tiara yachts factory tour

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

$3.5M luxury yacht built by West Michigan company like a ‘high-end home on the water’

• Updated: Mar. 17, 2022, 1:43 p.m.
• | Published: Mar. 17, 2022, 10:10 a.m.

• Brian McVicar | [email protected]

HOLLAND, MI — Inside Tiara Yachts, amid a whir of cranes, trucks and machinery, Thomas Slikkers climbs aboard a prototype of his company’s newest luxury watercraft, the EX 60.

Today, the 60-foot vessel is still a work in progress. Its hull is unpainted. The cockpit, engine and navigation system have yet to be installed. But Slikkers, Tiara’s president and CEO, lights up with excitement as he describes the high-end flourishes that will make his company’s newest creation akin to a “high-end home on the water.”

“It really is our greatest hits,” he said.

With a roughly $3.5 million price tag, the EX 60 will feature a customizable cockpit with plush seating, an outdoor breakfast bar, and two bathrooms. It boasts a well-appointed kitchen, and the propulsion system has extras such as assisted docking. Below deck, three sleeping areas can accommodate six adults.

For more than 60 years, the Slikkers family has been making boats in Holland — and the EX 60 is its biggest and most expensive boat yet.

The family’s start in the boating business dates back to 1955 when Leon Slikkers, Thomas Slikkers’ father, left his job at Chris-Craft Boats to start Slickcraft Boat Company. He funded the venture by selling his family’s home for $5,000 and using the proceeds to buy materials and rent space on Washington Avenue near downtown Holland. Then, he moved his family into an apartment above his new shop.

Launching the business was a gamble. But Leon Slikkers found success with the 16-foot Slickcraft premier. Featuring a molded mahogany plywood hull, the 16-foot vessel sold for $1,165 in 1958. By the late 1960s, the company had grown in popularity, and Slikkers sold his business to American Machine and Foundry.

But Leon Slikkers, whose family describes him as a “true entrepreneur,” soon craved independence.

In 1973, he resigned as president of Slickcraft, and the following year he launched S2 Yachts, the parent company of Tiara Yachts.

“It had very small, humble beginnings,” Thomas Slikkers said. “But within a short period of time, my dad was able to convince people that we’ve got a great product here.”

Today, the private, family-owned company has grown substantially.

Inside its headquarters, 725 E. 40th St., 600 employees design, build and sell yachts. The company’s boats, the least expensive of which retails for more than $500,000, are sold to customers throughout the U.S. as well as Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Italy and elsewhere. Its biggest markets are the U.S. and portions of Latin America.

“Wherever there’s big blue water, that’s usually a good market for us,” said Slikkers, who grew up with the business but officially joined Tiara Yachts in 1982 as an accounting clerk.

The EX-60, which has been in the works for 1 ½ years, is still under development, but the prototype is slated to be complete by mid-August and available to customers later this year. The company has a focus on luxury, and high-end features that create a comfortable, quiet experience for customers.

“We want you to enjoy nature, and enjoy the sounds of nature — not the sounds of our diesel engines,” said Andrew Bartlett, Tiara’s director of design.

Walking through the company’s cavernous factory, where about 400 workers create the yachts, Slikkers describes the craftsmanship that Tiara prides itself upon. Nearly everything on each yacht, from its furniture to its kitchen cabinets, are made in house. Engines that power Tiara’s boats are made by outside companies, such as Volvo Penta and Mercury.

Workers at Tiara can produce about one boat a day, Slikkers said.

On a recent afternoon, as a worker inside the factory inspected a 43-foot LS yacht, Slikkers said his company’s production line is not unlike an automotive assembly line. The process starts with the hull, the body of the boat, and about halfway through the deck is added. Later, chairs, furniture, paneling and interior fixtures are installed.

Finally, the vessel is painted, and put on a truck for delivery, he said.

“It hasn’t been painted yet,” Slikkers said, as he pointed to the 43-foot LS yacht. “So, it’s not as pretty as it’s going to be.”

Tiara Yachts, located at 725 E. 40th St. in Holland, on Thursday, March 10, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)

While Tiara has evolved, adding new models, production techniques and automation, the company has stayed true to its roots as a family-owned company, Slikkers said. Walk inside Tiara Yachts, and you might bump into one of his six family members who work there.

His brother David serves as director of government relations, while his brother Bob is senior vice president of operations. His son Alex is a sales and marketing specialist, and two of his nephews, Tim and Kelly, also call Tiara yachts home. Kelly’s wife, Tiffany, has joined the family business too. She works in human resources.

