Tiara 3300 or 3100

[Dan2725]

I am looking to trade up and was considering a Tiara 3300 since it has a queen birth rather than the side mounted bed on the 3100. I was considering a 1995-1996 model. Does anyone have experience or recommendations or issues to avoid? Is there anything that I should avoid? Has anyone mounted a hard top on one? I am on the port coast (Southern California )

[aceswerling]

Have you checked out David Pascoe's opinions on http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatrevie...oatreview.htm? He seems to really like Tiara overall. He doesn't review the 3300 but you might be able to piece the information together.

[Dan2725]

Yes. I read his stuff religiously. I also have two books he wrote. I kind of want to know what an owner thinks that owns a 3300 and if they are happy with it. I currently own a Monterey 256. I go out on the boat 12 months/year and I am looking for a better ride. My boat does not track well in anything over 2'. It is also very difficult to hold a straight line on my boat with a single screw. My boat has a tendency to chine walk and load distribution is always difficult with 3 plus people. I need to keep telling then to get in the middle of the boat. I am also looking forward to an auto pilot.

[JCJP]

Dan, I own a 31 Tiara. I have owned both larger and smaller boats and find this one to be about right for what I want to do.(Fish with family 60% / swim hang out 40% with the wife and kids) It is big enough to go outside when its breezy, but not to big that it takes all day to clean it. The boat runs fine in most condtions, and is well made.

[FloridaDan]

Dan I recall reading this thread on the Tiara owners forum awhile back. Pay particular attention to responses written by "Chris" as he's one of Tiara's top salespeople and works for Allied, their Miami dealer. I don't own a Tiara but I have corresponded with him and he knows Tiaras as well as anyone and struck me as being honest too. Check it out at:

www.tiarayachts.com/tiaradisc/document.jsp?docID=488

Incidently, I also owned a Monterey and had many of the same problems with my boat that you described. They are one of the most poorly designed boats made by a company that doesn't stand behind its products very well either, in my opinion.

Best of luck with the Tiaras
Dan

[JAGSARE1]

Thumbs up on Tiara. Don't have the ones you want but mine has years on it and has stood the test of time. Solid and has worn very well. The non-skid is now 22 years old and still hurts your feet! Mine is on its 3rd set of engines since new and if I weren't selling I would certainly invest in new power when the time came. I am only selling to go bigger honestly can't afford the size Tiara I want.

FOR SAIL
A 27' Tiara Express...for now

[Dan2725]

Thanks. The thread in the Tiara owners forum was also helpful. I am surprised that they stated that the 3300 does not do as well in rougher seas. I have a tendency to want to go out every weekend to get rid of stress at work. My wife and I chartered a trawler a couple of years ago in the San Juans with the side bed comperable to the 3100 and we found it a real pain. If one of us had to get up, we both got up. If it were not for the bed in the 3100 I would lean towards the 3100. The cost of renting a slip in Newport Beach where we keep our boat is $19-22/foot up to a 35' slip. It is more for a larger slip. I rather spend the money on maintenance or fuel. It may be possible to slip the 3100 into a 30' slip depending on the marina but the 3300 would have to go into a 35' slip