A tender is an essential accessory for boat owners: it serves as a support vessel for disembarking, transporting people and equipment, or simply for short trips at anchor. The choice of tender and its accessories depends on the space on board, its intended use, and the type of primary vessel.

🚤 Types of Tender

1. Inflatable Tender

• The most common on sailing or motor boats.
• Made of PVC or hypalon (more resistant, but more expensive).
• Easily deflated and stowed.
• Options with or without hard floor.

2. Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)

• It has a fiberglass or aluminum hull + inflatable tubes.
• More stable, faster and more seaworthy.
• Takes up more space, suitable for yachts or large boats.

3. Folding or dismountable tender

• It can be closed or separated into parts (e.g. slatted floor).
• Perfect if you have little space.

🔧 Essential Accessories for the Tender

✔️ Safety & Navigation

• Oars (mandatory in many countries, even with motors)
• Life jackets (one for each passenger)
• Manual or electric inflation pump
• Tubular repair kit
• Mooring lines and small fenders

✔️ Comfort & Functionality

• Storage / transport bag
• Central seat or bench (some have space for a jerry can or bag)
• Bimini or awning for large tenders
• Folding ladder
• Tender cover (to protect it from the sun and bad weather)

✔️ Motorization

• Outboard motor (petrol or electric)
• Engine mount on the transom of the mother boat
• Straps / slings for lifting it with the boom or davits

🧽 Maintenance and advice

• Rinse with fresh water after each use.
• Store deflated and in the shade when possible.
• Do not leave the tender in the water for long periods (avoid fouling and premature wear).