Tiara Yachts 48' 48 LS

The exterior layout is particularly well suited for entertaining. There are three distinct areas for guests—the bow, enclosed/open helm area and huge aft cockpit—allowing a large group to spread out comfortably while still feeling connected to the rest of the boat.

The aft cockpit is one of the highlights of the design. Tiara's rotating lounge can be positioned in multiple configurations, allowing the seating to face forward, aft or become part of the cockpit dining and conversation area. Rather than dedicating the space to one fixed arrangement, the lounge can be repositioned depending on whether the boat is underway, entertaining at the dock or anchored for the afternoon.

The port hull side folds down to form a large waterside terrace, substantially increasing the usable cockpit area and providing easy access to the water. It's a clever feature that works particularly well when swimming, using water toys or simply spending time at anchor.

An outdoor galley serves the cockpit area and includes generous refrigeration, grill, sink, ice maker, TV, storage and preparation space. Its location keeps everything needed for entertaining readily accessible without having to go below.

Forward is another substantial seating and lounging area with wraparound seating, reclining lounge foot rest, and a convertible table. This creates a completely separate social space from the cockpit and is also a comfortable place to ride while underway.

One of the things Tiara does particularly well in its newer models is ergonomics. The larger design elements get the attention—the rotating lounge, fold-down terrace and convertible seating—but there is also considerable thought in the smaller details. Storage, cup holders, device charging, handholds and usable surfaces tend to be located where they are naturally needed. Throughout the boat, spaces and features feel designed around how the boat will actually be used.

The helm area provides considerably more weather protection than a typical open day yacht. Sliding side doors, the substantial hardtop and aft enclosure allow the area to be opened up in good weather or fully enclosed and climate controlled when desired. This makes the boat comfortable across a much broader range of weather and extends the practical boating season.

Below, the accommodations are surprisingly complete for a boat with this much exterior living space. The private forward stateroom has a walk-around queen berth with good storage and headroom. A separate aft cabin provides twin berths with the ability to convert to a larger sleeping arrangement. The head includes a separate enclosed stall shower, making the boat quite comfortable for weekends aboard rather than limiting her to day use.

Triple Mercury V12 600 Verados provide the performance. These 7.6-liter naturally aspirated engines are notably smooth and quiet, with two-speed transmissions and steerable gearcases. Joystick control makes maneuvering around the dock straightforward, particularly considering the size of the boat.

The 48 LS is certainly capable of impressive speeds, but perhaps more relevant is how comfortably she covers distance. The hull has a solid, composed feel underway, and the combination of the Tiara hull and quiet V12s makes cruising in the 30-knot range comfortable and relatively relaxed.

At 48'4" overall with a 14'2" beam, the boat has enough size and volume to feel substantial without losing the ease of operation and flexibility that make an outboard-powered yacht appealing.

Overall, the 48 LS is a well-conceived combination of performance, entertaining space, weather protection and overnight accommodations. Tiara's attention to engineering and ergonomics is apparent throughout, from the

major convertible spaces down to the smaller details that become increasingly appreciated with time aboard.

WATERLINE is a good example of that concept—a boat that can entertain a crowd for the day, comfortably accommodate four overnight, close up when the weather changes and cover distance quickly when needed.