yacht tender test

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Yacht Tender

A yacht tender is your ticket to freedom on the water. Once you drop anchor, it’s your ride to the fun and adventure that inspired you to buy a boat in the first place. Just imagine watersports, exploring, scuba diving, snorkeling and, of course, just relaxing in the warm sun!

Here’s a quick secret — your yacht tender is the most fun boat you’ll ever own.

We think a dinghy should not only reflect the beauty and precision of a yacht but also have the power and functionality to push fun to the limit. Is there any better way to celebrate dropping anchor than a cold drink and a zoom on the dinghy? Please, let us know if you find something.

Having the right tender lets you enjoy your boating experience to the fullest. There are a few things to consider when picking the best yacht tender for you, so we made this guide to help you through the process. We’ll go over:

• The benefits of rigid inflatable boats
• Pricing of small yacht tenders
• How to pick the right dinghy
• A brief overview of our models

There are lots of yacht tender options out there, and it’s essential to find the best one for you. Whether you’re looking for the best small boat or superyacht tender, we’ll give you the information you need to find the perfect dinghy for your life on the water. Read on to learn how to pick the perfect yacht tender.

The Benefits of Rigid Inflatable Boats

Rigid inflatable tenders have become the go-to choice for boaters. Here’s the deal.

Safety is always the first priority when you’re on the water. With the ever-changing conditions of an ocean environment, you need a tender that’s prepared to handle it all. There’s a reason the United States Coast Guard, military and police use rigid inflatable boats — they’re extremely seaworthy. The United States Navy describes rigid inflatables as extremely fast and buoyant. It employs them for Navy SEAL extractions and in intense ocean conditions.

Virtually unsinkable and super tough, rigid inflatable boats are hands-down the best choice for those who desire small yacht tenders.

What Do You Mean by Rigid Inflatable Boat?

Commonly called a RIB, a rigid inflatable boat has a hard hull and inflatable tubes for sides. This construction gives rigid inflatables the best of two worlds — they have the indestructible v-hull and tracking of a hard boat and the shock absorption of an inflatable boat. They’re as hardy as they are versatile. For example, we offer Navy-tough tenders with beautiful European craftsmanship that you can’t find anywhere else.

In addition to their durability, RIBs offer many other advantages. Here are a few more reasons why RIBs represent a smart investment.

RIBs Provide Stability

In a rigid inflatable tender, there’s little risk of tipping over because the inflatable tube and hard hull combination provide excellent stability, which is great for loading and unloading your family and your toys.

Also, the inflatable tubes significantly increase a tender’s capacity rating, meaning you can safely fit more passengers and gear on a RIB than on a hard dinghy. Known as the “Safe Working Load,” or SWL, this capacity is detailed by the manufacturer. To calculate the maximum number of people who should be aboard a small vessel, multiply a vessel’s length by width and then divide the result by 15.

RIBs Demonstrate Impressive Efficiency

Inflatable dinghies are much lighter than hard tenders. Weighing less means they’re much more efficient, and you can pack in a lot more adventure with the same amount of gas. Skip the line at the fuel dock, and head straight into your day.

RIBs Have Exceptional Safety

A great benefit of having an inflatable tender is you don’t have to worry about damage to your luggage or your precious cargo. We all have all experienced that awkward misstep aboard boats. When everything and everyone is moving around in the ocean, you may have trouble not fumbling every once in a while. It’s much nicer to catch yourself on the cushioned tubes of an inflatable than on hard fiberglass — we’ve tested this one!

When you’re going fast and having fun on the water, you don’t want to worry about safety. Knowing you’re in the safest dinghy lets you relax and focus on your adventure.

The United States Coast Guard has specific safety requirements for all recreational vessels. Adhering to these not only keeps your tender legal, but it also keeps you and your family safe. You can follow a simplified list of requirements.

It’s Easy to Use RIBs

For everyday boating operations, having an inflatable-sided dinghy is the best. You don’t have to deal with fenders or worry about all the bumps and nudges like on a hard tender.

Getting a spot at the dinghy dock often means playing bumper boats. If you have a dinghy with inflatable sides, you don’t damage other vessels, the dock, or your dinghy. Not to mention if you’re dropping someone off or tying up on your yacht, you can leave your dinghy unattended without worrying about damage to your boat.

Sometimes, it’s easier to tow your tender than it is to put it away — like if you’re changing to a nearby mooring or going to a secluded cove for the day. And unlike a hard tender, an inflatable can bounce off your yacht without damaging anything.

Anyone Can Maintain a RIB

Rigid inflatable boats need a lot less maintenance than hard tenders, partially because they’re less likely to get damaged in the first place. Inflatables don’t have fiberglass siding that can get cracks or holes, and their parts are easily replaceable. We offer replacement parts through our website and also have free online owners manuals for every model we carry.

RIBs are also much easier to keep clean than the scuff-prone fiberglass of hard tenders. The tubes are made of high-quality non-absorbent material that lets you easily wash off or wipe down your dinghy to keep it looking nice.

RIBs Are More Comfortable Than Hard Dinghies

Inflatable dinghies are bound to be more seaworthy than hard dinghies. The inflatable tubes absorb shock from wind waves and swell when you’re going fast, which gives you and your family a better ride.

Did we mention inflatable dinghies are just more fun? The incredible stability of the inflatable sides makes climbing out of the water a lot easier. And when you’re ready to cool off, the tubing makes for the perfect diving platform. You and your family can literally bounce off the walls.

How to Pick the Right Dinghy for You

Basically, choosing the best yacht tender comes down to three things:

• What tender your yacht can hold
• How many people will be aboard your tender
• How you’ll use your tender

Tender Sizing

Determining the right-sized tender for your yacht is an important decision. People sometimes go for the first inexpensive option they see, without realizing just how much time they’ll end up spending on their tender — but keep in mind, tenders are the unsung heroes of the boating world.

It depends on how you want to use your dinghy, of course, but a good rule of thumb is if you can go bigger, go bigger. You don’t want to overdo it, but people sometimes underestimate the size of the dinghy they’ll need and have to upgrade later. Leave yourself some extra leg room and you, your family and your guests, including loyal pets, will be happier in the long run.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the size of your tender.

What Size Dinghy Can Your Yacht Carry?

The size of your storage area is often a good indicator of how large your dinghy should be. If you’re not sure what size dinghy is best suited to your yacht, measure the tender storage area or contact your dealer — they will give you the specifications of your dinghy storage and a suitable range of tender sizes.

Also, keep in mind what the type of storage area for a dinghy on your yacht. If you have a dedicated dinghy garage where it will be out of the way when not in use, you don’t have to worry about getting the maximum size. But if your dinghy storage is on a hydraulic swim step, keep in mind you’ll need enough room to function around the dinghy while it’s aboard.

How Many People Will Be Aboard Your Yacht Tender?

If your yacht has room for a lot of passengers, you’ll probably want a dinghy that can transport a lot of people, too. When you’re doing ship-to-shore transportation for you and your guests, you don’t want to make five trips to the dock and back. Choose a tender that can hold enough passengers and cargo.

Again, assuming you have enough room to store it, we recommend assessing your dinghy needs and then considering the next size up to leave room for any extra guests, luggage or toys you may want to bring along. Extra space not only helps you operate your dinghy more safely, but it also leaves room for comfort.

What’s the Purpose of Your Dinghy?

That’s easy — fun! Pick your pleasure.

Are you all about watersports and exploration? Water skiing and searching for secluded beaches to relax the day away or scuba diving on beautiful reefs? Or maybe you’re just looking for a stable and dry ride to shore to shop, dine and discover. Whatever it is you like to do, a proper tender gets you into the mix.

Once you decide how you want to use your dinghy, you’ll have a better idea of which one you’ll want. If you like watersports, maybe a model with a little more size and power will suit you. If you just want a comfortable, dry ride to shore, maybe you’d prefer a model that’s smaller and quiet.

By the way, kids love dinghies — it’s a fact. Inflatable dinghies are awesome for towing the kids around on inflatable water toys, and they’re also a great way to teach the young ones how to drive a boat. But be careful — you’ll be asking “permission to come aboard” before you know it.

A Step-by-Step Review of How to Pick Your Yacht Dinghy

Follow these five steps to ensure you pick your RIB correctly:

• Determine the size of tender your boat can handle.
• Estimate the number of passengers and how much gear you’ll carry.
• Figure out how you want to use your tender.
• Browse and pick your favorite model .
• Hit the open seas.

Tender Pricing Vs. Quality

There are cheap dinghy options out there, but you often get what you pay for. A proper tender is not only a representation of your yacht but an integral part of your boating experience. The yacht may do the heavy lifting on a voyage, but the dinghy is your transportation once you’re on anchor or a mooring.

If you work hard to create a luxurious atmosphere on your yacht, you’ll want a dinghy that reflects the same attention to detail that you expect from a precision watercraft. Our tenders are all about functionality without sacrificing style. We know a quality dinghy is essential to your yacht — that’s why we don’t cut corners. We pride ourselves on using the latest technology with only the best materials and precision European craftsmanship.

What Dinghy Models Does BRIG USA Offer?

We manufacture all of our tenders in our 100,000-square-feet headquarters in Europe . A team of industry experts — including ex-military and aeronautical engineers — seasoned craftsmen and designers make sure that no detail is overlooked. We take pride in knowing we produce premium dinghies for amazing adventures around the world. We have a wide range of tenders to choose from to match your needs and preferences:

• Our Falcon Tender series ranges from 9 feet 6 inches to 15 feet 10 inches and can carry four to nine people, or 500 to 2,645 pounds. This series is the smaller range of tenders that we offer, but make no mistake — they have the power to get the job done and look good doing it.
• Our Navigator series is a step up in size from the Falcon series. They range from 15 feet 11 inches to 24 feet and can carry eight to 10 people, or 2,315 to 3,960 pounds. This line of tenders has increased size and range for bigger yachts and even more passengers, gear and good times.
• The Eagle series is our flagship line. With unparalleled design and function, they range from 11 feet 2 inches all the way to 32 feet 6 inches and can carry from four to 20 people, or 1,320 to 6,173 pounds. On our larger models, you won’t feel like you’re on a dinghy — they have the capacity, range and comfort for a full day of fun with the whole gang. No joke — these tenders turn heads.

