Boat feature, prices, pictures, layout, and diagram of boat engine test for the Tiara 4800 Convertible.

The flat-calm conditions on test day certainly contributed to my test boat’s efficiency, but so did her easily planing, modified-V form and a hull that is as solid as it is quick. The 4800 is built with a hand-laid, solid-fiberglass bottom and balsa-cored hull sides, which ensure rigidity and strength without adding excessive weight. And less weight means more efficiency.

But while this convertible combines the muscle of a sprinter with the endurance of a marathoner, her big powerplants eat up a lot of engine-room space. Headroom here is 4'10", and inside it’s a tight fit, even for me at 5'7". Accessing the batteries, Cablemaster, and ice chipper, which are outboard of the port motor, requires some gut sucking to get around the front of the engine. Big engines in a relatively small space is the trade-off for outstanding performance.

Space is not an issue in the saloon, which offers 6'7" headroom. An Ultraleather L-shape settee provides a clear view of the retractable 37-inch Sharp LCD TV to starboard, but I wasn’t fond of the fact that it faces aft. When the boat is running, gravity is basically forcing you off of it. I’d prefer to see it moved to the aft bulkhead, facing forward. One very cool option here are the electrically operated remote-control blinds for the cabin-side and aft windows. Granted the price tag is $4,560 for them, but it’s worth it. (And make sure you hide the remote from the kids.)

Want a window? Most hardcore anglers are not fond of having a window in the front of their boat because there’s a chance of leakage. Tiara, however, is offering a fixed-window option for the 4800, and cruisers who want a convertible look will probably dig it. What are the advantages of this $4,880 option? The flood of natural light into both the galley/saloon and master stateroom. If you prefer some shade, it comes with electrically operated blinds.

The 4800’s interior also features an impressive amalgam of Tiara’s trademark grain-matched, satin-finish teak, including bulkheads and galley cabinetry. The optional teak-and-holly sole (teak is standard) is equally impressive. And while you’re sitting in this warm and woody environment, you can cool down after a day of hard fishing thanks to 20,000-Btus of standard Marine Air air conditioning.

Keeping your food cool are four drawer-type Sub-Zeros (two ‘fridge, two freezer) in the port-side galley. A standard issue Quartz countertop with tile backsplash, a three-burner electric cooktop from Kenyon, a microwave/convection oven from Sharp, and pasta-pot-deep stowage round out the amenities here.

Your crew will appreciate the forepeak stateroom, too. Why? Because Tiara was willing to trade off a little bit of floor space for a true double berth in the bottom bunk of this standard two-bunk setup. (With a traditional forepeak bunk arrangement you usually get two singles.) For teams spending time on the tournament circuit, this is preferred to a step-up queen as it gives you an extra place for someone to rest.

Rounding out the accommodations are the port-side amidships master with an en suite head and a guest stateroom across from it that’s equipped with bunks. The forepeak and second guest stateroom, which are both equipped with optional ($1,220 each) Sharp Aquos flat-panels TVs, share a head. If you stockpile rods—as many anglers do—you can add rod stowage facilities in the guest staterooms for $320 per room.

One thing is certain: The 4800 makes the case that Tiara is committed to constructing offshore-capable and angler-friendly convertibles that are ready to battle big fish. Are you?

>Tiara Yachts (616) 3927163.

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This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.