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Tiara 38 LS Review – Full Specs, Performance, and Features Explained

The Tiara 38 LS represents the perfect blend of sport, style, and social versatility. As part of Tiara’s Luxury Sport series, the 38 LS delivers a day-boat experience that emphasizes outdoor living, exciting performance, and luxury appointments in a manageable size. While Tiara is known for its larger yachts and sport models, the 38 LS carves its own niche as a premium outboard-powered day cruiser with amenities that rival bigger vessels.

From the moment you step aboard, the Tiara 38 LS makes a statement. Its open bow seating, adaptable cockpit, and sleek lines convey both elegance and athleticism. Whether you’re cruising along the coastline, anchoring at a sandbar, or heading offshore for a weekend adventure, this boat adapts to your lifestyle. It’s not simply about transportation—it’s about creating memorable experiences every time you leave the dock.

The Purpose of the Tiara 38 LS

The Tiara 38 LS was designed with a very clear mission: to bring together the thrill of open-water performance with the social features of a luxury cruiser. Unlike a traditional center console that prioritizes fishing or a pure sport yacht built for speed alone, the 38 LS focuses on versatility. It can comfortably host a group for day trips, deliver exhilarating rides with triple outboard power, and provide overnight accommodations for quick getaways.

Think of it as a hybrid that excels in multiple roles. It’s the kind of boat you use to take friends to lunch across the bay, entertain at anchor with its convertible seating and outdoor galley, or escape for an overnight stay with a partner in its compact but stylish cabin. Its purpose is rooted in flexibility—whatever kind of boating you’re after that day, the 38 LS can rise to the occasion.

Who Will Love This Boat?

The Tiara 38 LS is tailored for buyers who want a premium luxury day-boat experience with enough performance to keep things exciting. It’s well-suited for families who want an active on-water lifestyle, couples who enjoy entertaining, or seasoned boaters looking to downsize without giving up style and performance.

Because it’s easy to handle with joystick controls and intuitive systems, it also appeals to those moving up from smaller boats into the luxury sport class. For those who value a blend of comfort, performance, and social atmosphere, the 38 LS is an excellent match.

How Does the Tiara 38 LS Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When stacked against other boats in the offshore day-boat category, the Tiara 38 LS brings a unique combination of luxury and practicality. Compared to Boston Whaler’s 380 Realm, the Tiara feels more refined and oriented toward social gatherings rather than hardcore fishing. Against the Pursuit DC 365, the 38 LS has a sleeker design and sportier performance thanks to its triple-outboard setup.

Where it really stands out is in its balance. It doesn’t try to be a fishing-first boat or a pure speedster—it blends lifestyle, cruising comfort, and high-end finishes in a way that positions it as a versatile all-rounder in the market.

Design & Specifications

  • Type: Luxury Sport Day Cruiser
  • Length Overall (LOA): 38 ft 6 in
  • Beam: 12 ft 6 in
  • Draft: 3 ft 6 in
  • Fuel Capacity: 331 gallons
  • Engines: Triple Mercury 350 or 400 HP outboards
  • Top Speed: Up to 50 knots (57 mph) depending on setup
  • Cruise Speed: Around 30–35 knots
  • Hull Design: Deep-V with aggressive chines for stability and lift
  • Seating Layout: Wraparound bow seating, convertible aft cockpit lounge, adjustable helm chairs, and rotating aft seats

The Tiara 38 LS design is centered around maximizing outdoor living. The cockpit is the heart of the boat, offering a convertible lounge that can face forward for cruising or rotate aft for entertaining at anchor. At the bow, wraparound seating provides another social hub, while the helm offers ergonomic controls and excellent visibility.

Below deck, you’ll find a compact cabin with a berth for overnight stays and a full head with shower. The galley-up design ensures that food preparation and socializing happen in the same space, which enhances the flow of the boat. Every detail, from the stitching of the upholstery to the stainless finishes, reinforces Tiara’s commitment to premium craftsmanship.

