Tiara Yachts EX 60

I’m going to start off by offering a public apology.

When I sea trialed the new Tiara Yachts EX 60 recently in Miami, Florida, I may have been a little tough on Tiara’s director of marketing and communications, Whitney Vishey. I told Vishey that, as I know the brand well and have been on several of its yachts over the years (actually captained a 43 from Florida to Rhode Island solo, but that’s another story), I was going to go through this new offering very closely to make sure it lived up to the Tiara Yachts name.

The short story is that I was schooled by Vishey and her team. This EX 60 is worthy of the Tiara name and your undivided attention. There is so much the Tiara development team brings to the surface, as well as some hidden things you wouldn’t know about, that makes the EX 60 an exceptional vessel.

Silence is Golden

My first impression as we got the 53,000-plus-pound craft up to speed was how quiet it is when running. Not just a few decibels below yelling, but genuinely silent. Asking how Tiara accomplished this, Vishey explained they contract with an outside company to analyze the “N,V, H” (noise, vibration and harshness) in order to rectify issues and make the yacht more comfortable on all levels. J&A Enterprises audited the yacht’s operation and recommended changes. In one case, they provided guidance on the hull bottom structure and stringer grid design to reduce transmitted engine noise. They also helped to design the acoustic insulation in the engine room, including a recommendation for Tiara to insulate the engine room’s hull sides.

With the multitude of methods employed, including noise isolation, redesigned insulation, frequency targeting and identifying noise generation components, the EX 60 has got to be one of the quietest, smoothest and enjoyable yachts I have ever been on. This is worth the price of admission.

The proof is in the numbers, and through J&A’s and Tiara’s collaboration, the sound level at cruise is 71 db at the helm, and only 72 db at wide open (all doors and windows closed). Even with the aft door open, the prevalent sound is the rushing water exiting the wetted hull.

Look Around

What you can see around the EX 60 is spacious comfort from stem to stern. Design the cockpit for your cruising/living needs by selecting from the breakfast bar with ottomans or forward- and aft-facing seating module in the mid cockpit. Aft cockpit selections include the adventure module with rod holders, cooler boxes and livewell or a lounge module. These are great options that can enhance your cruising experiences. Let’s not forget about the side L-lounge seats, walk-through side boarding gates and access hatch to the engines.

Adding to the cockpit’s overall acreage are the port/starboard hullside terraces that fold down from the gunwales. Not only does it add foot space, but also adds access points to the water and enhances sea level visibility from the lounges. Toss in the standard 60-inch hydraulic lift swim platform with recessed PWC chocks, disappearing staircase and ladder and you’ll have a great beach area. Overhead protection is courtesy of a Makefast Marine powered sunshade.

Walk-around decks allow for easy transit to the bow lounge with a huge sunpad, reversible pad/table and sturdy grabrails. There’s underseat storage for lines and fenders, and concealed ground tackle compartment for the Lewmar windlass and 70-pound Lewmar anchor. Nice is the full deck Herculan synthetic teak flooring for good footing and low maintenance.

The High Life

As Tiara’s largest yacht, its focus not just on cruising but livability is highlighted by the interior layout and options. From the starboard helm, the operator has great visibility all around thanks to the two-pane tempered curved windshields, large side windows and glass aft doors. A helm side door is great for ventilation and accessing the deck for line handling. This is an easy boat to single hand.

At the helm is the Volvo Glass Cockpit with twin Garmin multifunction displays, push buttons and throttle. On the double-wide Stidd helm chair’s right armrest are the joystick controller and Garmin GRID remote. No more hunching over the console to access the controls. Sit back in the electrically adjusted seat and enjoy the ride!

Another great idea from Tiara, and one I don’t recall seeing previously, is a multifunction display at the portside companion console. Allowing for an extra set of eyes to monitor house systems, navigation tools or boat functions, this takes some anxiety off the operator while allowing for a second person to assist in the boat’s operation. For the serious cruiser, this is a must-have and an item that should be offered on other cruisers.

Keeping the crowd together is a portside C-shape settee with a flip-down, high-gloss teak table. To starboard is a low-profile galley with four under-counter fridge/freezer drawers, a two-burner Kenyon induction cooktop, a Samsung microwave/convection oven, quartz countertops and a long stainless grabrail. That’s a nice touch.

Entertainment choices are from the starboard side hi-low actuated 55-inch flat TV and Fusion Apollo multi-zone stereo system with JL Audio components and speakers.

Down But Not Out

Via a center staircase are the three staterooms. Midship is a full-beam primary suite with headroom between 6 feet, 4 inches to 6 feet, 9 inches, an innerspring center queen pedestal berth with compartment storage, a starboard settee, an optional stacked washer/dryer, cedar lockers and drawers. The highlights in the primary suite are the carved teak wood inlay at the headboard, which adds a touch of flair. Additionally is a slide-out drawer with an extending top that can be used as a desk, suitable for a laptop. With hullside windows and opening ports, the primary becomes another destination to be used any time. A private head has a shower stall, a VacuFlush toilet, a vessel sink and a defogging mirror.

Forward is the VIP stateroom with a queen berth, cedar lockers and a carved teak/Ultraleather headboard. There’s a private entrance to the day head. A third stateroom has twin berths that slide together for a full-size berth. Each stateroom is fully finished with carpeting, TVs, recessed lighting, wood trim, Ultraleather and fabric coverings.

Power Up

Giddy up is from twin Volvo D13 1,000-hp diesel engines. Our sea trial’s running numbers very closely match to Tiara published specs so feel confident that their numbers are real. At wide open, we experienced a robust 40 knots, so the speed is there if needed. Dial back to 1800 RPM for a 25.3 knot ride, burning 52 gph for approximately a 300 nm range. Pull back more to 8.6 knots, 15 gph and 350 nm range. There’s range for the long cruise and speed for the short hauls.

I looked from top to bottom, bow to stern, and within crevices and really could not find issues with the semi-customizable Tiara Yachts EX 60. For weekend stomping to extended cruising, this is an exceptional yacht. Perfect for loopers or lakers. Tiara Yachts has certainly upped its game. Our readers can certainly up their game, too, with the Tiara Yachts EX 60!