Tougher fabrics, lighter accessories and more powerful engines have continued the trend of making today’s tenders and RIBs more versatile than ever. For some, a RIB is their only vessel, a do-it-all wonder that is easy to operate, gentle around other boats, and filled with features that make them comfortable for all. View Southern Boating’s Tender and RIB reviews to find the right one for you.
Unveiling Ten of 2023's Top RIBS - A Buyer's Guide
Nine RIBs and one inflatable make up this year’s buyer’s guide.
Tenders come in all shapes and sizes, and really, anything that floats can be a tender in some fashion, but we’ll stick with those (except for one) that are inflatable with a hard bottom, also known as a rigid inflatable boat or RIB. They’re more stable than an all-inflatable boat for carrying passengers and gear and are sturdier for more activities such as diving or water sports. Let’s take a look at 10 that fit the bill.
Novurania of America DL 430: The Iconic Tender
Novurania’s iconic DL line, ranging from 11 to 18 feet, is perfect for exploring local bays and islands as well as transporting guests back and forth to the dock or beach and for water sports.The DL 430 (14′ LOA, 6′ 2″ beam) is powered by a Yamaha outboard engine (up to 70 hp) that provides seating for up to seven passengers and a smooth and stable ride. Build her to match the mothership yacht with optional gel coat, upholstery, tube colors, and custom logo. novurania.com
Argos Nautic GT14: Luxury and Style on Water
Photo Credit: Jim Raycroft | jimraycroft.com
The Argos Nautic GT14 (13′ 10″ LOA, 6′ 10″ beam) is the epitome of luxury and style on the water. This tender is the perfect addition to any yacht with its sleek, ergonomic design, deep-V hull, and its ability to plane in less than three seconds. The GT14 is designed with ample internal space and can accommodate up to six passengers with bow and aft seating and a bench next to the console. Its custom options put a personal stamp on your tastes through paint colors, upholstery, and flooring choices. Max power is 70 hp. argosnautic.com
Northstar ORION 6: Industry-Leading Features in a RIB
All new ORION RIBs offer a lot of industry-leading features and come equipped with a long list of standard equipment. The ORION series have stepped hulls designed by Adam Younger and provide the ideal combination of efficiency and seakeeping. The ORION 6 (19′ 4″ LOA, 8′ 2″ beam) is the first member of the “cruising” RIBs that carries on the NorthStar tradition of attractive but minimalist designs. She has seating for up to 14 passengers, plenty of storage, a swim platform with retractable ladder, and power capabilities to 350 hp. Options include a shower system, electric windlass, and more to make the ORION 6 a cruising master. northstarboats.com
Highfield Sport 660: Military-Grade Durability
Highfield Boats launched five new offshore Sport RIB models, including the rugged Sport 660 (21′ 4″ LOA, 8′ 6″ beam). With a 13-passenger capacity and max power to 200 hp, her military-grade aluminum hull enhances performance and durability and cuts smoothly through rough seas for a comfortable ride and a top speed approaching 50 mph. The two-person helm has a dash with space for two 12-inch multifunction displays. Upscale features include sport arch, flip-up table, extended rear platform with telescopic ladder, diamond-stitched upholstery, and faux-teak decking. highfieldnorthamerica.com
Airship 340: Quality and Passion Combined
Airship Ribs continues to upgrade its models as shown with its flagship, the Airship 340 (34′ LOA, 10″ beam). Built with a passion for quality in the U.S., the base 340 comes with a long list of standard equipment, including SeaDek flooring. Powered by twin outboards up to 450-hp each, there are a load of options from a macerator head with holding tank to sunshades, marine stereo system, and an aluminum trailer. Resin infusion reduces weight while adding strength to provide excellent speed, handling, and fuel economy. The 340 withstands the demands of a yacht tender and as a family day boat. airshipribs.com
Walker Bay Venture 13: A Blend of Comfort, Performance, and Style
Walker Bay calls its new Venture 13 “The World’s Most Versatile 13-foot Tender.” Its outstanding versatility is the result of extensive testing, refinement, and the use of the latest technology to combine comfort, performance, and style. What makes the Venture 13 (13′ LOA, 6′ 5″ beam) so unique is how the amenities incorporated into its design allow you to do more with it. There are features for entertaining, exploring, diving, fishing, tow sports, surfing, and cocktail cruising. The Venture 13 can accommodate up to seven passengers comfortably and can reach 40 mph with a 60-hp engine. walkerbay.com
Zodiac Nautic Medline 9: Perfect for Family Outings
The Zodiac Medline 9 (29′ 2″ LOA, 10′ beam) is the perfect family boat for unforgettable days on the water. A double bow lounge is complemented by a U-shaped lounge at the stern. A modern cockpit awaits the captain, with a sink standard and grill (optional) behind the driver’s seating area. There is also a console integrating a day cabin with head and repositionable bolsters to accommodate up to two adults plus one child. At the stern, two swim platforms offer easy access to the sea. Equipped with the twin 350-hp outboards, she is capable of more than 65 mph. zodiac-nautic.com
Takacat T340 LX: The Innovative Catamaran Design
We’re including the inflatable Takacat in this guide because of its innovative catamaran design developed in New Zealand by Greg Sowden. Whether fishing, exploring, or carrying passengers from your yacht, Takacat’s foldable sports boats are a tough, stable, versatile, lightweight, and fun option on the water. The T340 LX (11′ 2″ LOA, 5′ 5″ beam) can handle up to a 20-hp engine, but the hull design allows a 9.9-hp to reach speeds of a 20-hp on flat or V hull boats. The raised floor and catamaran design create a very stable platform. takacatamericas.com
RIBCRAFT 4.8T: Smooth, Dry, and Reliable
The latest update in RIBCRAFT’s complete model line is the RIBCRAFT 4.8T (15′ 7″ LOA, 6′ 11″ beam), the smallest offering that still provides a smooth, dry ride you can count on every time. The 4.8T features the most internal space of any similarly sized RIB on the market with an open deck that accommodates passengers, water sport and beach equipment, and various seating options to satisfy all types of boaters. Powered by a single outboard engine up to 70 hp, the RIBCRAFT 4.8T will reach speeds of 30 mph. ribcraftusa.com
ABJET 450 Diesel: Designed with Love and Comfort in Mind
The new ABJET 450 Diesel (14′ 8″ LOA, 6′ 8″ beam) was designed with the owner and loved ones in mind. It is powered by a 110-hp turbocharged Yanmar engine which, combined with the Italian Castoldi Jet pump and its hull and inflatable tubes design, guarantees a seamless performance on the water. The ABJET 450 Diesel sports a foldable console, has a seven-passenger capacity, wide upholstered seats, cupholders, an ample bathing platform, stainless steel ladder, and boarding pole, among other options. abinflatables.com
One of our Southern Boating partners, BoatTEST met with Boyd Tomkies, the president of BRIG USA. BRIG is based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, one of the hardest-hit areas during Russia’s attack on the country. BRIG builds about 4,000 rigid hull inflatable boats annually and has had to shut down operations to keep its employees safe. A handful of employees are living at the BRIG factory and have taken up arms to protect it. Showing the familial nature of the marine industry, BRIG distributors throughout Europe are taking in the factory employees and their families until the fighting is over. To help the BRIG refugees, please donate to the BRIG Family Foundation here.
