From Ship to Shore in Style – A Tender Guide
Luxury tenders are much more than just support vessels; they are an integral part of the luxury yachting experience, providing comfort, customization, and convenience in a stylish and sophisticated package.
What Is a Tender Boat?
A tender boat is a smaller vessel used to support a larger yacht or superyacht. Originally intended to transport guests between the yacht and the shore, tenders have evolved into versatile extensions of the main yacht, offering comfort, performance, and utility. These specialized boats are not just a means of transport but an extension of the luxury and comfort found on larger yachts, providing a unique blend of benefits for sea enthusiasts.
Designed with comfort in mind, luxury tenders often come equipped with the latest yachting technology, providing a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable experience on the water. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from short trips to shore to exploring coves and inlets, or even as a platform for water sports and other recreational activities, with the main goal being to ensure that passengers enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Different Types of Tender Boats
Discover the various types of tender boats commonly found supporting yachts:
Open Tenders
Open tenders are minimalistic and practical, offering a simple, open layout ideal for short transfers, provisioning, or utility use. They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and can be stored onboard or towed. While they may lack the polish of luxury models, their durability and straightforwardness make them a go-to for many captains.
Example: Williams Jet Tender Minijet 280 – compact and easy to stow, ideal for smaller yachts.
Chase Tenders
Chase tenders are larger, high-performance boats that often travel separately from the main yacht. Designed to ‘chase’ the mothership and support it on longer cruises, these tenders offer extra guest space, speed, and range. They can be used for water sports, day trips, or even overnight adventures, offering a higher level of comfort and autonomy.
Example: wallypower50 – a popular super yacht tender known for its sleek design, luxurious seating, and powerful performance.
Yacht Tenders
This is a broad category covering purpose-built tenders that match the look, feel, and branding of the mothership. A tender yacht in this class often reflects the same attention to design and detailing, with luxurious upholstery, high-tech navigation, and smooth ride quality. They’re ideal for transferring guests in style and often have features like shaded seating, Bluetooth sound systems, or even climate control.
Example: Pascoe International Limousine Tender – often seen aboard mega yachts, offering enclosed comfort and high-end finishes.
Catamaran Tenders
Luxury Catamaran tenders are dual-hull boats known for their exceptional stability and space. They offer a smooth ride in various sea conditions, making them great for guest transfers or activities like diving and fishing. Thanks to their wide beam, they can accommodate more passengers or gear than monohulls of similar length.
Example: Iguana Commuter – a catamaran-style tender with amphibious capability and wide deck space.
RIB Tenders
RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are perhaps the most common and versatile luxury rib tenders used in yachting. Their inflatable tubes provide buoyancy and shock absorption, while rigid hulls offer solid performance and handling. Today’s RIBs are far from basic—they often come equipped with leather seats, GPS systems, teak decking, and even sunshades.
Example: Technohull Alpha 50– a high-end best tender boat choice offering both power and polish for demanding owners.
Discover the Best Known Tenders for Luxury Yachts
Browse through these exceptional luxury tenders, designed to complement the finest yachts:
Riva Rivamare
A true icon reimagined, the Riva Rivamare luxury tender gracefully carries the torch of Riva’s legendary heritage, standing proudly alongside timeless masterpieces like the Aquariva Super and Aquarama. Its fluid, sensual lines speak of classic Riviera glamour, yet beneath the surface lies a marvel of modern engineering. This seductive and undeniably sporty vessel instantly captivates, offering not just a passage across the water, but an elegant statement of enduring style. The Rivamare is a testament to Carlo Riva’s enduring vision: the creation of boats whose beauty remains utterly peerless.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 11.88 m
- Beam: 3.5 m
- Draft: 1.16 m
- Engines: 2 × Volvo Penta D6 400
- Top speed: Up to 40 knots
- Cruising speed: Up to 31 knots
- Fuel capacity: 1000 L
- Water capacity: 330 L
- Max guests: 8
Why it’s a great choice:
With its modern technology and iconic Riva lines, the Rivamare captures the ‘joie de vivre’ of the French Riviera’s classic era, offering both a stylish voyage and a trip through time.
