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390 or 400 DA
- Thread starter endeavor1
- Start date
quote:
Originally posted by endeavor1
The end of the story. Tiara factory answered all the questions about the gas tanks. With that issue cleared the wife and I picked the Sovran. Thanks to all for your in puts. Happy boating.
What did Tiara tell you about their fiberglass tanks? I'm asking because a friend of mine got a letter from Tiara (I"m not sure what the letter said) and immediately traded his gas 32 in on a new diesel 36 Sovran. He did say something about the ethanol issue but was bubbling over the new boat and didn't really get into particulars. Sounds like you made your decision and I hope you'll be happy with the your new Tiara. It's a heavy boat and would probably do better with diesels although there are a fair number of gas powered boats out there. Enjoy!
The dealer put me in touch with the fiberglass Eng. at the factory. He expained how they tested these tanks. They started by tracking down existing boats that have been in use for the past three to five years with the ethanol gas mix to inspect those tanks. ( this was done last summer ) They found that there was no break down of the resin in those tanks. He went on to say that they are still using fiberglass now because it is still the best material for fuel cells and they would not still be using if they thought there was a safety concern. He also said the resin that is used in the fuel cell is a custom blend that they have tested to meet all the requirements of fuel cell use - fire resistance, hydralic loading, ect. He also said they tested all other materials like Alum., S/S, Poly, and found that fiberglass is still the best. Hope this answers your question.
The diesel question is a tough one for me? I own a diesel truck now and it's a work horse but it is expensive to operate/repair/ect. the gas trucks work harder to do the same work but are almost trouble free. So there are trade off's to both as i've learned.
The diesel question is a tough one for me? I own a diesel truck now and it's a work horse but it is expensive to operate/repair/ect. the gas trucks work harder to do the same work but are almost trouble free. So there are trade off's to both as i've learned.
Endeavor,
I had a gas 34 searay. Love the boat ... thing cruised great etc....
Once u got into some seas... u felt like a yo - yo ... the boat would significantly slow as it began to enter the wave .. then speed up as it broke tru....
The diesel boat just plows thru it all....
I dont know what kind of boating u do ... but if ur out in the ocean alot might be a thought ..
But then again its a hefty price too ....
Rob
I had a gas 34 searay. Love the boat ... thing cruised great etc....
Once u got into some seas... u felt like a yo - yo ... the boat would significantly slow as it began to enter the wave .. then speed up as it broke tru....
The diesel boat just plows thru it all....
I dont know what kind of boating u do ... but if ur out in the ocean alot might be a thought ..
But then again its a hefty price too ....
Rob
Rob I've had that happen to me on our 34 Dancer - More power to climb the wave face then have to back off coming down the back of the wave. We boat the Great Lakes mostly Erie. There's a lot of down time on our boats - 7 month seasonal lay-up. We get just one or two weeks a summer and 20 weekends, and from what I've seen diesels need to be run. If I could run this boat 30-40 hrs a week and 40-50 weeks of the year it would be diesel. You've got a nice boat in the 44, solid all the way around.
quote:
Originally posted by endeavor1
The dealer put me in touch with the fiberglass Eng. at the factory. He expained how they tested these tanks. They started by tracking down existing boats that have been in use for the past three to five years with the ethanol gas mix to inspect those tanks. ( this was done last summer ) They found that there was no break down of the resin in those tanks. He went on to say that they are still using fiberglass now because it is still the best material for fuel cells and they would not still be using if they thought there was a safety concern. He also said the resin that is used in the fuel cell is a custom blend that they have tested to meet all the requirements of fuel cell use - fire resistance, hydralic loading, ect. He also said they tested all other materials like Alum., S/S, Poly, and found that fiberglass is still the best. Hope this answers your question.
If the factory told you that you can take it to the bank. I've read elsewhere that the newer resins were not subject to ethanol degradation like the older ones. Welcome to the family. Tiara does have a message board under community on the home page of the corporate website. Do a search for 36 Sovrans and settle in for some reading.
Thanks for the welcome, I appreciate being able to talk with the factory reps about concerns. I sure could tell they take a lot of pride in their boats, gave me a lot of confidence in the product. Dealer offered to throw in a 5 year warranty to show his confidence too.
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2000
- RO Number
- 59
- Messages
- 162
Endeavor,
I've run a 39 with gas motors and IMHO it ran out ok, actually I thought it ran better than I expected. I've docked it and found it easy enough to move around.
The 8.1's had enough around the dock torque, (try an older 41 with 7.4s if you think the 8.1's are whimpy)
The only complaint I had was with fuel economy, I have an 04 360 and if I'm burning 32gph the 40 is closer to 42gph or worse.