Who Makes the Best Rigid Inflatable Boats? Find Them at BRIG USA

Yes, we’re biased. But for good reason — our dealers have the largest inventory of inflatable boats in the United States and the best inflatable yacht tenders. No one matches our prices or quality.

We have several options for high-quality dinghies for your needs and your price point. We offer premium quality at competitive pricing.

No matter what you’re looking for, BRIG USA has the right tender for your yacht. Check out our models and get out on the water.

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Top 15 Tenders and RIBS

Top 15 Tenders and RIBs

Here’s a look at some of today’s top tender and rib builders and their models., zodiac pro 6.5.

Achilles HB-315DX

Airship 340

Hyfoil Foiling RIB 28

  Argos Nautic 305 Yachting

  Avon Seasport 400 Deluxe

Caribe nautica dl11, highfield cldl360.

Mercury 320 Aluminium

Technohull Omega 45 

Ribcraft 5.85

Sealegs Electric E4

Walker Bay Venture 14

 Williams Sportjet 435

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• The Ultimate Guide to Dinghy Tenders: From Affordable Options to Luxurious Choices

Ever wondered how to get from your yacht to shore without the hassle? Or perhaps you're a sailing enthusiast looking for a compact way to venture into shallow waters? Dinghy tenders might just be the answer to all your needs. Let's delve into the fascinating world of these small but essential boats, and explore why having a good tender is more than just a luxury—it's a necessity.

Types of Dinghy Tenders

Small tender boat.

The small tender boat is the bread and butter of the tender world. Think of it as your go-to vehicle for quick errands; it's agile, easily maneuverable, and can be powered by rowing, outboard engines, or even sails.

Sail Tenders

Want a more traditional, wind-powered experience? Sail tenders offer just that. These tenders are equipped with a sail and provide a uniquely thrilling way to explore coastal areas.

Sailing Tenders

If you're looking for the ultimate sailing experience, sailing tenders take it a notch higher by combining the features of motor and sail tenders. These are ideal for those who want versatility on the water.

Yacht Dinghy

When you're cruising on a yacht, a dinghy serves as your secondary boat, allowing you to anchor offshore and still visit the marina, go fishing, or explore secluded beaches.

Affordable Options

Cheap tender boat.

Who says you have to break the bank to own a tender? Cheap tender boats are budget-friendly options that serve their purpose well, without the frills.

Blow-up Yacht

Inflatable boats, or "blow-up yachts," offer an affordable and portable solution. These tenders can easily be stored and are perfect for occasional use.

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High-End Choices

Best cruising dinghy.

If you're in the market for something more luxurious, a cruising dinghy offers advanced features like more comfortable seating, better handling, and advanced navigation systems.

Best Yacht Tender

If you have a penchant for the finer things in life, choosing the best yacht tender to complement your yacht is crucial. These tenders offer advanced safety features, elegant designs, and premium performance.

The Role of Davits

Importance of davits for tenders.

Davits are essentially crane-like devices used for lifting your tender out of the water. They are integral in ensuring that your boat remains safe and secure.

Types of Davits

From manual to hydraulic, there are various types of davits each serving unique purposes and needs. Make sure to choose the one that fits your boat and lifting requirements.

Inflatable Sail: An Overview

What is an inflatable sail.

Imagine a sail that can be inflated and deflated at your convenience. Inflatable sails offer that flexibility, making them excellent for limited storage spaces.

Benefits of Using Inflatable Sail

Besides saving space, inflatable sails are generally easier to manage, making them ideal for beginners and pros alike.

Sailing Yacht A Tender

Exploring the unique sailing yacht a tender.

The Sailing Yacht A tender is a marvel of modern design and technology. With its distinctive features, it stands out as a symbol of luxury and innovation.

Special Features

From state-of-the-art navigation systems to luxurious interiors, the Sailing Yacht A tender offers a once-in-a-lifetime boating experience.

Choosing the Right Tender

Factors to consider.

From size to power source and additional features, numerous factors should be considered when choosing the right tender for your needs.

Maintenance Tips

Routine checks and proper storage are key to keeping your tender in tip-top shape. Don't forget to also inspect the sails, engine, and any other movable parts.

Places to Buy Tenders

Whether online or in-store, buying a tender involves careful research and consideration of various options available.

Online vs In-Store

While buying online offers convenience, purchasing in-store allows you to get a feel of the product.

Safety First

Don't skimp on safety measures. Always have life jackets and a first aid kit on board, and make sure to follow all maritime rules and regulations.

Popular Brands

Some of the well-known brands in the dinghy tender market include Zodiac, Walker Bay, and West Marine. Each offers a range of options to suit various needs.

DIY: Making Your Tender

If you're a hands-on person, consider building your own tender. It's not only cost-effective but also a rewarding experience.

Eco-Friendly Options

From electric engines to recycled materials, there are sustainable choices to consider when purchasing or building a tender.

Understanding Tender Sizes

While we've talked a lot about features and types, it's also important to note that size does matter when it comes to choosing a tender. How much room do you have for storage? Are you going to be the only person using it, or do you plan on having guests? Understanding your size needs is crucial to making an informed decision.

Accessories for Your Tender

To make your experience even more enjoyable, consider investing in some accessories. From built-in fishing rod holders to storage compartments and even Bluetooth speakers, accessories can elevate your boating experience. However, don't go overboard; only add accessories that you'll use regularly.

Marine Laws and Regulations

Don't forget to keep yourself updated on marine laws and regulations. Depending on your jurisdiction, you might need specific permits or licenses to operate a dinghy tender. It's always better to be informed and prepared rather than facing penalties later.

Weather Conditions and Tenders

Operating a tender in calm waters is one thing, but what about when the weather is less than ideal? Certain tenders are better equipped for rough conditions, with features like reinforced hulls and better stability. Be mindful of where and when you'll be using your tender to make sure it suits all conditions.

Community and Clubs

Joining a community or a club dedicated to sailing or yachting can be an excellent way to gain knowledge and share experiences. You'll find seasoned sailors who can offer advice, and you may even get a chance to see different types of tenders in action before making a decision.

Used vs New Tenders

When budget is a concern, opting for a used tender can save you some money. However, be sure to thoroughly inspect the boat for any signs of wear and tear or potential issues. On the flip side, new tenders come with warranties and are less likely to have problems, although they do cost more.

Resale Value

If you're viewing your tender as an investment, consider its resale value. Premium brands and well-maintained boats tend to hold their value better than cheaper or less-known brands. Do your research to ensure you're making a wise investment.

Test Drives

Just like you wouldn't buy a car without test-driving it, you shouldn't buy a tender without giving it a spin. Many dealers and private sellers will allow you to take the tender out for a test. This is a valuable opportunity to gauge its performance and see if it fits your needs.

Tender Training Courses

Are you new to operating a boat or just need a refresher? Consider enrolling in a tender training course. These courses teach you not only how to operate the boat but also important safety measures that could come in handy.

Seasonal Care

Last but not least, consider the seasonal care your tender will need. Will you be using it all year round, or only in specific seasons? Knowing this can help you plan for storage and maintenance, ensuring your tender stays in optimal condition for years to come.

Choosing the right dinghy tender is crucial for any sailing enthusiast or yacht owner. With options ranging from affordable to high-end, and from simple to technologically advanced, there's a tender for everyone. But remember, regardless of the type you choose, safety and maintenance should never take a back seat.

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Faqs about dinghy tenders.

A dinghy tender is used for short trips from a larger boat to the shore or for exploring shallow waters.

Yes, inflatable sails are generally reliable and offer the benefit of easy storage and management.

Yes, with the right tools and skills, building your own tender is possible and rewarding.

Zodiac, Walker Bay, and West Marine are among the popular brands.

The Best Yacht Tenders: Customizing Your Yachting Adventures

Thinking of buying a tender for your yacht, or maybe going for a small and comfortable way to get around the waterways? There are a lot of tenders on the market, so how do you know which engine, style, and construction are best for you? At Argos Nautic , we're here to help yacht owners and boating enthusiasts find the luxury tender their yacht deserves. No matter what your boating needs are — transportation, cruising, fishing, watersports, etc. — we can craft the best tender on the market.

What is a Yacht Tender?

A yacht tender is more than just a small boat used to transport people and supplies to and from a yacht. Tenders can represent adventure, convenience, luxury, and fun outside of the mothership. With the right tender, you can elevate your yachting experience and enjoy more time out on the open seas.

Yacht tenders are typically designed to be lightweight, easily maneuverable, and capable of withstanding various weather conditions. They can be constructed from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Yacht Tender Material

You'll find fiberglass and aluminum dinghies on the tender market, but the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) stands out as the preferred style for many yacht owners, and for good reasons.

RIBs offer exceptional stability and buoyancy due to their deep-V hull design and inflatable tubes. They are highly maneuverable, making docking and navigating in congested areas easier. Maneuverability is specifically important when operating so close to larger vessels. Rigid hull inflatable boats are versatile, serving various purposes and providing ample space for center consoles, seating, and storage. They are durable, with materials like ORCA Hypalon 110 tubing that offers resistance to UV rays, abrasion, and punctures. The combination of a rigid hull and inflatable tubes ensures safety and makes RIBs reliable even in rough waters.

When deciding to go for a RIB instead of a fiberglass one of the most important things to consider is weight. Mounting a heavy fiberglass tender on a platform sometimes is not an option. Even better, lighter weight means better fuel efficiency, making a rigid inflatable yacht tender a clear winner.

Engines on Yacht Tenders

Of course, the engine that powers your tender makes all the difference in performance, maintenance, and versatility. Every boater is different, so the engine that works best for one might not offer the performance required by another. That's where options are important.

A reliable outboard engine is going to be the most common. Modern outboards are perfect for a tender, running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently with very low fuel consumption. Plus, they are easy to maintain and more cost-effective than alternatives.

