When Tiara Yachts created a new flagship for its fleet, it went big: The Tiara EX 60 is a full 10 feet longer than any other Tiara. More importantly, this 60-footer maintains the high level of construction, fit and finish and performance expected from the Michigan builder.
The broad strokes here are a three-stateroom yacht with a full-beam master and surprising performance—for moving 26 tons—from the twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS1350 diesels linked by jackshafts to IPS pod drives, giving a reported hammer-down speed of about 40 knots and a fuel-sipping 52-gallon-per-hour cruise at about 25 knots.
This is also a yacht for connecting with the water, with a single-deck living space stretching from the hydraulic swim platform all the way to the windshield. The cockpit, partially shaded by the hardtop overhang, and partially by an extendable awning, is where buyers can add modules that can be mixed and matched. The alfresco seating module has back-to-back couches with a folding table, while the aft lounge module adds another two-way settee aft. Other choices include an aft grill, a fridge and a sink, while the breakfast-bar version includes an aft-facing counter with three ottoman seats. Anglers can select packages including rod holders and bait-prep stations. Whatever the combinations, a pair of settees are tucked into the forward corners, protected from the sun and wind.
Also, in all configurations, the transom platform lowers to become a beach or to launch an 11-foot Williams Sportjet 345 (on hidden chocks). Both sides of the cockpit butterfly outward to create water-level terraces that extend the beam to more than 20 feet.
The salon is as bright as the outdoors, with windows from overhead to settee level, an electric sunroof and sliding doors that open fully. A raised settee to port has two removable bar stools and faces the long galley with twin Isotherm fridges, a Kenyon induction two-burner cooktop and stowage space that more than makes up for the lack of hanging cabinetry, which would block views.
Just forward, the skipper has a double-wide Stidd helm seat with a joystick on the armrest. It’s abaft a black dash with twin 22-inch Garmin monitors and a row of clearly marked buttons for systems. The sliding door here lets the skipper step onto the side deck to help with lines or get a better view when docking, since the throttle and thruster controls are next to the door. Just opposite the helm is a double companion seat. The optional Garmin multifunction display can be switched from navigation to ship’s systems via the touchscreen. For portside maneuvering, the skipper has engine and thruster controls tucked into a side locker of the cockpit.
While the salon and cockpit are about fun, the lower-level accommodations whisper serenity. The full-beam master is amidships for minimal motion and provides walkaround space on each side of the queen-size berth. The starboard nightstand has a slide-out workstation. There’s also a love seat, a flip-up vanity, a built-in bureau, a full-height hanging locker, and a washer and dryer. The en suite head has a full-stall shower. Like the VIP head that doubles as a day head, the master’s head has vessel sinks and Euro-style faucets.
The VIP stateroom is forward with an island queen berth (mostly walk-around). There’s direct access to the head, which has a stall shower. Between the two staterooms is a guest space with slide-together twin berths. Tiara created carved-wood headboards that not only warm the staterooms but also create an inviting textured effect. The decor, including the headboards, was orchestrated by Mary Flores Interiors of Seattle, and it includes everything from throw pillows to bed coverlets.
The systems, from diesel mains to jackshafts to Volvo Penta’s IPS pods, take up half the boat under the deck, and I was surprised that access was not just for the skinny. A diamond-plate walkway between the two Volvo Penta D13s provided good serviceability, and the EX 60 I got aboard was fitted with a Seakeeper 9, a Volvo Interceptor trim system and a 13.5 kW Onan genset. The bilge was fully gelcoated for easy cleaning, and sound- and vibration-deadening material was everywhere, resulting in just 72 decibels in the salon while the boat was running flat-out. That’s about conversation level, and most of the noise that registered was bow wave and wake astern.
The EX 60 also has a sunning, sitting and dining area on the bow. Reaching it is safer and easier with the faux-teak decking from Teakdecking Systems. This material is easy to maintain and provides a nonslip surface. Tiara uses it on all decks as well as in the salon interior. Surrounding the deck are impeccably welded rails that are “bling,” along with deck cleats and chocks. The Lewmar anchor windlass is hidden in a locker with stowage for fenders and dock lines, and the anchor hawse is through the stem with a protective stainless-steel plate.
As the new flagship of the Tiara Yachts fleet, the EX 60 carries forward the traditions of impressive construction, thoughtful design features and surprising performance. And it’s a lot of fun too.
Origin Story
Tiara Yachts traces its lineage to SlickCraft, the first company of Tiara founder Leon Slikkers. The company started building wooden runabouts in 1955 and fiberglass vessels by 1960. Leon, joined by sons David and Robert, launched Tiara Powerboats in 1976. In 2012, his youngest son Tom, took over as president and CEO. In 2021, after a 75-year career, Leon retired.
Meet the Fleet
In addition to the EX 60, Tiara has four Luxury Sport Series models, ranging from the 34LS to the 48LS. The Luxury Crossover Series has the 34LX, and the 43LE and 48LE are in the Luxury Express Series. Lastly, there is the three-model Coupe Series with the C39, C44 and C49.
Volvo Penta Interceptors
Part of the Volvo Penta Electronic Vessel Control system on the Tiara EX 60, the Interceptors are trim controls with vertical sliding blades. With the Active Ride feature, these blades diminish pitch and roll by up to 60 percent while keeping the boat more upright in sharp turns. The result is increased cruising comfort at all speeds and better fuel efficiency.
Take the next step: tiarayachts.com