No doubt about it a diesel will run out better, but balance fuel economy with the cost of diesels and the hours you'll run............
Now I did run it out on Lake Michigan not the ocean.
Good luck with the 36 Sovran, great looking boat, I really like the 39, but at 500k I'll have to wait a bit.
Jim 2004 360DA (for sale)
I've run a 39 with gas motors and IMHO it ran out ok, actually I thought it ran better than I expected. I've docked it and found it easy enough to move around.
The 8.1's had enough around the dock torque, (try an older 41 with 7.4s if you think the 8.1's are whimpy)
The only complaint I had was with fuel economy, I have an 04 360 and if I'm burning 32gph the 40 is closer to 42gph or worse.
No doubt about it a diesel will run out better, but balance fuel economy with the cost of diesels and the hours you'll run............
Now I did run it out on Lake Michigan not the ocean.
Good luck with the 36 Sovran, great looking boat, I really like the 39, but at 500k I'll have to wait a bit.
Jim 2004 360DA (for sale)
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2000
- RO Number
- 59
- Messages
- 162
Endeavor,
Just remembered, this December I ran a 44 with the 480 cummins up and down the intercoastal and it topped out at around 34knots (as I recall) and my 360 with 8.1's tops out at a bit under 32 knots.
The 44 was very well manored around the dock but as I remember is 400k or so more than my boat.
Jim
Just remembered, this December I ran a 44 with the 480 cummins up and down the intercoastal and it topped out at around 34knots (as I recall) and my 360 with 8.1's tops out at a bit under 32 knots.
The 44 was very well manored around the dock but as I remember is 400k or so more than my boat.
Jim
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2007
- RO Number
- 25199
- Messages
- 190
No offense taken Walter but I gotta tell ya, I've looked at the new Tiara Sovrans at all of the shows they were represented at this year and I'm sorry to say, I wasn't impressed. I think that Tiara is a very nice boat but in terms of bang for your buck with a good fit and finish, I'll take a Sea Ray over the Tiara anyday. You want to talk about a boat lets talk about the Ocean Sport 45+. Now that's are boat!!! IMHO [^]
I've owned three SR's and they were all great boats, The fit and finish is good on both IMHO. The one difference is style My SR always seemed like plush condo with a jet plane helm to me, This Tiara style is a basic boat style. I guess my taste has changed. I could go on but I'll stop here.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2007
- RO Number
- 25199
- Messages
- 190
I wish you very many years of happy boating with your Tiara. I think it is a great boat. The one thing I really do love about the Tiara that the SR cruisers are missing is the hardtop design with the integrated composite glass. I think that is the coolest. It really is a beauty. [:-thumbu]
Enjoy [:-bonc01]
Enjoy [:-bonc01]
There are ALOT of well made boats on the market today.....each manufacturer catering to a specific dollar market....and boating life style.
IMHO.....for where Sea Ray is in the market place......I think their at the top of their game.
I LOVE MY SEA RAY................
IMHO.....for where Sea Ray is in the market place......I think their at the top of their game.
I LOVE MY SEA RAY................
Guys,
I currently have the 310da (Horizon 350MPI), and was looking at the 360da, however have decided to go for the 380 da, due to the seperate shower stall and full size fridge. I am currently looking at a 2002 and 2003 380da. With that said, it sounds like the 390/400 is a bit under powered with the Horizon 8.1's. Can I assume the same for the 380da with the 8.1's. I spoke to an owner at the anchorage with a 2000 380da with the 7.4's, and he too came out of the 310 and loves the 380. He and family go to Block, Connecticut, and North up Hudson with boat. His only complaint is the boat lists a little to one side when head is empty, due to fuel tanks not being installed in the same location - One is more forward then the other. Considering there are very few diesels on the market, and the price drives me out of the boat, I would appreciate advice on the 380da with the 8.1's. Last thing I want is a pig for a boat.
Thanks,
Jeff
I currently have the 310da (Horizon 350MPI), and was looking at the 360da, however have decided to go for the 380 da, due to the seperate shower stall and full size fridge. I am currently looking at a 2002 and 2003 380da. With that said, it sounds like the 390/400 is a bit under powered with the Horizon 8.1's. Can I assume the same for the 380da with the 8.1's. I spoke to an owner at the anchorage with a 2000 380da with the 7.4's, and he too came out of the 310 and loves the 380. He and family go to Block, Connecticut, and North up Hudson with boat. His only complaint is the boat lists a little to one side when head is empty, due to fuel tanks not being installed in the same location - One is more forward then the other. Considering there are very few diesels on the market, and the price drives me out of the boat, I would appreciate advice on the 380da with the 8.1's. Last thing I want is a pig for a boat.
Thanks,
Jeff