Boat Test: 2026 Tiara 39 LS

Overview

I had an idea of what the new Tiara Yachts 39 LS would be like even before I ever saw it. Having the opportunity to tour Tiara’s production facility told me a lot of what I needed to know about the company’s build quality, and having run pretty much every other model in Tiara’s outboard-powered lineup, I expected big things. The 39 LS, which is replacing the old 38 in the lineup, didn’t disappoint. It features more modern bells and whistles while staying true to Tiara’s heritage as a builder of high-quality, seaworthy boats.

Interior and Accessories

The real genius of the 39 LS is its modular, have-it-your-way design, especially in the cockpit. This isn’t just about moving a few cushions around; it’s a fundamental choice about the boat’s personality. Owners can opt for one of two distinct setups. For the cruising-inclined, the Buffet Lounge configuration is a clear winner. It features a plush, rotating lounge just forward of the swim platform that can swing 45 degrees to face the portside terrace or spin all the way aft. This layout is built for socializing, complete with an electric Kenyon grill, a fridge/freezer, and a fiberglass table that can be optioned up to high-gloss teak. When paired with the rear-facing lounge that sits just under the hardtop, it makes for an excellent socialization spot for your family or group of friends.

If your main mission on the water involves more casting than cruising, opt instead for the Adventure Module. This configuration transforms the transom into a highly functional fishing station. It includes a cutting board and prep area, a 42-gallon livewell, four aft rod holders, and a 3.8-cubic-foot freezer. This while keeping all of the other features onboard that make the boat a star.

In that vein, the terrace is the other eye-catcher in the cockpit. Essentially, the portside gunwale folds down outboard to the waterline with the push of a button, creating a terrace that expands the usable cockpit real estate right over the water. It comes with a dedicated removable swim ladder so anyone doing a cannonball can reboard well clear of the outboard propellers. In another nod to safety, it can only be raised or lowered when the engines are off.

Engines

Speaking of engines, the 39 LS has a serious performance package. It’s powered by a pair of 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12 outboards. As Tiara made this the only power choice available, it designed the boat specifically for these engines. Running outside the inlet in Tiara’s home port of Holland, Michigan, we clocked a top speed of 54 mph at 6,100 rpm. At a 35-mph cruising speed at 4,500 rpm, the boat has an expected range of over 300 miles. Attribute that to the 500-gallon fuel capacity as well as the Verado’s inherent efficiency. The boat’s design supports this power with a hull worthy of bluewater duty, featuring a sharp deep-V hull that tapers to 21 degrees at the transom. It can knife through choppy water and push through heavy seas with nary a shutter or rattle, another nod to Tiara’s build quality. Tiara uses an infused hull, deck, structural grid, and transom, creating a build that is incredibly stout without being too weighed down, even though the dry weight is approximately 10 tons. The standard Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control system works to keep a level running attitude without input from the helm. Should you like to go old school and run the trim manually, you can turn off the Zipwake system with the push of a button.

At the helm, the captain has a great view of the water and all of the controls at his fingertips. The dash is equipped with twin Garmin MFDs, a 7-inch VesselView display, and digital throttle and shift. Close-quarters handling is made simple with standard joystick piloting. If you have crew members who hate to rock-and-roll, a Seakeeper 4.5 gyrostabilizer is available as an option. The captain’s chair is electrically adjustable, and the sole is finished in durable synthetic teak.

The thoughtful layout extends beyond the cockpit. A wide walkway on the starboard side provides easy access to the bow, where a U-shaped settee creates a perfect spot for dining or conversation. This entire area can be converted into a large sun pad. By closing off access on the port side, Tiara created a more spacious bow lounge which opened up more usable space below deck.

That extra space belowdecks helps make the 39 LS a great weekender. The interior is finished in architectural teak, featuring a forward queen-size berth that sleeps two comfortably. There’s a surprisingly sizable head with a walk-in shower and plenty of headroom. A new addition that wasn’t on the 38 is a second mid-ship cabin with a converible berth, offering a place for the kids to sleep or to hang out belowdecks out of the sun. The galley area is centrally located by the entryway to make that early-morning cup of coffee on anchor.

Read Next: Tiara 56 LS

For being a production builder, Tiara offers owners a lot of options for customization. Choose from three different exterior upholstery options, three interior ones, and three solid-surface countertop choices. For a truly custom look, the Mercury Verados can be painted to match the custom hull color. With its clever design, powerful performance, and luxurious appointments, the Tiara 39 LS brings the builder’s evolution another step further, all while staying true to its roots.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 600 hp Mercury Verados
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Verado 27.5″ diameter contra-rotating 3-blade and 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.97:1/2.50:1 Fuel Load: 150 gal. Crew Weight: 750 lb.

High Points

• Built-in boarding step and side-boarding gate allow for easy boarding from the dock.
• The extended swim platform creates a lot of extra usable space to stage for watersports or to fight a fish.
• Bow cockpit creates a second seriously comfortable socialization spot topside.

Low Points

• Always a nitpick, but can we fiddle the counters so stuff stays put while cruising?

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation