Choosing a yacht tender may seem like the least of your concerns, especially at the end of an arduous session specifying your brand new yacht, but believe us, just a little extra time spent in considering what’s needed for this essential workhorse will definitely pay dividends. Having the right tender can open up a world of new activities and destinations for the intrepid yacht owner.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW YACHT TENDER ESSENTIALS…
WHICH YACHT TENDER WILL FIT YOUR BOAT?
There is a huge variety of tenders that come in a range of weights and sizes. It is important you choose the correct size tender for both yourself and your yacht as bathing platform, fly-bridge and tender garage dimensions and capacity vary across the range. Our in-house retrofit department can help ensure you choose a tender that will fit your yacht correctly and serve the purpose that is intended for.
CONSIDER YOUR USE
Are you planning on taking your tender out exploring for the day? Are you towing toys, running in shallow waters or just using it as a means of going to and from the shore? These are all things that should be considered when selecting your tender, particularly because draughts, space and power vary between models and types. Most tender manufacturers offer optional extras that could make your activities simpler and more enjoyable.
LAUNCHING AND RECOVERING
Owners need complete confidence in the method by which they launch and recover tenders. Are you planning on using your crane, passerelle or swim platform? It is important to ensure your tender does not exceed the rated lifting capacity or your launch/recovery equipment. Every owner should confidently be able to safely launch and recover their tender with ease. Our team can offer advice and training should you need any help with this. Don’t forget to order your lifting kit, chocks, tie down straps and eyes.
PREPARE YOUR YACHT FOR YOUR TENDER
There are a wide range of products out there that can be fitted to your yacht to simplify using your tender and ensure it is always ready to launch without issue. Charging points, hard-wired inflators and flushing points all make running your tender a care free experience.
CONVENTIONAL OUTBOARD RIB VS INBOARD JET RIB
INBOARD JET RIB
PROS
> Stylish
> Comfortable
> Superb handling
> Light steering
> No propeller making it easier to load on board
> Safer while swimming
CONS
> Not so good in rough sea
> More expensive than conventional outboard tenders
> Can’t be beached
> Complex – more to go wrong
> No neutral gear position
OUTBOARD RIB
PROS
> Lighter
> Quieter
> Reliable
> Less expensive than a jet
> Manual start backup
> Can be beached
CONS
> Prop/Skeg make it more difficult to load on board
> Deeper draft
> Propeller in water – less safe while swimming
