With a new demographic of owners entering the superyacht market and owners of sub 50m yachts looking for some action, the chase tender delivers style, adventure and tons of fun in one neat package
Once upon a time, the small boat that ferried people to and from a larger boat was known simply as a tender. It had a straightforward job: shuttle the owner and guests from the mothership to the shore. Of course, it had other duties too – taking guests water skiing, dropping off the BBQ gear at a secluded beach, or helping the crew bring provisions on board. But as yachts have grown in size, so have the storage options for a more varied fleet of tenders.
Nowadays, you’ll find everything from muscley ski boats designed to carve out the perfect wake for the adrenaline seeking guests, to limo tenders fancier than a Rolls Royce, and high-speed thrill delivering tenders that let the boss blow off steam at 60 knots. As explorer yachts become more fashionable and the demographics of owners change, the demand for specialised tenders has also skyrocketed. Enter the chase boat – a different breed altogether. It combines speed, elegance, and the ability to venture far from the mothership, even in rough seas whilst having enough space to entertain a raft of guests.
Originally, chase boats were fast, open boats that would literally chase after large sailing yachts in regattas. Back in those days, it was perfectly acceptable to swap out sails or crew members to adapt to the weather and race conditions. Today’s rules have tightened up, but the chase boat has evolved. These days, it refers to boats that might be too large to hoist onto a superyacht, so they either race ahead to the destination or follow along (after dismantling the toys set-up) at a more leisurely pace, depending on the owner’s needs.
Interestingly enough, it’s the smaller superyachts that have really embraced the chase boat concept, rather than the giant 100-metre-plus yachts with bottomless budgets. It seems to be a hit with new owners in the 30 to 60-metre range. They’ve discovered that a well- designed chase boat can function independently of the mothership, adding value both in guest entertainment and yacht operations. We know of one captain who sends his chase boat ahead to snag the best anchorage before the mothership arrives. Once the big yacht approaches, the chase boat relinquishes the prime spot, hovering nearby until the mothership is safely anchored, then pulls up alongside. Other owners enjoy the thrill of speed that their yachts can’t provide. They’ll hop on the chase boat with their families, spend the day zooming around, and return to the mothership each night – much like a family out for a day of motoring returns to their five star coastal hotel. But with this versatility comes a range of responsibilities for the chase boat.
Chase boats are a great fit for yachts that stick to a single season. For those that cross oceans for a second season, the cost of transporting a chase boat can quickly outweigh its benefits. And trust us, you don’t want to tow a chase boat across the Atlantic, but it it’s an option with varying degrees of success. For captains of single season yachts, it’s crucial to consider whether the crew can handle the extra maintenance and logistics that come with a chase boat. Many skippers opt to hire additional crew just to manage the chase boat, ensuring smooth operations on the mothership. So, with that in mind, let’s explore some options on the following pages.
BRABUS MARINE
The BRABUS Shadow 1200 ST Sun-Top and BRABUS Shadow XC Cross- Cabin versions are ‘1-second wow!’ boats. Before making any final decision on your next tender or chase boat, be sure to include the amazing BRABUS Shadow range on your final short list. Utilising the same platform as the Axopar 45, the BRABUS Shadow 1200 Sun-Top and Cross Cabin versions take the adventure boat concept to a whole new level, defined by BRABUS’ ‘1-second wow!’ concept, meaning that buyers and aficionados of the brand take the merest second to make up their minds and fall in love. For professional captains and ‘open-minded’ owners looking for something different, there are massive social spaces, including the foredeck and the front lounge with gullwing doors. The helm and cockpit have a large seating space centred around a wet bar, with foldable balcony doors and different aft-deck layouts to choose from. The walkaround layout allows for seamless movement around the boat, with plenty of room to entertain, thanks to the extra-wide sociable sofa that wraps around the cockpit wet bar, a large cockpit dining area with fold-out table, and optional u-sofa seating on the aft deck. Alternatively, the aft-deck can be configured to support watersports activities.
