Andy Partington, European Business Development Manager, Honda Marine Europe, highlights how optimised boat-and-engine packages combining innovative vessel design with cutting-edge outboard technology are fulfilling rising demand for superior tender performance, comfort, versatility and reliability
Supplementing the world’s finest superyachts, today’s tenders are required to meet the most exacting standards. From stylish, luxurious design to innovative materials, expert craftsmanship and advanced technology, every aspect of a tender is now scrutinised by superyacht owners in their search for the perfect auxiliary craft for seamless integration with the mothership.
Opening the gateway to opportunities for adventure, exploration and thrills, these crafts must serve as an exclusive accessory as well as a multipurpose vessel providing the convenience of comfortable, safe transportation between sea and land.
As superyacht owners demand more versatility, enhanced features and better performance from their tenders than ever before, manufacturers are innovating at every stage of the design, material selection, build and testing phases to push the boundaries and exceed expectations.
We are seeing specific features and functions becoming increasingly important for owners, guests and crew, including a hull shape conducive to keeping passengers dry, tow points for water skiing and toys, fishing capabilities, locker space – and a powerful engine to ensure speed onto the plane.
The propulsion selection must be perfect for the craft and the owner, in terms of aesthetics, power and speed requirements, and utilisation. Matching each tender with the optimised and integrated outboard has become a key part of the boatbuilding process to fulfill evolving needs and to deliver the fuel efficiency, reliability, and smooth, quiet power required by the most discerning superyacht owners.
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
A harmonious match between the tender’s design and hull engineering, and the engine will combine quality and performance to deliver refined, dependable results.
At Honda Marine Europe, we are strengthening our collaborations with boatbuilder partners to enhance the onboard experience with ultimate boat-engine solutions – a process which is critical for the demanding tender market. These partnerships allow us to play a strategic and technical role in the builders’ product development, with engine performance, weight balance, fuel efficiency, and installation efficiency, all key parameters in the R&D process from the earliest design stages.
Our pre-paired tender packages are tested to ensure the correct, optimised set up for the boat and engine, depending on utilisation and requirements in terms of speed and fuel economy, to include propeller selection and any custom features for the owners.
Honda Marine works with partners who are experienced and trusted in the superyacht and tender sector and have the capacity to design packages to meet the requirements of superyacht owners.
BENEFITS OF MATCH TESTING
Matching the reliability, performance and style of Honda Marine’s high-power engines with tenders built by shipyards with a reputation for excellence and expertise delivers a number of benefits for the owner.
Honda Marine’s high-performance V8 BF350 and V8 BF300 models, and our upgraded V6 outboards, are ideal for tenders and developed to deliver exceptional reliability, so captains and crew can be confident on busy charter operations or guest transfer operations.
Providing the necessary torque for speed onto the plane, the Honda engines offer low operational noise and vibration, and class-leading fuel economy. The signature Honda Marine colours and a sleek and modern design ensures the outboard is a stylish and eye-catching addition to the tender to complement the mothership.
An additional benefit of our boat-engine packages is that Honda’s dealer network is easily identifiable around the Mediterranean. All services are nearby, from support and diagnosis in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, to spare parts for standard service items to full replacement should a gearbox, for example, become damaged.
SETTING STANDARDS
Honda Marine works closely with boatbuilder partners across the Mediterranean and Europe, including leading RIB brand Highfield, to create boat packages that we have rigorously ‘match tested’ and evaluated. One of our latest game-changing boat-engine solutions is the innovative 7-metre Highfield ADV7, the first crossover performance boat on the market.
Setting a new standard in the industry, the ADV7 is powered by a Honda Marine BF250, combining innovative design and superior craftsmanship with the reassurance of an advanced, smooth V6 optimised engine.
Highfield designed the boat for adventurous outings, exploring, enjoying water sports and spending leisure time with friends and family – an ideal craft to serve the needs of a superyacht. Focusing on improved functionality, performance, usability, comfort and quality, it retains the distinctive Highfield rugged identity and sea keeping ability.
The ADV7 answers owner demand for interior space, meticulously designed to seat up to 8 people.
Honda Marine also has a new partnership with Grand Boats, a RIB manufacturer from Ukraine which is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards in its materials, craftsmanship and design. Grand’s high-end range of recreational luxury RIBs and premium yacht tenders offer exploration with style and comfort, and a range of exclusive options and upgrades – creating an experience which is taken to the next level with the pre-paired Honda Marine outboard.
A highlight of the range is the flagship Grand G980, a 10-metre luxury RIB designed not only as a superyacht tender but also as a highly capable standalone boat. Developed with a smart and functional deck layout, the G980 provides a versatile platform for guest transfers, coastal exploration and watersports support. A high level of customisation allows the boat to be tailored to the specific needs of different superyacht programmes.
OPTIMAL OUTBOARDS
Easy to maintain and highly accessible, outboard engines for tenders are reliable and simple to remove and replace, reducing stress for crew. Honda Marine’s flagship high-performance V8 and V6 outboards are developed with tenders in mind and recognised for their outstanding performance, efficiency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance. The new V6 BF200, BF225 and BF250 outboards mirror the stylish design which follows the form and the function of the award-winning BF350 V8 with drive-by-wire models now incorporating the same automatic tilt, trim support and cruise control features.
Offered in the signature Honda Marine colours of Aquamarine Silver, Grand Prix White and Sporty White, the new V6 and V8 engines combine impressive power with market-leading levels of fuel efficiency, using advanced technology to minimise consumption and emissions.
Improvements to the Honda-exclusive ECOmo help increase fuel efficiency across a wider range of conditions. A redesigned mid-section and a carefully-placed O2 (oxygen) sensor help to achieve lower operating costs through miserly fuel consumption and increased time on the water. The outboards also incorporate Honda exclusives, including Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST™) that advances the ignition curve for dramatically improved holeshot performance and Variable Valve Timing & Electronic Control (VTEC®) that provides smooth power delivery throughout the engine’s operating range, delivering more power with increased fuel efficiency.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) provides quick starts, instant throttle response, powerful performance and low fuel consumption.
The updated styling and features of the V8 engines and the new V6 product has given us the opportunity to build new relationships with tender builders, answering the demands of customers for premium performance and an exceptional onboard experience.
For more information about Honda Marine outboards, visit www.honda.co.uk/marine
