Open tenders are small, open-deck boats used to transport people and supplies between a mothership (usually a yacht or superyacht) and the shore. Without enclosed cabins or overhead structures, they prioritise easy boarding, good visibility, and efficient use of space.
Typically powered by outboard or inboard engines, open tenders range from basic inflatable RIBs to sleek fibreglass or aluminium craft with teak finishes and custom features. They often include bench or jockey-style seating, grab rails, and storage compartments. Some models are designed for beach landings, with shallow drafts and reinforced hulls. Although many open tenders serve practical functions like provisioning or ferrying guests to shore, high-end versions double as luxury extensions of the mothership—fitted with cushioned seating, high-quality audio, and stylish detailing to match the yacht's aesthetic.
These boats are compact, easy to store on deck or in a garage, and typically chosen for reliability and simplicity. Whether shuttling guests in the Med or exploring coves in the Caribbean, open tenders are the unsung workhorses of the yachting world—functional, fast, and always ready to go.</p