Jet engines are taking over the tender market. A jet tender offers a personalized watercraft experience. Its balance and speed allow it to get up on the plane easily. Plus, thanks to its shallow draft and flat bottom design, a jet tender has the unique capability to access super shallow water that is inaccessible to other types of boats.

To take yacht tenders to the next level, diesel engines can power larger models and offer a truly luxurious experience. Diesel engines might come with a higher price tag, but this price is accompanied by convenience, performance, and luxury boating. Powered by a conventional diesel inboard marine engine , diesel tenders run on the same fuel as your mothership. Plus, they give you the long service life, efficiency, and reliability that diesel engines are renowned for.

The best tender engine is going to depend on your needs, preferences, and budget - which is why Argos Nautic offers all three of these quality engines.

Pairing Your Yacht With a Luxury Tender

Sure, you can buy any old dinghy on the market, throw it next to your big boat and call it a day, but you and your yacht both deserve better. Better style, better performance, and most importantly, customization. A luxury yacht tender means one-of-one, expertly crafted, and designed to complement your yacht. At Argos Nautic, we can custom design every tender to match or complement the upholstery, paint colors, and any other detail that makes your yacht the best.

The Best Tenders Offer It All

Sure, tenders are made to transport you to and from your vessel, but it surely doesn't have to stop there. When searching for the best tender, versatility is key. A versatile yacht tender offers a wide range of use cases, making it a valuable, more enjoyable asset for yacht owners and boat lovers.

Of course, it serves as a reliable means of transportation, shuttling passengers and supplies between the yacht and the shore. But, its maneuverability and performance allow for the exploration of coastlines, coves, and islands, providing opportunities for sightseeing and discovery. Equipped with water sports gear, the tender becomes a thrilling platform for activities like wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. For fishing enthusiasts, it offers access to shallow fishing spots and secluded grounds. Diving and snorkeling trips are made convenient with a tender, facilitating transport to dive sites and exploration of coral reefs. It is also perfect for beach exploration, island picnics, and providing emergency assistance or rescue operations. With a versatile yacht tender, the world is your oyster.

The Best Yacht Tender on the Market

At Argos Nautic , we understand RIB tenders — the practicality, versatility, and performance they can offer. What's more is we understand luxury — style, ergonomics, and features that will meet the highest standards and match the most luxurious yachts. With the most experience, the best technology, and unmatched attention to detail, we've crafted the best tender models on the market.

Located in Miami, Florida, we custom design, handcraft, and ship our tenders to any yacht owner around the world. Explore our range of tender models and trust Argos Nautic to make your tender dreams a reality.

The GT Series

The GT is our classic tender model, boosting a powerful and reliable outboard engine. Both GT models offer a smooth ride at a top speed of 40mph. If a high-performing tender in a convenient size is what you're looking for, our GT11 is the way to go. For larger vessels, the GT14 offers the same level of luxury, style, and comfort in a longer configuration.

The JET Series

If you're looking for a little more versatility and speed in your tender experience, our JET Series is a no-brainer. With its jet propulsion system, this series offers exceptional maneuverability, allowing for precise handling and agile navigation in tight spaces and congested areas. Both tender models use a shallow draft, granting access to shallow waters and secluded locations that may be unreachable by other tender types. With impressive acceleration and maximum speed, our JET Series provides thrilling experiences and unmatched versatility.

The Diesel Series

If a superyacht tender is what you're looking for, the Diesel Series is our largest tender offering with ample storage space, a modular design, fuel efficiency, and amazing performance. This boat can help you do it all - cruise around the bay, go out diving, waterski, take a dip off the swim platform, you name it. The Diesel 15 and 17 are open tenders that can hold up to 7 and 9 passengers to take friends and family on every boating adventure.

Advancing the Tender Market

As a custom RIB manufacturer, our goal is to offer our clients the best, most personalized tender solutions on the market. Whether you're looking at outboard , jet , or diesel engines, all Argos Nautic tenders serve the same purpose. Delivering the best performance style and comfort to yacht owners around the world. Every detail of these tenders has been designed to make heads turn, beautiful custom colors make each tender unique, and the sporty looks are complimented with carlike comfort in upholstery ergonomics, materials, top-of-the-line accessories, and incomparable quality making Argos Nautic tenders feel less like a support boat and more like the main event.

At Argos Nautic, we cater to our clients offering customization on preferences and delivering dreams.

Explore our tender options, design your personal model, and contact us today for more information.

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The ultimate tender test

We review 10 inflatable dinghies on the market to see which one would make the ultimate tender

Honwave T27

Part of a new design range from Honda, this is a purposeful-looking craft, with an inflated vee floor, that extends past the transom to give a better planing area.

It has a two-stage foot pump, plus a separate pressure gauge. You have to inflate the three tubes in the right order, as the internal divider between them has a diaphragm that is designed to equalise pressure if the ambient temperature builds up during the day.

Securing the end of the hose into the valve proved difficult for some. The T27 has good all-round grab ropes, plus four large handles.

Four stainless steel davit lifting eyes are fitted, but a non-return transom drain means it will not self-drain. A strap in the floor secures the fuel tank.

Fabric triangles between the transom and the tube stop your stern wave flooding the boat if you stop suddenly or go astern.

The row locks consist of a stainless steel pin and plastic nut, with a horse-shoe clip to secure the oars when not in use.

The boat sits very high out of the water when empty, and even with one person aboard it tipped slightly from side to side, but you could still keep a straight course when rowing.

With a 5hp outboard the T27 got up onto the plane easily with one or two people aboard, helped by the extended hull.

It ran smooth and level up to 12mph with one up and 8mph with two up, although the seat is sited too far forward to sit on and look the way you are travelling.

A tiller extension would correct this. With the 2.5hp engine the tender made 6mph with one or two crew.

Vital stats

At 44kg it was the heaviest on test, due to its GRP transom and seat. Its packed length was at the short end of the scale, but its girth was slightly high.

£870 puts it in the middle of the field, with a warranty of two years.

Contact www.honda.co.uk 01753 590545

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Is your tender up to it? We test the F-Rib foldable RIB

• January 4, 2017

Does the F-RIB really offer the rugged performance of a RIB while folding down as small as an inflatable? Bruce Jacobs of Rubicon 3 Adventures put it through a season's testing and the verdict is in...

Product Overview

Overall rating:.

• Compact size when folded
• Easy to set up
• Performs as well as any other RIB

Ocean sailors have long battled the dilemma of the tender: out at sea, it has no use and takes up valuable space, yet once you arrive at your next destination, you need it to head ashore or explore the coast.

Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 10: the care and use of the ship’s dinghy.

A small inflatable rubber tender is all well and good – it takes up very little space when properly deflated and stowed away – but its limitations will become obvious once you have any significant distance to cover, or if you set off in anything more than a flat calm. In ideal conditions, an inflatable will get a couple of you to shore and back – just – but that’s about it.

We’d all love a RIB for the extra seaworthiness, speed and stability, but stowage on deck takes a lot of space and it’s just plain dangerous to have a RIB hanging from davits out at sea.

https://youtu.be/uHbTjL6Z4iM

Which is where the foldable F-RIB fits in. Designed by the Russian special forces, this piece of kit genuinely does it all. It’s a RIB that folds up.

The design is simple – and brilliant. The solid fibreglass floor is divided into three sections, all bonded to the inflatable tubes. Unfold them, making sure the tongue fits into the groove on each piece, and inflate the tubes. The air pressure alone holds the floor in place, but a couple of bolts give added security.

Ours is folded and lashed to the deck just in front of the mast. It takes about five minutes to unpack and inflate, using a 240V pump run off the inverter, and then we are off and running.

Heading off on expeditions to wild and remote areas such as Greenland and Iceland, we need a tender that can handle a sea state and the F-RIB performs superbly. A lot of kit we buy promises the world and delivers a lot less. The F-RIB is an exception. If anything, it under-promises, and for ocean cruisers, this should be on your ‘find a way to get this’ list. Our only concern is that the Russian special forces are designing equipment this good!

The F-RIB comes in various sizes from 2.75m to 4.6m. Rubicon 3 uses the 3.6m with a 20hp Suzuki four-stroke outboard, a combination that has done very well.

One of the best bits of kit we’ve bought. www.foldablerib.com

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• Tenders & Equipment

Smooth operator: Putting the new Foiler tender to the test

Rolling waves and bumpy swell? Just rise above it, says Stewart Campbell, on this new tender contender...

Usually on a sea trial of an open boat this size, there’s no point taking notes. The movement of the boat as it rides up and over the swell and associated spray mean anything written down exists in your notebook as a blur of lines, sodden zigzags and ripped pages. If you’ve got kids, then consider their penmanship at three. Now imagine they’ve spilled their juice all over the notebook, fought over it with a sibling and then given it to the dog. That’s usually what you’re left with.

If there’s any way I can prove to you that the ride of the Foiler is unnaturally smooth, then it’s the fact that I can actually read what I furiously scribbled during a sea trial of the 9.6 metre boat outside Port Rashid, Dubai. “Like riding on a cushion,” I jot down. “Perfect tender material.” I keep thinking about guests wanting to get ashore for dinner and a superyacht captain demurring because the swell is kicking up. The Foiler would mean everyone arrives at the quayside tucked and unruffled, whereas the same ride in a standard limo or open tender might have guests demanding a resignation.

But if foiling was going to go mainstream, surely it would have happened by now? When I put that to Sylvain Vieujot, founder and chairman of Enata, which makes the Foiler, he doesn’t hesitate. First, the foils on his boat are carbon fibre, which means they are supremely strong and can be finely shaped for maximum efficiency. In the past, foils have been metallic and have had rudimentary shapes – mainly a semi-submerged U or fully submerged T – and, being metallic, they required intensive maintenance.

Second, the craft carrying these metallic foils had very high take-off speeds, well beyond 20 knots, so there was a long and sometimes uncomfortable run-up to take-off and a limited band of foiling potential at the top end. Conversely, the Foiler is up on her twin carbon foils at 12 knots and has a 40 knot top speed, meaning almost immediate take-off and a wide band of foiling potential. And lastly, modern engines are smaller, more efficient, punchier and also quieter, so more suited to the concept.