Here’s a look at some of today’s top Tender and RIB builders and their models.
A tender by another name is…a boat. And just like boats, tenders are getting bigger, fancier, faster, more versatile, and a bit more complex. As big boats have transformed into SUVs on the water, so has the tender, particularly the rigid inflatable boat (RIB), that often serve as the family boat for picnics, day trips, and watersports, or a runabout from your dockside home to the waterfront restaurant or a happy hour cruise when the mothership is just too much.
Most cruisers choose the largest tender they can afford, carry or tow. Size and weight are tradeoffs. Single-skin bottom RIBs are lighter, 10- to 20-percent lighter, but they don’t handle rough water well. Meanwhile, a center console RIB with a double floor and all the goodies can be a handful to get onto the swim platform chocks. More and more cruisers in the 40- to 80-foot range are towing tenders rather than carrying them feeling bigger is better.
Because RIBS have become, faster, stronger, quieter, and feature-packed, they’ve also migrated to becoming the primary vessel for some or at least a strong second for the lion’s share of daily use when the big boat is dock-bound. As electronics get smaller and less expensive and add-ons become lighter and more practical, tenders are gaining advanced features that allow them to perform duties well beyond a simple dinghy. Sunpads, rear swim platforms, tow bars, sleeping cabins, freshwater showers, underwater lighting, cupholders, depth transducers, stowage space, and swanky cushion arrangements are de rigueur.
Let’s look at some of these uber-toys that can commute, cruise, fish, and be part of the playground.
Highfield Sport 390
Highfield Boats just introduced 11 new models from 10-26 feet. These aluminum bottom RIBs are tough, so you don’t need to worry about dinging the bottom on a beach or a trailer, but they’re also posh with diamond stitched upholstery, faux-teak decking and bathing platforms. The SP 390 (12’ 10” LOA) has a high tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminum hull, a low-profile console offset to starboard, a heavy-duty rub strake, and a full-length keel guard. If you want to spiff one up, add the optional roll bar, Bimini, and carbon console dash. This model could even serve as a lightweight option for a larger dinghy garage. highfieldboats.com
Lomac Adrenalina 8.5
Looking for a sexy Italian? Check out this luxurious maxi RIB from Lomac with aggressive styling by Federico Fiorentino. Powered by single (220-350 hp) or twin outboards, this RIB carries up to 16 people, six of whom can gather around the drinks table in the bow. The aft settee morphs into a sundeck, and the center console hides a space that can become either a stowage room or a head with an electric toilet. For exploring farther afield, there’s an electric windlass and a freshwater shower, and with twins (up to 200 hp each), there’s mind-blowing performance. Add Garmin instruments, a Fusion stereo and a bow thruster (yes, on a tender), and you’ve got a boat that will announce that you’ve arrived. lomac.it
Argos Nautic 450 and 515
For something quite different, check out two new models from Argos Nautic that are powered by diesel engines. The 450 (15’ 6” LOA) carries seven while the 515 (17’ 8” LOA) accommodates nine. Both are powered by a 110-hp Yanmar and are expected to deliver a top speed of 33 knots. Customization is the word of the day. There’s triple stitching upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the option to color-match to the mothership. These models are minimalist in design with clean lines, stainless steel accents, and little ornamentation, so they’ll complement contemporary yachts and turn heads as they speed by. argosnautic.com
Williams Jet Tender DieselJet 415
Another diesel option is the DieselJet 415 (13’ 6” LOA) by Williams Jet Tender. Also powered by a 110-hp Yanmar and likely to reach the same speeds as the Argos Nautic (33 knots), the compact DieselJet is fully customizable, including tube colors and upholstery. With a 7-inch Raymarine Axiom MFD on the center console and six seats (both forward and aft-facing), this little speedster is a tender, a toy, and a runabout in one. Now you can have one fuel source for both the mothership and the tender. There’s even an option of a folding helm station so you can tuck it up into an onboard dinghy garage. Other options include automatic tube inflators, a 9-inch MFD, and shore power for ultimate flexibility. williamjettenders.com
Walker Bay Venture 16
A new addition to the company’s Venture line, this 16-footer offers three driving positions with a helm seat that has a flip-up bolster so you can drive standing, sitting, or somewhere in between. Rated for 10 passengers, the Venture 16 weighs 725 lbs. and with a 100-hp outboard, it has an estimated range of 241 miles. The tall and upright console provides protection from the wind and accommodates a 12-inch chartplotter, VHF, a stereo head, and multiple gauges. Six cupholders and a freshwater shower are included, and there’s even an integrated cooler in front of the console so you can stay out and explore all day. walkerbay.com
Onda Tenders 341P
Specially adapted from a patrol boat, Onda Tenders’ 341P is a 34-foot RIB with Scandinavian design flare by Ted and Ocke Mannerfelt. Although redesigned for the leisure market, the 341P has a rugged feel that can take on the elements with aluminum seat frames, a hardtop, and a 25-gallon freshwater tank for rinsing off after a rough ride. Powered by twin outboards (up to 400 hp), this boat delivers speeds of 50 knots and slices through rough conditions as if through hot butter. This Greek speedster has a deep-V hull but with a shallow draft and carries 158 gallons of fuel so it can venture anywhere. ondatenders.com
Zodiac Medline 6.8
Replacing the Medline 660, the new Medline 6.8 is a mid-range offering (just under 22 feet) from Zodiac. Rated for up to 14 passengers, this new model has five lockers, sunpads forward and aft, and a fully equipped offset console. It comes in 64 color combinations and is powered by a single outboard (maximum 250 hp). The reverse arch holds a soft Bimini and the tall windshield will keep the driver and her companion dry. There’s even a self-launching anchor so you can tuck away in a secluded cove for the afternoon. The U-shaped settee aft, when not set up as a lounge, has a hi/lo table and will seat four for dinner. zodiac-nautic.com
