Tiara Yachts F44 Flybridge

In boating, there’s a saying that infers, “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey,” of which I can attest. But what if the journey can be inclusive of a destination?

I’m speaking of cruising aboard the Tiara Yachts F44 Flybridge. Introduced in the fall of 2016, the F44 has all the creature comforts and “bells and whistles” a cruiser needs. Just being aboard the F44 is a destination unto itself.

Rest assured that this is not another sportfish, convertible model (Tiara already has those in a 39- and 48-foot  size). No, this is a cruising-man’s yacht, a “let’s go and see what’s past the horizon,” pulse-quickening kind of boat. Why? Because Tiara listened to its owners and decided the market was ready for a new platform.

Details, details

With more than 60 years of watercraft building experience, Tiara fusses about the little things. From an oversized but watertight engine room light switch (because anything else just wouldn’t do), to the umpteen screw-down wire loops and an overbuilt flybridge staircase that uses channel aluminum with welded plates for the teak floating steps, Tiara’s focus on quality and craftsmanship is evident throughout.

Thanks to a sweeping sheer that steps aft, a symmetrically-blended house/bridge design, and a large but not overzealous flybridge/arch/hardtop combo, the F44 has that head- turning “dock appeal.” Boarding from the large swim platform, there are dual entryways to the aft deck. There’s a full bench seat across the transom with a foldout teak dining table. The aft transom’s Kenyon electric BBQ grill, Isotherm fridge and voluminous garage (perfect for fenders and covers) are all accessed from the platform. 

The main event

Blending is also evident when the dual sliding doors are opened: The aft deck leads right into the galley and salon area, creating a full-use main deck. To delineate the spaces a bit, the F44 has the galley aft as a central serving location, and a raised deck for the salon seating and coffee/dining table.

Tiara didn’t skimp on details in the galley, including low-profile cabinets, built-in Isotherm fridge/freezer drawers, a Sharp convection microwave oven, a recessed Kenyon two-burner cooktop with a blending counter cover insert, and a deep stainless sink with a cover.

Forward up two steps are the port L-settee and hi-lo foldout, rotating table. Across is a raised bench/lounge seat. All seats have great visibility outward and are comfortable at cruising speed. Finished with hardwood teak flooring, Wenge wood cabinets, marbled Corian counters and leather furniture, the F44 can certainly be enjoyed without ever leaving the dock. 

At the con

Leave the dock you must, and there’s no better place to depart than from the flybridge. There’s an optional lower helm station, but why take away from the great living space below? Enjoy the protection of the flybridge’s fully integrated hardtop, secured by the arch and forward-mounted, multi-point, tubular supports; this thing isn’t going anywhere.

Tiara created a functional layout with an aft U-settee with a hi-lo teak table that converts into a large sunpad, a forward port L-settee next to the helm, and an entertainment center with an Isotherm fridge and sink. My captain du jour, David Glenn, marketing director of S2 Yachts (parent company of Tiara and Pursuit yachts) and “knower” of everything Tiara, did a little magic for me as we cruised at about 20 knots.

Glenn jockeyed the joystick over to make a tight turn, not using the steering wheel. The F44 leaned into the curve instantly, holding position until the joystick retuned to center. And then he did it the other way. Yup, that’s driving with the joystick, thanks to Volvo’s Joystick Driving mode. Sticks were designed to support improved close quarter maneuvering. Now they can control the whole ride. Coupled with twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 packages with 435-hp each, our ride cranked up to 28.8 knots (one direction), which is exhilarating for a 32,500-pound yacht.

Tiara outfitted this F44 with the Glass Cockpit, a collaborative program with Garmin that integrates each electronic component, including radar, sonar, engine data, multimedia and more onto multiple displays with one-touch controls. An added benefit is the clean, uncluttered helm it creates. 

More details

The F44 has accommodations below in two staterooms. Forward is the master with a center pedestal berth, a cedar locker, a 24-inch flat TV, teak flooring and a private entrance to an ensuite head. The VIP is midship with twin berths, carpeting and access to the day head.

Wide side decks, railings and grabrails seemingly everywhere, forward sunpad/lounge seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Fusion stereos and speakers, and many more features make the F44 the place to be.

Speaking of details, Tiara goes so far as to include a wealth of specific information in their standard and options listing, which is great for this writer to peruse and is almost certainly a game changer for potential customers. For Tiara Yachts, it’s in the details. 

 

Dealers
SkipperBud’s

847-201-4040


skipperbuds.com

Walstrom Marine

231-526-2141


walstrom.com