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CaptTom · 02-02-2007, 09:10 AM

AMG,
Let me give you my take. And by the way, I am partial to Vikings, which I feel are excellent vessels, but also notable by their lines and looks.

These three brands are all very fine sportfish builders. Onthe surface, they are clean, fishable and confortable as cruisers with family/friends. So you need to go below the surface and do some detailed investigation. With th eengines, check for usage, hours, signs of problems (i.e. leaks, hotspots, rust, etc) but also look at service inervals. Vessles from 1995 may have well over 1000 hours depending on usage. MAN's standards require a major service at 1000 hours, nit sure of the Detriots. But Detroits historically run a bit dirtier, making for messy engine rooms (do you have Detroits on that Tiara?). Look at access to pumps, bilges, AC units, wire runs, etc. Since you are going with a vesel that is 10+ years old, some systems may need attention as they age. What are you using the boat for, fishing, cruising or both? Plan on living on it? Do the different capacities (i.e water, holding tank, fuel) make a difference?
Posts typically have less draft, which you may want of doing coastal cruising. But I have seen Vikings and Bertrams wallow a bit in big seas, so I think it really depends on the oceans you will be cruising.
If you plan on doing your own engine maintenance, then access to and around engines and generators is paramount. Most of the vessels mentioned should have cockpit access, which I feel is best (not tracking dirt through the salon).
May not have answered the question directly, but at least a few thoughts.
Good luck.

02-02-2007, 09:10 AM	#2
CaptTom Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Palm Beach to Ft Lauderdale Posts: 800	AMG, Let me give you my take. And by the way, I am partial to Vikings, which I feel are excellent vessels, but also notable by their lines and looks. These three brands are all very fine sportfish builders. Onthe surface, they are clean, fishable and confortable as cruisers with family/friends. So you need to go below the surface and do some detailed investigation. With th eengines, check for usage, hours, signs of problems (i.e. leaks, hotspots, rust, etc) but also look at service inervals. Vessles from 1995 may have well over 1000 hours depending on usage. MAN's standards require a major service at 1000 hours, nit sure of the Detriots. But Detroits historically run a bit dirtier, making for messy engine rooms (do you have Detroits on that Tiara?). Look at access to pumps, bilges, AC units, wire runs, etc. Since you are going with a vesel that is 10+ years old, some systems may need attention as they age. What are you using the boat for, fishing, cruising or both? Plan on living on it? Do the different capacities (i.e water, holding tank, fuel) make a difference? Posts typically have less draft, which you may want of doing coastal cruising. But I have seen Vikings and Bertrams wallow a bit in big seas, so I think it really depends on the oceans you will be cruising. If you plan on doing your own engine maintenance, then access to and around engines and generators is paramount. Most of the vessels mentioned should have cockpit access, which I feel is best (not tracking dirt through the salon). May not have answered the question directly, but at least a few thoughts. Good luck.