Airship 300 Diesel Sport
The diesels have it on this list. Introducing the Airship 300 DS, a 30-foot RIB with a 3.0L Mercury and a Bravo 3X sterndrive. There’s also a deep-V hull and a 24-degree deadrise for excellent handling. Expect a top speed of around 50 knots and with a 67-gallon aluminum tank, you’ll be able to run a long day without worrying about fuel. This model has a long options list including an upgrade to a 120-gallon fuel tank, an aluminum 5×7 T-top, a choice of brand in MFDs, Lenco trim tabs, a shore power plug, transom shower, stainless steel Sampson post, and Mercury’s VesselView screen. airshipribs.com
Technohull Explorer 40
A truly multifunctional vessel, the Explorer 40 by Technohull is a showstopper. Whether island hopping or entertaining, this one makes a great stand-alone primary vessel. Choose twin Mercury outboards (350-450 hp) or a single Yamaha 425 hp with a joystick. If you’d rather leave the gasoline for others, opt for twin Mercruiser Diesel 370 Bravo 3s. With 211 gallons of onboard fuel, you’ll have plenty of destination options and with the deep-V ventilated hull, you’ll get there quickly and comfortably. This is one sexy beast that showcases premium upholstery and teak and carbon finishes. There’s even a cabin if you’d like to weekend on this demon. technohull.com
High-performance, high-quality, and high-tech are phrases that combine with the words lightweight,rugged, and durable to describe Highfield Boats’ new 2021 SPORT RIB Collection.
“The big news is that we have introduced a new SPORT RIB line of eleven models for the 2021 season and they’re out now,” says Highfield USA General Manager Tom Watson.
Highfield is the world’s leading builder of aluminum-hulled RIBs, and performance and strength are the key features of every Highfield boat. The new SPORT range, with its advanced hull design and Italian-influenced interior styling, keeps alive the reputation of a dry-riding, seaworthy, and stable craft that can handle rough conditions as well as please the discerning eye. Its classy, sporty look features brushed-foam teak finish decks, integrated rear seats with cushions, an optional carbon dash, and sleek color schemes.
From ship-to-shore tenders to day boats with a sun deck and ski pole, the SPORT Collection starts with the SP300 at 9 feet, 10 inches and grows in size up to the new flagship model SP800 at 26 feet, 6 inches with a stepped hull designed by naval architect and offshore racing hull designer Petter Martens. Hull deadrise angles range from 20 degrees on the SP300 to 26 degrees on the SP650 through SP800 models to provide a softer ride and cut through rougher seas while maintaining stability when at rest.
The SP300 to SP360 models make for the perfect, easy-to-store tender. They feature lifting points, excellent weight distribution, internal fuel tanks, and a superb layout.
The SP390 to SP460 range is the go-to offering for larger tender garages and also serve as ergonomic platforms that cross over into the family day boat sector.
The SP520 and SP560 are designed to be the most capable RIBs in their size range on the market today. The hull has been slightly refined but is still based on the now-legendary hull that took two of Highfield’s 16-foot boats around Ireland in 2013 without incident. The layout has been optimized for the family or charter business with a sundeck option to ensure guests take full advantage of a sunny day.
The SP650 to SP800 models feature the hull design that has seen action in the Vendée Globe, ORC and Extreme Sailing Series as well as for a fully coded lifeboat in the UK and for fire protection vessels in Germany. They also have an impressive internal layout that emphasizes comfort. Besides diamond stitching throughout and tables and cupholders in the all the right places, the flagship SP800 has the option of a fridge and cooking island and is supplied with a full bow and stern sundeck.
“We are committed to providing the finest quality RIBs with the best reliability, durability, and the highest level of service to our customers,” says Watson, “so they can enjoy their time on the water safely and with peace of mind.” highfieldboats.com
Here’s a look at some of today’s top Tender and RIB builders and their models.
A rigid deep-V hull made from composite plastic, fiberglass or aluminum—a Rigid Inflatable Boat—is an efficient high-performance planing hull, but RIBs often must be stored on a trailer or set of hanging davits.
Tougher fabrics, lighter accessories and more powerful engines have continued the trend of making today’s tenders and RIBs more versatile than ever. For some, a RIB is their only vessel, a do-it-all wonder that is easy to operate, gentle around other boats because of the rubber collar, and filled with features (like a head) that make them comfortable for all.
Today’s RIBs benefit from outboard motors that are better than ever—cleaner, more powerful and easier to service. Some RIBs are utilitarian and built for durability. Others are loaded with comfort features, such as soft seats, carpet and ski-tow eyes for recreational towing of tubes, skiers and wakeboarders.
Zodiac Pro 6.5
The newly redesigned Zodiac Pro 6.5 has more seating capacity, storage, and 25 percent more interior space than the previous generation. This allows for plenty of room to invite up to 10 guests to join in the excitement. Zodiac didn’t forget about critical functional features either.
The company increased the size of the fuel tank to 50 gallons for more range, and the transom design can handle either twin 80-hp or a single 175-hp engine installation for optimum performance. The Pro 6.5’s deep-V hull and self-bailing deck deliver a safe, comfortable and dry ride. The highlight of the storage space is a new large stern locker able to house all critical tackle. The tubes and deck are available in multiple colors for additional customization.
Achilles has completed a makeover of its most popular RIB in 2019—the HB-315DX. The builder’s five-passenger bestseller was modified to include integral bow locker. The new vented bow locker is large enough to be a comfortable seat and accommodate a three-gallon gas tank. It’s also equipped with a dedicated sealed tube running under the deck that allows you to run your fuel line to the drain well at the transom for a quick and easy hookup to your motor.
