The best Tender for your Yacht
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Yacht Tender
Discover how to choose the ideal yacht tender for your yacht, including the best tender types, sizes, materials, and features to suit your needs and enhance your on-water lifestyle
What Is a Yacht Tender?
A yacht tender is used to transport guests, crew, and equipment between a yacht and the shore or other locations. It is a support vessel to the main yacht. But today’s tenders are so much more than mere shuttles. Tenders range from simple inflatables to high-speed luxury craft. The right tender enhances your experience onboard, enables new adventures, and represents your tastes before guests even step aboard the mothership.
What a Yacht Tender is used for
- Transportation: Safely transfer guests, crew and cargo between yacht, shore and dock.
- Provisioning: Handles grocery runs, spare parts and essential supplies.
- Exploration: Can access shallow waters, beaches and secluded bays inaccessible from the main yacht.
- Recreation: Use it for waterskiing, fishing, diving and coastal cruising.
- Support: It can be used to carry water toys like jet skis, kayaks and dive equipment.
- Safety: It can serve as a reliable backup vessel or emergency lifeboat if needed.
Why Your Yacht Tender Matters More Than Ever
A yacht tender is no longer just a utility vessel. It’s a crucial extension of your yachting lifestyle. A mix of performance, luxury, and practicality that supports everything from discreet beach landings to high-speed island-hopping. Whether you’re a new yacht owner or upgrading your current tender, selecting the right one is an essential decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about choosing the perfect yacht tender, including types, uses, key specs, and current trends in design and technology.
Types of Yacht Tenders – With Pros and Cons
Choosing the right tender starts with balancing your main yachts capabilities with the intended tender use. It is essential to consider size/weight compatibility, hull design and required propulsion type. Below are the most common types of tenders:
RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
The RIB tender combines the best of two worlds: the directional stability of a rigid hull and the buoyancy of an inflatable boat. They excel because of their stability and safety.
Best for: Utility, shore transfers, watersports
- Pros: Stable, lightweight, easy to store; versatile and rugged
- Cons: Less luxurious; exposed to elements
- Examples: Zodiac, Ribeye, Highfield
Jet Tender
Jet tenders are propelled by an inboard waterjet rather than an exposed propeller. They offer superior safety, maneuverability, and shallow-water capabilities.
Best for: Compact garages, smooth maneuvering
- Pros: No outboard engines; safer for swimmers; fits into tight spaces
- Cons: Shorter range, often less powerful
- Examples: Williams Jet Tenders, Castoldi, Agilis
Limousine Tender
A limousine tender is a high-end, enclosed, and climate-controlled guest shuttle, providing private and luxurious transport between yacht and shore. These vessels prioritize passenger comfort.
Best for: Guest transfers in comfort and privacy
- Pros: Enclosed seating; climate control; ideal for VIP guests
- Cons: Larger footprint; more complex storage
- Examples: Pascoe International, Compass Tenders
Chase Boat
A chase boat is a fast, versatile, and independent support vessel (typically 8–20 meters) designed to accompany superyachts, offering shallow-water access, extra guest space, and watersports capabilities
Best for: Extended range, exploration, hosting
- Pros: Large and fully equipped; stays independent of the mothership
- Cons: Requires towing or a separate method of transport
- Examples: Axopar, Wajer, Iguana Yachts
Beachlander / Landing Craft
A beachlander tender is a specialized dinghy for (super)yachts, designed to deliver passengers and goods directly onto the beach without the need for a jetty.
Best for: Adventure, beach landings, expedition yachts
- Pros: Front ramp; great for water toys, ATVs, or land exploration
- Cons: More utilitarian, less luxurious
- Examples: Vikal, Naiad
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Yacht Tender
Choosing a tender is about matching lifestyle and logistics. Here’s what to consider before making your choice:
Purpose: What Will You Use It For?
- Guest transfers
- Watersports
- Diving expeditions
- Long-distance trips or island-hopping
- Shore provisioning
Pro Tip:
Consider your current and future use case. Each use case suggests different specifications in terms of size, range, and layout.
