Need advice on a saltwater boat - The Hull Truth

Capt. Steve · 06-26-2003, 09:05 AM

Looking for some advice on a possable purchase. I am looking at a 92 2700 Tiara from the Naples Florida area. It was a one owner boat till 2001. The owner had kept meticulous service records and had an oil analysis performed every 50 hours. In 2001 it was sold and underwent a refit consisting mainly of items as new canvas, radar arch, new bottom paint, new pompanette seats, and much more cosmetics. New equipment includes battery charger,new switches and circuit breakers,new electronics, new power ventilator and more. The engines were tune up, oils changed, water pumps were checked, manifolds and risers were removed, checked, and resealed. Prior to 2001 the manifolds and risers had been replaced with stainless steel units. The trough hull fittingd were all replaced with chrome plated bronze units. Now I do plan to have a complete survey done, but I wonder is there something I should be looking for that may not be as obvious to a freshwater boater. I have not yet looked at this boat and will be doing so Friday. The shop that performed all of the modifacations refits 1 - 2 Tiaras a year and resells them and I believe they have a good reputation. Thanks in advance for everyones help.

Capt. Steve

Garett · 06-26-2003, 09:30 AM

Along with the survey I like to take the boat into my marina of choise to have the powertrain inspected. That way I know exactly what sort of condition it is really in. A lot of times the seller with absorb the cost of this inspection.

Once bitten, twice shy

TCY · 06-26-2003, 11:05 AM

Get the hull number and contact Tiara (S2 Yachts) to see if there are any known issues (e.g. the boat was sunk at one point etc.). They track their boats whenever possible.

The other thing is that Tiara's tend to have leaky windshields. At least mine, and the ones I have looked at all seem to have leaky windshields. Rebedding them could be a problem because of SS screws in Aluminum frames are probably corroded.

I've heard that stainless steel risers are generally not a good idea. Has to do with the rate of expansion of the different metals. I'm not an expert so you might start a separate thread about that to see what the common wisdom is on that.

TCY

TCY · 06-26-2003, 11:09 AM

One more thing. I just noticed you're in Michigan. Why are you going to Naples to buy a Tiara? There should be plenty around the Great Lakes since Tiara is based in Michigan. And better yet, those would be freshwater boats.

I've noticed that Florida boats are generally pretty beat up by the sun. The broker might have detailed the boat and made it all shiny and stuff. But when the wax wears off, who knows.

TCY

Capt. Steve · 06-26-2003, 12:25 PM

TCY,
Thanks for the reply. This Tiara is one of 35 made with the improved moter boxes and updated helm area. We are looking for one of these in particular so it leaves us with fewer options. The boat had been relocated to the great lakes area.

Thanks
Capt. Steve

BW23 · 06-26-2003, 12:32 PM

You should hire an "engine" surveyor and a "vessel" surveyor.

Got Beer
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Let's GO!!!

23' Boston Whaler, "The REEL-Deal"

horseradish · 06-26-2003, 02:39 PM

BW23 is right on! You really can't expect surveyor to be an expert in all the applicable marine disciplines. It's well worth the extra $ to pay your dentist to check your teeth and pay your family practioner to check your guts!

Pursuit 2470, Twin Yam 150's