The advantages of this new design include better weight distribution by moving the weight of the gas tank forward and clearing the deck area of the clutter. Powered by a 20-hp motor, she runs to a top speed of 25 knots. All Achilles boats are manufactured with CSM fabric using a four-layer seam construction for durability.
The Airship 340 replaces the builder’s 330 and adds high-quality features. The remodeled transom includes an incorporated engine setback, a step for boarding and extended swim platform for watersports. Construction features remain consistent and utilize varying density foam cores and vinylester resins to form a lightweight, yet a strong vessel.
A fiberglass hardtop is also new for 2019 and along with the tapered tubes, give the Airship its unique style. An improved twin-step hull provides added safety and better fuel economy—2.5 miles per gallon at a 50-mph cruise. With the standard tow eye, the craft exhibits excellent towing characteristics when used as yacht tenders and RIBs. The base 340 comes nicely equipped and offers unlimited options to support any use for this rugged SUV of the water.
The HYFOIL Foiling RIB 28 evolved from more than 25 years of hydrofoil system development by the original designers of Hydrofoil Supported Catamarans (HYSUCAT) in South Africa. The fixed foils are flush with the hulls and automatically produce a “floating” ride over rough seas while nearly doubling efficiency.
Operational benefits include high-speed stability, a dry ride, small wake, shallow-water operability, reduced fuel consumption, and low maintenance. The spacious deck area fits a large console and can accommodate a variety of layouts for up to 14 passengers. With a fuel capacity of 70 gallons and standard power of a single 250-hp or twin 115-hp engines, the HYFOIL Foiling Rib 28 runs past 50 mph with a range of more than 250 miles. She’s towable and launches easily from a trailer. She is now available with a carbon fiber hull and foils as well as UV-resistant polyurethane six-chamber tubes.
Argos Nautic’s 305 Yachting delivers pulse-quickening performance in a comfortable 10-foot package of these tenders and RIBs. The RIB’s advanced hull helps her carve effortlessly through turns yet provides a dry ride. Powered by a 40-hp outboard, she reaches plane in three seconds and has a top speed of 31 knots. The 305 Yachting is ideal for cruising couples and families on mid-sized yachts, sailboats and sportfishing boats. Compact and lightweight, she fits into most garages and hoists easily onto davits or deck. She has space for four adults, and passengers have generous leg and elbow room. The clever design means there is ample storage on the boat.
The new Seasport 400 Deluxe is one of eight boats in the Seasport series that is the evolution of the proven Zodiac Yachtline Deluxe. The 400 Deluxe and her sister ships range from the 320 to the new 490.
They offer improved styling and added comfort, the crowning touches to an already successful deluxe tender line. The Seasport 400 Deluxe benefits from the aid of Zodiac-Nautic’s “slide on, slide off” tube system. This allows the Seasport Deluxe line to be available in three different shades of tube sets, with a choice of grey, blue or camel accent tubes. The Seasport 400 Deluxe’s standard features include bilge pump, navigation lights, lifting points, color matched upholstery, courtesy lighting, internal fuel reservoir, glove box, and 12-volt receptacle. The Seasport 400 Deluxe is powered by a 50-hp outboard for a top speed of 35 mph and a cruising range of more than 100 miles.
400 Deluxe: 13’1″ LOA, 5’10” beam
320: 11’2″ LOA
490: 16’11” LOA
The Caribe Nautica DL11 11’1″ LOA, 5’7″ beam is one of more than 35 models built in 13 different sizes by this manufacturer that’s been in business since 1983. The DL11’s construction places a premium owner usability, with a fuel tank located in the bow compartment allowing for easy access for maintenance and fuel service. The DL11 also has a built-in water tank that feeds a handheld shower attachment for rinsing off after a swim or a dive, and the boat is also equipped with a swim ladder. Other standard features include a bilge pump and an icebox for storing drinks, food or the day’s catch. The DL11 carries a maximum of five passengers including the driver and is powered by a 40-hp motor equipped with a 20-inch shaft.
Highfield Boats launched the new CLDL360 at the Miami International Boat Show in February. Designed as a yacht tender, the CLDL360 features a lightweight yet durable, powder-coated aluminum hull construction and a smooth, dry ride. She also features a host of new luxuries that include a larger, more comfortable bow seat, integrated side seat with storage and cup holders, wide bow step, and motor well with swim step. The CLDL360 also showcases newly refined styling such as the brushed-foam, teak finish deck.
Also new are the 7.5-gallon bow fuel tank and 40-hp engine for a top speed of 34 mph. Standard features include rugged Orca by Pennel & Flipo Hypalon tube fabric, self-draining deck, lifting points, and towing eyes, tow bridle points, Highfield dry bag, foot pump, oars, and repair kit.
The Mercury 320 Aluminum hull is a durable new inflatable option that is available in a 320 and 270 model. This boat features a safety-aimed non-slip flat floor and 5052 marine-grade, powder-coated aluminum hull. Powered by a Mercury 20-hp FourStroke outboard engine, the 320 will hit speeds between 15 and 20 mph.
Unlike other Mercury rigid hull inflatable boats in this size range, both models with the aluminum hulls are equipped with a front-storage locker as well as two aluminum seats. For extra durability, each has a protective keel guard for beaching. The aluminum hull also includes four well-positioned lifting strakes for use with inflatable davit systems. Standard accessories include a storage bag, patch kit, dual-action hand pump, and oars.
The Technohull Omega 45 is a performance-minded RIB that also delivers a lot of luxury for her driver and 11 passengers. The Omega 45’s patented hull technology was created using state-of-the-art computer programs and hull structure algorithms. Every boat is designed from scratch and is based on a different hull design to best fit the length and characteristics required by her owner.
Cutting-edge technology is used in every stage of construction, including
CNC prototyping, ceramic-coated molds, and foam-cored layers. The focus of the Omega 45 design is the modern center console, sheltered by a T-top that
protects the four wraparound shockproof seats. Owners can choose engine configurations that include triple 300-, 350- and 400-hp options. The shipyard even offers speed enthusiasts the radical choice of adding quad Mercury Racing 400-hp outboards for a top speed of more than 90 mph.
