The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Boat Tenders

Tenders are boats that accompany a larger vessel – typically a yacht, superyacht or mega yacht – providing assistance and support to this ‘mothership’. They come in various sizes and styles – often reflecting the style of the yacht itself – and serve a number of purposes, whether that be transferring passengers, transporting supplies or providing water sports fun on the water.

What is a Yacht Tender?

As mentioned, a tender boat tends to its larger mothership, and performs a number of roles for a yacht or superyacht. While the form a tender takes can vary, typically tenders are rigid inflatable boats (or ‘RIBs’), meaning that they are comprised of a rigid hull (generally fibreglass), and an inflatable tubing collar (typically Hypalon).

Rigid inflatables are known for being very stable in water conditions, with their inflatable tubes providing additional buoyancy, shock absorbency and stability to the vessel, ensuring that they fare very well in all conditions and provide a much more comfortable ride for passengers.

Tenders vary in size, ranging from smaller boats at 3 metres in length to 10 metres or more.

Types of Yacht Tenders

Open Tenders: Simple, versatile boats with an open deck, ideal for short trips, passenger transfers, and storage. Common across all yacht sizes, they are often stored on the yacht’s deck or in its garage.

Take a look at this range of small open tenders by Grand.

Fishing & Sport Boat Tenders: Designed for water sports like wakeboarding, fishing or diving, these tenders offer performance and gear storage, with larger boats sometimes towed behind the yacht.

Chase Boat Tenders: Larger boats that follow the mothership, often equipped with cabins for overnight stays. These tenders are built for speed and performance in rough conditions.

Key Features of a Good Tender

Deck Layout: A well-organized deck with ample seating. The storage makes the tender more functional for various activities.
Storage for Gear: If you plan on using the tender for sports, look for storage options for equipment like fishing rods or wakeboards.
Engine Power: Choose a tender with the right horsepower based on how you intend to use it. Smaller engines are fine for casual use, while larger engines are necessary for sports or chase boats.
Beach Landing Ability: Ensure the tender has platforms or steps for easy access to beaches and coves.
Choosing the Right Tender for Your Yacht
When selecting a tender, consider the available storage space on your yacht, the number of passengers you’ll need to accommodate, and the type of activities you plan to do. Smaller tenders (4-8 passengers) are ideal for compact yachts, while larger boats (up to 16 passengers) are better for superyachts.

Best Tender Boats

Best Small Open Tender: Grand G420

Length: 4.2m
Max Engine: 60HP
Passenger Capacity: 6
Key Features: Storage, easy beach access, optional ski pole.

Best Sport Tender: Grand D600

Length: 6.12m
Max Engine: 150HP
Passenger Capacity: 12
Key Features: Performance hull, ski tower, rear storage.

Best Chase Boat Tender: Grand G750

Length: 7.3m
Max Engine: 250HP
Passenger Capacity: 13
Key Features: Electric windlass, built-in fridge, ski tower, shower kit.

Choosing the right yacht tender depends on your yacht’s design, the experiences you want to offer, and how you plan to use the boat. Customizable options like those from Grand Boats allow you to tailor a tender to fit your needs and style. Reach out to Grand Boats for personalized assistance in selecting your perfect yacht tender.

 Contact Us: Grand Boats