Tender Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost of yacht tenders by type, size, and brand tier. Compare RIBs, jet tenders, and custom builds with full ownership cost projections.

Tender Purchase Price

Estimate purchase price based on tender type, size, and brand tier.

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Annual Ownership Cost

Calculate the full annual cost of owning and maintaining a yacht tender.

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Recommended Tender by Yacht Size

Find the ideal tender size and estimated cost based on your yacht's length and intended use.

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How We Calculate Tender Costs

Base Price = Type Base × Length Multiplier × Brand Factor

Annual Maintenance = Purchase Price × 0.08-0.12
Recommended Tender Length ≈ Yacht Length × 0.10-0.15
Insurance = Purchase Price × 0.02-0.04 per year
Engine Service = $1,500-$4,000 per year

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht tender cost?
Yacht tenders range from $15,000 for a basic 10-foot RIB to over $500,000 for a custom 30-foot+ luxury tender. Standard RIBs cost $20,000-$80,000, jet tenders run $40,000-$150,000, and custom superyacht tenders from builders like Pascoe or Vikal start at $150,000 and can exceed $1 million for bespoke designs with luxury finishes.
What size tender do I need for my yacht?
A good rule of thumb is that your tender should be roughly 10-15% of your yacht's length. A 60-foot yacht typically carries a 7-9 foot tender, an 80-foot yacht uses a 10-13 foot tender, and superyachts over 130 feet often carry multiple tenders including a primary tender of 18-28 feet and a smaller utility tender.
How much does tender maintenance cost per year?
Annual tender maintenance costs approximately 8-12% of the purchase price. For a $50,000 RIB, budget $4,000-$6,000 per year covering engine servicing, tube replacement or repair, antifouling, electronics updates, and winter storage. Jet tenders have higher maintenance costs due to jet drive servicing requirements.

Understanding Yacht Tender Costs

A yacht tender is one of the most essential accessories for any vessel. Whether used for shore transport, water sports, diving excursions, or as a standalone day boat, the right tender can significantly enhance the yachting experience. Tenders range from simple inflatable dinghies to sophisticated luxury craft with enclosed cabins, and the cost spectrum reflects this incredible diversity.

RIB vs. Jet Tender vs. Custom Builds

RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) remain the most popular tender choice for their versatility, stability, and relatively accessible pricing. Jet tenders, powered by waterjet propulsion rather than outboard motors, offer superior maneuverability in tight spaces and eliminate the risk of propeller injuries, making them ideal for water sports. Custom-built luxury tenders from specialist builders can include features like teak decking, climate-controlled cabins, and high-performance engines, pushing prices well into six figures.

Tender Garage Considerations

The tender must fit within your yacht's garage or davit system. Superyacht tenders are often the largest single item stored aboard, and garage dimensions may limit your options. Some owners opt for folding or nesting tenders to maximize space. The launch and retrieval system (hydraulic platform, crane, or davit) adds $20,000-$150,000+ depending on the tender's size and weight.

Total Cost of Tender Ownership

Beyond the purchase price, tender ownership involves annual maintenance (8-12% of value), insurance (2-4%), engine servicing ($1,500-$4,000), tube replacement every 7-10 years for RIBs ($3,000-$15,000), and potential winter storage ($1,000-$3,000). For a $75,000 tender, annual ownership costs typically run $8,000-$14,000. Over a 10-year ownership period, total costs may approach or exceed the original purchase price.

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