RIBCRAFT, a manufacturer of professional-grade RIBs for military agencies, safety professionals and recreational boaters, offers a cutting-edge RIB with its newly redesigned RIBCRAFT 5.85. Built in the U.S. and personalized to the customer’s specifications, the RIBCRAFT 5.85 is quick to plane and sure-footed through tight turns and in rough seas. In
addition, the 5.85 has an aggressive deep-V hull, high-swept bow and full-length lifting stakes that deliver superior handling.
Standard power is a 115-hp engine with a maximum horsepower of 135. This redesigned layout includes comfortable bow seating, an antenna arch with integrated swim ladder, optional T-top, and teak decks. The 5.85 is an all-purpose 19-foot runabout that has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers so your friends can tag along.
Sealegs, the manufacturer of amphibious craft, has gone green with the unveiling of Sealegs Electric E4, which uses the latest lithium battery and brushless electric hub motor technology.
Powerful, high-torque electric motors drive the Sealegs Electric E4 out of the water, up beaches and through difficult terrain. The high-density, 7kWh lithium battery delivers up to 20 launch-and-retrieve journeys on land between charges.
The flush-mounted console dash incorporates buttons conveniently located within the steering wheel to control the deployment of the amphibious wheels. A high-contrast, 24-inch touchscreen with Sealegs AmpTracs provides operator info, and an innovative seating layout for eight with a picnic/workstation table and a daybed sun-lounger is at the bow. The Sealegs Electric E4 runs 40 knots in the water and 6 mph on land.
New from Walker Bay, the Venture 14 is packed with features and options for exploring, fishing, diving, and entertaining. The stand-up center console with a comfortable, sturdy bolster gives the driver three driving positions for the ultimate in safety and performance while underway. The console dash will accommodate an extra-large, nine-inch chartplotter, a variety of gauges, stereo head, and VHF radio. The V14 has boarding steps aft, port, and starboard, and in the bow to make embarking and debarking a snap.
Rated for eight passengers, the RIB has with four different seating and reclining configurations. A modified V-hull gives the Venture 14 a smooth, dry ride.
Powered by a 70-hp outboard engine, she runs to an estimated 40 mph at top speed and has a range of 150 miles utilizing the 17-gallon fuel tank. Additional features and options include four flush-mount rod holders that double as a board rack, a flush-mount ski pole, ladder, and shower.
Williams Jet Tenders’ new Sportjet 435 hits the water with fast acceleration, excellent stability, and exceptional handling. With a top speed of 52 mph when powered by a 150-hp engine, the Sportjet 435 combines power with exhilaration and delivers high performance and speed at the flick of a throttle. Two engine options are available: The Rotax Ace 903 or Rotax ACE 1503. Use the Sportjet 435 for everything from watersports to shoreline transport for a luxury yacht. The spacious layout can comfortably seat up to seven passengers. As with all Williams tenders, owners can customize the Sportjet 435 to match their needs, whether for simple cruising, diving or fishing.
The ZAR 85 SL combines dayboat amenities with RIB performance and utility. Passengers benefit from the versatile seating layout. The ZAR 85 SL’s lounging and living areas contain much-appreciated features, such as two refrigerated drawers, a gas grill, a U-shaped dinette, and a small cabin for two people with a head and sink. The boat also offers an electric windlass to make anchoring much easier.
Off the stern, the large swim platform features an integrated swim ladder. The ZAR 85 SL has room for up to 14 people, so she’s ready for entertaining. Performance-wise, rig the RIB with single or twin engines with a max of 500 horsepower. Equipped with max power, the ZAR 85 SL runs more than 55 knots with a range of more than 200 nautical miles at 36 knots.
The highly functional 12-foot RIB will always be popular in the Tenders and RIBs market. But, builders have expanded the idea further to make a RIB that also goes on dryland and water.
While a boat with wheels may not be what you’re looking for, today’s top Tenders and RIBs offer a surprise or two.
It’s more fun to tour The Bahamas on your tender. Caves, coves, and shallow waters are the perfect tender setting. But how do you stow your tender when playtime is over?
Tenders come in many styles: small inflatables, fiberglass runabouts, rigid inflatables (RIB), center consoles, and extended limousines tending a superyacht. For most, they are a great part of the boating experience, especially when cruising The Bahamas. Anchored in a secluded cove, there’s no better way to explore the pristine waters than taking a ride on a RIB. Tenders can scoot over the shallows to that private island picnic spot or moonlit beach getaway. In more populated areas, local beach bars await, sometimes only accessible by a tender. It’s the perfect way to access dive and snorkel spots larger boats can’t reach. Which is why it’s so important to know the best way to stow your tender.
Indeed, tenders are fun to play with and enable access to the shallows and shore, but storage, deployment, and retrieval can sometimes be a challenge. Even large yachts have limitations when it comes to tenders, and on small to midsize cruisers, it can be even trickier. The good news is there are numerous options that can work well depending on the size of the mothership and the type and size of tender.
Stow your tender in a garage, like on this Riviera 4800
Garages
Some boats are designed to carry a tender. A properly designed boat garage stows the tender away in a convenient spot and allows for easy launch and retrieval. There are limitations to the size and type of tender that can be carried, but garages are a safe solution, and having the dinghy stowed keeps the boat tidy and out of the way for docking and dockside activities.
Some vessels are designed to work only with a specific type of tender, such as a Williams Jet Tender, and some only accommodate relatively small tenders with or without outboards. The drawback is that garages take up storage space, and launch and retrieval can sometimes be difficult. While many popular manufacturers offer models with tender garages, you don’t see many on boats smaller than 50 feet. Garages are an option for people in the market for a new boat, but some boats simply don’t have them, and some boats are not big enough or the right style to use them.
Cranes
Crane davits are a popular option to launch and retrieve tenders. Flybridge boats controlled from the bridge will often have a crane on the bow and chocks or a cradle that can stow your tender on the foredeck. Then, it can launch while the boat is med-moored. But if the helm is on the main deck, this isn’t really an option. Similar setups on the aft flybridge deck allow some vessels to carry substantial RIBS and hard-bottom boats like Boston Whalers; however, there are limitations to the tender’s weight and size as well as what the deck can handle.
Crane launching is limited to relatively calm conditions because the tender could swing out of control and cause damage. Davit systems require balanced lifting harnesses and substantial tie-downs to keep them stable and secure on deck. Once the dinghy is in the water, chocks can get in the way, but some are removable and leave the decks open for entertaining.