It’s really a case of technology catching up with the physics, which Vieujot believes heralds a foiling revolution. If this was coming from a start-up you might put it down to marketing spin, but Enata is one of the leading composites manufacturers in the Middle East, working across aerospace, marine and architecture. Its work is diverse, from making foiling kitesurf boards that have been chosen for the Olympics to building the dome for the second largest mosque in Mecca, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles for militaries around the world.

In 2016 the company acquired Hydros, the Swiss company behind the foiling trimaran Hydroptère , which was the fastest sailing yacht in the world over a nautical mile from 2007 to 2012. Vieujot, himself a sailor who almost competed for France at the Olympics, bought the company with the ambition to build a boat that would change everything. And here I am driving it.

The first thing to note about the Foiler isn’t its performance, or efficiency, it’s the fact that it looks good. The styling and naval architecture were done in-house by Enata. “If you try and collaborate with established naval architects, they tend to be conservative,” says Vieujot. “They want to do what they’ve done previously. We even had to push our internal team.” The finished article took around eight years to hit the water – from concept design to construction – and it is a truly distinctive boat, with an upright stem and pronounced “cheeks” in the topsides, which act as spray deflectors and protect the foils when they’re retracted alongside. Inside, there’s seating around the central engine hatch and a pair of lounge-type chairs right in the nose.

This first hull features a pair of 320hp BMW engines, but Vieujot says he is revisiting this for future hulls. The engines are linked to electric motors that power a pair of props mounted on little torpedoes at the end of each retractable rudder. The motors can also charge a battery bank, so at low speed the Foiler can operate in silence on battery power alone. A power management system (“It’s the same software as the McLaren F1”) constantly monitors output and combines battery and diesel engines at the top end to produce the Foiler’s maximum speed. Sadly, on our test day one of the engines is misbehaving, but even on one engine and using the battery we still get up at 12 knots, are flying fully at 18 and cruising at around 20 knots. Outside the port in the wide-open sea, wave heights are around a metre and I instinctively brace as we take on the first roller, but instead of a sharp pitch and a face full of spray all I get is a gentle wallow as the wave passes beneath us. It’s the same experience in beam and following seas – none of the usual rules apply.

Even if I can’t experience top speed, I still get plenty of neck-snapping G-force in the turns. The handling is so immediate and precise that it’s shocking the first time you swing the wheel. There is no heel and zero slip. It’s just a flat, fast turn that makes you appreciate the helm’s bucket seat. The loads this puts on the foils are immense. “Sometimes the whole static and dynamic weight of the boat is on one foil,” says Vieujot, so they’re necessarily very, very strong – as is the structure around them. Fibre optics throughout the foils feedback real-time stress information to the helm, and the system will release them a little if set parameters are breached. So far, there have been no dramas. On one sea trial they hit a wooden crate, which the carbon fibre foils just exploded. Picking up plastic bags at low speed is a pain, says Vieujot, but hitting them at top speed pops them. If the worst does happen and a foil snaps, they’re boxed in a watertight compartment, so no water should be shipped.

Vieujot is eyeing the superyacht tender market. With the foils and rudders folded, the Foiler slims right down – just 2.3 metres high, by 3.3 metres wide and 10 metres long, so ideal for the garages of larger yachts. As for price, it’s €990,000 for a Foiler delivered to Dubai. Enata says it will build you one in 12 months, but that’s factoring in a bit of wiggle room while they get production going. A few extras are under development, like a hardtop with solar capacity to trickle charge the batteries, and even a joystick on the forward lounge seats. He’s also planning to modify the foils and increase engine power on the production model for an even better ride, if that’s possible. But the big news is he thinks he can apply his technology to boats much bigger than the Foiler. “Thirty metres?” I suggest. “We can go bigger than that. Easy,” Vieujot shoots back. It’ll be even easier taking notes on that one.

This article first appeared in the August 2018 edition of Boat International .

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• Hydrofoil Technology

Choosing The Best Yacht Tender

Being out on the water with your yacht is an unbeatable feeling. The warm sun and soft waves are the best way anyone could spend their weekend. However, if you want to have full freedom on the water, you’ll need a yacht tender in order to do so. A yacht will only be able to fit into so many places so you’ll need a yacht tender in order to reach each and every place you want to go. Owning a yacht tender also opens up different opportunities such as watersports, scuba diving, snorkeling, and cruising under the sun! Hysucat is here to help you with choosing the best yacht tender possible.

Your yacht tender should do more than just get you where you need to go. It should reflect the beauty and elegance of your yacht. There’s no better way to do this than with a RIB from Hysucat. Our luxurious yet rugged RIBs will make cruising the water more fun than being on the yacht. 

Having the right tender on your yacht will allow you to experience the water to the fullest. There are plenty of tender options out there but we want to help you find the perfect one for your yacht.

Benefits of Rigid Inflatable Boats

RIBs have become the go-to choice for yacht owners and there’s good reason for it.

When it comes to the water, safety is always the number one priority. There’s no telling what could happen so it’s good to have a tender that’s prepared for anything. A RIB will be ready for any condition thrown at it. This is why the United States Coast Guard, military, and police have been using RIBs for years now. These boats are virtually unsinkable and will keep you and your passengers safe at all times. 

Premium Stability

RIBs have some of the best stability on the water. This is thanks to the large inflatable tubes on the side and the hard hull which makes for incredible stability. The large inflatable tubes also increase the load capacity which makes it possible to fit more passengers and more equipment.

High Efficiency

Since these dinghies are inflatable, they weigh much less making them more efficient than their hard tender counterparts. This means you can pack more on the vessel and save fuel while doing it. 

Easy Operation

Unlike a hard yacht tender, inflatable tenders are extremely easy to use and operate. There’s no having to deal with fenders or collisions. Since the sides are inflatable and not hard materials, you never have to worry about colliding with another boat or the dock. You’ll simply bounce off of them with no damage done. 

Picking The Right Yacht Tender

Picking the right tender for your yacht comes down to three different things. These three things include:

• What size tender can your yacht support.
• How many people will be boarding the tender?
• How the tender will be used.

Tender Sizing

Making sure the size of a tender will fit on your yacht is obviously important. People will often buy a tender not doing the proper research or measurements, leaving them with a tender that doesn’t fit on their yacht. 

To make sure a tender will fit, look at the size of your storage area. This will give you a good idea of how large a tender can be. Contact your local dealer for specifications and a suitable range of tender sizes. 

How Many People Are Boarding The Tender?

If your yacht has a lot of room for passengers, it’s important to choose a tender that can support a lot of passengers too. You don’t want to make 5 different trips when going to the shore. Choose a tender that will support a majority of your equipment and passengers to cut down on unnecessary trips. 

What is the Purpose of Your Tender?

This is the easy part! 

Are you using the tender for watersports? Looking for a beach? Want to go on a joy ride down the shore? Whatever the case, a proper tender will help you get there. 

Once you have a better idea of what it will be used for, it will make the selection process that much easier. If you like water sports, choosing something bigger with more power will be the way to go. If you are using it for simple cruising, then a smaller, more efficient, tender will be the way to go. 

Who Makes The Best Yacht Tender? Choose Hysucat

We may be biased but we have good reason to be. Our RIBs are both luxurious and rugged. They’ll get you where you need to go and you’ll look good doing it. We have several different options available to help you find the perfect size for you and your yacht.

Your Head Start Gift! Kickstart Your Explorer Yacht Journey By Understanding How To Work With Your Shipyard. FREE DOWNLOAD

• Aug 29, 2023

Explorer Yacht Tender Design: A Closer Look at the Details

Updated: Sep 14, 2023

Today, we're anchoring in a bit closer to home, focusing on a vessel that might not cover vast distances but plays a crucial role in our high-latitude sailing journeys. Fresh from our Factory Acceptance Test at the Hebbeke Shipyard, I'm excited to delve into the specifics of our Explorer Yacht Tender.

Join me as we traverse the design, functionality, and challenges of creating a tender fit for the icy realms.

Time has come to discuss our tender.

We have just visited Hebbeke Shipyard for the Factory Acceptance Test. She is 95% complete. An earlier Blog, linked HERE , covered the high-level choices for solid hull vs. RIB construction and inboard vs. outboard diesel. Let's cover the points missing from that earlier Blog.

Design criteria

These were the main design criteria.

Carrying capacity of 6 six crew. (We will bring a smaller Inflatable RIB as a backup and for beach landings.) Good carrying capacity for supplies and equipment

Single diesel fuel operation, extended range, and cruising speed.

My wife Sebrina does not like getting wet ( hold that thought for later ).

Navigation system to be compatible with Vanguard ( Time Zero on Furuno MFD ).

At least some protection for the hull from floating ice or debris.

Depth gauge fitted, GPS & AIS so that she will be visible from our Explorer Yacht. Enhanced nighttime visibility

Easy access from bow and stern and for a dive team from the water

Ice and debris

Hebbeke Shipyard makes Search And Rescue craft (SAR); these face similar issues of floating debris, especially SAR and Police craft used on inland waters. The advice of the yard is to strengthen the forefoot with a doubler placed on the skin and additional stringers internally. This adds little weight but protects from impact, especially when planning. It may get dented but is unlikely to leak.

Similarly, we added a wrap-around D Section fender to the gunwale stake ( see video ).

Hebbeke shortened the bow above the waterline, adding a pusher fender so we could easily hold against a dock when boarding. We also added vertical protection at the beam when alongside; the fenders will not hook up above the dock edge if hit by a wake or swell.

The engine is a 110bhp Yanmar diesel, Tier III emissions certified for EPA regulations in the USA. (It has a hot water heating option if we want to install it ).

We now have single fuel capability, refilling from the ship's main fuel tanks. A Castoldi jet drive provides Fwd, Astern, and Neutral positions (neutral is the jet pointed downwards). This is the same setup as Hull No 1 HERE . A back flush clears the inlet grate in case of blockage by weeds or debris. By removing the propeller, we protect any swimmers and the potential damage to the prop. We also reduce the minimum draft from 300 to 100mm, hardly enough to get one's feet wet! Jet drives are efficient at high speeds of the planing hull and provide superb maneuverability at slow speeds. In our trial, she will turn on her length Fwd or Astern.

