Tiara Yachts 46 LS

I am of the school of thought that every problem has a solution.

When it comes to the new Tiara Yachts 46 Luxury Sport (LS), the team at the plant used innovation to solve things that weren’t even a problem to begin with. They made things better, more user-friendly and as functional as could be.

Can the 46 LS be classified as a center console? Technically, yes — but once you’re aboard, that label hardly does it justice. It features all the hallmarks of a center console, including walk-around decks for easy access, a centerline helm and a spacious cockpit. But its extensive list of premium features, stylish cabin and performance that exceeds expectations elevate it into a class all its own.

Attention on deck

This is not just another open bowrider style; it’s a bowrider on steroids. Tiara has designed this area for different functions. Lounge along the L-shaped settee, ringing the port and forward sides. Enjoy cocktails thanks to the folding hi-low table. A filler cushion fits over the table to make a large sunpad.

Of note is the anchor locker, probably one of the best I have seen in this class. All tackle is under the covering board, creating a sleek, clean look. Under that hatch is a through-hull anchor system, a windlass with remote, a washdown setup and a light. Also included is a dedicated spot for a bucket, and four hooks for docklines or fenders. I like keeping the docking gear close to where it’s needed and not all over the decks.

But wait, there’s more. Across the front of the console is a three-person chaise lounge with bucket-style backrests — an ideal spot to kick back while cruising. With 10 cup holders in the bow alone, it’s clear this area was designed for relaxing.

Don’t get too comfy up front, as there’s more happening in the cockpit. First, there’s an aft-facing U-shaped settee flanking a teak hi-low table with space-saving ottomans, all protected by the extended, full-beam hardtop with sunshade. Sizable for a small party, it can convert into a large sunpad, with ample storage beneath the seats. Nice touches here are the A/C that’s pumped through the seatbacks, several charging ports and, yes, more cupholders. Two in-deck insulated boxes with drains are perfect as ice boxes, fishboxes or fender boxes.

Have it your way

Leave it to Tiara to create an option you didn’t know you needed: The Aft Module. This little addition can pay big dividends and enhance your boating pleasure. It’s located aft across the transom and comes in different configurations, ordered upon purchase. Select the Chaise Lounge Module, with split articulating backrests to face fore or aft, or make a large sunpad. If your plans include cruising with family and friends, this versatile configuration offers the most seating available.

If you’re more into adventures like fishing, choose the new Adventure Module, with a 54-gallon livewell, a cutting board, a freezer tank, rod holders and a folding transom seat that opens up the cockpit when flipped up. Take your catch from ocean to table with the integrated electric grill. With boarding gates on either side, you can land your catch on the oversized swim platform and not mess up the boat. Trick it out with outriggers, rocket launcher and additional rod holders.

What I think is cool is the Buffett Lounge Module. Not only does it have seating for three on a bench seat, as well as a built-in aft Corian counter, grill and trunk access, but also the whole unit hydraulically rotates. Yes, it moves with the push of a button! This module can pivot up to 180 degrees, keeping you in the seat while enjoying the vistas or watching the kids in the water. It’s Tiara’s way of solving the “craning of the neck to get a good view” problem.

There’s also a fold-down hullside terrace on the port side, providing easy access to the water. It adds to the usable real estate in the cockpit and offers enhanced views. To starboard is a side boarding door — yet another way to access the vessel.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Just forward of the aft-facing lounge is a mid-ship island galley. Positioned and designed to be a central gathering point, you can stand and lean against the bolster, grab a cold one from the fridge drawers or set up a meal on the expansive countertop.

At the con

The helm station sports an open feel but can be enclosed thanks to the electric sliding side doors. The large single-pane curved windshield offers exceptional visibility with no distortion or polarization. A clear, vertically retracting soft glass panel from the aft hardtop essentially encloses the helm from the elements.

Keeping it all in control are twin 22-inch 9000 Series Garmin multifunction displays, flush-mounted in the dash for a clean look. Thanks to the EmpirBus digital switching platform, the helm has fewer switches and buttons, now controlled through the screens. Mercury’s joystick controller assists with the maneuvering.

Wood trim on the dash and wheel contrast the dash’s black lacquered finish, giving a retro look. Grabrails, a storage box, a joystick to the left and throttles to the right are all within easy reach. Three ergonomically styled helm seats can be heated and cooled. Nothing like a cold blast on your backside on a hot and sweaty day. Enjoy the climate by opening the Webasto power sunroof.

The giddyup comes from triple Mercury V12 Verado 600-hp outboards with two-speed transmissions and six propellers, taking this 27,500-pound craft to impressive levels. As stated in the Tiara brochures and website, the 46 LS does achieve 59 mph in a solid-infused hull firmed up by a structural grid system. After extensive testing, including reciprocal runs for speed, I found my mph numbers came in a little better than the posted figures. Cruising at 47 mph burned about 84 gph at 5000 rpm, with a range of 292 nm (90% fuel capacity). Dial back to 2500 rpm for 10 mph at 25 gph. The speed is there if needed, yet economy is there if wanted. And the outboards are quiet! Mercury has new standards for N,V,H (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) that were noticeable.

The 46 LS did pass the ABYC Quick Turn Test that measures stability, maneuverability and control. Google it for more info.

Cabin fever

Tiara created an accommodations cabin with high-end teak wood and fabric furnishings throughout. With the primary in the forepeak featuring a center queen berth, Tiara solved the privacy concern with a 40/60 extra-wide split-door configuration. A flat-screen TV slides out from a starboard drawer. An oversized sink is in the head, with sufficient room for an enclosed shower stall.

Midship is another cabin with a queen berth — pretty roomy for being under the deck. There’s bright lighting down here, thanks to skylights and an atrium-style area. A large Corian countertop, a microwave, a fridge, storage and room for a coffee maker are all found here.

Tiara has thought of other things you didn’t know you needed, like a raised deck step for easy boarding, recessed lighting on deck and in the cabin, Kohler fixtures, portholes, dual side fuel fills, Dometic AC/heat systems, a 5kW generator, a 6.5-gallon hot water heater and so much more.

The Tiara 46 LS proves that sometimes the best innovations are the ones nobody realized were missing.