Size and Storage Constraints
Where will your tender be stored?
- Garage tenders are typically <6m, compact, and require hydraulic launch systems.
- Deck cranes allow larger tenders but require space.
- Chase boats are towed or follow the yacht and don’t require onboard storage.
Pro Tip:
Know your yacht’s exact garage or deck dimensions before committing to a tender model.
Build Material
- GRP (Fibreglass): Durable, cost-effective, easy to maintain
- Aluminium: Lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant
- Carbon Fibre: Ultra-light and high-performance (with a premium price)
- Hypalon (Inflatable sections): Preferred for high-end RIBs
Propulsion System
- Jet drive: Safe, compact, garage-friendly (popular in jet tenders)
- Outboard motor: High performance, easy to maintain
- Inboard diesel/petrol: Greater range, better weight distribution
- Electric propulsion: Quiet, clean, gaining traction in luxury tenders
Seating & Layout
Interior configuration matters, especially for guest tenders:
- Number of seats
- Shade and weather protection
- Upholstery and finishes
- Walkaround decks for easy boarding
- Storage for gear, luggage, and refreshments
Style & Customization
Your tender is a style statement. Many owners now demand:
- Color-matched hulls
- Custom interior materials
- Lighting, sound systems, and air conditioning
- Branding and logos
- Teak decks and carbon trim
Pro Tip:
Some builders offer full bespoke services to ensure your tender aligns with the mothership’s aesthetics.
Latest Trends in Yacht Tenders
As yachting tastes evolve, so do tender trends. Here are the latest trends that are shaping the industry:
Sustainable Tenders
Electric propulsion, hybrid systems, and solar-assisted tech are gaining traction, particularly for eco-conscious owners.
Multi-Purpose Tenders
Tenders that serve as both guest shuttles and sport boats, blending luxury and functionality in one sleek package.
Transformer Tenders
With fold-out decks, beach lander ramps, or convertible seating areas, tenders are becoming more adaptable and feature-rich.
Autonomous & Smart Navigation
Some tender makers are experimenting with AI-powered navigation systems and semi-autonomous return-to-yacht functionality.
How Much Does a Yacht Tender Cost?
The price varies dramatically based on size, brand, propulsion, and features.
Tender Type and Estimated Cost (USD)
- Small RIB (4–5m) $20,000 – $80,000
- Jet Tender (5–6m) $60,000 – $180,000
- Limousine Tender $250,000 – $1M+
- Chase Boat $400,000 – $2M+
- Custom Tenders $500,000+ (fully bespoke)
Tip: Don’t forget about ongoing costs like maintenance, fuel, insurance, and crew training.
Conclusion: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Choosing the right yacht tender is about more than matching specs. It’s about enhancing your onboard lifestyle, improving operational efficiency, and expressing your identity as a yacht owner.
From compact jet tenders to luxurious limousines or high-speed chase boats, your perfect tender is out there, and it should evolve with your needs, your yacht, and your adventures.
Steps to Help You Choose
Thinking about your next tender? Here’s what to do next:
- Measure your storage space: know your yacht’s garage dimensions and weight limits.
- Define your top use cases: what will you be using your tender for? (guest transport, diving, sport, etc.)
- Explore manufacturers and request quotes
- Speak to your yacht builder, broker or captain for personalized advice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size tender fits on a Moonen yacht?
Typically, tenders up to 7.5 metres are suitable, depending on model yacht, garage configuration or deck space. Moonen offers custom storage solutions to accommodate your preferred tender.
Is a jet tender better than a RIB?
Jet tenders are compact and garage-friendly, while RIBs are often more rugged and versatile. The best choice depends on your yacht’s layout and intended use.
Can I customize my yacht tender?
Yes, most high-end tender builders offer extensive customization options, including hull colors, materials, branding, and onboard features.
Do I need a chase boat?
Chase boats are ideal for long-range exploration, carrying extra gear or crew, or hosting day guests when the mothership is anchored.
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