Don’t Stow Your Tender… Tow Your Tender!
Towing a tender is a popular option. There are some very well-thought-out commercially available tow rigs, and properly sized tow harnesses with large lines or cables allow even moderately sized vessels to pull substantial RIBs, Boston Whalers and small center consoles. The key is to figure out an appropriate setup and rig it properly ahead of time. It’s not as simple as tying a line on the little D-ring that is meant to clip your dinghy to a trailer and taking off at 30 knots for Bimini. You must use special heavy-duty tow eyes and three-point harnesses correctly.
Even when properly rigged, towing has limitations. You’ll have to keep watch to ensure the tow vessel is still attached. Electronic tow alarms can help, but someone still must keep an eye on the dinghy, since the skipper needs to look forward, especially in shallow Bahamian waters. That towing rig may be perfect in calm waters, but in the Gulf Stream, things can change fast. If the towline parts, the spring-back whips violently toward the boat and can be deadly; losing a tow and trying to retrieve it in rough water is equally dangerous. Towing also affects the performance and fuel consumption of the pulling vessel, and long tow lines can foul props if not careful when docking. In other words, towing is not for everyone.
Swim platforms
Smaller boats and those not configured for garages, cranes, and deck cradles can still carry substantial tenders. Traditionally, vessels were rigged with hang davits (think the lifeboats on the Titanic). Some still use those systems (mostly sailboats), but those systems can’t handle heavier RIBS and outboards. Modern systems for transom/swim-step tender storage come in all shapes and sizes.
Submersible swim platforms are an option on many boats or as a retrofit for existing vessels. You’ll find swim platforms on boats in the 30- to 60-foot range. They’re popular because many companies manufacture, sell and install these systems. A detachable section of the swim platform is lowered and raised to launch and retrieve by actuator-controlled hydraulic arms. The tender enters a cradle when it is submerged and then is lifted clear of the water for tie-down stowage.
This makes launch and retrieval easy when you stow your tender on the swim platform. There are limitations to the size of tender and outboard that can be lifted, and putting a lot of weight on your transom affects boat performance, so properly matching the right size dinghy for the boat is important. External systems, such as Freedom Lift, can accomplish the same thing without moving the swim platform and may be an easier retrofit for some boats.
Another way to stow your tender is on the swim platform.
Snap davits
Less expensive options that work well on smaller boats include snap davits. Stainless steel davit heads with clips will attach to the back edge of the swim platform and on the dinghy. When the dinghy comes up alongside, it clips on. Although the dinghy remains in the water, it stays in place, making it easy for kids, dogs or anyone else to get on or off. Once everyone is out, cant the dinghy vertically and lock in place with standoff brackets for stowage.
Snap davits work on small to midsize RIBS and a variety of hard dinghies. The basic system requires removing the outboard before the dinghy is lifted either manually or by a winch. A hydraulic lift system operated by a foot pedal can raise and lower larger tenders. A stainless bracket known as a Weaver Leaver keeps the outboard level while the tender is cranked up and then locks in place for stowage.
You can safely launch, retrieve and stow a tender with proper preparation and equipment. And now, you can explore the Bahamian shores to your heart’s content.
By Arnie Hammerman, Southern Boating May 2018
Photos courtesy of Davco Winch Systems and Jim Favors
Sometimes my job is pretty cool and I get to test drive boats. In this case, the Highfield OM 390.
But let’s be clear—most of the time, I’m behind a desk, neck deep in keyword research, optimizing a slew of articles for the website. Or trying to understand how to optimize server load by minimizing javascript triggers. So, you best believe when I’m asked to attend a photo shoot for Highfield Boats in Miami, I make it my business to be there.
Our models loved how lightweight the CL260 was. Here, they pull the boat onto the beach.
Which brings me to last week. I was vaguely familiar with Highfield’s brand—we used their versatile CL260 Tender Series in our 2018 swimsuit issue, so I saw firsthand how light the aluminum-hulled inflatable was. The boat was so lightweight that I saw three models pull the CL260 up the beach, unassisted. But the boat was also sturdy enough that one of our staff members towed an enormous inflatable slide out of the frame of a photo with it.
But there were no models or slides in sight at Shake-a-Leg Marina in Coconut Grove, Florida. Just a lot of sun and four different Highfields of various sizes. I was lucky enough to get on the Ocean Master 390—which was quite a bit bigger than the one I had been on before. The Highfield OM 390 (12′ 10″) sported a 50-hp Honda outboard. Certainly powerful enough to ski behind, if the fancy were to strike, and more than enough power to get around as a tender when cruising.
“You’d be surprised how many catamarans use Highfields as a tender,” said Highfield USA’s General Manager Tom Watson. But it makes sense—catamarans, whether power or sail, are favored by long-range cruisers who require something lightweight, durable, and maneuverable, be it for trips to shore or exploring a beach. A lightweight boat also means less fuel to lug around. Plus, Highfield has integrated their fuel tank into the boat, which means no more tanks taking up foot space. Since the fuel intake is located in the bow, it’s very easy to nose up to the fuel dock or an onboard storage bladder.
Part of the Highfield lineup at Shake-a-Leg marina.
It helps that the OM 390 is easy to handle. I drove the boat up a stretch of the Miami River and was pleased to see how well it handled with a newbie at the wheel. It happened to be the first day of mini-season, so we hovered under a span of the Rickenbacker Causeway to see if we could spot any lobsters. While I didn’t see any bugs, I did see how nicely the OM 390 reacted to passing wakes, some of which were rather large.
Note the Highfield OM 390 on the stern of this catamaran.
“Stability is key,” said Watson. “That’s in part due to our aluminum hull design, and in part to the 20-inch deadrise.” Indeed. I was hoping to get splashed (it was 90+ degrees, after all), but I remained woefully dry.
Watson pointed out that the entire Highfield lineup is actually a great starting point for first-time boat buyers. “It’s easy to handle, fits your friends, and the price point is moderate. Particularly for someone who is just starting out in boating.”
I can’t say I disagree—we’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: RIBS are a do-it-all wonder. Especially if it’s a Highfield.
The Red Bull Riverland Dinghy Derby was held on Sunday, February 4, in South Australia. The event once again received record nominations with teams coming from as far away as Canada and Mongolia to compete.