Diesel equates to efficiency, and we have a single 100 L fuel tank in the hull. A fuel consumption of 22 L/h gives 4.5 hours at full speed.

During the trail ( six on board ), we maxed at 31 knots in flat water (35mph), providing a range of around 140 NM at full speed, loaded.

Hull features

Internal deck surfaces are coated with Treadmaster ( remaining floor to complete ), and the deck is self-draining if swamped. The hull is designed with two substantial spray rails, providing a dry ride even in choppy water. 2 shore reels carry 100 feet of flat braided Dyneema ( to be fitted near the helm ) each, and an additional two by 300 feet held on Vanguard that can be transferred to sail bags. Three Sampson Posts are on the stern, one for toys and two for towing on a yoke. The video below is the nearly completed dive access door. It has a built-in ladder giving access to the tender with weights and dive gear still on (though probably not flippers!).

For visibility at night, we added a low-light camera from Black Oak and enhanced this with three infrared LED long-distance spotlights (blue). These provide much greater illumination but do not affect the helmsman's vision. We also have two visible light LED spots (clear) illuminating the hull and stern when working at anchor or organizing dive gear. We also added Nav and deck lights. All lights came from Black Oak, I like their products for their finish and reliability. ( HERE ) Both instrument mast and helm screen will fold down for better stowage on deck.

Covers & instruments

A steaming cover keeps things dry when operating in inclement conditions ( think Sebrina ), and a full deck cover for storage. We will fit the remaining instruments and Chart Plotter ( Furuno GP-1971F ) on delivery to Turkey. Coms are also yet to be fitted; ICom fixed VHF unit plus personal VHF per crew. We bought two of the new ICom 94DE with AIS function for this purpose, plus some more typical units.

LOA is 5.5M, draft is 0.1M, and an all-up weight is 1300kg with a full fuel tank. Top speed about 31kt, trolling speed with minimal wake about 6kt before the bow rides up. Launching will employ a carbon fiber davit from FEM in Italy. The launch winch is either a manual or a Harken electrical two-way winch.

Further thought

If I were to make these decisions again, it would remain a toss-up between an RIB (think Highfield or Bombardier) Versus a traditional hull. Both have advantages; RIB with a D Torque diesel is about 300kg lighter. An aluminum hull's extra power (110 vs 50 hp) carrying capacity and single-fuel capability probably wins the day.

Chris Leigh-Jones

Happy to share plans for free if anyone wants to build their own. ( Donate a small sum to the Royal Navy and Royal Marine's Charity if you may. )

• Building Vanguard
• Yacht Equipment
• Yacht Tenders

Recent Posts

A Tender for an Explorer Yacht

Shorefast Lines - What We Used.

Weekly Update - Our Tender is Completed

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best inflatable boat: 9 compact tenders put to the test

• Robert Melotti
• September 9, 2021

Rob Melotti and the PBO test team put some lightweight, portable inflatable dinghies through their paces in Lymington to find the best inflatable boat

Inflatables are everywhere: paddleboards , canoes, kayaks , tents, kites and wings – and inflatable boat technology has long been a practical option for tenders, RIBs, liferafts and lifejackets .

But what the ‘new wave’ of inflatable boats brings to the practical boating landscape is the air floor, which makes very stable, very lightweight tenders a very practical option for people with limited stowage ie owners of cruising boats under 30ft.

And the market has responded with a selection of offerings under 2.4m weighing under 20kg. So which is the best and what should you be looking for to get the most for your money?

We tested nine models sold by eight different brand names. The inflatable boats were superficially quite similar, but in the accumulation of small details it was possible to pick a few favourites.

We rowed and motored all of the inflatable boats solo, and most of them with two aboard. We weighed and measured them and found a lot to like.

What’s the best inflatable boat? 9 options tested

3D Twin V Shape 230 Air Deck Tender was a good all-round performer – and best on test

3D Twin V Shape 230 Air deck tender

French manufacturer 3D Tender was one of the earliest producers of ultralight inflatable tenders. This model sports premium touches, such as davit rings and the most high-spec pump of all the inflatable boats on test.

In terms of convenience it is a rucksack carry bag with a large front pocket for the pump and accessories. The zips will need maintenance though.

The V floor is a single chamber, keeping set-up time to a minimum and keeping the weight down. The lack of safety lines on the side makes carrying as a two-person team a little less convenient than some of the other inflatable boats, but the keel strip will help preserve this boat.

The rowlocks double as cleats and the rubbing strake will provide strength but little in the way of splashproofing for passengers.

Buy it now on oceanfirstmarine.co.uk

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Force 4 02Lite was the lightest on test

Force 4 02Lite

This model is very similar to the Seago Go Lite (also tested), including the rucksack, which was our favourite on test for carrying comfort, although you do have to beware of any loose objects inside the bag dropping out of the side enclosure flap.

The Force 4 02Lite was the lightest package overall and packed down to just 90cm long.

The oars were the smallest on test, which affected the rowing performance, but it was the only inflatable boat with open rowlocks – so you can use your own oars.

The bench is adjustable, but I wasn’t able to position it far enough aft to brace my feet against the transom under oars.

There are three D-rings for making a towing bridle on the bow but no ergonomic carry handle.

The rubbing strake is minimal with no splash guard and there are no davit lifting eyes.

Buy it now on force4.co.uk

Crewsaver Air Deck 230 is solidly built and joint cheapest, but is outclassed by 3D Tender’s lightweight V floor design

Crewsaver Air Deck 230

Best cheap inflatable boat

The pack we were sent for testing had the incorrect seat included, but we were able to substitute a seat from one of the other inflatable boats on test without difficulty.

The rucksack doesn’t have a front pocket, but there are no zips to corrode and the adjustable webbing buckles mean the top opening of the bag is quite forgiving for repacking.

The safety lines are robustly attached to the hull, which is a feature that will pay dividends long-term, but adds a bit of weight.

The rubbing strake is also weighty, but the splash guards will keep water out of the boat.

The coned aft sponson caps are hard plastic, enabling vertical storage without damage and the rowlocks double as cleats.

There are davit rings in the bow and through the thick transom board, plus the bow handle is wide for ergonomic carrying.

Buy it now on crewsaver.com

Excel Ventura SL200

From a Midlands-based company that specialises in inflatable boats, this came with a great double-action hand pump and was the only boat on test with an over-pressure valve – a useful feature for exposure to the hot sun.

The safety lines are sturdily attached and splash guards make up part of the rubbing strake protecting the sides and keeping water out of the boat.

The rowlocks double as cleats and the bow handle is wide enough for a proper grip.

Excel Ventura SL200’s double action hand pump made short work of inflation

Davit fittings are supplied and the sponsons are shaped to add waterline length and buoyancy aft. The duffel carry bag was the sturdiest on test.

This inflatable boat comes with a good long set of oars, although we had to sit side-by-side to make any progress under oars with two adults on board.

Buy it now on excel-inflatables.co.uk

Quicksilver was big – but also heavy

Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240

This boat has an inflatable keel as well as a removable inflatable floor. There was also a rigid slat athwartship between the floor and keel, which increases the weight overall.

This is one of the priciest and heaviest inflatable boats on the test and one of the largest in packed dimensions.

It features a fuel tank strap, a decent keel strip to prevent damage on slipways, a decent bow carry handle and rowlock cleats.

The rubbing strake is quite meaty as well without being particularly splashproof.

The carry bag is very forgiving – opening flat like a groundsheet.

There were no carry handles on the sponsons and the safety rope fixings aren’t as solid as many of the other inflatable boats on test, although there are rowlock cleats and the seat is fully adjustable.

Buy it now on eBay

Light weight makes for easy handling on land and in the water

Seago Go Lite 230

Seago is a distributor, supplying UK chandleries and there are similarities between this model and the 02Lite from Force 4.

This model is very light and compact – just 0.5kg heavier than Force 4, but packs down to the same 90cm length.

The oars are very short, but are fixed using a pin and thole system which some may prefer over the Force 4’s rowlocks.

The PVC material is described as 1100 Decitex (Force 4 is 800 Decitex) and the backpacks of the two were identical: comfortable to carry and forgiving to repack due to their large side aperture rather than a narrow top.

The rubbing strake is minimal and there is no ergonomic bow handle.

Buy it now on seagoyachting.co.uk

YAM 200T is not rated for two adults

This 2m inflatable boat has a fixed seat and was unique on the test for having wooden slats to reinforce the floor. This means less pumping up, but slightly increased weight.

Like the 3D tender there is no safety rope so carrying between two crew involves spreading your arms wide from bow handle to stern handle placed on the sponsons. It is rated for one adult and one child – the smallest by rating on the test.

There is a hefty rubbing strake with raised levels to block spray and the rowlocks double as cleats. The oars are miniature and the bow has three D-rings for rigging a towing bridle but no ergonomic handle for carrying. With two adults aboard we would have been better rowing side by side – but it was no slouch under engine.

Buy it now on bhg-marine.co.uk

The nicest boat on test to row

YAM 240 (STI) Air Floor Sport Tender

This is the most expensive model on test and features an inflatable keel as well as a floor section, plus two sponsons to inflate.

With that much to inflate a high quality pump would have been better, but there is a pressure gauge included in the package to get everything sufficiently firm.

The seat is fixed but the oars were nice and long, which made it the nicest boat to row. As with the YAM 200T there were no safety lines fitted and carry handles are spread far apart, which makes carrying more difficult.

But there is a good, ergonomic bow carry handle and the inflatable boat is rated to carry 400kg, the highest rating on test. The rowlocks double as cleats and the rounded aft end of the sponsons have protective, hard plastic caps.

Smaller diameter sponsons means more space aboard – but less freeboard

Talamex Superlight SLA230

Talamex is a Dutch brand imported by EP Barrus. This inflatable boat had the narrowest diameter sponsons on test, which creates more internal space, but less freeboard.

It’s an extremely lightweight package, with a thin transom board, but nice long oars and a good carrying handle on the bow.

The pump supplied is a single-action hand pump and the bag folds out completely flat like a groundsheet, which is very forgiving for repacking.