That level of family involvement creates a bond that isn’t present in every business, said Slikkers, whose father, Leon, retired from Tiara in September.

“We aren’t trying to make sure that we’ve got a golden parachute tucked in the back corner in case we ever need to jettison at the first sign of trouble,” he said. “We’re the guys that are still driving the ship when she’s taking on water.”

Community survey results show Grand Rapids hired favored candidate for police chief

What’s at the bottom of the empty Soo Locks? A fork, jewelry and 13 tons of debris

Public school advocates launch effort to stop DeVos-backed school scholarship proposal

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Tiara 60 EX yacht tour: On board this brand new $3.7m flagship cruiser

• Miami Boat Show 2024: Everything you need to know
• Palm Beach Boat Show 2023: Everything you need to know
• Top stories

Reporting from the 2023 Palm Beach Boat Show, Elliott Maurice takes us on a full tour of the Tiara EX 60...

Michigan-based Tiara Yachts’ classy new Tiara EX 60 flagship was one of the showstoppers at this year’s Palm Beach and Miami Boat Shows . No question. With this gleaming hull No. 1 recently fresh out of the factory, you might have expected Tiara to wrap it in cotton wool and truck it, very carefully, the 1,424 miles from company HQ to Miami.

That would have been way too easy. Instead, Tiara decided to give its gleaming new 60-footer a proper shake-down cruise. It took it on a near 2,000-mile adventure across Lake Michigan to Chicago, down the muddy Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, across Lake Okeechobee and down to Miami. Most of it at full throttle.

A perfect test then for Tiara’s biggest, most-luxurious, and at $3.7 million, the most expensive model to date.

The EX 60’s styling is from the drawing board of Tiara’s long-serving design director, Andrew Bartlett who seemingly focused on a classic, elegant look rather than breaking any design rules. You won’t find any funky Pardo -style plumb bows and vertical windshields here.

The real focus though is on outdoor space, with an oversize, two-level aft cockpit with adaptable seating, plus power-lowering side terraces that expand the area from 16ft 11in to an impressive 20ft 6in.

Article continues below…

Pardo Endurance 60 yacht tour: Access all areas of Pardo’s €1.4m flagship

Grand Banks 60 Skylounge yacht tour: A generous slice of Americana

And the full aft width of the saloon is made up of a three-part glass folding door and power-operated window by the galley that opens-up the entire saloon to the back deck. Below decks you’ll find three cabins and two heads with a roomy midships owner’s cabin , big forward VIP and a twin-berth guest cabin.

Power-wise, the Tiara EX 60 comes with1350 Volvo D13s with shafts driving IPS pods which deliver a 40-knot top speed. Perfect then for the EX 60’s planned 2,000-mile post- Palm Beach Boat Show cruise back to Michigan. Though this time it’ll be up the East Coast.

Tiara EX 60 specification

LOA: 60ft 3in (18.3m) Beam: 16ft 11in (5.2m) Engines: 2 x Volvo 1350 D13 Top speed: 40 knots Starting price: $3.7 million

New Boats at Cannes Boat Show 2024: Pearl 82

New boats at cannes boat show 2024: solaris power 60 open, new boats at cannes boat show 2024: pardo gt75, latest videos, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy.

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• Email Newsletters
• Boat of the Year
• 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
• 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
• Cruising Boats
• Pontoon Boats
• Fishing Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• Water Sports
• Boat Walkthroughs
• What To Look For
• Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
• Boating Lab
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boating Giveaway

Tiara Yachts

By Jeff Hemmel | March 2023

Learn more about Tiara Yachts by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.

This page was written by Boating Magazine’s expert editorial staff and reviewed by the Tiara Yachts ‘ marketing team for accuracy. Content will be updated as new boats and company updates are released.

Tiara Yachts traces its heritage back to 1946 , when founder Leon Slikkers began his boat-building career at Chris-Craft. Within 10 years he would go on to form his own brand, SlickCraft, embrace fiberglass hull construction and ultimately found S2 Yachts with sons David and Robert in 1974. Initially a builder of sailboats, S2 launched the Tiara powerboat line in 1976 that would ultimately become today’s Tiara Yachts brand. Handcrafted luxury models with virtually all components built in-house in Holland, Michigan , Tiara now produces 9 different models from 34’ to 60’. These include the EX series, powered by Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) pod drives, and the LS, LX and LE models powered by Mercury Verado outboards.

On this page:

Quick overview.

