Boat Review by: Rick Layzell
Date tested: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Location: Huck’s Marine & Resort
The boating market bristles with excitement each time Tiara Yachts delivers an all-new or redesigned yacht to the water. The 39 LS is based on the company’s 38-foot design, but it is more of an evolution than a rebirth. This is an all-new yacht with exceptional attention to detail.
Tiara’s engineers committed early in the design phase that the 39 LS would be available with one power option: twin Mercury 600 HP V12 Verado outboard engines. With that decision laying the groundwork, they were then free to work their way into the boat from the stern forward.
The clear design strategy behind the 39 LS showcases how the design team prioritized creating long-lasting memories for both day boaters and overnight adventurers. Throughout her entire 39’6” LOA there is a noticeable amount of attention paid to both daytime demands and luxurious overnight comfort.
Social seating was clearly a focus with multiple luxury spaces for relaxing with family and friends. The main cockpit lounge offers an exceptionally well-designed seating area. Closest to the transom, you’ll find a plush forward-facing lounger with armrests, Kenyon cooking grill, ice chest, and storage. This lounger swings on an arc to three preset positions. The first is forward-facing toward the interior of the yacht, the second is to full starboard for entertainment when hanging out on a sandbar, and the third is a 45-degree turn to the port side where the lounger becomes part of a social zone created by the port side hull terrace—which folds down with the touch of a button to create an extended entertainment space.
The aft-facing U-shaped lounger with optional teak table and a pair of ottomans nested underneath is an incredible space for family and guests. It also includes power adapters and multiple beverage holders for added comfort. I would call these Zones 1 and 2.
The bow social zone is a playpen for adults and children alike. A forward-facing chaise lounge is the focal point with wraparound backrests for all-day comfort. Zone 3, check.
The triple-wide, powered helm seat becomes Zone 4, featuring a flip-up bolster, multiple footrest positions, and a built-in teak fold-down step that deploys with ease for those seeking a little more height at the helm. The 13.5-inch teak steering wheel is polished to perfection and the glass dash gleams with attention to detail. The dash itself is the electronics mothership, featuring a pair of massive, user-friendly Garmin touchscreens. The helm station is a testament to today’s digital mindset and Tiara’s forward-thinking craftsmanship. I would urge all new captains to spend time dockside at the helm to learn and experience all this incredible technology.
Mercury DTS— Digital Throttle and Shift— awaits the captain. Joystick piloting with integrated autopilot makes docking and low-speed maneuvering a breeze. On our test boat, we were also treated to Mercury-integrated bow thrusters, which really demystifies handling in tight quarters for all experience levels.
There is a lengthy list of notable inclusions on the 39 LS that refine the experience. A few of my favourites are:
Some standout standard and optional items on the mechanical side that blend comfort and performance include:
Getting on and off the 39 LS is a breeze thanks to a raised port side entry near the helm with plenty of handrails for higher dock access. On the starboard side, a robust door swings open to provide easy access at typical dock heights, while the massive, multi-level swim platform offers another access point for boarding.
Down below, we find ourselves in an architectural dream space filled with rich teak accents and meticulously crafted cabinetry. LED lighting abounds with multiple control panels mounted in readily accessible locations. Storage was obviously an intentional consideration with beautifully appointed upper, lower, and hanging storage nestled everywhere the engineers could find. A microwave is smartly tucked above a smooth-top prep space. I noted right beside the microwave there is a cabinet tall enough for a coffee maker – another smart touch by Tiara.
The forward queen berth features a 7” innerspring mattress, LED TV, unique pop-up 110V charger with multiple USB/USB-C ports, and plenty of space to stretch out after a long day. Windows provide ample natural lighting while the requisite shade solutions are meticulously integrated. The aft cabin also offers plenty of headroom, space for two, lighting management, and storage cabinets. The entire lower space of the 39 LS has its own 10,000 BTU AC and reverse heat system for comfortable overnighting experiences.
The full fiberglass private head compartment is tall with plenty of room for my 6’1” frame. A solid surface countertop holds a ceramic sink and multiple storage spaces. The backlit vanity and mirror will satisfy guest demands and the separate shower with full glass door keeps things dry where they should be.
When it comes to performance, Tiara exceeded my expectations as the 39 LS delivered exceptional results. The Mercury V12 Verados— the engines with the power heads that never move and offer whisper quiet operation— are the perfect complement to this package from every perspective.
We ran our sea trials in the Thousand Islands on a relatively calm July morning with ambient air temperatures in the 25 degree C range (77 F). Huck’s Marine & Resort was our host Tiara dealer and they provided us with an exceptionally well-trained and experienced captain who openly shared his experiences. He absolutely helped us better understand the performance capabilities of this package.
Cruising speeds can readily be dialed in but, as all captains know, really come down to your payload and the environment of the day. For us, we cruised at 25.5 mph with the Verados purring at 3,640 RPM in utter silence. We then bumped it up a little to 34.9 mph at 4,200 RPM. The ZipWake system is your friend at all cruising speeds as it effortlessly and automatically adjusts to both bow pitch and side roll continuously. I seriously loved this feature.
Top speeds were a very brisk 52 mph with 1,200 horsepower happily singing along at 5,600 RPM.
The magnitude of research and development is obvious here. Tiara clearly listened to both its retail customers and the voice of their dealer community. The 39 LS is a testament to the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional family experiences. This yacht is clearly in a class of its own.
| Length: | 39' 6" | 12.04 m |
| Beam: | 12' 6" | 3.81 m |
| Dry weight: | 21,339 lbs | 9,679 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: | 500 gal | 1,893 L |
| Base Engine / Drive: | Twin Mercury 600 V12 Verado | |
| Engine HP: | 600 x 2 | |
| Fuel Type: | Gas | |