The bag has nice carrying handles on the narrow ends. The seat was massively adjustable and the rubbing strake is generous without offering very much splash guarding.

The safety rope attachments look a bit vulnerable and there are no other handles on the sponsons.

Launching the Seago 320

Verdict: Which was the best inflatable boat on test?

This group of inflatable boats can be subdivided in a few different ways: by length, by price and by weight (note there is also a group of rucksack boats and a trio of air-keel boats).

I think the best on test goes to the 3D Tender, which manages to keep the weight down, comes complete with a very high-spec pump, a very user-friendly rucksack bag with a big front pocket and a ‘slight V form floor’ that inflates as a single chamber.

There are no safety lines or a bow handle, so carrying the boat when inflated is less natural than some of the others and it’s the second most expensive.

The best bargain buy is probably the lightest, smallest package: Force 4, for me, is preferable to the very similar Seago model because of its ‘open’ rowlocks. But if you prefer captive oars, the Seago is slightly cheaper.

The Crewsaver is the same low price and probably more robust and seaworthy than the Force 4 or the Seago while being easier to carry when inflated than the 3D Tender. But without the V floor I think it’s a less versatile performer.

I didn’t see the benefit of the two 200cm dinghies we tested: both were noticeably small in use without being smaller to pack and stow or lighter to carry.

The 240cm V Floor models can carry bigger loads at greater speed, but if you really need that level of performance you have to accept the extra set-up time, weight and stowage.

Best inflatable boats – key facts and figures

What makes the best inflatable boat for you?

Rucksack bags were easiest to carry

The bag details matter when one of the main selling points of a product is its portability. We looked at handles, zips and overall design. Metal zips will corrode without a regular rinse in fresh water, but as long as the zipper track is plastic, then replacement zipper trucks can be fitted relatively cheaply.

Carry handles at the narrow ends are very useful and half of the inflatable boats tested can be carried as rucksacks. A few of the boats pack away in bags that deconstruct on all four sides like groundsheets, with webbing straps and adjustable buckles crossways and lengthways.

These are very forgiving and yet still pack up tightly and securely. We also looked at the quality of the bag material: is the bag likely to survive chafing, stretching, damp or UV exposure for as long as the dinghy itself?

We weighed each of the inflatable boats in their carry bags and found quite a variation in boat weights

Size, weight and price

Our facts table will quickly show you the lightest and smallest packs and there are four tenders priced under £500.

The two longest inflatable boats in the test (YAM 240 and Quicksilver 240) were in the biggest bags (110cm and 120cm respectively), and were the heaviest packs weighing over 20kg even without any accessories.

Only three of the nine tested boats weighed in at under 20kg straight out of the box. There was an 11kg difference between the lightest (Force 4 02Lite) and the heaviest (Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240).

The Force 4 comes in a rucksack bag that is 20cm shorter in length than the Quicksilver and over £100 cheaper.

But unless size, weight and price are your only criteria, then a simple numerical comparison could miss some important details.

Article continues below…

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Pumps and pressure

Some of the air floors are rated for 1psi; others at 11psi. Most of the sponsons were rated at 3.6psi, which shouldn’t require too much brow mopping for foot- or hand-pump operators.

Five of the inflatable boats came with foot pumps, but the double-action hand pumps with the 3D and the Quicksilver were a joy to use.

All the boats were easily carried by two when inflated

Manual handling

It’s an ironic linguistic quirk that a tender should be so regularly treated without much tenderness. Even a few hours’ use on a clean slipway incurred scuffs, dings, grubby marks and a few minor tears to the carry bags.

Grass is far kinder than concrete for inflating, but is in short supply at busy locations. We looked at keel strips, rubbing strakes, safety line attachment points, bow handles and more… including the relationship between price, weight and fit-out.

First published in the September 2021 issue of Practical Boat Owner.

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The Best Tenders for Yachts 2024

If you’re looking for reviews of the best tenders for yachts, then you’ve come to the right place!  Unfortunately for us (and fortunately for you!), we’ve had our fair share of tenders for our sailboat, and after many requests, we’ve finally gotten around to comparing them for you! 

Dinghies are essential for cruising sailboats.  They’re your car: your ticket onto land when you live at anchor, your way to adventure in shallower waters, and they can even be used to help maneuver your sailboat in a pinch. 

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You will need a dinghy that can carry your shopping, heavier boat equipment, or suitcases, and yet you will still want it to be light enough to row in the (pretty likely!) event that your outboard fails on you.

The best tenders for yachts have to fulfill a whole range of criteria and will partly be dictated by your own personal needs.  We’ve done a lot of research into this topic after some bad experiences, so here’s everything we found out about the perfect tender for a yacht.

Jump To in the Best Tenders for Yachts

Features of the best tenders for yachts

Rugged and hard-wearing

Light and easy to stow.

• Performance

Different types of yacht tender

How to pick the right tender

Getting the most out of your tender

Essential gear for your tender

Features Of The Best Tenders For Yachts

The best tenders for yachts have certain features in common, regardless of your intended usage.  Considering these factors will help you make the best choice when it comes to choosing a tender for your sailboat.

No matter your intended cruising, you’re going to want a tender that is going to last.  There is nothing worse than spending a fortune on something that only lasts a year, leaving you with another expensive bill and the hassle and inconvenience of sourcing something new.

Choose wisely now, and you should be able to find a dinghy that will stand the test of time and requires little maintenance—always a bonus when you live on a boat!

Consider your choice of materials carefully, thinking about things like UV exposure, and whether you intend on using the tender for harbour runs only, or whether you’ll need a hull you can drag up stony beaches.

No matter how big your sailboat or how strong your crew, saving weight is always a priority.  If you are looking for a tender for a boat with davits then you might be able to opt for something slightly heavier, but if you’re after a dinghy for a smaller sailboat then you’ll want something easy to stow on deck or even down below.

Lighter tenders are easier to pull up the beach as well, so consider how you intend on using your dinghy before you splash out.

The performance of the best tenders for yachts

You might not need your tender to win any races but consider how well it will perform in rougher seas or going long distances.  You want a tender for your yacht that can withstand being caught out in bad weather.

You might also want to think about how well your tender can be rowed, as we all know how unreliable outboards can be!

The comfort factor of your sailboat tender

Although you probably won’t be spending huge amounts of time in your tender, it’s still important to have something practical for your needs. 

If you plan to have small children in your tender, consider how comfortable and safe it will be in choppy seas.  

If you know you’ll be motoring for longer periods of time, do you want your tender to have sun protection?  Do you need a locker to stow essentials?  Do you need space for luggage and shopping?  Will you want proper seats in your tender?

Different Types of Tenders for Your Yacht

These days there is a huge choice of tenders out there, so you’ll have to take a while to consider which kind will best suit your needs.  Everyone has an opinion about the best kind of tender for a cruising sailboat.  Ultimately it comes down to what you intend to use your tender for and what kind of sailboat you have.

We’ve summarised the options for you below to help you make an informed decision!

Rigid Inflatable Boats

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are probably the type of tender for sailboats that you’ll see most commonly when you’re out on the water.  They are not to be confused with soft inflatable boats (detailed below).

The hard hull of a RIB makes it much more hard-wearing and durable.  You can drag them up the beach or hit the bottom without fear of deflating them, and they are much more stable in choppy seas.  They often have some inbuilt storage space and designated seating.

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The downside of RIB tenders is that they are much heavier than soft inflatable boats, making them harder to launch or pull ashore.  They are also considerably more expensive.

As you’d assume, there are tonnes of designs out there, from fancy in-built steering RIBs to those with different shaped hulls for different purposes, and RIBs made from different materials.  What you choose will be determined by purpose and price.

Shop now at West Marine

Soft Inflatable Tenders for sailboats

Soft inflatable boats (SIBs) are fully inflatable and therefore fully deflatable!  This makes them an attractive option for people with smaller sailboats with little room to stow away a tender, or sailors that want to minimise weight. 

SIBs are also a lot cheaper than any other tender option, so they are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t sail regularly or uses their tender for short trips.

Some downsides to having a SIB as your yacht tender is that they are much less durable than other options.  The soft flooring means you need to be more careful about grounding, and they are prone to flipping at high speeds.  They are less comfortable than RIBs as they sit much closer to the water.

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Solid dingies

Fully solid dinghies are far less common, but you do see them.  They come in a range of different materials such as fiberglass, plastic, and wood.

The advantages to having a hard tender are that most are easier to maintain yourself and therefore more durable, they tend to be easier to row, and many can be used with sails (see below).  As they tend to be less popular, you can often find good deals on second-hand solid dinghies.

However, they are less popular for a reason.  They tend to be less stable (depending on hull shape), and there’s a certain amount of skill involved in using them.  They are much harder to stow and are often heavier than alternative options.  You will also need to consider the fact that they can bash up against hulls and make sure they are fendered up accordingly.

Sailing tenders

These seem like a great idea, and we’ve often been tempted ourselves, but they do come with all the downsides listed above.  The great thing about being able to sail your tender is that you could save a lot on fuel, but as we tend to row a lot anyway the trade-off of having more things to maintain has never felt worth it.  They look like a lot of fun though!

Alternative options

Some cruisers rely purely on canoes or paddleboards to reach the shore, and while this certainly is cheaper, it isn’t always practical. 

We love having the option of using our kayak to reach shore on a calm day, but we would never trust it in big seas or high winds.  We could end up stuck on shore away from our sailboat, or even worse, get into trouble trying to get back.

Unless you are really experienced and know you can be safe out on the water in big seas and winds, then stick to something you can power up more effectively!

How to Pick the Right Tender for Your Yacht

Here are some questions to consider before choosing the best tender for your yacht.  These factors are personal and will differ from person to person, so you might want to spend some time considering your own needs before splashing out on a potentially expensive bit of kit for your boat!

What will you use your tender for?