• Types of Boats
• Boat Tests & Reviews

Tiara produces five upscale model series, including inboard vessels from 39 to 60 feet in the Coupe and EX lines. Outboard powered models range from 34 to 48 feet in three distinct series: Luxury Sport (LS) , Luxury Crossover (LX) , and Luxury Express (LE) .

Types of Tiara Yachts

Tiara builds a five-series line of both inboard and outboard-powered boats, divided into Coupe inboard-powered sedan cruisers in 39’, 44’ and 49’ lengths; LS outboard-powered, center-console dayboats in 34’, 38’, 43’ and 48’ lengths; a 34’ LX dual-console bowrider ; 43’ and 48’ LE express cruisers ; and the 54′ and 60’ EX inboard-powered yachts .

• A trio of models in the 39’ – 49’ range, the inboard-powered Coupe series boasts classic styling and includes the 41’ C39 , 45’ C44 and 50’ C49 .
• Open aft cockpits offer breezy passenger seating in Ultraleather® lounges.
• Glass-enclosed salons featured well-appointed galleys and starboard helm station powered by the latest in Volvo Penta® and Garmin® technologies .
• Overnight accommodations below include up to two staterooms and mid-cabin .
• Each model features at least one head compartment with a separate shower .
• Ideal for cruising, overnighting , and entertaining .

The EX Series embodies flexible luxury and endless adventure. This series combines elements from Tiara’s latest outboard models to put a focus on maximizing exterior enjoyment, while providing all the lavish comforts required for an extended stay that are synonymous with their inboard heritage.

A variety of aft cockpit layouts allow owners to emphasize their choice of cruising comfort, dining or fishing amenities.

• At 60’, the EX 60 is Tiara’s largest-ever model.
• The large, glass-doored main salon features a full galley and entertainment area .
• Below deck a trio of staterooms and two full-size heads can accommodate up to six adults.
• The aft sides of the boat also open on both port and starboard side to expand the deck area, give the cockpit an open feel and allow access to the surrounding waters.
• Ideal for cruising, overnighting, entertaining .
• Outboard-powered dayboats with a centerline helm, the LS Series — including the 34LS , 38LS , 43LS and 48LS — are great for entertaining a crowd or overnighting for couples or small families.
• Walkaround access is provided to large, open bows with wraparound seating .
• Galleys allow for food and drink prep.
• Aft cockpit layouts provide social seating arrangements that can transform for cruising and entertaining, watersports or fishing.
• Glass windshields are integrated into the hardtops.
• Below deck, depending on size accommodations include a forward berth with a private head to a pair of staterooms with separate head and shower compartments.
• Ideal for cruising, entertaining, watersports, and fishing .
• A single 34′ model with twin outboard power, Tiara defines the 34LX as a luxury crossover .
• A spacious, bow-cockpit social zone is accessed via a centerline walk-thru between the LX’s dual consoles .
• The spanning windshield is integrated into a hardtop with a manual sunroof .
• The cockpit offers socially laid-out seating for a crew , including transformational seats that switch from forward focus underway to aft-facing recliners or sunpads.
• An outdoor galley with sink and refrigerator and port-console head compartment round out the amenities.
• Ideal for day cruising, watersports, entertaining , hanging out at the sandbar and casual fishing.
• Two models — the 43LE and 48LE — make up Tiara’s LE series.
• Luxury-minded, outboard-powered express cruisers , models feature a recessed chaise lounge/sunpad on the bow deck, fully equipped galley in the enclosed salon, rotating aft lounge module with buffet and electric grill and fold-down portside terrace.
• Below-deck accommodations include forward and mid-cabin berths with enclosed head and separate shower compartment.
• Ideal for cruising, multi-night onboard stays, entertaining.
• Fish equipment options available.

Boat Tests & Reviews

As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of over 10 Tiara Yachts . These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities, but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety .

More Tiara Yachts >>

Tiara Yachts Videos

Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Tiara Yachts. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff , enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.

Tiara Yachts Boat Tests

Expanding the Legacy, the Tiara Yachts 48 LS

Experience the adventure of tiara yachts, tiara yachts 43 le review, tiara yachts 43 ls review, faqs about tiara.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Tiara Yachts, including the types of boats Tiara makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Tiara Yachts boat that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Tiara builds two true yachts, the EX 54 and the EX 60 , powered by Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System. Outboard-powered choices include the LS dayboat from 34’ – 48’, a 35’ LX dual-console bowrider , 43’ and 48’ LE express cruisers .

