Tiara Yachts
 | |
 Tiara Yachts manufacturing headquarters in Holland, Mich. | |
| Founded | February 18, 1974 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Leon Slikkers |
| Headquarters | Holland, Michigan , United States |
| Website | tiarayachts |
Tiara Yachts is a boat manufacturer headquartered in Holland, Michigan, and is one of the oldest privately held boat manufacturers in the United States. The company, founded in 1974 by Leon Slikkers, manufactures luxury inboard and outboard yachts ranging from 34–60 feet.[1]
History of Company
[edit]Tiara Yachts traces its roots back to January 1955, when a 27-year-old Slikkers began building wooden runabouts under the SlickCraft name in a small shop in Holland, Michigan. Slikkers had previously worked for Chris-Craft before venturing out on his own.[2]
Slikkers was an early pioneer of the use of fiberglass and began experimenting with fiberglass hull construction almost immediately. By 1960, Slickcraft was building fiberglass hulls in-house and had phased out its line of molded plywood models.
In 1962, production expanded to a 29,000-square-foot former roller rink in Holland and would continue to grow and expand in the subsequent decade.
Slikkers sold SlickCraft to AMF Corporation in 1969 and remained president before venturing out on his own once more. S2 Yachts was founded on February 18, 1974, with an original focus on building sailboats. The Tiara Yachts powerboat division was added soon after, followed by the Pursuit fishing boat line.
At the same time, construction began on a new 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 725 E. 40th Street, where the plant remains to this day. Demand for boats was so high that production began as soon as the walls and roof were raised. One of Slikkers’ sons or another trusted employee would guard the plant each night until windows and doors could be installed.
In 1983, the Slikkers family purchased the SlickCraft name back from AMF and began producing boats under the banner until the late 1980s.
Slikkers’ remained at the helm of the company until 2001, when eldest son David assumed the role of CEO. Sons Robert and Tom were named presidents of Tiara and Pursuit, respectively.
In 2004, innovation and customer satisfaction collided when Tiara partnered with Volvo Penta, making history and becoming one of the first boat builders in the world to use Volvo Penta’s revolutionary new propulsion system, the Volvo Penta IPS on the Tiara Yachts 38 Open. The future of boating lay in the innovative pod propulsion system that offered unparalleled benefits as a unique alternative to the traditional shaft drive.
Tiara Yachts also partners closely with outboard engine manufacturer Mercury Marine. Tiara and Mercury collaborated in 2019 ahead of the launch of the Verado V12 600 HP engine, as Tiara created the first product designed specifically around the new propulsion package.
Tom Slikkers was named CEO in 2012 and ushered in the Coupe line before introducing an outboard-powered lineup, then known as Tiara Sport. The 38 LS (Luxury Sport) debuted in the fall of 2017 as the first outboard-powered Tiara. Its focus on performance without sacrificing luxury quickly set it apart from other vessels in its class; the 38 LS was recognized as the 2018 Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award winner.
In 2021, Tiara Yachts launched the flagship model of the LS Series, the 48 LS. The largest outboard powered model Tiara Yachts has built, the 48 LS was launched in partnership with Mercury, boasting their brand-new Verado® V12 600 hp engines and built solely for that engine package. Furthering the legacy of the Verado® engine family, Mercury® reimagined outboard performance to deliver the ultimate luxury boating experience. With the unwavering strength of a V12 powerhead, the 600 hp Verado outboard delivers extraordinary range and power to take your boating adventures to new destinations. Combined with the most sophisticated digital controls and unmatched sound-dampening technology, the features of the 600 hp Verado outboard elevate the standards of premium design and engineering.
In 2022 Tiara Yachts launched the EX 60, the largest and most innovative model in their portfolio to date.
Tiara Yachts remains family owned and employs over 650 employees as of 2023.
Yachts offered by Tiara
[edit]The Tiara Yachts model line includes inboard vessels from 39 to 60 feet in the EX and Coupe lines. Outboard powered Tiara Yachts models range from 34 to 56 feet in three distinct Series: Luxury Sport (LS), Luxury Crossover (LX), and Luxury Express (LE).[3]
Retired inboard model series include Open, Q, Convertible, Flybridge, Coronet, Express and Sovran.