wallytender43
Experience unparalleled versatility and style with the wallytender43. This exhilarating dayboat, featuring a protected walkaround cockpit and inviting cabin, boasts a Wally-engineered deep-V hull for exceptional speed and agility. Seamlessly transition from family cruises to superyacht support, all while enjoying expansive sunlounges, the signature carbon hard-top’s shade, and a comfortable overnight cabin. Twin Volvo Penta engines deliver commanding power and handling.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 13.20 m
- Beam: 4.3 m
- Draft: 1.2 m
- Engines: 2 × Volvo Penta D6 380
- Top speed: Up to 40 knots
- Cruising speed: Up to 32 knots
- Fuel capacity: 1180 L
- Water capacity: 200 L
- Max guests: 12
Why it’s a great choice:
Marrying the esteemed design heritage of iconic Wally tenders like the wallytender, wallyone, and 47wallypower with a forward-looking vision, the Wallytender43 and its outboard sibling, the 43X, embark on a new design chapter.
SACS Strider 15
The SACS Strider 15 commands attention with a striking design inspired by the reptilian world. Expansive sunbathing areas and premium finishes create a luxurious and comfortable on-water experience. For the discerning owner seeking a powerful Maxi Rib with a distinctive and innovative aesthetic, the Strider 15 is the ultimate choice. Its potent engines deliver exhilarating performance and precise handling, ensuring a confident and dominant presence on the water.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 14.97 m
- Beam: 4.87 m
- Draft: 0.8 m
- Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta D6 440
- Top speed: Up to 42 knots
- Cruising speed: Up to 28 knots
- Fuel capacity: 1050 L
- Water capacity: 230 L
- Max guests: 16
Why it’s a great choice:
The SACS Strider 15 represents a compelling reimagining of the RIB, where the raw power of its platform meets the sophisticated design sensibility of Christian Grande.
Fjord 41 XL
The Fjord 41 XL redefines its class with a groundbreaking layout concept and large T-top. This innovative design not only provides exceptional sun protection but also liberates space for a top-tier interior and deck arrangement. The new hull, with its increased freeboard and expansive in-class windows, floods the interior with light and maximizes volume, enhancing both comfort and the sense of spaciousness. Offering unparalleled stability and ease of movement, the spectacular Fjord 41 XL presents an unprecedented 90 customizable combinations to fulfill every individual desire.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 12.81 m
- Beam: 3.99 m
- Draft: 1.17 m
- Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta D6 340
- Top speed: Up to 42 knots
- Fuel capacity: 900 L
- Water capacity: 335 L
- Max guests: 14
Why it’s a great choice:
As an exquisite day cruiser and a potential benchmark for luxury tenders in its segment, the Fjord 41 XL once again showcases its builder’s brilliance. Its captivating combination of elegant style and thrilling performance ensures a truly delightful experience on the water.
Pirelli 50
As the flagship of TecnoRib’s Walkaround series, the Pirelli 50 uniquely combines the dynamic sportiness of a Maxi-RIB with the refined hospitality typically found on larger yachts. Inside, the day cruiser layout offers comfortable multi-day accommodation, featuring two well-appointed cabins: an aft cabin with twin berths tucked beneath the companionway, and a forward master suite with a double bed and ensuite bathroom.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 15.40 m
- Beam: 4.68 m
- Draft: 0.92 m
- Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta D6 440
- Top speed: Up to 51 knots
- Fuel capacity: 1700 L
- Water capacity: 400 L
- Max guests: 18
Why it’s a great choice:
For those demanding ultimate quality and sporty luxury in a versatile RIB, the Pirelli 50 is the definitive choice, excelling as both a day cruiser and a superyacht tender. Despite its substantial size, it retains an exhilarating sense of adventure, delivering a premium experience without compromise.