Tiara Yachts is headquartered and boats built in Holland, Michigan.

Tiara works closely with two power partners, Volvo Penta and Mercury. Inboard models use Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) . Tiara’s outboard models use Mercury Verados.

Tiara Yachts provides Limited Warranty coverage on products sold for use by retail customers . It applies to the original purchaser of the boat but can be transferred to subsequent owners. Coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship in the boat and all components and accessories for two years; structural defects in materials and workmanship in hull and deck for a period of five years; blistering due to defects in material and workmanship in the painted surface of the hull bottom for a period of five years, providing that the surface has not been altered in any way (including sanding, sandblasting or application of a coating other than standard antifouling paint). Exceptions apply. 

Tiara Yachts are easy to maintain. Like any boat, basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull, keeping compartments clean and dry, and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep any boat looking and performing like new for years to come.

Boats left in the water should have hulls cleaned yearly to remove marine growth; anti-fouling paint on submerged areas of the hull should also be applied.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including yearly engine service, to ensure reliable, safe operation. Factory-recommended service should be performed at an authorized Tiara Yachts dealer.

All Tiara models are designed with family excursions in mind, with abundant creature comforts and stable, smooth-running hull designs. Depending on model and size, overnight accommodations run from berths for two to full-size cabins, head compartments, showers and galleys perfect for larger groups.

Tiara Yachts are available in the United States, Canada, and multiple international locations. Find your nearest Tiara Yachts dealer here .

How to Care for a Tiara Boat

How to properly flush your boat’s motor.

How to run inboard, outboard and sterndrive engines on land.

How to Maintain a Boat’s Trim-and-Tilt System

How to care for your outboard’s trim-and-tilt system.

Marine Transmission Care Tips

Eight tips to help you properly maintain a marine transmission.

Tools for Drying Your Boat

Easily dry your boat promptly after each wash.

How to Wash a Boat the Right Way

These tips will turn your boating chore into a labor of love.

How to Keep Boat Upholstery Looking New

10 ways to keep marine vinyl upholstery looking like new.

Explore Other Brands

Boston Whaler

Cruisers Yachts

View More >>

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

FL EX IBLE LUXURY. ENDLESS EX PLORATION.

An anthology of our rich history and product portfolio, the EX 60 embodies flexible luxury and endless adventure. Our team of design, engineering and manufacturing experts combined elements from our latest outboard models to put a focus on maximizing exterior enjoyment, while providing all the lavish comforts required for an extended stay that are synonymous with our inboard heritage.

PERFORMANCE

Power to perform.

In longstanding partnership and experience with Volvo Penta, IPS units pair with the latest Volvo technology including Electronic Vessel Control and Interceptor Trim System with Active Ride Control. Engineered to reduce noise and vibration, no detail has been overlooked on the EX 60.

VIRTUAL TOUR

Welcome aboard.

Experience luxury amplified and explore the EX 60 from bow to stern with our virtual tour.

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

Inspired luxury.

A true reflection of each owner and their unique boating lifestyle, the 60 offers customer flexibility alongside elevated luxury. With a variety of different cockpit modules focused on cruising, entertaining or enjoying your favorite water sports to choose from, create an exterior layout entirely and exclusively of your selection.

Media Gallery

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

L.o.a w/ intergrated platform.

60'3"

16'11"

HEIGHT: WATERLINE TO STANDARD HARDTOP

12'9"

HEIGHT: WATERLINE TO RADAR MOUNT

14'1"

HEIGHT: WATERLINE TO GARMIN® RADAR

15'6"

HEIGHT: WATERLINE TO ANCHOR/NAVIGATION LIGHT

18'1"

5'1"

FUEL CAPACITY

700 gallons

WATER CAPACITY

150 gallons

HOLDING TANK CAPACITY

Deadrise at transom.

A PASSION FOR PAINT

Recognizable from a distance, the hallmark of each Tiara Yacht is its iconic hull shape. Your custom selection of hull paint creates the largest visual impact on your vessel, making your boat stand out from every other boat on the water.

A passion for paint

Request info, connect with us.

To request EX 60 product information & contact your local dealer, please complete the form. Your factory-authorized Tiara Yachts dealer will be in touch with more information.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply

By submitting your contact information, you agree to be contacted by Tiara Yachts and/or your local-authorized Tiara Yachts Dealer.

NEWS & ARTICLES

Power & Motoryacht: Sea Trial & Review

February 2023

EXPLORE THE TIARA YACHTS LINEUP