This year’s event has so far attracted 123 nominations eclipsing the previous record of 119 set in 2017.
The first Dinghy Derby launched in 1981. Attendance swelled when Red Bull came on as a sponsor in 2015.
The heavily modified dinghies race at speeds of up to 90km/h along Australia’s longest river, The Murray, and the narrow creek networks surrounding Renmark, a Riverland town 250km northeast of the South Australian capital Adelaide.
All Highfield Tenders include the Highfield innovative aluminum transom, which takes the inflatables to the next level.
Compact and economical, the Highfield CL260 is an ideal ship-to-shore tender.
The extra level of comfort for this double-deck hulled dinghy that will keep your feet dry.
The high-quality finish and luxury look belies the fact that this range of tenders has been designed to work hard. A durable aluminum hull coupled with full-length keel guards make these the ideal tender for those beach-hopping days with friends and family.
The large weight savings achieved compared to equivalent GRP tenders means you’ll enjoy the impressive performance with smaller engines, and with excellent payload capacities, the Classic range really does offer a tender for everyone.
Clean, restore and protect your rigid inflatable boat to extend —and enhance—its life and your enjoyment. RIB repair doesn’t have to break the bank.
Because rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are built like giant dock bumpers, operators may worry less about colliding with other vessels or objects. While it’s true the inflatable collar around the fiberglass hull is great at minimizing damage, RIBs are not indestructible. Here are the details on RIB repair.
Diligent care must be taken to keep your RIB shipshape, and if you do puncture the tube, there are specific fixes required to get the boat back to 100 percent. DIY isn’t always the answer when it comes to RIB repair. “Every boat comes with a repair patch kit,” explains Glenn Gillette, owner of Lifeline Inflatable Services, a RIB dealer and service center with locations in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Gardens, Florida. “The repair kit that comes with the boat is for temporary fixes. To do a proper repair, the boat needs to be in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity.”
In the RIB world, the air tubes are made of either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM). DuPont manufactured CSM until 2009 under the trademark Hypalon, the common brand name for CSM. Both PVC and CSM are used for the RIB collars. PVC costs less and is for lighter-duty RIBs, while CSM fares far better in direct sunlight and humid conditions. Soapy water is the best way to clean the collar and fiberglass interior, followed by a thorough rinse with fresh water. Products containing silicon, such as Armor All, should never be used on either type of air tubes.
“A good cover protects your boat, and it’s good to have some air vents built in so you don’t get mold,” says Gillette, who sells RIBs made of CSM from companies including AB Inflatables, Achilles,Avon, Highfield, Lomac, Sealegs, and Zodiac. “You also want to use a product like 303 Aerospace Protectant. It sprays on and helps protect against UV rays, which can cause discoloration, fading, cracking, and chalking. It also restores lost color and luster. It leaves the surface with a natural finish, with no oily or greasy residue.”
A RIB with a CSM collar is much less susceptible to UV light degradation and can be left uncovered for the season, which makes access and usage easier. A PVC inflatable should be stored in a shaded area with plenty of ventilation. Heat and humidity can weaken the chemical bonds of PVC glue, and sunlight can cause colors to fade. Regardless of
the hull material, what makes a boat a RIB is the collar surrounding a solid hull.
Some inflatables are known as “roll-ups,” meaning the bottom is either fabric or air-filled— i.e., not rigid—and, technically, not a RIB. RIBs can be built with single hulls, double hulls and double hulls with bow lockers. Double hulls offer a hard deck liner so it’s easy to stand up in a RIB, while a single hull’s interior follows the concave contour of the hull bottom.
The air-filled tubes will sometimes need a boost; a hand or foot pump included by the manufacturer will easily do the job. Operating your RIB when the tubes are under-inflated is not recommended and can cause the tubes to flex, resulting in stress on the joints. The tubes should feel tight to the touch, with a bit of a flex from the pressure of a finger. Using a hand pump, it is difficult to over-inflate the tubes, but the biggest mistake people make is not inflating the tubes enough.
A sharp knife, dock nail or another pointy object can puncture a RIB’s air tube and cause a problem, but it’s very unlikely you will sink. That’s because the outer inflatable tubes are chambered off, so the whole boat doesn’t lose air and buoyancy in case of a perforation. In addition, the fiberglass hull also provides flotation. “If you do tear up the tube, we have creative ways to make the repair,” Gillette says. “We can do a special pattern, or make it a panel patch and even add the same on the other side to match. We can also add special handles or make it a different color.”
Do-it-yourselfers can accomplish maintenance tasks such as cleaning and covering the RIB, but when it comes to a major project in RIB repair like replacing the inflatable tube, it’s time for a professional. “The cost for a new tube around the fiberglass hull is about $400 to $450 per foot,” Gillette says. “We help the customer calculate if it’s worth it. For a 10-footer, it might be better to just buy a new boat, while for an 18-footer, a new tube makes sense.”
Once you decide on a new tube, options such as extra handles and pockets can be added, and there are a variety of collar colors from which to choose. Gillette and his team specialize in customizing the tubes for clients. “A big thing when doing a new tube for a tender is matching the color of the yacht,” Gillette says. “That’s where we get really creative, and it’s a way for the owner to have their RIB really stand out.”
ARGOS NAUTIC 396 is a fully customizable 13-foot RIB that comfortably seats up to fi ve adults and still has room for storage. Its luxurious design features a fiberglass hull, premium crafted upholstery and functional accessories.
Full throttle will give a maximum speed of 36 mph.
The words “yachtsman” and “passion” are so often used together that I worry the emphasis is lost, like describing every boat as unique. That was until I spent time with the Walker Bay team that just delivered a 17-foot RIB they branded Generation 525 that’s intended to serve the 115- 135-foot yacht market rather competitively.
Passion, as it turns out, is precisely what drove naval engineers and product specialists to tweak and rethink nearly every aspect of a niche market, creating a RIB that pushes the boundaries of innovation and blends durability and practicality to what becomes an extension of the very yacht a tender serves.