Cranchi E26 Rider
The Cranchi E26 Rider features an innovative bowrider design with an open bow and outboard power. 1 Its fluid hull lines and distinctive stem evoke sporty elegance, establishing it as a versatile contemporary classic. Equally suited as a day cruiser or a luxury tender, the E26 Rider can be aptly termed a ‘luxury day tender’ offering stylish and rapid transportation while accommodating recreational equipment like wakeboards.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 7.85 m
- Beam: 2.53 m
- Draft: 0.83 m
- Engines: 1 x 300
- Top speed: Up to 40 knots
- Fuel capacity: 280 L
- Water capacity: 76 L
- Max guests: 12
Why it’s a great choice:
Eight meters of pure sporting elegance. Featuring a distinctly vertical bow and fluid lines, these 26-foot yachts—the inboard E26 Classic and the outboard E26 Rider – boast high-performance hulls and exclusive artistic direction. Each model presents original characteristics and multi-purpose functionality within a distinctive design.
Swan Shadow
Nautor Swan, renowned in the sailing world for its high-performance racing yachts and performance cruising Swans, has expanded its portfolio into the motoryacht segment with models like the Swan Shadow and the Swan OverShadow. Driven by Leonardo Ferragamo’s passion for the marine environment, these powerboats broaden the Finnish shipyard’s offerings, aligning seamlessly with the brand’s core tenets: Performance, Quality, and Elegance.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 13.23 m
- Beam: 4.3 m
- Draft: 0.86 m
- Engines: 3 × 250
- Top speed: Up to 55 knots
- Fuel capacity: 950 L
- Water capacity: 130 L
- Max guests: 18
Why it’s a great choice:
Rooted in a strong design heritage, Nautor’s DNA demands that the Swan Shadow meets the high expectations of a clientele accustomed to luxury and performance sailing yachts. The Shadow’s design incorporates features typically found on larger, custom or semi-custom yachts, elements often uncommon in the 40-foot powerboat category.
EVO R+
Measuring nearly 18 meters long with a 5.31-meter beam, the sporty EVO R+ offers modern owners comfortable long cruises. Its enclosed, light-filled main deck features high ceilings and a 360-degree view from the sleek helm. The main deck also includes a versatile lounge, well-equipped galley, and dining area, perfect for any time or weather. Below deck, clean, simple lines define the essential and dynamic style, enhanced by sophisticated materials that balance dynamism and onboard comfort.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 17.70 m
- Beam: 5.31 m
- Draft: 1.20 m
- Engines: 2 × Volvo Penta IPS 950
- Top speed: approx. 30 knots
- Cruising speed: approx. 24 knots
- Fuel capacity: 2100 L
- Water capacity: 500 L
- Max guests: 12
- Cabins: 2 + 1 crew
- Design: Valerio Rivellini
- Shipyard: EVO Yachts
Why it’s a great choice:
The luxury EVO R+ tender uniquely combines sportiness and livability, functioning as a destination itself. Its clean lines, 360° views, spacious deck, and refined interior appeal to owners seeking both adrenaline and comfort. IPS propulsion, fold-down bulwarks, and a convertible sun deck maximize space. A versatile and striking choice for day trips or yacht support.
Solaris Power 52 Open
The innovative 16.20m Solaris Power 52 Open seamlessly integrates all the defining qualities of the Solaris Power range. This model delivers optimal comfort and stability alongside impressive performance capabilities, whether cruising in displacement mode or planing at speed. Notably spacious for its size, the deck layout and interior are further enhanced by fold-out bulwarks, expanding the cockpit enjoyment. Buyers can choose between a two-guest stateroom layout with a crew cabin, or a three-guest cabin configuration.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 16.20 m
- Beam: 4.85 m
- Engines: Twin Volvo IPS (600/650/800 options)
- Fold-out bulwarks for increased cockpit space
- Two layout versions: 2 cabins + crew or 3 cabins
- Top speed: up to 35 knots
- Design: Victory Design
Why it’s a great choice:
The Solaris Power 52 Open strikes a beautiful balance between classic elegance and contemporary innovation. Its clever hull design translates into exceptional interior space for a yacht this size, while the opening bulwarks create a true ‘on-the-sea’ feeling. Perfect for owners who value both livability and performance.