Outboard Models
[edit]LS (Luxury Sport)
[edit]The LS series is currently available in four models: 34 LS, 38 LS, 43 LS, 48 LS and 56 LS. The LS series are based on a center console platform with a focus on luxury sport yachting, ample lounging accommodations and transformational seating.
LE (Luxury Express)
[edit]The LE series is currently available in two models: 43 LE and 48 LE. The LE series are built with a focus on unique social zones and overnight capabilities.
LX (Luxury Crossover)
[edit]The LX series consists of the 34 LX. The LX has a centerline walk-through to bow seating, storage and a day head for a comfortable and fun day on the water.
Inboard Models
[edit]EX Series
[edit]The EX series consists of the EX 54 and EX 60, the latter being the largest vessel ever made by Tiara Yachts. The EX series is a nod to the company’s heritage, combining elements from the Coupe and LS series. With multiple choices of cockpit layout, it offers flexible luxury and endless adventure to explore.
Retired Models
[edit]Coupe Series
[edit]The Coupe series was in production from 2012-2024 models and included the 39 Coupe, 44 Coupe, 49 Coupe, 50 Coupe and 53 Coupe. The Coupe lineup is built on the strengths of modern design, technical innovations and performance.
Q Series
[edit]The Q Series consisted of a single model, the Q 44. The Q Series is marketed as an "adventure yacht" for day boating and featured single-level, full walk-around capabilities.
Open Series
[edit]The Open Series, sometimes referred to as the Tiara Series, was available in several lengths spanning from 29-43 feet. The Open Series is designed as an open coupe for day boating.[4]
Convertible
[edit]The Convertible Series was available in two models, the 39 Convertible and 48 Convertible. The Convertible Series is designed as a sport fishing and/or cruising yacht.[4]
Flybridge
[edit]- 44 Flybridge - Built 2017-2021, 45'6" LOA, 14'11" Beam, 4'0" Draft
- 50 Flybridge - Built 2017-2021, 54'6" LOA, 15'11" Beam, 4'8" Draft
- 53 Flybridge - Built 2017-2021, 54'6" LOA, 15'11" Beam, 4'5" Draft
Sovran
[edit]- Tiara 5800 Sovran – Built 2008-2013, 60’9” LOA, 15’0” Beam, 3’6” Draft, Triple IPS.[5]
- Tiara 5200 Sovran Salon – Built 2003-2006, 58’3” LOA, 15’11” Beam, 5’1” Draft, CAT engine, Shaft Drive.[6]
- Tiara 4400 / 4700 Sovran – Built 2003-2008, 50’4” LOA, 14’6” Beam, 4’5” Beam, Cummins or CAT engine, shaft drive. (same exact hull and boat.)[7]
- Tiara 4500 Sovran – Built 2001-2015, 46’10” LOA, 14.9” Beam, 3’7” Draft, Volvo IPS Drive.[8]
- Tiara 4000 / 4300 Sovran – Built 2006-2010, 45’3” LOA, 14’9” Beam, 3’7” Draft, Volvo IPS.[9]
- Tiara 3900 Sovran – Built 2007-2013, 39’3” LOA, 13’2” Beam, 3’5” Draft, Volvo IPS.[10]
- Tiara 3600 Sovran – Built 2004-2006, 41”8” LOA, 13’0” Beam, 3’8” Draft, Crusader Gas (385HP) or Cummins (355 or 460HP) or CAT (420 HP) engines, shaft drive.[11]
- Tiara 3500 Sovran – Built 2008-2012, 37’9” LOA, 13’0” Beam, 3’8” Draft, Volvo (300HP IPS).[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "Our Story | Tiara Yachts". www.tiarayachts.com.
- ^ "Tiara Yachts Catalog - Our History" (PDF).
- ^ "Luxury and Performance Yachts | Tiara Yachts". www.tiarayachts.com.
- ^ a b Tiara Yachts Family. (n.d.). Tiara Yachts. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from www.tiarayachts.com/
- ^ "Tiara 5800 Sovran".
- ^ "Tiara 5200 Sovran Salon (2006-) | BoatTEST".
- ^ "Tiara 4400 | Yachting". 4 October 2007.
- ^ "Tiara 4500 Sovran".
- ^ "Tiara Sovran 4000 | Yachting". 4 October 2007.
- ^ "Tiara 3900 Sovran".
- ^ "Tiara Sovran 3600".
- ^ "Tiara 3500 Sovran | Boating Mag". 4 December 2007.