www.brabusmarine.com / www.axopar.com
WISZNIEWKSI Yachts
The W43 from Wiszniewksi Yachts – a secret too good to keep to themselves. Crafted from a modern-classic design ethos, it blends timeless aesthetics with contemporary lines, cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted tradition. Wiszniewski Yachts may be a new brand but it was created by the owner of one of the oldest and most successful shipyards in Europe. After 35 years of building boats for some of the most recognised US and European brands, Jozef and Michael Wiszniewski decided to put their family name on their own boat for the first time. They are a new brand but with a strong heritage and are proud to introduce their first model, the W43, a premium dayboat or tender, crafted with the most discerning boating connoisseurs in mind. The innovative stepped hull is designed to slice through the waves, providing remarkable handling and efficient cruising. The W43 achieves unprecedented refinement through meticulous attention to detail and the use of top-tier materials, setting a new standard for premium dayboats and tenders. Go visit the team at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 to discover for yourself just why the W43 made such a splash at its premiere in Dusseldorf earlier this year and at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
www.w-yachts.com.pl
DELTA POWERBOATS
Conceived as a centre console tender for water sports activities and daily adventures, the arrangement of the Delta T26 comprises an open deck layout with seating for eight passengers across aft and bow lounges along with sheltered below decks accommodation for two guests. Her twin stepped, air-lubricated hull provides lift and a consistent plane with zero pitching throughout the speed interval and powered by the latest Mercury Verado outboards, this spritely tender effortlessly tops out at 50 knots even when fully loaded. The range from Delta Powerboats also includes the large T33 and 33 Open. The safe and unusually space-efficient exterior arrangement includes a fully equipped galley and an adjustable aft deck lounge which easily transforms into a sun bed or a comfortable dinette. Further aft the fully open transom provides uninterrupted passage to the extended swim platform fitted with swim ladder and fresh water shower. Below deck the interior comprises two separate cabins with snug accommodation for four guests.
www.deltapowerboats.se
SCHAEFER YACHTS
Schaefer Yachts epitomizes luxury and innovation in yachting, offering a range of meticulously crafted boats. With over 4,000 yachts built, Schaefer’s lineup spans from 32 to 83 feet, each embodying excellence in design and performance. At the forefront of Schaefer’s innovation is the V-line, introduced in 2021. The V33 offers three versatile versions: traditional centre console T-top, fishing, and pilot house. With options for outboard gas engines or gas and diesel inboard motors, the V33 ensures adaptability and top performance. Its single-level deck enhances spaciousness, while customisable flooring and upholstery allow owners to tailor their yacht to their unique style. The V44 elevates luxury with two fold-down balconies, a beam of nearly 14 feet, and ample space on deck and in the cabin. Features include an oversized aft sunbed, a large TV that folds down from the T-Top, and a sunroof for comfort in any weather. Propulsion options include outboards, gas and diesel stern drives, and Volvo Penta Diesel IPS drives, offering flexibility without compromising performance. Schaefer Yachts combines cutting-edge innovation with timeless craftsmanship, ensuring every voyage is an extraordinary experience. Expand your vision with Schaefer Yachts.
www.schaeferyachts.us
BRIZO YACHTS
If you are looking for the coolest Chasers on market then you should contact Brizo Yachts. The team build the Chaser of your dreams from aluminum. All the boats and yachts are made of aluminum and handcrafted to smallest detail and built by order to fulfill your needs and dreams. Be unique and let the team build your dream Brizo Yacht that is not the same as your neighbours. The team are very proud to be different and delighted to present the luxury aluminum yachts, as part of Finland’s well known and highly valued boatbuilding industry. From the very beginning, the goal has been to be different and build yachts that customer can see themselves in. Therefore, you will not be able to see two Brizo Yachts that look the same.
www.brizoyachts.fi
SCORPION BY TWISTED
Meet the Scorpion Silurian 1080, the ultimate Chase Boat. Often hailed as the Rolls Royce of the sea, this vessel is the epitome of luxury, space, and performance. Now, Twisted Marine – backed by over 30 years of engineering excellence – takes the Silurian to unparalleled heights. The team have re-engineered the 1080 to unleash 800HP, equipped with joystick control and Gyro-Stabilization, making it the most formidable Scorpion on the water. With a broad 3.25m beam and a twin-stepped hull designed for ultimate performance, the Silurian 1080 is more than just a boat -it’s a masterpiece. Choose between Outboards, Inboards, or jet propulsion systems, all of which can be paired with beach-lander bow steps, making this RIB ideal for sunset cruises or beach getaways. The expansive fuel tank and effortless high-speed cruising capabilities turn island hopping into a thrilling adventure. Building on a relentless pursuit of innovation in stepped hull technology, the Silurian delivers unmatched stability, performance, and predictability. This is not just any hull; it’s the most stable on the market, embodying everything you’d expect from a Scorpion RIB. Whether you’re navigating calm seas or challenging conditions, nothing compares to the Silurian’s ability to cover vast distances swiftly, safely, and comfortably.
