 Open waiting on weather. Not with its wide 12-foot-6-inch beam carried forward for stability and the flared bow to deflect spray. Not with the hardtop integrated into the windshield frame, which in turn holds windows as big as you’ll find in your living room. This setup helps control the cockpit climate on the move — even on the biggest, windiest waters.

Tiara Yachts founder Leon Slikkers originally established the company on Open models like the 3000. The aft cockpit is an open deck, so even the smallest Tiara (which the 3000 is) has room for an entire crew to fish, dive or just sit in deck chairs. It’s clear that the boat is designed for venturing deep early and hanging out later in the day. During one particularly hot shakedown of the boat in South Florida, we escaped into the cabin. There we saw that the salon dominates. It wraps around the beamy interior, pushing the galley to the bulkhead beneath the driver. During an offshore outing, this provides a respite if the day turns into a legitimate “uh-oh,” or should the crew simply want to unwind (more likely).

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Notable Features
• Big baitwell in the center of the transom can be swapped out for an extra seat.
• Hardtop comes with either fiberglass supports(cruise style) or stainless tubing with rocket launchers.
• Stateroom uses the boat’s width to become a horizontal sleeping arrangement, leaving more salon space.
• Windshield has only one seam for unobstructed visibility.
• Interior is loaded with teak and holly flooring and woodworking.

At A Glance…
The 3000 Open is made to handle big, rough water and then be the center of attraction at the marina.

Vital Stats
Length Overall(w/pulpit): 33’0″
Beam: 12’6″
Dry Weight: 12,390 lb.
Water Capacity: 32 gal.
Fuel Capacity: 210 gal.
Maximum HP: 770
MSRP (w/twin 6L Crusaders, 750 HP): $263,450

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Test Drive
Test Engines: Twin 6L Crusaders, 375 HP(each)
Test Props: 18″x24″, composite
Test Load: People (570 lb.), Fuel (185 gal.)
Top Speed: 38.2 mph @ 5,200 rpm
Time to Plane: 6.5 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 12.0 sec.

Tiara Yachts – Holland, Michigan; 616-392-7163tiarayachts.com

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