Fiart Seawalker 43 Panorama
The Seawalker 43 Panorama answers the demand for spacious, comfortable walkaround yachts. Its key innovation is a large glass windscreen for superior visibility and aerodynamics. Optionally, solar panels can cover the rear glass for energy efficiency. The interior offers cruiser-like space with tall cabins, separate showers, and ample storage.
Key features:
- Length: 13.84 m
- Beam: 4.10 m
- Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D4/D6, up to 760 HP total
- Cruising speed: Approx. 26 knots
- Max speed: Over 35 knots
- Fuel capacity: ~1,000 L
- Berths: 4
- Cabins: 2 + 1 bathroom with separate shower
- Optional solar panels over galley/rear area
- Large front glass windscreen for improved aerodynamics and visibility
- Walkaround layout for easier movement onboard
- Spacious sunbathing and lounge areas
Why it’s a great choice:
The SW43 Panorama is built for modern owners who want sleek styling and dayboat agility, with enough comfort for weekend or multi-day cruising. Its solar energy capability and walkaround design make it a smart pick for those seeking an efficient, stylish and sustainable tender.
Pardo 43 Walkaround
The Pardo 43 caters to discerning owners with its high-quality design, luxurious comfort, and exceptional performance. Its engineered V-hull ensures stability, smooth handling, and quick planing in all conditions. The ‘Made in Italy’ interiors feature refined furnishings, ample volume, and generous headroom, offering a warm and spacious open layout with a forward owner’s cabin and an aft convertible twin cabin/storage.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 13.45 m
- Beam: 4.20 m
- Cabins: 2 (open plan)
- Engines: Twin Volvo Penta IPS 500/600
- Fuel capacity: 1,200 L
- Maximum speed: 35 knots
Why it’s a great choice:
The Pardo 43 is a well-balanced walkaround that blends minimalist Italian style with capable performance. It’s a favorite for owners who want the look and functionality of a dayboat with the comfort and finish of a true cruiser.
Frauscher 1212 Ghost
The 1212 Ghost shares Frauscher’s signature teak deck, frameless tinted windscreen, and straight bow. Its ergonomic helm includes a standard bow thruster and optional joystick. Recessed instruments enhance visibility. Technical highlights include a fold-out anchor system controllable from the helm and three retractable teak tables (cockpit and cabin) that convert to beds. The surprisingly spacious cabin offers a full bathroom and unique indirect lighting.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 11.99 m
- Beam: 3.50 m
- Engines: Twin 430 HP Mercruiser or 440 HP Volvo Penta diesels
- Max range: up to 300 nautical miles
- Sleeping capacity: 2 (+ convertibles)
- Hull: GRP with teak overlay
Why it’s a great choice:
The 1212 Ghost stands out with its sleek styling, surprising comfort, and precision performance. A top choice for owners who want a tender with strong identity, refined aesthetics, and plenty of hidden functionality.
Wajer 44
The 13m Wajer 44 balances sportiness and comfort, offering overnight stays for two. Its signature clean lines feature a retracting anchor arm and seamless cleats. The cockpit includes a custom steering wheel and three sprung carbon seats. Inside, a convertible double bed/sitting area and a bathroom are included. The Smart Boating concept allows owners to connect via the Wajer app for features like anchor position monitoring.
Key specifications:
- Length overall: 13.10 m
- Beam: 4.03 m
- Engines: 2 × Volvo IPS650
- Top speed: 40 knots
- Cruising speed: 26 knots
- Guests: 2 overnight
- Smart Boating App integration
Why it’s a great choice:
Elegant, fast, and practical—the Wajer 44 is tailored for yacht owners who want a technologically advanced and beautifully designed day cruiser. Its Smart Boating tech makes it a perfect companion to larger superyachts, or a standalone stunner for quick coastal getaways.
Photos Evo Yachts, Solaris Yachts, Sacs Marine, Wally Yachts, Cranchi Yachts, Fiart Mare, Nautor Swan, Pardo Yachts, Frauscher Yachts, Wajer Yachts, Gilles Martin-Raget