The use of your tender will have a knock-on effect on the decisions you make about the right one for you.  Make sure you consider things like:

• Where you plan on sailing (this will affect material choice)
• How many passengers you’ll need to carry
• The distances you’ll be travelling
• How often you’ll use a tender (frequency of sails, time spent at anchor)
• The types of trips you’ll make.  For example, heading off on a day-long diving trip will require a lot more ‘luggage’, and you might want to consider sun protection
• How you will stow your tender while underway
• Where you will dock your tender

What’s your budget?

Another big consideration when choosing the right tender for you is the cost.  You can buy super expensive tenders that come with all the bells and whistles, or you can find cheaper tenders that will serve a purpose for now.  Your budget will help determine what kind of tender to opt for.

The size of your yacht

If you don’t have room for a larger dinghy, then it doesn’t matter how many guests you want to take to shore.  You’re going to be constrained to a certain size and weight.  Inflatable tenders might be the best option for people looking to maximise storage space on their yacht.

Getting The Most From Your Sailboat Tender

We’ve put together some top tips for helping you to get the most from your new tender.

Tender painters for the best tenders for yachts

Here’s a top tip so you don’t end up in the same situation as us!  Equip your new tender with two painters.  One painter for your tender is not enough!

When towing your dinghy, or even just securing it to your boat in a windy anchorage, two painters will ensure you don’t lose your dinghy if a line snaps or a knot works loose.

All things davits

We’ve heard so many stories of davit failures leading to lost dinghies in rough weather.  Make sure you have diagonal straps on your tender to stop it swinging side to side, and make sure those straps are strong!

You should also always leave the plug open on your tender when it’s up on davits.  That way, if waves splash into the tender, it will still drain and won’t put extra strain on the davits.

Oh outboards

Unfortunately, you’re also going to need a reliable way to power your dinghy, especially if you plan on using it for anything other than short trips to shore.  Outboards are notoriously unreliable, and our experience with them has been the same as most others we talk to—a complete pain in the bottom!

Sadly though, you’re almost certainly going to need one.  We’ll cover outboards in a separate article, but here is a brief summary of your options:

Consider how much power you really need.  Outboards with greater horsepower will give you the ability to go faster and farther but are also more expensive and heavier.  Water-cooled engines tend to be quieter than the air-cooled kind.

You can choose from four-stroke and two-stroke engines.  Four-stroke engines are kinder to the environment, and you can’t buy two-stroke engines anymore here in Europe, so if you’re after a two-stroke you will have to find one second-hand.

The other option is to go electric.  We are desperate for an electric outboard , so if we decide to splash out then we’ll let you know how we get on!  If anyone reading this has experience with an electric outboard we would love to hear your opinions—and recommendations!—below. 

The downside to electric outboards is the price.  There is also some debate about whether they are capable of going long distances yet, with some suggesting that the technology isn’t quite there yet.

Shop fuel driven outboards here

Shop electric outboards here

Dinghy chaps for the best tenders for yachts

Dinghy chaps are the fabric covers you see on the PVC tubes of a tender.  If you plan to use your yacht tender in tropical climates, then you’re going to want to protect it from the UV rays that will quickly cause PVC to degrade.

Dinghy chaps will also help to protect your tender from scrapes and cuts above the rub rail, as can so often happen when you’re climbing out against a rough town quay or harbour wall. You can make your own dinghy chaps if you’re handy with a sewing machine, or you can get them custom made.  Just make sure you use a durable fabric like Sunbrella to give them maximum protection!

Essential Gear for the Best Tenders for Yachts

Oars: In our opinion, oars are an essential bit of kit for your dinghy.  We use our oars all the time for shorter trips to shore, or for squeezing into fishing bays where a mess of mooring lines present a risk of being caught in the outboard.  

We’ve also had to row on several occasions when the outboard has (predictably) stopped working.

Life jackets:  Just as when you’re out on the water sailing, life jackets are an important piece of gear for your yacht tender too.  It’s all too common for accidents to happen out on the water, and a life jacket is a vital bit of life-saving kit that you shouldn’t be without.

Anchor:   We’ve had several different types of anchor for our dinghy over the years and found we liked the oversized Delta style best, but that was for anchoring in sand where we could really dig it in.  

Crab claw anchors that fold away tend to be the most popular choice of dinghy anchors, as you can stow them away easily.  We haven’t had much luck with ours as we find it hard to set and a little unreliable!

Navigation lights: Every country has slightly different regulations when it comes to navigation lights for a tender.  Our advice would be to make sure you always check the country you’re using your tender in, and have at least an all-round white light everywhere you go as a matter of safety.  

We heard a horrible story about someone navigating just a short distance without one, so we make sure we always have an all-round white light visible even when we’re only required to use torchlight.

Water pump/bailer: This isn’t necessary but it’s so useful !  Seaspray or rainwater can quickly leave a nice puddle of water in the dinghy, so having something on hand to keep it dry is always a bonus!

Other useful tender gear: If you have a locker in your dinghy, you might also want to consider carrying a dry bag or two, a torch, a multitool, a spare kill cord key for the outboard, and a handheld VHF .

Hopefully that’s given you some ideas about the best tenders for yachts.  If you’re still feeling ‘at sea’ when it comes to buying a yacht tender then feel free to reach out to us with your questions in the comments section below.  

If you found this article useful then join our mailing list and follow us on social media for more sailing and cruising tips and inspiration!  Thanks for reading!

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This Whisper-Quiet 13-Foot Electric Tender Can Hit 20 Knots at Full Tilt

The carbon-fiber cruiser from silent yachts weighs less than 200 pounds., rachel cormack.

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A revolutionary electric yacht deserves an equally avant-garde tender.

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Weighing less than 200 pounds, the ST400 can be easily deployed and retrieved by the mothership. If that’s a Silent 60, for instance, the tender can be lifted out of the water using the 60-footer’s hydraulic bathing platform. 

In addition, Silent’s founder and CEO Michael Köhler says the ST400 is one of the most efficient electric tenders on the market. Owners can pick between inboard propulsion in the form of a 20kW electric waterjet or an outboard motor good for either 20kW or 30kW. The range-topper can hit 20 knots at full tilt. 

Battery capacity is also your choice. The tender can be fitted with a standard 16kWh lithium battery or an upgraded 20kWh unit for more range. You can expect at least two hours of drive time when cruising at 10 knots. Fast charging can also replenish the battery in just 2.5 hours.

Onboard, the tender features a central console and intuitive controls, including a throttle, a wheel and a display showing all the vitals. There is seating for six and the yard says passengers will enjoy a dry ride even at speed. 

The best part? Silent is already working on a larger, 17-foot electric tender to pair with the Silent 80. “This has been a repeated request from our owners—and one that we are delighted to respond to,” Köhler adds.

Click here to see all the photos of the Silent Tender 400.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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The Best Inflatable Yacht Tenders

Investing in the best inflatable yacht tenders will amp up your relaxation and make boarding your yacht much easier when you take it out for a spin. 

Yachting has been one of the favorite pastimes and leisures of many SoCal water adventurers. And when it comes to boarding your yacht, tenders are staples in boarding to and fro the yacht. 

Here are the best inflatable tenders you can use for your holiday fun on the yacht. 

6 Best Inflatable Yacht Tenders for 2023

• Takacat 260 LX Innovative Tender
• 12′ Saturn Kaboat
• Newport Vessel
• Zodiac Cadet RIB ALU DL
• HydroForce Mirovia Pro 10’10” Inflatable Boat

1. Takacat 260 LX Innovative Tender

Takacat 260 LX is a custom-made PVC designed innovative tender. The inflatable boat features an air deck floor for a high tensile rigid hull core. It has an aerodynamic bow design that will get you over the rough and choppy waters to your yacht in no time.

With Takacat, you don’t have to worry about boarding your mothership wet as it has a new open transom and raised deck to keep water out and the floor dry. This heavy-duty, innovative tender has let go of the old and heavier traditional aluminum design and replaced it with innovative materials.

This design makes the tender lightweight and easy to use because of the drop stitch fabrics for the high-pressure removable floor. It boasts convenience through its fully removable Tube Transom, which makes rolling and folding this inflatable yacht tender super easy to store and carry.

What makes it even better is that the seams are chemically bonded with glue, which is advantageous for foldable inflatables as welded seams tend to become brittle and leak. Like a true inflatable catamaran yacht tender, Takacat LX 260 stands out with its innovative open bow, making it versatile and the best inflatable yacht tender for diving , swimming, snorkeling, or transporting from the shore to your yacht.

It has a powerful outboard of two to eight hp to transport approximately two people comfortably. Power, comfort, and safety make Takacat the first and best choice among your many yacht tender options.

2. 12′ Saturn Kaboat

Saturn Kaboat is a crossover between a kayak and an inflatable boat. What’s good about the Saturn is you have the choice to paddle around like in a kayak as it now comes with its own rowing oars. Or if you want to save your energy and fuel it as a motorboat with its gas or electric engine.

Being lightweight and narrow, Saturn Kaboat will zip you through the water to your yacht faster. It will also allow you to explore tight spots bigger tenders can’t access. This yacht tender is portable and will fit into a medium carry bag for easy transport when traveling.

Two people can board this yacht tender with its 500 lbs weight loading capacity. This yacht tender can also be a versatile boat for many sailing options as it also features a drop-stitch air floor to ensure stability. 

3. Newport Vessel

The inflatable sport boat yacht tender is a USCG rated triple-layered coated PVC boat, including aluminum-made materials. The anti-corrosive-coated PVC materials ensure protection against corrosion, sun, salt, and other elements that can destroy the inflatable boat.

The quality lightweight yacht tender is heavy duty and can board many people without compromising cruising performance. It comes in aluminum framed marine wood flooring, bench seat, and oars. 

4. Zodiac Cadet RIB ALU DL

The rigid inflatable boat is a good choice to use as an inflatable yacht tender as it has integrated transom supports for safe transport. This inflatable tender features a safe and comfortable ride with its removable cushion seats, foot pump, oars, and repair kit.

Additionally, you will not have a problem lifting the Zodiac to where you want it as it has four handles for easy carry, lifting points, and towing eyes.

It is possible to fit a fuel tank in this inflatable boat’s bow storage or an anchor locker. The floor is anti-slip, which helps passengers not slip while boarding and unboarding the yacht tender. 

