Tiara Sport 38 LS

The boat was designed with a focus on luxury, but the outboard configuration provides performance that traditional diesel engines would never achieve. Triple 350-hp (optional 300-hp) Yamahas provide enough power to pull skiers or tubers; however, they are so smooth and quiet that you hardly notice them hanging off the transom. Several different paint options are available to make the engines blend in even more. 

The Tiara 38 LS has beautiful lines and combines bowrider, center console and cruiser features into one package with a balanced appearance. The huge wraparound Taylor windshield offsets the straight edges of the gunnels and slightly raked hardtop nicely, with optional hull colors and custom vinyl accents available to make the boat stand out from the crowd. 

The floorplan of the self-draining cockpit has plenty of room for guests to comfortably drift around the space. A galley area behind the helm seat with a Corian countertop provides a huge serving station for food and drinks, with stowable covers hiding a stainless sink and trash bin. Below the counter is storage, a dual voltage fridge and an optional grill. Dual companion seats face aft from either side of the galley with storage beneath each one. 

The U-lounge might just be the best feature on the entire boat. Sitting aft of the hardtop, it’s perfect for sun worshipers, although a retractable sunshade is optional for days when a little cover is necessary. The U-lounge is large enough to seat six comfortably, with a folding, rotating teak table that can serve everyone seated — with room to spare. The table also drops down to convert the space into a roomy sunpad. 

The U-lounge on the 38 LS hides a secret. Lift the inconspicuous handle on the port side and the whole lounge spins to lock in place facing aft — a task that can be performed with two fingers. Sitting in the aft-facing lounge provides a beautiful view of the water or beach, and the lounge is perched high enough that the outboards are still well below your line of sight. It’s a unique feature that really adds to the fun, sporty feel of the boat. 

Port and starboard walkways lead to swim platform extensions on each side of the engines. Although they are small enough to flank the outboards the extensions provide enough surface area to hold a swim ladder and allow easy access to the water. They are also big enough to use comfortably for entering and exiting the boat from the dock.

The bow seating area, which has an optional Mediterranean sunshade, is accessed via a starboard walkway; this provides more room forward for passengers and creates three steps of differing heights along the port side. Along with the option to enter from the swim platform, this design makes for easy access from floating or stationary docks of any height.

There is no shortage of comfort or control at the helm. Three individual seats with flip-up bolsters, flip-down footrests and folding armrests cradle the captain and crew in the lap of luxury, and can also house optional cockpit air conditioning and heat. A fold-away riser drops down from below the steering wheel for people who want a few extra inches to get a clear view over the dash. 

Corian surfaces and teak accents offset each other at the dash, where extras were added for the digital age, including a groove for cell phones and USB charging ports in a covered glovebox. A Garmin touch-screen is included for navigation and feedback, with an optional second unit available.

 
Overhead, skylights add to the bright, open feel at the controls. Yamaha’s own engine readout is mounted above the windshield where it is easy to read and reach. The autopilot is also tucked up and out of the way just below the center opening hatch. Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick system, paired with a standard bowthruster, is an available option to help with docking and maneuvering in tight quarters. 

Entry through the full-height sliding cabin door leads down a couple of steps past a hidden microwave and fridge to a cozy but comfortable athwartship full berth. The dayboat design is most obvious in the cabin, which provides room to change, get kids out of the sun, or overnight in a destination port.

 
The boat was not designed for long trips with another couple — it was built to play on the water. The stateroom is only intended for two but is well lit and comfortable. The head is also cozy, and an opening porthole over the sink, hand-held shower wand and hidden storage are all nice touches.

The 38 LS performs and handles more like a ski boat than an overnighter with room to seat 15 passengers. With the triple 350s, the 38-footer will cruise at 35 mph, and tops out at just over 55 mph. It’s fast and nimble, but it’s also comfortable and stable. Conversation is possible while sitting at the U-lounge without screaming over engine noise or wind — even at cruising speeds. 

With features such as pop-up cleats, screened openings, a diesel generator, air conditioning and entertainment packages, the Tiara 38 LS is ready to go before options are added. The boat even includes programmable LEDs mounted throughout, which will react to music or will copy any color you can choose from your smartphone. However, the list of upgrades is comprehensive, including Lenco Auto Glide Trim Tabs and a Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer.

The fun doesn’t have to stop when you reach the dock. Tie up, then turn up the Fusion/JL Audio zoned stereo, set the LEDs to match the music, and grab a cold drink from the galley while burgers are cooking on the grill. The Tiara 38 LS is a versatile, sporty performer with a softer side that will get you to the party cove or fishing spot in a hurry. 

Tiara has always been an innovative company and one willing to embrace new technology and materials before other manufacturers. The Tiara Sport 38 LS is a welcome addition to the company’s lineup, which will include more luxury outboards in the near future. 

Watch and see what comes next from Tiara!