How to choose the right tender for you

How many passengers do you usually carry?
If on average is only 2 pax we recommend the OC300 (unless there is some storage limitation then the OC270). If 4 pax, we recommend the OC330 or OC350. For 4 pax plus, the OC400 will offer large, optimized for its size tender platform.

For full time cruising or extended periods, the extra water length and volume is  essential for provisions, exploration, play time and just going about your daily movements.  The abscense of a inflated pontoon, makes its usable internal volume unparalleled in tenders in the market. 

What HP outboard would you like to use?
8hp (OC270 & OC300), 15hp (OC330 & OC350) and 20hp for the OC400 are our preferred maximum HP. The lighter engine the better – there is a huge difference between brands. Its worth the homework! Electric outboards work really well with our concept. By far the most popular are the 3hp equivalent electric outboards. If you want electric and need to plane – check Zerojet.

How do you store your tender?
Deck, davits, duckboards, cradle and cranes… we have seen it all! Its important to make sure you have enough clearance from the water and can secure the tender properly. The storage place may dictate the size of the tender you can securely carry. 

What sports do you expect to practice? How often?
If you frequently practice water sports requiring long distance transportation of people and gear, the larger the tender you can get the better. If all you need is to get from a to b with the odd mission a smaller size will do the job just fine.

What else should I consider? 
What is the use of the tender 90% of the time. How long  and often is my cruising time? Will I spend most of my time in remote places? The areas I will cruise, can I beach the tender or will I will mostly use docks? What is more important to you, speed or being able to handle the boat up to the high tide mark?

FAQ

• Where can I buy your tenders?

We only sell direct from our factory in New Zealand. We export worldwide and can deliver either to the closest depot we can work with for collection, or we can organize delivery directly to your marina/boatyard – you will need a forklift on site to take the crate off the truck. Please check our shipping page for further details.

• Are the tenders stable?

Yes they are. There is side movement because of our design. Leaning the tender to one side is important for safety in reboarding the tender, also to maximize efficiency if you are riding solo by leaning the tender over, you get less drag therefore better performance. With that said, the heavier the tender gets, the more stable it also becomes as the high profile and raised rubrail sink further into the water. As with all new boats, it is just a matter of getting used to the side movement of the tender and learning to trust it.

• What is the weight saving on a carbon boat?

Around 20-18%. This is a very good option for performance boats, mono hulls and powerboats that are weight placement sensitive. It is also a very manageable weight for handling if this is important for you. Carbon enables us to make a lighter tender without compromising its strength. 

• How does the tender behave in choppy conditions?

It is a hard tender, with a flat bottom for early planing so you will “feel” the ride more. You will also be much drier than a comparable tender as it releases the water sideways rather than upwards because of the design. We ask our skippers, if they know they will encounter chop and rough conditions to sit inside the tender on the seat block and ALWAYS DRIVE TO THE CONDITIONS. Our tenders are a lightweight composite structure and should be treated as such.

• Where is the floatation on your tender?

The tender is closed cell foam cored and has a full closed cell PE foam rub rail for protection. The rub rail also provides full floatation for the tender rendering it unsinkable.

• How well does it row?

It is not a rowing skiff, but it rows really well for its width and long rocker line. Long, solid NZ pine wood oars won’t disappoint. If tracking across wind gets tricky, drop one wheel (if you have wheels) to help.

• Why do you have such big rub rails?

Our 50mm closed cell foam rub rail is one of the key aspects and benefits of our tenders. They provide all around protection for the tender as well as for the mother vessell. Our rub rail also offers the tender full floatation, rendering it unsinkable.

• Where is the seating space?

If just cruising around, on the deck is easy and comfortable. Make sure to share the load and trim the boat accordingly, we have little black dots marked in the gunnel to guide where to sit. If going places fast or conditions are less than ideal, sit inside the tender using the seat blocks. Use the provided tiller extension to help with trimming.

• Can you place a center console on your tender?

We don’t recommend it as it will take all your cargo space and make the tender heavy. We are of the believe cargo space and lightness are the two most important characteristics of an offshore cruising tender. 

• What are the black blocks in the tender for? (a.k.a. Seat Blocks)

The seat blocks are to be used for sitting in the tender when driving at speed, when going upwind in choppy conditions and for rowing. Use the seat block on the lengthwise position for driving and upward position for rowing. They also make great extra seating on the salon or for sundowners on the beach. The seat block is a floatation devise in case you need to provide assistance to others or yourself. The straps can be placed around the shoulder or put your leg through the strap and hang on to the block.

• Can I step /walk on the deck of the tender?

Absolutely, this is why we have the full non skid on the deck.

• Why do you recommend and provide a tiller extension?

Our tenders are proper boats which require trimming. The boat likes to ride slightly bow down as that is where is its design has the V shape to help part the water more efficiently in most conditions. The tiller extension provides you the opportunity to bring the weight forward and also (if driving alone) to lean the tender to one side minimizing water drag and allowing you to plane with as little as a 3hp.

• Should I have a full alloy delta on my tender?

All our tenders already have alloy plates on high abrasion areas such as the transom area and the drop plate by the bow. The full alloy delta protects the full delta (flat area) of the tender, protecting the area very effectively from rocks and corals. However, it adds considerable weight. Your decision will depend on the beach conditions you expect to encounter during your trip. If you know you will encounter coral and rocky beaches frequently then you are better off with a full alloy delta. If you are embarking on an extended cruise, it may pay off to have extra protection. Otherwise the wheels will do the job of protecting the bottom well enough.

• How do I drain the boat?

There is a large bung which opens from the inside making it easy to drain the tender on the plane if you prefer to do it this way, otherwise use your davits to drain. Always carry a bailer and sponge to take the leftover water. There is an option to add an extra bung to the transom if needed.

• Short or long shaft for the outboard?

Short shaft is always the preferred size.

For more about these items check out the accessories page for details.