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Inflatable yacht tenders come in all shapes and sizes intended for use with a variety of different yacht programs. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming for yacht owners and captains to decide which make and model to purchase for their yacht. That decision will primarily be driven by the intended use of the vessel and performance requirements. The initial decision to make will be to choose fiberglass or aluminum hull construction.

Rigid inflatable boats, yacht tenders, in conjunction with yacht ownership create an unparalleled nautical experience. They make more activities and areas accessible to yacht owners and make it easier and more pleasurable to get to and from your yacht. Before starting your search for tenders for sale, it's important to understand how to properly care for one. Following a short list of simple tips can keep your yacht tender functional for years to come.

With a 25-year history, Highfield Aluminum RIB’s are considered a leading manufacturer in the yacht tender category. Their best-selling Classic series is the perfect all-around tender which is built to last and comes alongside a 2-year structural warranty.

By stowing the gas tank in the built-in bow locker, guests have uninterrupted seating space, and the self-draining deck keeps feet dry. The Classic Series has a length range from 8 feet 6 inches to 12 feet 6 inches and a capacity of 4-7 people. These tenders are ideal for beach-hopping and for placing on sailboats or yachts.

If you’re looking for a tough, small, runaround yacht tender then Highfield’s Ultralite series is your go-to RIB. Their signature aluminum hull is a great alternative for those who’ve had a soft bottom tender in the past, but would prefer the performance and durability of a solid hull. These lightweight tenders are easy to transport, and can be launched and retrieved by a single person.

Highfield tenders have evolved from many years of development in some of the toughest conditions around the world. From the Great Barrier Reef off tropical Northern Australia to the frigid artic waters of Alaska, Highfield Aluminum RIB’s have a 25-year history of endurance and are now they have become a leading manufacturer in the yacht tender category.

Argos Nautic was conceived in 2009, when Ignacio Vadillo, engineer, designer, and boat enthusiast, joined forces with industrial designers Denise Brener and German Jimenez, to create a yacht tender unlike any on the water today. They saw the need for a new RIB concept for high end yachts with owners of discerning taste. 

Back in the day, buying a yacht tender was easy. It was more of a utilitarian item designed to fit in a specific place on the boat, used for crew and passenger transport between the ship and the shore. To a yacht, it was a commodity, traded in every few years for a new model. These days, tenders have evolved to offer many innovative features into many varying designs. New technologies have redefined the tender and what it means to the modern yacht owner. 

Back in the day, buying a yacht tender was easy. It was more of a utilitarian item designed to fit in a specific place on the boat, used for crew and passenger transport between the ship and the shore. To a yacht, it was a commodity, traded in every few years for a new model. These days, tenders have evolved to offer many innovative features into many varying designs. New technologies have redefined the tender and what it means to the modern yacht owner. 

No matter how careful you are when boating, tears, rips, and holes to your boat will be hard to avoid. So knowing how to repair your boat, regardless of how big the job, is extremely valuable information to possess. This example is a 2" long cut, which requires a patch on the outside. A tear in the fabric 12"+ will require a patch to be placed on the inside and outside, also known as the "sandwich" patch. 

Aluminum has long been the boat hull material of choice in many parts of the world due to its strength, ease of repair, versatility and above all its weight saving characteristics. So it’s only natural that the evolution of tenders would find a place in the world with aluminum hulls. Highfield inflatables have evolved from many years of development in some of the toughest conditions in the world, the Great Barrier Reef of tropical Northern Australia. They are a direct descendant of the Australian Swift range of aluminum hulled RIBs.

The Evolution M10 Jet is the smallest offering from Nautical Ventures coming in at just under 11' LOA. This package was specifically designed for today's yacht tender garages and small swim platforms. Equipped with Evolution Tenders' signature collared fender system, the M10 has a small footprint while allowing for comfortable seating of up to 5 adult passengers. She boasts abundant storage for dock lines, anchor and life jackets with room to spare, a rarity among yacht tenders in this size range.

The Transition by Victor Chapman brings a new dimension to what you should expect from your tender. Available in 20, 22, 25, and 28 foot models, these extremely well-constructed tenders are unique in the marketplace, featuring a 36” wide adaptive hydraulic bow ramp.

Off the beach, anchored in the turquoise waters of a Caribbean island, sits the megayacht- with passengers looking to make their way to shore. Cue the tender; that on-deck workhorse staple designed to ferry crew & passengers between the ship and ports of call. But these days the tender has taken on a whole new role...