www.scorpionribs.com
VIRTUE YACHTS
Virtue Yachts is a young, premium quality boat builder, that specialises in tailor made motor yachts powered by outboard engines. Located in the heart of the current day European boatbuilding centre – Poland – where 30,000 boats are being produced every year. Most of the world’s established brands build their boats in Poland these days, even though it might seem they come from France, Finland, Germany or USA. All of the boats produced by Virtue Yachts are made in vacuum infusion technology with top quality laminates making hulls stiff, durable and lightweight at the same time. The shape of the hull of the Virtue V10 has been designed together with the Swedish company PETESTEP®. Thanks to that, the V10 will accelerate faster, reach higher top speed and, thanks to less drag, will reduce the fuel consumption by 30%. The V10 is one of the fastest boats in its segment reaching above 50 knots top speed with the hardtop version and 60 knots with the Open version equipped with the most powerful engine setup of twin 300hp motors. The current Virtue Yachts model line-up consists of three high-end vessels: V10 Top, V10 Open and soon to be launched V10 Cabin.
www.virtue-yachts.com
YACHTWERFT MEYER
The Impetus semi-custom tender series by Yachtwerft Meyer ranges from 10.5 to 12 metres and is available as an open or limousine version. Ideal as a chase boat or classic tender, these boats can be equipped with numerous custom features to offer functionality, comfort and exclusivity. Optional underwater lights provide an impressive visual effect at night. Removable stern cushions transform the boat into an ideal platform for diving and water sports equipment. A lightweight carbon swim ladder allows easy access to the water, or an optional, fully electric swim platform provides an even more luxurious experience. The bow seating/dining area can be converted into a spacious sunpad and removeable awnings create shaded areas fore and aft. Impetus accessories include a sleek carbon shower unit, custom rocket-launcher fishing rod holders and side boarding steps that blend seamlessly into the design. A day head and customisable seating and bar arrangements complete the offering to ensure a luxurious bespoke solution. Yachtwerft Meyer is proud to have been exceeding expectations for 30 years.
www.yachtwerft-meyer.com
OCEAN 1
Ocean 1 is transforming the market for yacht tenders with a unique combination of performance, style, and safety. Founded by Superyacht Captain Dean Maggio, who brings over 30 years of sailing and yachting experience, Ocean 1 vessels redefine what a yacht tender can be, seamlessly integrating the features of rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIBs) with the sophistication and performance of classic centre consoles. With a state-of-the-art facility in Florida, USA, Ocean 1 crafts its tenders using advanced methodologies such as resin infusion and sandwich core construction. This intelligent engineering process ensures that the boats are lighter, stronger, and more efficient than any competitors on the market. Ocean 1 offers a range of models designed to elevate the on-water experience. Among the most popular are the ROGUE 370 and CUSTOM OFF-SHORE 470, which exemplify the brand’s commitment to quality and performance. These models provide exceptional speed, comfort, and safety, making them the perfect companions for superyachts. Notable superyacht clients, including M/Y Cosmos, M/Y Bliss, M/Y MadSummer, and M/Y Barbara, proudly showcase Ocean 1 yacht tenders. With superb attention to detail and aesthetically pleasing hull designs, Ocean 1 is dedicated to crafting vessels that not only meet but exceed the expectations of discerning yacht owners.
www.ocean1yachts.com
RIB_X INTERNATIONAL
Rib-X specialise in Superyacht, SOLAS and Custom Tenders. Exclusivity comes as standard. Every Rib-X International Superyacht tender is designed to accommodate the distinct requirements of each owner and is developed in partnership to reflect their individualism and style. The Chase boat range, from 9.0 to 13.0m, includes the 13m 43C model. The 43C can be manufactured as an open boat, T-top or cabin version. The model is highly customisable and can include heads, a wet bar with twin grills, sink and fridge to provide the ultimate picnic experience. As standard, the 43C is fitted with twin 400hp Verado engines but offers the flexibility for multiple options including diesel outboard or hybrid engines. The team at Rib-X International is truly passionate about partnership and enjoys close working relationships with all clients. The dedicated team of designers and engineers innovate, create and demonstrate flair, ensuring that Rib-X International is always at the forefront for luxury tenders. The strive for perfection, with continuous investment in research and development, ensures that Rib-X retains its position as one of the premier global RIB brands.
www.rib-x.co.uk
