October winds off Lake Michigan carried a sharp chill as the Tiara EX 60 pushed along at a steady 21 knots through three-foot chop. Chicago loomed ahead while we were on a delivery run from Holland, Michigan, to Florida—the builder’s largest model to date. The trip presented its share of challenges, including a weather forecast that initially predicted 20-foot seas and gale-force winds. I boarded in the dark and could not fully appreciate the boat’s strong profile and high bulwarks, but I did notice the incredible amount of storage as we tucked away K-cups, deli meats, drinks and every other item a hungry crew could imagine. Stowing provisions reinforced that the design maximizes usable space for owners.
As night gave way to a starless stretch of lake and the salon settee proved unexpectedly comfortable, the original plan—to run diagonally across the lake to Chicago for a photo shoot—changed. After 10 to 15 minutes of pounding through tightly packed 5- to 7-footers, it became clear the boat could handle the seas, but the crew preferred a less aggressive route. We altered course and followed the coast. Despite hours of exposure to wind and short-period swell, the only mechanical hiccup was a stubborn drawer latch; a piece of tape provided a temporary fix until a permanent screw could be installed.
A sunrise along towering shoreline dunes brought visual relief and allowed a better read of the sea state. The EX 60’s forward seating accommodates four adults across two bench seats; Capt. Tony Gillis and his wife Mary took the starboard helm seat while I stretched out to port, idly checking the multifunction display. I found myself remembering a summer outing years earlier testing Tiara’s 43 LE on the same lake. This outing, however, felt different—bigger, more composed and tailored for longer-range comfort.
When a builder debuts its largest model, it’s easy for size to feel gratuitous. The EX 60 avoids that pitfall. The boat is robust without losing the refined aesthetic seen on smaller Tiara models. With windows and sunroof open and the fold-down gunwales deployed, the connection to the water is intimate, recalling Tiara’s center consoles and express boats. At the same time, the climate-controlled interior provides a welcome retreat on a cool October day.
As conditions moderated, we settled into a comfortable 21-knot cruise. Moving about the cabin felt easy, and I spent time in the upper cockpit watching the wake and imagining family outings in a quiet cove. The EX 60 reads as a true multi-generational platform: fold down the generous gunwales to let kids jump and swim, host eight or more at the lower cockpit table without worrying about spray, or enjoy a relaxed coffee at the high-low table with loose furniture. That same table lowers the TV and raises to bar height for evening drinks—simple but thoughtful flexibility for different moments onboard.
Across the cockpit, salon and side decks, Tiara used synthetic teak from Teakdecking Systems, which looks and feels upscale underfoot. The faux teak delivers a refined appearance while simplifying upkeep; according to the team, a single annual coat of sealant is sufficient to keep it protected.
Approaching the Windy City, I reconnected with Chris Caropepe, Tiara’s manager for new product development, who had overseen the 60’s creation. He spoke with visible pride about guiding the model from concept to finished product. “Our owner group gave us a clear brief,” Caropepe said. “They wanted something distinctly Tiara—capable in big water, fast, nimble, and with focused attention on noise, vibration and harshness.”
Caropepe explained that Tiara drew lessons from its Coupe series and outboard platforms to birth the Adventure series. “We blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces,” he noted—reflected in the open flooring, generous sightlines and the removal of low-hanging cabinetry to bring the exterior in. At the same time, the layout retains the ability to close off and control the climate for true all-weather comfort.
Before entering downtown Chicago we eased into a lock, passing in the shadow of glass-and-steel skyscrapers alongside a scrappy 30-something-foot sailboat and its bundled crew. I finished a blueberry muffin while watching their layered foul-weather gear—proof that adventure and discomfort often go together. The Tiara EX 60 aims to change that equation: enable adventure while preserving comfort and refinement.
With Sales and Marketing Specialist Alex Slikkers, we looked for a place to step ashore for photos and video. A skilled captain, combined with IPS propulsion, let us snug up to a seawall and scramble over a railing to scout vantage points. From those angles the EX 60’s presence was clear: recognizably Tiara, yet larger in scale and execution.
—Dan Harding
LOA: 60’3”
Beam: 16’11”
Draft: 4’0”
Displ.: 53,350 lb.
Fuel: 700 gal.
Water: 150 gal.
Cruise: 26 knots
Top: 38 knots
Power: (2) 1,000-hp Volvo Penta 1350s
This story originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine. This article was published in the April 2023 issue of Soundings.