Work began three years ago on a new stringer process to vastly improve and achieve a smooth ride. Some RIB manufacturers use a basic plywood stringer to support the hull and top deck. Repeat after me: Plywood and water are not a good mix over time. Think lumpy oatmeal and you get the picture. The Gen 525 incorporates a polyurethane composite micro stringer system in the floor that’s lighter and stronger than wood. Mating the hull and deck together required countless hours of testing various bonding materials. Instead of the typical air cavity between the hull and deck, Walker Bay created a unidirectional glass and a polyurethane stringer grid bonding system to absorb the impact from wave chop. This also serves to make the hull stronger and provides permanent positive buoyancy.
The real trick—and where the word passion comes to play—involves the number of hulls they created to get the ride perfected. Just as your tire alignment can smooth out your car ride, Walker Bay noticed that distortion and misalignment in competitors’ hulls led to poor handling and stress cracks. Engineers built a sophisticated jig and alignment process for joining the main parts, so stress energy is distributed efficiently for a better handling and predictably longer-lasting boat.
Skip Reisert of Tender Care Boats in Ft. Lauderdale, who sells Walker Bay and AB’s Nautilus and Oceanus series of tenders, joined the team as a consultant for the topside work. “So often I get an owner who has commissioned a yacht and wants to outfit it with a tender without really knowing what size will fit or some of the nuances of davit placement, lifting capacity, right down to davit lifting points,” Reisert shared. “For example, a Westport 112 can only support a tender up to 15 feet. Maximum length on the Westport 130 is 18 feet, so this is a very narrow, yet vital measurement consideration when shopping for the right tender.”
Walker Bay took note of the needs of this niche market and strategically located seven extra stainless-steel davit-lifting points and flush-mounted them, greatly reducing the potential of snagging clothing or skin of passengers. The team realized that especially in the charter market, guests are unaccustomed to maintaining a low center of gravity for boarding a tender, so they incorporated port and starboard recessed teak boarding steps and an ingenious removable leaning boarding post handle, all of which leads to a generous-sized clear pathway to seating.
When used for exploring, snorkeling or watersports, the Gen 525 is ready for fun. Retractable ski pole, deluxe boarding ladder and bow area sunpad are all options, along with the standard insulated cooler locker for refreshments and freshwater shower with 10-gallon capacity.
Our test boat in Naples, Florida, was equipped with a very quiet Honda 115 outboard. Once we left the no-wake zone, the tender popped up on plane effortlessly and held a true course with nary a touch on the hydraulic tilt steering and without any loss of the horizon even though I had engaged the driver’s side flip-up bolster seat. We topped out at 44 mph with two people on board and a full tank (32 gallons) of fuel. While Honda is the preferred engine partner, Reisert, who is an Evinrude dealer, says the E-TEC 115 two-stroke engine will easily add another 3-4 mph—more than enough speed to make your eyes water and get back home or to the yacht quickly.
With passenger backrest cushions, five stainless steel cup holders, the aforementioned cooler, and four pop-up cleats, those with access to the ICW may consider this a “second” boat for your dock and those impromptu waterfront dining dashes with friends—and bring a bunch of them. It’s rated for 10 passengers.
“Walker Bay has raised the bar in every way with this Generation 525,” says Reisert. “They added deadrise in the hull, smoothed out the ride, are easily two to three miles per hour faster than the competition, and created an open layout and vinyl seating appearance that will complement your yacht.”
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine November 2016
Specifications: LOA: 17′ 2″
Beam: 8′ 4″
Weight: 1,160 lbs.
Fuel: 32 gals.
Max horsepower: 115 hp
MSRP: $49,995 walkerbay.com
No matter the final destination, the Novurania Catamaran 24 Diesel I/O gets you there in style. The yacht tender, also available with an outboard motor, has a twin-hull design and inflatable collar.
An opening bow ramp is operated electronically, adjustable to any height and makes off-loading people or cargo a breeze. The bow ramp safely accommodates wheelchairs and motorized power chairs. Various deck layouts are available, with side, center console or custom seating arrangements. The Novurania Catamaran 24 Diesel has a low profile and stable, dry ride make the new luxury yacht tender (23′ LOA, 8’6″ beam) perfect for any use. novurania.com
Imagine this thrilling scene from an action movie. A rigid inflatable boat pounds through an ocean tempest to rescue a soggy victim. Its powerful outboard churns away at the surf and wide tubes buffet the roiling water. Piloted by a foul-weather-gear-jacketed operator, the RIB arrives to save the day. Scenes like this depict the noblest calling for a RIB. If a boat ever was built for emergency work, the RIB is it.
Indeed, RIBs nowadays are used for more rescue, emergency and service work by military, police and fire and rescue than ever before. However, manufacturers have greatly expanded how RIBs—also known as rigid hull inflatable boats, or RHIBs—are built and used. Some RIBs are utilitarian and built for durability, while others are loaded with comfort features such as soft seats, carpet and ski tow-eyes for recreational towing of tubes, skiers and wakeboarders.
For some, a RIB may be their only boat—the perfect launch for exploring the nearby water. For others, it’s the tender to a large boat or yacht, towed or stowed on board and ready to deploy when needed. Here’s a look at some of today’s top rigid hull inflatable boat builders and their models, and how they may suit your needs.
The Ribjet 10 Jet Yacht Tender is the first in a series of small jet yacht tenders from the American builder and utilizes an easy to service Rotax 60-hp power plant. The tender was specifically designed to conform to today’s smaller low capacity platforms as well as midrange tender garages. Coming in at under 600 lbs. with full fuel, the Ribjet 10 is sure to spark the interest of yacht owners looking to add style and performance to the ever growing range of midsize express cruisers available today.
Ribjet plans to limit the production of these boats to just 18 units per year. President of the company Jarrett Bryzek says, “We are looking to establish a foothold in the U.S. jet yacht tender market with an emphasis on quality control, on-time delivery and after-sales service.” Bryzek continues, “Being a small custom builder we work directly with our customers on a personal level to understand their needs and make sure the end product is exactly to their liking and delivered on time.” With all-around dimensions and weights coming in less than any competitor on the market, the Ribjet 10 will be priced at $32,900.
The new Ribjet 10 is available, and the company currently has demo boats available for viewing and sea trials through Ribjet’s factory showroom partner, Nautical Ventures based in Dania Beach, Florida.
The Ribjet 10 Jet Yacht Tender shows how easily it maneuvers.
The Ribjet 10 Jet Yacht Tender has performance and style.