5. HydroForce Mirovia Pro 10’10” Inflatable Boat

Hydro-Force Mirovia is a four high-density nylon PVC with a high-pressure inflatable keel for buoyancy. The heavy-grade PVC resists UV degradation, abrasion, and other destructive elements.

It’s lightweight because the floorboards and transom are made of marine-grade plywood, which you can just roll up when storing. Additionally, this boat does not take time to assemble, as it does not need complicated tools.

It is protected against impacts and friction with its extra tough strake. With its load capacity of 1411 lbs, you can board four adults and one child in the Hydro-force Mirovia Tender. 

6. Scout 365

One of the versatile inflatable boats is the Scout 365, which can be used for many water sports activities in any body of water. This inflatable boat fits two people and ensures portability as it can roll up into a bag for easy storage.

The unique Scout design features one of the best lightweight, durable, and compact inflatable boats. You will have no trouble standing up on this inflatable tender as it offers stability with its high bow and flat bottom, combined with a small outboard motor for gas or electric use. 

Yacht Tender Safety Tips

When cruising out in the water, you should primarily think about boat safety as the wind and water conditions are not predictable. It’s better to come prepared all of the time. Here are some safety tips when on a yacht tender.

• The weather and tide may be unpredictable, but it is best to check the weather report to know what you’re in for when cruising the SoCal waters
• Always wear a life jacket when boarding your yacht tender, no matter how short the trip is
• If your boat does not come with oars, bring one to come prepared when your engine fails you
• Always make sure to have a means of communication with the authorities and other important contacts
• Don’t overload your yacht tender; always stick to the weight capacity
• Make sure to read your yacht tender manual, so you know how to maneuver your boat and to know what outboard motor fits
• Always keep a puncture repair kit ashore and in the yacht in case of emergency.

Insider Advice

Yachting is fun, but every time you’re out in the water is a risk to your safety. When boarding your yacht tender, it’s essential to know how to maneuver your inflatable dinghy safely. Taking the  California-approved boating safety courses  should be a priority when you plan on purchasing the best yacht tender.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Folding boats test – Porta-Bote

• Chris Beeson
• July 28, 2015

Better than an inflatable? Duncan Kent took the Porta-Bote folding boat to the beach to test it as yacht tender

The Porta-Bote is better as a general-purpose dinghy/fun-boat than as a tender. Its bulletproof construction would be great for dragging over rough shingly beaches, but it’s pretty heavy, so awkward to haul on board and requires a fair bit of space – and strength – to assemble or pack up and stow.

• Very durable
• Spacious and a good load/crew carrier
• Stable at rest and under way
• Poor rowlocks
• Awkward to deploy

OUR VERDICT : 6/10

Advertisement

Engineers Raise Questions About Bridge’s Construction as Inquiry Begins

In reviewing images of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, some structural engineers said that its piers, which are essential to the structure’s integrity, appeared to lack protective barriers.

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By James Glanz and Annie Correal

• March 26, 2024

The large container ship that collided with the Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to its near-total collapse, appeared to strike a critical component, known as a pylon or pier, according to several engineers who have reviewed footage of the incident.

Without the pier, they said, it was impossible for other components of the bridge to assume the load and keep the bridge standing.

The piers on a bridge act as a kind of leg and are what is known as “nonredundant” parts of a bridge’s structure. If a pier is somehow taken out, there is nothing to compensate for the missing structural support, and a collapse of the bridge is all but inevitable, most of the analysts said.

How Fenders Might Have Protected Against Bridge Collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge did not have an obvious fender system, or protective barriers, to redirect or prevent a ship from crashing into the bridge piers.

Yet the collapse in Baltimore on Tuesday might have been avoided, some of the engineers said, if the piers had been better able to block, deflect or withstand such a collision. And some of the engineers questioned whether the bridge’s piers had adequate blocking devices that are known with a self-explanatory name: fenders.

In bridge engineering, fenders can be anything from simple pyramids of rocks piled around the pylons to major concrete rings padded with slats of wood, designed to shield the bridge’s supports from damage by water or collisions.

It was not clear whether any such protection built around the bridge’s piers was sufficient to guard against even a glancing hit from a 95,000-gross-ton container vessel.

And the U.S. secretary of transportation, Pete Buttigieg, expressed doubt on Tuesday that any bridge could have withstood such a serious collision.

“This is a unique circumstance. I do not know of a bridge that has been constructed to withstand a direct impact from a vessel of this size,” he told reporters.

Yet a different perspective emerged in initial comments by the investigators who will be sorting out what happened in the collapse.

Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said protective structures would be a part of the investigation into the collapse. “There’s some questions about the structure of the bridge — protective structure around the bridge or around the piers to make sure there isn’t a collapse,” she said, responding to a reporter’s question.

“We are aware of what a structure should have. Part of our investigation will be how was this bridge constructed? It will look at the structure itself. Should there be any sort of safety improvements? All of that will be part of our investigation.”

The Maryland Transportation Authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the design of the piers in Baltimore, and did not say whether any fenders were installed to protect them.

Between 1960 and 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses worldwide because of ship or barge collisions, resulting in the deaths of 342 people, according to a 2018 report from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, a scientific and technical organization.

The deadliest crash took place in 1983, when a passenger ship collided with a railroad bridge on the Volga River in Russia, killing 176 people, according to the report.

It was only after “a marked increase in the frequency and severity of vessel collisions with bridges” that attempts to study and address the risks were initiated in the 1980s, said the report’s authors, Michael Knott and Mikele Winters.

A widely circulated video of the Key Bridge failure drew attention to the disastrous collapse of the upper bridge structure. But engineers who reviewed the footage said that did not appear to be the culprit in the disaster. Instead, they said, the superstructure failure was most likely a secondary effect of the pier crumbling beneath it after the collision.

Engineers who reviewed images of the bridge both before and after the collapse said no significant fender structures were visible. Only fairly small structures were visible in photos taken at the foot of the pier, and they did not appear to be substantial enough to be able to stop a large ship, some of them said. They said the structures may have served another purpose entirely — like preventing water from scouring and undermining the pier’s foundation.

Benjamin W. Schafer, a professor of engineering at Johns Hopkins University, said, after looking at images of the bridge taken before the disaster, “If you zoom further out, you can see these large cylinders that sort of define the shipping channel. They are to direct the ships and they are part of the bridge structure. Some would say those are protective structures. But I haven’t seen any evidence of fenders myself.”

In some bridges, engineers may elect, instead of fendering, “the alternative of making the pier exceptionally strong,” said Shankar Nair, a structural engineer with over half a century of experience who is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. But the visual evidence so far, he and others said, suggested that the pier was simply not strong enough to survive the collision.

The structure’s apparent vulnerability left some engineers dumbfounded.

“This is a huge shock,” Dr. Nair said. “A bridge of that size and importance should not collapse when hit by an errant vessel.”

The importance of sturdy fenders on bridge piers was backed up by a similar accident that occurred in 2013 when a 752-foot-long tanker collided with a support of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. According to a National Transportation Safety Board report on the incident, the support stood — although $1.4 million in damage was done to the fendering system, which cushioned the impact.

In other cases when collisions lead to full or partial collapses, shortcomings in the fendering system are usually involved, said Matthys Levy, a longtime structural engineer and co-author of “Why Buildings Fall Down.”

“It’s usually an issue of fendering,” Mr. Levy said. “The fendering is not strong enough.”

According to a description of the Key Bridge by an American Society of Civil Engineers manual, the 8,636-foot-long structure in Baltimore was opened to traffic in 1977. The steel span above it, a design known as a truss, can be vulnerable to failure itself — damage to individual elements of the truss can theoretically cascade into a wider collapse. But that did not appear to be the case in Baltimore, engineers who reviewed the footage said: The truss, they said, was simply unable to remain intact when the pier was taken out beneath it.

Tuesday’s collapse raises the question “of how vulnerable are the piers and what is done or should have been done to protect them in the event of something like this,” said Donald O. Dusenberry, a consulting engineer who has investigated many bridge failures.

Mr. Dusenberry, in pointing to the issue of fender protection, said that it was impossible to make a full determination of what was installed without reviewing structural drawings of the bridge.

But images taken before the disaster, he said, suggested that small barriers that could be seen rising around the bridge’s piers, roughly at water level, would be unlikely to be able to stop a large ship. Effective fenders, he said, had to be far enough from the pier to keep the bow of a large ship from striking the pier, and large enough to absorb the energy of a collision. Assuming nothing had changed since the prior pictures were taken, he said, the visible structures did not seem up to that task.

“Maybe it would stop a ferry or something like that,” he said. “Not a massive, oceangoing cargo ship.”

One of the catastrophes prompting scrutiny of the issue of bridge collisions was the collapse of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, Fla., in 1980.

The structure collapsed when a cargo ship hit a pier, bringing down part of the main span and killing 35 people. Seven years later, a shrimp boat hit a bumper erected on the bridge built to replace it.

While catastrophic collisions garner the most attention, vessel collision accidents with bridges are not uncommon and regularly cause damage that, according to the 2018 report, “varies from minor to significant but does not necessarily result in collapse of the structure or loss of life.”

Mr. Schafer, the professor of engineering at Johns Hopkins, said fenders were undeniably important to preventing catastrophic collisions but that the size of the vessel that hits a bridge plays a critical role.

“When people think about fenders, they’re thinking about something that is similar in scale, in size, to the supporting concrete structure itself,” Mr. Schafer said. “So, you know, if that is 30-feet across, you might think of a fender which is like 30 feet as well. Right?”

The problem, he said, comes with trying to design protection against something so large as a container ship. “Could we design something that’s big enough to divert a runaway cargo ship? Yes. Would it be of a scale that’s practical? Probably not.”

Rather than build bigger fenders, Mr. Schafer said, the key is to divert ships before they get dangerously close to the piers and fenders. “That would be the physical answer,” he said. “The better answer is to have the people and the processes in place, so it never happens .”

James Glanz is a Times international and investigative reporter covering major disasters, conflict and deadly failures of technology. More about James Glanz

Annie Correal reports from the U.S. and Latin America for The Times. More about Annie Correal