Tiara 3500 Sovran
By Capt. Ron Svoboda
Despite a rocky season for most of the marine industry, Tiara Yachts has had much success with their niche of buyers. Those seeking high quality, extended range cruisers don’t seem to be affected by the fickle market. In an effort to bring new buyers into the Tiara experience, the company has unveiled a smaller version of the popular Sovran cruising platform – it is the 3500. This stout, yet agile vessel is geared towards couples, baby boomers and empty nesters that don’t really need several staterooms but demand quality, technology and comfort.
Overall I would say that the 3500 dispenses ample room for a couple in the salon and a number of guests in the cockpit. Any cruising couple should have an enclosed hardtop that makes foul weather passages dry, and cool mornings tolerable. She also gave a very impressive ride from the twin 300-hp IPS diesels that behaved much like a gasoline powered cruiser. Thanks in part to the IPS pod drive propulsion from Volvo, the robust vessel handled with the finesse of a stern drive despite her displacement of over 17,600 pounds.
Best cruise was at 3000 rpm going 28.5 mph, burning 20.6 gph giving a range of 271 nautical miles.
Following with the long range motif, Tiara fitted the boat with a 250 gallon fuel capacity giving owners a 271 nautical- mile range at best cruise. That means you can easily go from Miami to Nassau or from NYC to Nantucket on a tank of fuel. All of this, plus Tiara’s reputation as a quality yacht builder means that you can cruise the 3500 in confidence, just as you would her bigger sisters – but for far less money.
Shipshape Bow and Foredeck
Up front, the bow has a fiberglass molded pulpit which sports a remote controlled search light, a Delta plow anchor with Maxwell windlass, and a deep rode locker with freshwater wash down. Tall bow rails and an aggressive non-skid deck surface keeps foredeck work safe and sound, while generous side decks, cockpit steps, and handrails keep your mate from going for a swim.
A large helm with instrument panel large enough for two screens.
The Bridge Deck
Back topside, on the bridge deck, the Sovran’s helm is well thought out and is simple to use with digital engine monitoring and navigation displays, joined by a traditional Mahogany destroyer wheel and an untraditional IPS joystick for control [a $8300 option]. To port an L-shaped companion lounge keeps the skipper company and supplies enough room for guests to relax under the shaded composite hardtop. A wet bar is located to starboard, just behind the helm seat and has a sink with faucet and a storage locker that can be optioned-out with a fridge/freezer combo or an icemaker.
Room for friends and al fresco dining as well.
The Cockpit
Those seeking sun and fresh air can enjoy the lower, cockpit area that features a pair of richly upholstered facing lounges and access to the starboard side transom gate. The stern gets treated to a large transom locker, fresh water shower nozzle and a large swim platform that measures a full 42 inches deep and includes a large, 3 rung boarding ladder.
Master berth, and salon are all in one open, bright area that is easy to live in for a couple.
Below Deck is Cozy
Below the main deck, the swanky salon gives a wide open feel and is wrapped in striking teak joinery and supple, ultra leather furnishings. A queen size island style berth takes center stage and provides liberal storage space under the mattress in addition to space in the upper cabinets. A 20 inch LCD TV is mounted here too for the owner’s entertainment and relaxation, while large hanging lockers are situated on both sides of the berth giving his and hers style closet space. If you decide you must have guests for a sleep-over, they can retire to the yacht’s aft lounge that converts into a cozy berth and offers a second 20 inch LCD TV.
The mid cabin is a good place for two couples to have cocktails or to watch TV after a days run up the ICW.
Galley Time
Meal time calls for the starboard side galley and its enormous counter top. The work surface includes a deep sink and recessed, two-burner cooktop. Below there’s a fridge/freezer combo and a pair of extra large storage drawers. The chef’s creations can be enjoyed at the port side dinette with room for up to four adults. There is a microwave oven.
The head compartment is situated just aft of the dinette and supplies separate shower and vanity areas for greater functionality.
I found the new Sovran to be a great combination of space amenities and performance. Best of all the nimbleness of her size and articulation of the IPS drives make for a yacht that can get into waterways and slips that many of the boat’s rivals would not be able to easily accomplish.
For most couples, this is all the boat they really need, so why spend the extra money just to have “big” when you can cruise this boat in confidence just about anywhere? Just grab your gal and go.
