Tiara 54 EX at the Palm Beach International Boat Show: A Compact Motoryacht with Big-Boat Qualities
As our family prepares for a second child, I find myself thinking of siblings — how much will they resemble one another, and how much will each have a distinct personality? That same question came to mind when I spent time aboard Tiara’s new 54 EX during the Palm Beach International Boat Show. After a day and night on the flagship 60, it was clear Tiara Yachts has distilled many beloved elements of larger models into a smaller, highly capable motoryacht. The 54 EX asks: what can be preserved and what must be adapted when shrinking a design?
Walk through the 54 and the similarities to the 60 are striking. The expansive swim platform, the clever bow anchor locker with line storage, the fold-down gunwales, the modular cockpit layout and the general arrangement all echo the larger model. Tiara’s design language — from the salon flow to the helm placement and side door — carries through in a way that makes the 54 feel like a true little sibling rather than a scaled-down compromise. It’s often easier to list the few differences than to catalog the many consistent features.
Where the 54 diverges is practical and intentional. The guest cabin features bunk beds in place of the 60’s side-by-side twin berths, and propulsion is scaled to twin Volvo Penta IPS950s rather than the larger IPS1050 and IPS1350 options available on the 60. Even with these smaller powerplants, the 54 delivers an impressive top end of about 34 knots, offering strong performance in a more compact footprint.
At the show my wife Karen’s aunt and uncle, longtime Tiara owners of a 3200, were visiting to celebrate a birthday and see a Florida boat show for the first time. I played amateur broker for a while, describing the 54’s options, and it became obvious why the model appeals to varied boating styles. The social cockpit module provides seating for six to eight adults and is set up perfectly for alfresco dining with a grill situated just aft. For anglers, the adventure module option swaps social seating for dedicated fishing features — a smart choice for anyone who spends time offshore.
The helm arrangement is another highlight. The helm sits to starboard with mirrored seating to port that includes its own multifunction display and Fusion stereo controls so a copilot can participate actively in navigation. My favorite feature for practical handling is the joystick embedded in the starboard sliding armrest. Combined with the large side door, the joystick lets the captain step onto the sidedeck and effectively use the helm as a wing station while docking — a feature that makes close-quarters maneuvering easier and builds confidence for less experienced boaters.
One of the most thoughtful spaces on the 54 is the bow lounge — a versatile area that has become a signature of Tiara’s design. It offers comfortable sunpad lounging while also providing secure seatbacks and cushioned sides, making it safe underway. Built-in handholds reinforce safety, and plentiful drink holders, stereo controls and phone chargers mean there’s little reason to leave the bow. For families, this design reduces the risk that comes with kids sitting on an exposed bow sunpad in busy waters; the bow lounge creates a contained, comfortable retreat for passengers of any age.
I’m not sure I convinced Karen’s aunt Mary Ellen or her uncle Billy to pursue an upgrade, but the 54 EX sells itself through smart, real-world features that experienced boaters will immediately appreciate. For me, the 54 represents the best kind of sibling: it preserves many of the defining traits of the larger model while delivering them in a smaller, more manageable package. As we get ready for our own new family member, I hope our second child shares the best attributes of his big brother — compact, capable and full of personality, much like the Tiara 54 EX.
Specifications
- LOA: 54’3”
- Beam: 15’11”
- Draft: 4’4”
- Displacement: 48,400 lbs.
- Fuel Capacity: 650 gals.
- Water Capacity: 135 gals.
- Power: (2) 725-hp Volvo Penta IPS950
- Top Speed: Approximately 34 knots
This article was originally published in the October 2024 issue.