On-Water Performance

Performance is where the Tiara 38 LS truly earns its reputation. Outfitted with triple Mercury outboards, the boat has the ability to hit speeds above 50 knots, giving it sport-boat thrills with the stability of a luxury cruiser. At a cruising speed of 30–35 knots, the 38 LS offers a perfect balance of efficiency and pace, ensuring you can cover serious distances comfortably.

The hull is designed for offshore confidence, handling chop with ease and maintaining a dry ride even in less-than-ideal conditions. Joystick piloting makes docking intuitive, which is a huge plus for owners who don’t want stress when returning to the marina. For many, the combination of speed, stability, and handling ease makes the 38 LS one of the most confidence-inspiring boats in its class.

Safety & Peace of Mind

Safety is often overlooked in this category, but Tiara has prioritized it. Deep gunwales, wide walkways, and ample handholds make moving around secure, even with kids on board. The helm’s clear sightlines and intuitive electronics enhance safe navigation, while the triple outboards provide redundancy and reliability offshore.

Owners should be mindful of the draft if they plan on exploring shallow waters, but overall, the 38 LS is engineered with safety and passenger comfort at the forefront.

Possible Trade-Offs

No boat is without compromise, and the Tiara 38 LS is no exception. With its triple outboards, fuel economy at high speeds can be significant, especially compared to smaller dual-engine models. Its cabin is functional but compact, best suited for short overnight trips rather than extended cruising.

Additionally, while it offers versatile features, anglers may find it less fishing-focused compared to dedicated center consoles. These are trade-offs, but for those who prioritize luxury day boating and lifestyle versatility, the strengths easily outweigh the limitations.

Features That Stand Out

The Tiara 38 LS is packed with features that directly translate into enjoyable ownership:

  • Convertible cockpit lounge that rotates for maximum social flexibility
  • Hydraulic swim platform and side boarding door for easy water access
  • Premium sound system for entertaining
  • Retractable sunshade in the cockpit for all-day comfort
  • Luxury finishes that elevate the onboard atmosphere

Each feature enhances the way owners interact with the boat, whether that’s relaxing in comfort, enjoying water sports, or hosting a sunset gathering with friends.

What Owners and Experts Say

Owners of the Tiara 38 LS consistently highlight its versatility and social atmosphere as key strengths. Many note how the rotating seating and cockpit layout make it feel like a true entertainment platform. Others praise the performance, describing it as exhilarating yet composed.

Professional reviewers often point out the balance Tiara struck between luxury appointments and sport performance, noting that it doesn’t compromise on either side. Overall, the consensus is that the 38 LS is a standout in its category.

Ownership Costs and Considerations

The Tiara 38 LS comes with the typical costs of owning a high-performance luxury sport boat. Fuel use will depend heavily on how often and how fast you run, with triple outboards consuming more at top speeds. Maintenance, including outboard servicing, should be budgeted annually.

Dockage, insurance, and storage costs vary by region, but the 38 LS’s size makes it manageable in most marinas. Owners find that the real value lies in its versatility, which allows them to enjoy everything from day boating to short weekend getaways without needing multiple boats.

Final Takeaway

The Tiara 38 LS is a boat built for those who want it all: speed, comfort, and premium social spaces. It doesn’t try to be a hardcore fishing machine or a long-range cruiser—instead, it delivers exactly what modern luxury boaters want: versatility and style in one beautifully crafted package.

For those who want a yacht that’s just as thrilling to drive as it is comfortable to entertain aboard, the Tiara 38 LS more than earns its reputation.

FAQ

How many people can the Tiara 38 LS seat comfortably?
Up to 12 passengers can enjoy the seating layout, making it ideal for social gatherings.

Does the Tiara 38 LS have overnight accommodations?
Yes, it includes a compact cabin with a berth and a full head, suitable for weekend stays.

What engines power the Tiara 38 LS?
It comes with triple Mercury outboards, available in 350 or 400 HP configurations.

Is the Tiara 38 LS suitable for fishing?
While it has some versatile features, it is primarily designed for lifestyle cruising rather than hardcore fishing.

How does it compare to competitors?
Compared to Boston Whaler and Pursuit models, the 38 LS is more refined and socially oriented, with sportier performance.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.

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