The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

JULY 2011

Length overall  30' 6" Beam  12' 6" Deadrise 14 degrees Draft  2' 8" Weight 13,550 lb Fuel 210 gal Water 33 gal Base Price $261,500

The new 3100 Coronet from Tiara Yachts makes a great family dayboat or a comfortable weekender for two. Consider the cockpit, with twin L-shaped lounges port and starboard, opposite aft-facing double-wide seats, with a central transom door opening to a 40-inch-wide swim platform. An optional table is available for the port lounge. Forward of the cockpit is another L-shaped settee with table to port, opposite the well designed helm. Just aft of the helm, beneath the standard arch, is a "summer galley" that includes a grill, a sink with hot and cold water, and a refrigerator. The cabin offers an island berth, a head with VacuFlush toilet and shower, and a simple galley with sink and microwave.

There's only one power-plant option: twin 6-liter (375-hp) Crusader gas inboards, which offer easy cruising speeds from the high teens to 30 mph at about 1 mile per gallon (statute) fuel consumption. Top speed is close to 40 mph. The hull has a solid fiberglass bottom with all-composite stringers, balsa-cored topsides, and synthetic coring in the deck. Look for Tiara's legendary quality and seamanlike details--like very well placed handrails.

Base price is $261,500. Figure on $300,000 with important options, such as a Garmin electronics package, an inverter, an oil-change system, a bow spotlight, a soft top over the helm deck and a galley refrigerator. Tiara Yachts, Holland, Mich., 616-392-7163; www.tiarayachts.com.